MARINE - World Radio History

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A Dressler ARA 2000 50MHz -2GHz Active Antenna in OurReader Survey Competition

MARINE poair

ISSUE UK. Coast Radio

Statio-fis in the 1990s

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Glohal Maritime Distress& Safety System

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Air d, Scanning, Junior Listeners, SSB Utility Listening,Pr opagaton, Amateur Bands, Long, Medium & Short Waves,

atellite TV Reports, Weather Satellites and more.

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VOL. 52 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 1994

ON SALE JANUARY 27(Next issue on sale February 24)

EDITOR: Dick Ganderton, C. Eng., MIEE, G8VFH

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Peter Hirons, BSc., GICEI

ART EDITOR: Steve Hunt. Layouts: Richard Gale

EDITORIAL

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ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

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PW PUBLISHING LTD. 1994.Copyright in all drawings, photographs and articles published inShort Wave Magazine is fully protected and reproduction orimitation in whole or in part is expressly forbidden. Allreasonable precautions are taken by Short Wave Magazine toensure that the advice and data given to our readers is reliable.We cannot however guarantee it and we cannot accept legalresponsibility for it. Prices are those current as we go to press.Short Wave Magazine is published monthly for UM) or S45(USA) per year by PW Publishing Ltd., Arrowsmith Court,Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Second classpostage paid at Middlesex, NJ. Postmaster. Send USA addresschanges to Short Wave Magazine, c/o Permit to post atHackensack pending. The USPS (United States Postal Service)number for Short Wave Magazine is: 006696.

41-0pw publishing ltd.

Cover:This month's cover

photo, kindly suppliedby the RNLI, shows the

St Peter Port (Guernsey)lifeboat Sir William

Arnold attending thewrecked Point Law on

the coast of Alderney. AFrench helicopter also

assists in theevacuation of the crew.

Photo: A M Perry

DISCLAIMER. Some of the products offered for sale in advertisements in this magazinemay have been obtained from abroad or from unauthorised sources. Short WaveMagazine advises readers contemplating mail order to enquire whether the products aresuitable for use in the UK and have full after -sales back-up available.The Publishers of Short Wave Magazine wish to point out that it is the reponsibility ofreaders to ascertain the legality or otherwise of items offered for sale by advertisers inthis magazine.

features1314

16

222830

4344

Restoring An R1155 - Part 3Chas E Miller

Some Modifications to theSangean ATS-803AGraham Maynard

Yupiteru MVT-3100 MultibandReceiverDonna Vincent

UK Coast Stations in the 1990sDavid Bailey

Marine Navigation AidsBrian Oddy G3FEX

Global Maritime Distress andSafety SystemJohn Griffiths

Radio DaysBob Ellis

Timestep PDUSLawrence Harris

Pull-out Readers' SurveyHelp us to provide the SWM you wantto read and you could win a Dressler

active antenna.

regulars59 Airband 68 Long, Medium & Short56 Amateur Bands Round -up 6 News54 Bandscan America 74 PCB Service

76 Book Service 49 Propagation72 Dealers 10 Rallies

66 Decode 50 Satellite TV News53 DXTV Round -up 60 Scanning10 Grassroots 3 Services63 Info in Orbit 55 SSB Utility Listening80 Index to Advertisers 79 SWM Subscribers' Club5 Junior Listener 75 Trading Post3 Letters 72 Watching Brief25 Listen with Grandad

good listening

74e Tleat &add&AR3030 General Coverage Receiver

*Collins mechanical filter inside

When the AR3030 was first placed onto the drawing board about 15months ago, the R&D team at AOR had the dream of producing a highquality DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) receiver with excellentfiltering characteristics offered by the legendary *Collins mechanicalfilters. This dream has now come true, a feat rarely achieved by anymanufacturer whether large or small. As a shortwave listener you toocan enjoy the experience of this very special marriage of hightechnology and classical styling.

Most receivers employ ceramic filters, such filters offer goodperformance and reasonable cost. However the "best" kind of filter isthe mechanical resonator filter, pioneered and still manufactured bythe *Collins Division of Rockwell International. In contrast toceramic filters, *Collins mechanical I.F. filters are more expensiveand rarely used in any but the very top of the range and professionalequipment.

