Trans-Pacific MW and Tropical Band Loggings
 

It's been a pleasant surprise to find trans-Pacific mediumwave signals
making it through the RF jungle this week. I didn't think I could hear
overseas mediumwave at home near my Seattle/Tacoma area powerhouses, but I'm
happy to have been proven wrong! However, the tremendous boost in the noise
and splatter level when locals increase their power at sunrise precludes any
DXing past 1330 these days.

The best antenna by far this week was the NW Beverage. I found no hints of
Down Under reception, as conditions were dominated by a northwesterly path
to Asia.

------------------------------------------

MEDIUMWAVE

594 JAPAN JOAK Tokyo NHK1, Sep 5 1250 - Strong signal with male announcer in
Japanese; 'NHK' network ID in middle of traditional Japanese music at 1254
before fading. Noted with audio at 1330 recheck. (Atkins-WA)

657 UNIDENTIFIED , Sep 4 1302 - Weak audio by male in unidentified language.
Most likely the powerful North Korean station on this frequency, given the
predominance of Asian MW DX this week. (Atkins-WA)

666 JAPAN JOBK Osaka NHK1, Sep 5 1318 - I noted a weak signal of Japanese
language by male on this frequency at 1318, but it never improved. Likely
JOBK, the only Japanese outlet on 666. (Atkins-WA)

693 JAPAN JOAB Tokyo NHK2, Sep 5 1258 - Japanese audio with male announcer
heard at tune-in; time pips at 1300 and into news items. Fair to good at
peaks. (Atkins-WA)

738 UNIDENTIFIED , Sep 5 1309 - Very weak signal in unidentified language;
kept checking back but signal never improved. Best reception on NW Beverage,
so possibly the strong Korean HLKG, given the Asian propagation and other
Koreans audible. (Atkins-WA)

747 JAPAN JOIB Sapporo NHK2, Sep 4 1310 - Weak audio in Japanese by male and
female announcers. Also heard August 5 at a better level. (Atkins-WA)

774 JAPAN JOUB Akita NHK2, Sep 4 1317 - Fair audio by female announcer in
Japanese; signal slowly drifted downward into the noise. (Atkins-WA)

972 SOUTH KOREA HLCA Dangjin, Sep 5 1314 - Very good audio during fade-ups
with man and woman announcers in Korean; orchestral music during later
recheck at 1325. (Atkins-WA)

1053 JAPAN JOAR Nagoya, Sep 5 1314 - This was coming in at a good level with
male and female announcers' bubbly talk in Japanese, until the Korean jammer
on the frequency rose in strength to make reception tougher. (Atkins-WA)

1062 UNIDENTIFIED , Sep 5 1321 - Faint audio heard on 1062, possibly Korean.
If so, this may have been HLKQ in Cheongju (50 kw). (Atkins-WA)

1134 JAPAN JOQR Tokyo, Sep 4 1320 - Fair signal of man and woman announcers
in Japanese, and bouncy Japanese pop music before fading at 1325. Also noted
on August 5th with audio. (Atkins-WA)

1575 THAILAND VOA Ayutthaya, Sep 5 1323 - Female announcer in a SE Asian
language such as Vietnamese or Burmese. Presumed log, but John Bryant to the
north of me has been hearing VOA on this frequency at good levels this week,
so likely them. (Atkins-WA)

----------------------------------------------

SHORTWAVE

CHINA 3900, 1331-1400, Hulun Buir PBS, Hailar, Nei Menggu Sep 3 Tentative.
Weak reception of man and woman announcers in Chinese, with Chinese flute
and vocals at 1335. Back to male in Chinese 1336, and buried by noise
shortly thereafter. (Atkins-WA)

INDONESIA 4604.9, 1326-1458*, RRI Serui Sep 4 Caught tail end of RRI network
broadcast, with RRI promo and announcements leading up to 'RRI Serui' ID by
male, 'Waktu Timur' time check, other announcements, and into very nice lagu
hiburan music. ID again at 1336. Excellent, pounding signal at tune-in; best
ever heard. Signal only weakening slightly past local sunrise. Low studio
modulation ID by male and voice-over steel guitar type instrument at 1454;
Love Ambon tune at 1455 (slightly upbeat, peppy version I've never heard
before), and announcer with ID, time check, frequency, and announcements
1456. At 1458* Love Ambon ended with Serui sign-off (1-1/2 hours past local
SR). Also heard at great levels on August 5. Can Serui really be just 500
watts? Sounds more like 10 kw. (Atkins-WA)