Our aim here at AOR has been to produce a general coveragereceiver using the *Collins 6kHz AM mechanical filter fitted asstandard yet at an affordable price for most shortwave listeners aroundthe World. We believe that only the very best receiver design deservesthe *Collins mechanical filter, and feel our R&D team havesucceeded with this goal. It is very easy to appreciate the trueeffectiveness of the *Collins AM mechanical filter on todays'crowded medium and shortwave bands especially in Europe after dark.

We also believe DDS is the best method available today to producethe cleanest signals, absolutely essential for high performance receivecapability especially on crowded bands containing many strongsignals. There are two other filters fitted as standard, these being2.4kHz for SSB/FAX/CW and narrow AM/S.AM & 15kHz for NFM.Additional filter options include a *Collins 7 resonator mechanical500Hz filter for narrow CW operation and a *Collins 8 resonatormechanical 2.5kHz filter for even better selectivity on SSB.

Our "Collins inside" logo and use of name has been fullyapproved by Collins Rockwell and we are proud of that fact. Ourpride will be lifted even higher should other manufacturers be braveenough to follow our example in the near future.

The AR3030 boasts a wide frequency coverage from 30kHz to30MHz and all mode reception 'as standard': AM, SAM(synchronous), NFM, USB, LSB, CW & FAX with a minimum tuningstep of 5Hz. Frequency stability and alignment is excellent featuring atemperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) fitted as standard.

The AR3030 has a number of unique facilities to offer. In particularthe BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) is switchable on USB/LSB/CWand FAX modes. During 'normal' operation the AR3030 uses truecarrier re-insertion techniques for SSB reception, this ensures ease ofuse and good audio quality. However should adjacent interference beencountered, the BFO may be switched on so that the main rotarytuning control can be used to tune away from interference and theBFO used to recover readable audio thus provide a simple buteffective manual form of passband tuning.

Operation is from a nominal 13.8V DC input or from internally fitteddry batteries for short duration use to provide greatest flexibility whileoperating from a fixed or portable location: Two optional internallyfitted VHF converters are also planned.

AR3030 all mode receiver with *CollinsAM mechanical filter and TCXO, includes

mains power supply

4699.00 eac `Pir7.AOR (UK) Ltd.Adam Bede High Tech Centre, Derby Road, Wirksworth,Derbys DE4 4BG. Tel: 0629 825926 Fax: 0629 825927AOR (UK) Ltd. is a subsidiary of AOR Japan. AU Trade larks acknowledged. E&OE.

Please phone or send a large SA.E.(36p) for full details. Fast mail order

available for direct orders.Collins is a trade name of Rockwell International.

VISA

editorialyou can help me in my task of providing you with the magazineyou want to read. How? By taking a few minutes to fill in theReader Survey Form included in the centre of this issue. By way

of an incentive you will get a free entry into our Prize Draw for aDressler active antenna. If you haven't already filled it in, do it now -before you forget.

Volume Numbers

Something went wrong with the issue numbering system towards theend of last year and the volume number mysteriously increased byone with the October issue. To correct this and avoid a missingvolume this issue is correctly identified as Vol. 52 Issue 2. Volume 53will start with the January 95 issue. If you use the Volume Number forreference purposes please correct the October, November andDecember 93 and January 94 issues. The annual Index, published inthe December issue, is not affected as the issues are referred to byIssue Month.

Dick Ganderton G8VFH

lettersIF YOU HAVE ANY POINTS OF VIEW THAT YOU WANT TO AIRPLEASE WRITE TO THE EDITOR. IF YOUR LETTER US PUBLISHEDYOU WILL RECEIVE A £5 VOUCHER TO SPEND ON ANY SWMSERVICE

The Editor reserves the right to shorten any letters for publication butwill try not to alter their sense. letters must be original and not havebeen submitted to any other magazines. The views expressed inletters published in this magazine are not necessarily those of ShortWave Magazine.

Dear SirIn the USA we have a licence -free experimenters' band at 160 to190kHz. One watt and 15 metre antenna is maximum. Receivingtechniques must parallel those of low -frequency broadcast bandsexcept that very narrow bandwidth is useful to receive Morse.

I suspect high perfection has been achieved in your s.w.l.community. I want to correspond on 'Ham' with those interested.David Jones AD4NR1600 Hilton Avenue, Columbus, OH 31906

Has anyone outside the USA heard these signals? - Ed

Dear SirHaving contacted this awful'flu virus that's going around,it's led me to have somesleepless nights. One night (7December to be exact) Idecided to get up and do a bitof DXing.

I was amazed to comeacross a station from Russia. Itwas a religious station who'sname and address I didn'tcatch because it was read outtoo quickly, plus it wasimpossible for me to writedown the words as I couldn'tunderstand them!

I caught it at 035OUTC on

41m/7.105MHz. I think thestation was Radio Neasterusing R. Moscow'stransmitters. The stationfinished at 0400UTC (as it was0300 to 0400). The address, as Isaid, was pronounced quickly,but I caught the town name, Ithink, being Trasnister(appropriate name, I thought).

In the CIS they said that it isscheduled for 7.105MHz on2100UTC, and then 0300-0400UTC, but I've yet to log it,have any of your readerslogged it yet?Lee WilliamsBirmingham

Dear SirWhy is it getting harderand harder to receive QSLsfrom ILR stations thesedays? As an avid QSLcollector, I am becomingperplexed by the numberof non -replies to receptionreports from thesestations. I have triedsending friendly letterswith my reports, stampedaddressed envelopes andeven prepared postcards,but with very little result,my success rate beingabout 50%

The most notable non -verifiers are Capital Gold -London (5 reports), BrunelGold - Swindon and Bristol(6 reports each) and Radio210 - Reading, who finallyverified after 7 reports overtwo and a half years.

Have your readers anytips on how to receivethese elusive QSLs.Thank you for your helpand I look forward toreading the next issue ofyour magazine.Mr T. VaughanSouthampton

We have received otherletters on the difficulties ofobtaining QSLs from bothUK and foreign stationsand would be pleased tohear from any readers whofeel they have a higherthan average success rate.Do we have any readersworking in ILR? - Ed.

SWM SERVICES

SubscriptionsSubscriptions are available at £22

per annum to UK addresses, £25 in

Europe and £27 overseas.

Subscription copies are despatched

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subscriptions can be quoted on

request. Joint subscriptions to both

Short Wave Magazine and Practical

Wireless are available at £39(UK)

£42 (Europe) and £45 (rest of world).

Components forSWM ProjectsIn general all components used in

constructing SWM projects are

available from a variety of

component suppliers. Where

special, or difficult to obtain,

components are specified, a

supplier will be quoted in the article.

The printed circuit boards for

SWM projects are available from

the SWM PCB Service, Badger

Boards, 87 Blackberry Lane, Four

Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B74 4JF. Tel:

021-353 9326.

Back Numbers andBindersLimited stocks of most issues of

SWM for the past five years are

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Binders, each taking one volume

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Station Approach, Broadstone

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Short Wave Magazine, February 1994 3

lettersDear Sir

A short while ago Ipurchased an MVT-7100scanner along with a basestation antenna, morecommonly known as adiscone. While the disconewas not extremely expensive,(around £30), it does justice tothe scanner and I am quitepleased with it's performance.

However, there is the causethat has prompted me to writein. - To the best of yourknowledge, have you everheard of a musical discone? Ifnot, perhaps I could sell youone.

The problem began about aweek after I had installed it onthe chimney stack. It was in theearly hours of Sunday morningthat it happened! HOWLING,WHINING, WHISTLING,DRONING, the notes changingin pitch to the force of thewind.

Needless to say, it's nolonger up there! The discone is

4

completely manufactured ofsolid aluminium rods, eight intotal with eight short elementsat the top, (a typical discone).

On inspection on theantenna, the fitter found thenoise to be transmitted downthe pole and into the chimneylining, thus acting as a windtunnel. Can you imagine thenoise? It was torture to say theleast! I am now in the processof buying a Scanmaster fromNevada.