NEW ZEALAND 3935, 1314-1319, ZLXA Levin Sep 6 This station continues at
better than usual levels, as noted a week ago and as also reported by Walt
Salmaniw. Two men in a panel discussion in English at 1314; fair signal.
(Atkins-WA)

SOUTH AFRICA 3255, 0416-0420, SABC Meyerton Sep 2 BBC World Service news or
commentary by man, with discussion about US Bush adminstration's dealings
with Mexico, and into business news 0420. Fair signal at Meyerton sunrise,
and parallel to 5975. (Atkins-WA)

SOUTH AFRICA 3320, 0432-0438, R. Sonder Grense Sep 2 Tentative. Weak signal
of what seemed to be Afrikaans lang. by male. Ute QRM on frequency also,
disturbing the copy of Sonder Grense. Fading signal just past Meyerton
sunrise. (Atkins-WA)

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA
Modified RA6790GM & R75
Kiwa MAP / ERGO / DSP-59+
450 & 700 ft. Beverage Antennas

great log! and thanks for posting your QTH, and
radio/antenna combo. wish everyone who post a signal
heard, or a log, would do the same...
Drifter...

Thanks for the logs! Those are enviable... we who live in the north-central
US (Minnesota) do not usually receive the nice Trans-Pacific MW or even SW
stuff that you folks do in the Pacific Northwest. However, I have been
focusing on MW this past weekend, and I have noticed a big jump in catchable
signals here in MN. I've logged quite a few stations that weren't coming in
to my location at all even last week. I am usually sleeping during the wee
hours, when the pursuit of MW DX is most fruitful, but even at 10:00 pm CDT,
I was getting stations from 2,000 miles hence.

Have fun!

Jackie

In article , Drifter
wrote:

great log! and thanks for posting your QTH, and
radio/antenna combo. wish everyone who post a signal
heard, or a log, would do the same...
Drifter...

Yes, all the information provided make the log useful and interesting.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

Hi Jackie,

I noticed the Boulder mid-latitude "K" Index had been low for a few days
straight. When coupled with relatively low solar flux numbers, this very
often indicates good mediumwave and lower shortwave conditions.

I suppose if I had tuned some of the domestic 10 kHz channels I might have
heard a number of Alaskan stations, which are moderately difficult from
Washington State (along with Hawaii). But with the foreign stations coming
in, it was an easy decision to try for the "splits".

These stations I logged from Japan and Korea on mediumwave are common
catches during my DXpedition trips to the WA coast (usually to the small
community of Grayland), but this is the first time I've had much success
inland and near my mediumwave locals. It takes really good receivers and
antennas to pull in the (usually) weaker trans-Pacific MW DX amongst the
powerful stateside signals.

It can be tough to roll out of bed early enough to catch the DX, though!

Good Listening,

Guy

"Buzzygirl" wrote in message
news:OV9%c.138864$Fg5.128268@attbi_s53...
Thanks for the logs! Those are enviable... we who live in the
north-central
US (Minnesota) do not usually receive the nice Trans-Pacific MW or even SW
stuff that you folks do in the Pacific Northwest. However, I have been
focusing on MW this past weekend, and I have noticed a big jump in
catchable
signals here in MN. I've logged quite a few stations that weren't coming
in
to my location at all even last week. I am usually sleeping during the wee
hours, when the pursuit of MW DX is most fruitful, but even at 10:00 pm
CDT,
I was getting stations from 2,000 miles hence.

Have fun!

Jackie

Congratulations and well done on some superb logs as usual, especially from
suburban Puyallup.

RRI Serui is interesting. I see that it is now moved from 4606.6 to 4605! -
I think reception in U.S. is favoured by the fact that the Serui TX has the
large mass of Irian Jaya mainland behind it and the high mountains. In my
empirical experience this would favour transmission to your QTH as some of
the transmitted signal would bounce off the mountains in your direction.
Received here in Montagu at 2100 utc, bang on local Serui sunrise. Very
faint though and confirms it's 500 watt power. Only managed a very faint RRI
"Radio Republika Indonesia" ID. Signal was barely readable and only came in
for about ten minutes.