Surely I am not the first tobe cursed with this wretchednoise.A. WebbGwent

My own v.h.f/u.h.f. amateurarray, consisting of largebeams for 50, 144 and 430MHz,makes some strange noises inhigh winds, but not as bad asdescribed. I too would like toknow of any ways readershave found to reduce thisproblem. - Asst Ed.

Dear SirI read with horror the report from Mr T Brown

GONSA on lightning in the Septemberissue. Being

a TVNideoengineer, I come across

quite a few

lightning strikes.If you disconnect your

PL259 or BNC plug and

leave it dangling on either work station or carpet

and you get a direct hit, the lightning will find'sit

way to the nearest earth, e.g., radiatordistance from

or mainsthe

socket. Lightning can travel any

end of your cable to earth from 50mm to well over 6

metres. Be prepared to call out the Fire Brigade or

ambulance if you're in the way.

Even without a direct hit, electrostaticcharges

damage front ends and micros and evenemoryor

with the

radiodisconnected it can still destroy m

micros. a few ways of nearly fullThere are only

protection:1. As stated,

electrostatic surge protectors (these

will protect against indirect strikes).

2. Make sure your neighbour'saerials are a lot

higher and better earthed than yours. (Your

neighbour may not be very impressed with

this!)3. Have your

aerials on a crank arm (so you can

reduce the height), this may be inconvenient.

4. The best way is to fit a socket to a metal plate,

take an earthing straP (say as thick as the mains

earth from the electricitymeter to your fuse box)

and feed itoutside to an earthing stake, making

sure the aerial mast is earthed asntweland

fittia plugme of

storms disconnect your equipme

with a shortingconnection, then

just wait for the

almighty bang!

M. RobinsonEssex

Dear SirI was very interested to readthe letter from Mr D A Grant ofWorcestershire in yourJanuary issue and hisexperience with the Sony AN1antenna.

I purchased one about twoyears ago, after noting thesuccess of the various peoplewho subscribe to your BandReport pages, and have hadgreat success with it.

Living on a city housingestate and being unable to usean outside antenna, I mountedthis in the loft and used it inconjunction with my Sony2001 and Kenwood TR600receivers.

It has been a great successand I can easily listen toamateurs chatting to eachother from most parts of theworld including Japan, India,the Americas and all theRussian continent, plus aircraftover the Atlantic callingGander, New York, and theRAF on flights over Gibraltarand Cyprus. The mainbroadcast stations such asHCJB (South America), Israel,

Cairo, Dubai, etc. can bereceived almost as well as theBBC.

The adapter I use forpower is quite a simple onecosting under a fiver from alocal discount store.

All this is obtained usingthe antenna as purchased, asper instructions, but I wonderif this is where Mr Grant wentwrong.

On one occasion I wantedto use the set in another partof the house which meantextending the lead suppliedwith it and attached to thewhip, using an extension leadof around four to five metres.This not only cut the signalstrength by more than half, butcaused the adapter to over-heat and, when trying toovercome this by the use ofbatteries, flattened them inabout fifteen minutes.Needless to say, I abandonedthis idea, and back in its oldposition, it's working fineagain.

I hope this will be of help.G. RobinsonLeeds

Dear SirI appreciate that you have only recently published one of myletters, but having read the letter from K Brown (G7EXO) in theJanuary 1994 issue, I felt I just had to reply.

Why is it that the only letter I read campaigning for theabolition of the Morse Test always seem to be written by thosepeople who, for one reason or another, haven't passed it? Theseletters moan on with various reasons from outdated modes tounfair testing. Reading between the lines, would it not be true tosay that for the majority of people, the Morse Test equates toanother examination for which people are not prepared todedicate some more time and effort to?

Having read many such letters on the subject, I have yet tosee any mention of the fact that in NO way has anyone 'movedthe goal post after the game begun'. We are all aware, whensetting about studying for the RAE, that the Morse Test must bepassed if we wish to operate on the h.f. bands. Nobody hides thisfact from us or slips the information to us just after sitting the RAEbut you wouldn't know this from the content of these letters.