OTOH I received RRI Fak Fak also at 2100 utc booming in quite clear with
excellent ID's on 4790 Khz. According to my theory Fak Fak is located on a
large bay with its outlook pointing directly to South Africa and mountains
behind the TX favouring reception in my area. This is also confirmed by the
fact that the signal is so strong here that it gives the impression that the
TX power is much more than the listed 1 Kw, but bear in mind that it is not
received in the U.S. at all.

Both Serui and Fak Fak were received at 2100 utc on 040906
They are both equidistant from Puyallup and Montagu - some 7,500 miles.
--
John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa
South 33 d 47 m 540 s, East 20 d 07 m 541 s.
RX Drake R8B, SW8
BW XCR 30, Braun T1000, Sangean 818 & 803A.
Hallicrafters SX-100, Eddystone 940
GE circa 50's radiogram
Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270
Kiwa MW Loop

"4nradio" wrote in message
news:zt2%c.44084$3l3.14509@attbi_s03...

SHORTWAVE


INDONESIA 4604.9, 1326-1458*, RRI Serui Sep 4 Caught tail end of RRI
network
broadcast, with RRI promo and announcements leading up to 'RRI Serui' ID
by
male, 'Waktu Timur' time check, other announcements, and into very nice
lagu
hiburan music. ID again at 1336. Excellent, pounding signal at tune-in;
best
ever heard. Signal only weakening slightly past local sunrise. Low studio
modulation ID by male and voice-over steel guitar type instrument at 1454;
Love Ambon tune at 1455 (slightly upbeat, peppy version I've never heard
before), and announcer with ID, time check, frequency, and announcements
1456. At 1458* Love Ambon ended with Serui sign-off (1-1/2 hours past
local
SR). Also heard at great levels on August 5. Can Serui really be just 500
watts? Sounds more like 10 kw. (Atkins-WA)


***BELOW are bang on local sunrise here in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA 3255, 0416-0420, SABC Meyerton Sep 2 BBC World Service news
or
commentary by man, with discussion about US Bush adminstration's dealings
with Mexico, and into business news 0420. Fair signal at Meyerton sunrise,
and parallel to 5975. (Atkins-WA)

SOUTH AFRICA 3320, 0432-0438, R. Sonder Grense Sep 2 Tentative. Weak
signal
of what seemed to be Afrikaans lang. by male. Ute QRM on frequency also,
disturbing the copy of Sonder Grense. Fading signal just past Meyerton
sunrise. (Atkins-WA)

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA
Modified RA6790GM & R75
Kiwa MAP / ERGO / DSP-59+
450 & 700 ft. Beverage Antennas

John Plimmer wrote:

Congratulations and well done on some superb logs as usual, especially from
suburban Puyallup.

RRI Serui is interesting. I see that it is now moved from 4606.6 to 4605! -
I think reception in U.S. is favoured by the fact that the Serui TX has the
large mass of Irian Jaya mainland behind it and the high mountains. In my
empirical experience this would favour transmission to your QTH as some of
the transmitted signal would bounce off the mountains in your direction.
Received here in Montagu at 2100 utc, bang on local Serui sunrise. Very
faint though and confirms it's 500 watt power. Only managed a very faint RRI
"Radio Republika Indonesia" ID. Signal was barely readable and only came in
for about ten minutes.

OTOH I received RRI Fak Fak also at 2100 utc booming in quite clear with
excellent ID's on 4790 Khz. According to my theory Fak Fak is located on a
large bay with its outlook pointing directly to South Africa and mountains
behind the TX favouring reception in my area. This is also confirmed by the
fact that the signal is so strong here that it gives the impression that the
TX power is much more than the listed 1 Kw, but bear in mind that it is not
received in the U.S. at all.

Why would you say Fak Fak is not received in the U.S. at all? It is reported
here from time to time.

I don't think the mountains have a lot to do with it.

dxAce

dxAce wrote:

John Plimmer wrote:

Congratulations and well done on some superb logs as usual, especially from
suburban Puyallup.