Learning the Morse Code can be likened, in a lot of respects,to a diet. In order to obtain the final result you have to stick withit. In a diet, it's very easy to have the odd snack, but this is usuallyaccompanied by the gaining of the odd pound in weight. TheMorse is similar in the respect that it's easy to miss the odd nightof practice, but this is usually accompanied by a slip back inspeed or the odd letter not learnt. Eventually, with the diet, noweight is lost. With the Morse, the test is failed. I passed the RAEin 1983 but finally passed the Morse Test in 1988. During the fiveyears between, I tried to settle down and learn the Morse ofnumerous occasions without success. It finally took three monthsof 30 minutes practice per night before I cracked it. No one toldme it was easy and it wasn't.

Is this fact that a particular test or examination is difficult toobtain really a sufficiently good reason to abolish it? If it is, then Ihope they never apply the same logic and reasoning to theDriving Test or the RAE for that matter!Chris Carrington GOIYZ/G-20365)Derby

This topic has been using up space in the Amateur Radio pressfor many years. Rather than continue this debate could we hearfrom those who have tackled the Morse Test with their tips onhow to succeed, and their pit -falls to avoid. - Ed

Short Wave Magazine February 1994

Jon JonesPO Box 59Fishponds

Bristol BS16 4LH

junior listenerJargon Buster!

The most common problem for new listeners entering thehobby is getting to grips with all the jargon that's used.Although the Editor tries to keep this to a minimum, there'sstill an awful lot about. I thought it might be useful if I offereda jargon busting service through this column. All you need todo is write to me with the offending item and I will do mybest to explain what it really means. To get the columnstarted, I've picked one that appeared in a recent reader'sletter.

DXTV: This refers to the reception of television signalsfrom a great distance and is a specialist aspect of listening.Those involved use sensitive receivers and larger than normalantenna systems to attempt to receive these, often very weak,signals. Short. Wave Magazine has a regular specialist featurewritten by Ron Ham called 'DXTV Round -Up'.

From this I hope you can see that the letters DX are usedto indicate long distance. In fact, this is an abbreviation wellworth remembering as it gets used in most aspects of bothlistening and amateur radio. The term originated from thedays when Morse code was still the main method of radiocommunication. As this was a rather slow way ofcommunicating, a wide range of abbreviations were devisedto help shorten the messages. As you've probably alreadyguessed, DX was just such an abbreviation.

Air Band Companion

A recent batch of product information fromAOR Ltd contained a little gem that will be ofinterest to many new scanner owners. If you'reoperating with very limited funds (like most ofus!) you may well start out by buying one ofthe many budget range scanners that are onthe market. One of the common problems withthese is a poor image and overloadperformance. This means that signals otherthan the one you're tuned to can break throughand cause interference. This is oftenparticularly frustrating for those with aninterest in the civil air band as it's often145MHz amateur radio signals that interferewith the reception.

You can also suffer all sorts of unwantednoise and a reduction in sensitivity from strongshort wave signals. The problem is caused bythe design of the first stages of the scannerbeing prone to overload from these strong signals. You'll be delighted to know thatthe problem can be cured for just £24.50! The solution is to fit a tuned filter betweenthe antenna and the receiver. This filter is specially made to pass all signals in theair band with minimum loss, but to severely reduce all other signals.

The ABF-125 filter from AOR is just such a device and reduces signals outside theair band by more than 300 times (25dB), whilst only reducing the wanted air bandsignal by around 2.5 times (4dB). The ABF-125 is very compact being just 73.5mmlong with a BNC socket at one end and a plug at the other. This type of constructionmeans that it can be used just as well with a portable whip antenna as with a basestation unit. As the ABF-125 is a passive device, there are no power problems toworry about either. For more information contact AOR Ltd., Adam Bede HighTech Centre, Derby Road, Wirksworth, Derbys DE4 4BG. Tel: (0629)825926.

If you're feeling really adventurous, you could always try building your own filter.A look through a book such as the ARRL Handbook or RSGB Manual should provideall the information you need providing you have a few constructional skills and candrive a calculator. These books are sometimes available in your local library, or youcould find a second-hand copy at a rally.

Short Wave Magazine, February 1994

WinterSchedules

Chris Carringtonof theInternationalShort WaveLeague has justwritten to let meknow that thewinter schedules oftheir Guide toEnglish LanguageShort WaveBroadcasts to Europeare now available. Theguide is attractive tonew and experiencedlisteners alike as itcontains all the verylatest transmissionschedules. For thenewcomer there's aninformative introductiongiving details of some of thelatest modes as well ascovering the general

organisationof the guide.

Rather thangiving justconventionalfrequencylistings, theguide lists allthe stations inchronologicalorder startingfrommidnight.Within this

AOR ABF-125VHF Air Band Filter for better strong

signal performance...

..,.........=ymftor ...madmmsw

....ma

01.1111/mbmilarr....vzdirs.m. 1S=Od=/121PC.r.1.,...0.===.=1:774 =1=7:".""""

avaamm

ammo

C0

...a...aro romp44,1AOR Ltd, 2-64 MI.1.11044. TObe IIl .0 0.VMS-.11

Monitor isthemonthlymagazine

\ of theISWL.

V WLM

listingthe stations are

grouped together according tothe type of service they offer.The three categories used arenews/features, world serviceand religious programmes.Against each transmissiontime is listed the frequenciesavailable, the station nameand its category. Althoughvery simple, like all the bestideas it's a very effectivesystem.

To get your copy of theguide just send £1.30 to theInternational Short WaveLeague, 10 Clyde Crescent,Wharton, Winsford,Cheshire CW7 3LA.

Hubble Trouble!

If you've been as fascinated as me with therepair of the Hubble telescope in space lastDecember, you're bound to enjoy the latestspecial exhibition at the Science Museumin London. This exhibition is set to runthrough until March and includes all sortsof interesting features. Among these areexamples of the photon detector units,solar wings and a range of space imagesplus videos of the repair mission.

Just in case you weren't aware, the faintobject camera at the heart of the Hubbletelescope was invented by ProfessorBoksenburg of the Royal GreenwichObservatory and the detector units werebuilt by British Aerospace and Thorn EMI.For more information on this exhibitioncontact the Science Museum on theirInformation Desk number which is 071-9388080.

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grassrootsrallies

February 13: 3rd Northern Cross Rallyis being held at the Rodillian Schoolon the A61 between Leeds andWakefield (near junction M1/M62).Doors open at 11am, 10.30am fordisabled visitors and Bring & Buy.Usual dealers, ample parking, bar &refreshments, Morse tests. Talk -in onS22. Dave Gray on (0532) 827883.

"February 20: The Great NorthernRally, G-MEX, City Centre,Manchester. All the usual attractions,including free tea and coffee until10am, cafeteria for hot and coldrefreshments, licensed bar, Bring &Buy, Talk -in on 144MHz via GB1GMX.Admission £1.50, doors open at 10.30,close at 5pm with priority for thedisabled. Further information on 061-748 9804.

February 26: Tyneside Amateur Radiosociety are holding their eighthannual rally at the Temple ParkCentre, South Shields. 18,000 sq. feetof floor space, all one level, directaccess to the exhibition floor, amplecar parking for exhibitors and visitors,comprehensive catering and leisurefacilities. Jack GODZG. 091-265 1718.

February 26: The 9th Rainham RadioRally is being held at a new and largervenue at the Rainham School forGirls, Derwent Way, Rainham,Gillingham, Kent. Junction 4 M2, wellsignposted. Traders, ample parking,Bring & Buy, refreshments. Admission£1, children under 16 Free, Talk -in onS22. G7JBO on (0634) 365980.

'March 12/13: The London AmateurRadio & Computer Show will be heldat the Picketts Lock Centre, PickettsLock Lane, Edmonton, London N9.Large trade presence, free parking,lectures and disabled facilities. Bring& Buy, special interest groups, talk -inon S22. (0923) 893929.