RRI Serui is interesting. I see that it is now moved from 4606.6 to 4605! -
I think reception in U.S. is favoured by the fact that the Serui TX has the
large mass of Irian Jaya mainland behind it and the high mountains. In my
empirical experience this would favour transmission to your QTH as some of
the transmitted signal would bounce off the mountains in your direction.
Received here in Montagu at 2100 utc, bang on local Serui sunrise. Very
faint though and confirms it's 500 watt power. Only managed a very faint RRI
"Radio Republika Indonesia" ID. Signal was barely readable and only came in
for about ten minutes.

OTOH I received RRI Fak Fak also at 2100 utc booming in quite clear with
excellent ID's on 4790 Khz. According to my theory Fak Fak is located on a
large bay with its outlook pointing directly to South Africa and mountains
behind the TX favouring reception in my area. This is also confirmed by the
fact that the signal is so strong here that it gives the impression that the
TX power is much more than the listed 1 Kw, but bear in mind that it is not
received in the U.S. at all.

Why would you say Fak Fak is not received in the U.S. at all? It is reported
here from time to time.

In fact, I believe it is them that I have here at 1200 on 4789.95 or so.

I don't think the mountains have a lot to do with it.

dxAce

dxAce wrote:

dxAce wrote:

John Plimmer wrote:

Congratulations and well done on some superb logs as usual, especially from
suburban Puyallup.

RRI Serui is interesting. I see that it is now moved from 4606.6 to 4605! -
I think reception in U.S. is favoured by the fact that the Serui TX has the
large mass of Irian Jaya mainland behind it and the high mountains. In my
empirical experience this would favour transmission to your QTH as some of
the transmitted signal would bounce off the mountains in your direction.
Received here in Montagu at 2100 utc, bang on local Serui sunrise. Very
faint though and confirms it's 500 watt power. Only managed a very faint RRI
"Radio Republika Indonesia" ID. Signal was barely readable and only came in
for about ten minutes.

OTOH I received RRI Fak Fak also at 2100 utc booming in quite clear with
excellent ID's on 4790 Khz. According to my theory Fak Fak is located on a
large bay with its outlook pointing directly to South Africa and mountains
behind the TX favouring reception in my area. This is also confirmed by the
fact that the signal is so strong here that it gives the impression that the
TX power is much more than the listed 1 Kw, but bear in mind that it is not
received in the U.S. at all.

Why would you say Fak Fak is not received in the U.S. at all? It is reported
here from time to time.

In fact, I believe it is them that I have here at 1200 on 4789.95 or so.

Fak Fak signal still holding up well here, SCI (Song of the Cocoanut Isles) at 1200,
mentions of Indonesia, then into presumed news, and the ocean radar (swisher), has
faded a bit. Like a lot of stations, the voice modulation seems a bit low, but the
music comes through quite well.

One of the better Indo's on the band this morning.

I don't think the mountains have a lot to do with it.

dxAce
Michigan

dxAce wrote:

dxAce wrote:

John Plimmer wrote:

Congratulations and well done on some superb logs as usual, especially from
suburban Puyallup.

RRI Serui is interesting. I see that it is now moved from 4606.6 to 4605! -
I think reception in U.S. is favoured by the fact that the Serui TX has the
large mass of Irian Jaya mainland behind it and the high mountains. In my
empirical experience this would favour transmission to your QTH as some of
the transmitted signal would bounce off the mountains in your direction.
Received here in Montagu at 2100 utc, bang on local Serui sunrise. Very
faint though and confirms it's 500 watt power. Only managed a very faint RRI
"Radio Republika Indonesia" ID. Signal was barely readable and only came in
for about ten minutes.

OTOH I received RRI Fak Fak also at 2100 utc booming in quite clear with
excellent ID's on 4790 Khz. According to my theory Fak Fak is located on a
large bay with its outlook pointing directly to South Africa and mountains
behind the TX favouring reception in my area. This is also confirmed by the
fact that the signal is so strong here that it gives the impression that the
TX power is much more than the listed 1 Kw, but bear in mind that it is not
received in the U.S. at all.

Why would you say Fak Fak is not received in the U.S. at all? It is reported
here from time to time.

In fact, I believe it is them that I have here at 1200 on 4789.95 or so.

That should have been 1100.



I don't think the mountains have a lot to do with it.

dxAce