*March 20: Norbreck Amateur Radio,Computing & Electronics Exhibition,Norbreck Castle Hotel, QueensPromenade, Blackpool, Lancashire.Extended free car parking with freeshuttle service, novice licence detailsan demonstrations, Bring & Buy,competetions, refreshments, talk -inon S22. Doors open 11am (disabledentry with ramp from 10:45am) close5pm. Admission £1.50, over -65s £1.00,under -14s free. Peter Denton G6CGF.Tel: 051-630 5790.

March 20: Tiverton South West RadioClub are holding their 1994 Mid DevonRally at the Pannier Market, Tiverton.Doors open at 10am. Easy access,only minutes from junction 27 on theM5. Excellent free parking, two hallsof trade stands, Bring & Buy stall andmobile snack bar. Further displaysand full refreshment facilities in theclub room bar which is openthroughout the day. Talk -in on S22.G4TSW, Mid Devon Rally, PO Box 3,Tiverton, Devon.

March 27: Bournemouth RadioSociety are holding their 7th AnnualSale at Kinson Community Centre,Pelhams Park, Milhams Road, Kinson,Bournemouth. Doors open at 10am.Talk -in from GI BRS on S22. AmateurRadio and Computer Traders, clubsand specialised groups. Admission £1including free raffle ticket. Ian G2BDVQTHR on (0202) 886887.

If you're travelling long distances torallies, it could be worth 'phoningthe contact number before settingoff to check all is well.

AVON

RSGB City of Bristol Group: lastMondays, 7pm. The Small LectureTheatre, Queens Building,University of Bristol, UniversityWalk, Bristol. January 31 - Talk onPortishead Radio. Dave. (0272)

672124.

Shirehampton ARC: Fridays.January 28 - Acorn packet radio(SARCPOD), February 4 - Chat night,

11th - Neural Networks. Ron Ford

G4GTD. (0272) 770504.

South Bristol ARC: Wednesdays.Whitchurch Folkhouse Assoc.,Bridge Farm House, East Dundry Rd,Whitchurch. February 2 - 10 metresactivity evening and committeemeeting, 9th - Demonstration on h.f.operation, 16th - Demonstration ofpractical Morse, 23rd - Solderingtechniques and their use. For moreinformation ring (0275) 834282 on a

Wednesday evening.

DERBYSHIRE

Derby & DARS. Wednesdays,7.30pm. 119 Green Lane, Derby.

February 2 - Surplus sale. MrsHayley Winfield, 2 Hilts Cottages,Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE45DD. (0773) 856904.

DEVON

Torbay ARS: Fridays, 7.30pm. ECC

Social Club, Highweek, NewtonAbbot. February 18 - AGM. Peter

G4UTO. (0803) 864528.

ESSEX

Vange ARS: Thursdays 8pm,

Barnstable Community Centre, LongRiding, Basildon, Essex. February 3 -Junk sale, 10th - Aerials - noisephasing, 17th - Home-brew, hintsand tips, 24th - AGM. Doris. (0268)

552606.

FIFE

Dundee ARC: Tuesdays, 7pm.

College of Further Education,Graham Street, Dundee. February 1- Lecture 'Oliver Heaviside' byLeslie McKenzie GMOTGG, 8th -

Construction Night, 15th - Lecture'Computers in your amateur radiostation' by Allan Duncan GM4ZUK,22nd - Construction Night. GM4FSB,30 Albert Crescent, Newport -on -Tay, Fife D06 8DT.

Club Secretaries:Send all details of your club's up-and-coming events to:Lorna Mower, Short Wave Magazine, Arrowsmith Court,Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Please tellus your County and keep the details as brief as possible.

GREATER LONDON

Acton, Brentford & Chiswick RC:3rd Tuesdays, 7.30pm. ChiswickTown Hall, Heathfield Terrace,Chiswick, W4. February 15 - Kitbuilding for beginners. Colm GOJRY.

081-749 9972.

Wimbledon & DARS: 2nd & lastFridays, 7.30pm. St Andrews ChurchHall, Herbert Road SW19. January28 - Backyard antennas. 081-5402180.

HAMPSHIRE

Horndean & DARC: 1st Thursdays,

7.30pm. Horndean CommunitySchool, Barton Cross, Horndean.February 3 - Junk sale. S. Swain(0705) 472846.

HEREFORD &WORCESTER

Bromsgrove ARS: 2nd & 4thTuesdays. Lickey End Social Club,Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove.February 8 - 'Noise bridgeconstruction' by Derek Pearson ofJANDEK, 22nd - RSGB Night. Barry

Droitwich Spa ARC: 1st Tuesdays,8pm. Droitwich Community Hall.Many interesting evenings alreadybooked. Jenny Read. (0905) 771571.

KENT

Medway AR & TS: Fridays, 7.30pm.Tunbury Hall Catkin Close, Tunbury

Avenue, Walderslade, Chatham.February 11 - Construction contest,any item relating to radio. Gloria.(0634) 710023.

LANCASHIRE

Rochdale & DARS: Mondays, 8pm.Cemetery Hotel, 470 Bury Road,Rochdale. February 21 - Talk by Rev.

George Dobbs G3RJV. G70A1. (0706)

376204.

NORFOLK

Norfolk ARC: Wednesdays, 7.30pm.Formal meetings: University Arms,

South Park Avenue, Norwich,Informal meetings: Hewett School,Hall Road, Norwich. February 2 -(formal) NARC Film Archives byJack G3NJQ, 9th - (informal) Nighton air construction, GRP, 16th(formal) 'Science for all' by ArnoldG3PTB, 23rd (informal) Night on airconstruction, QRR Sheila SnellingGOKPW. (0603) 618810.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Mansfield ARS: 2nd Mondays,7.30pm. The Polish Catholic Club, offWindmill Lane, Woodhouse Road,

Mansfield. February 14 - Talk byCharles G4ZZG 'Are we being

conned?' '3'. Mary GONZA. (06231

755288.

SOMERSET

Wincanton ARC: 1st & 3rd Mondays,7.30pm. The Community Lounge,

King Arthur's Community School,Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9BX.

February 7 - Worked all Britain byMr D. Moore G1THG, 21st - Open

evening - general discussion andactivation on the clubs h.f./v.h.f./u.h.f. stations. Dave G3ZXX. (0963)

34360 Or Andy G1FPW. (07471 51381.

STRATHCLYDE

Milton of Campsie ARS: 2ndWednesdays, 7.30pm. Milton ofCampsie Community Hall. AlanFoulis GM7PGT. 041-779 1444.

SUFFOLK

Sudbury & DRA: 1st Tuesdays, Wells

Hall, Old School, Great Cornard, 3rdTuesday, Five Bells Public House,

Bures Road, Great Cornard.

February 1 - Talk by Frank G3FIJ -

Measurements in the shack, 15th -Natter and noggin at 5 Bells PublicHouse. Tony Harman G8LTY. (0787)

313212

WARWICKSHIRE

Stratford-upon-Avon & DRS: 2nd &4th Mondays, 7.30pm. Home GuardClub, Main Street, Tiddington,Stratford-upon-Avon. February 14 -Test equipment evening, preferentialtreatment given to home-brew orconverted equipment. Mr A BeasleyGOCXJ. (06081 682495.

WILTSHIRE

Salisbury Radio & ElectronicSociety: Tuesdays, 7.30pm. 3rd

Salisbury Sea Scout Hut, St MarksAvenue, Salisbury. February 1st -Talk by G7GWF 'A Radical New

Licence Procedure'. David Kennedy.(0722) 330971.

Trowbridge & DARC: 3rd

Wednesday. The Southwick VillageHall, Southwick, Trowbridge.February 2 - Surplus equipment sale,

16th - Social. Ian GOGRI. (0225)

864698.

6 Short Wave Magazine, February 1994

Contest News

The International Listeners Association has opened itscontests to non-members. They have told us of two contests inFebruary:

On 6 February the 1st Prefix Contest 1994 and on13 February the 1st Set Listening Period 1994. Bothcontest cover the period 0000 to 2400UTC, but you must selectsix hours total logging time.

For the Prefix Contest monitor the 1.8 and 3.5MHz amateurbands and log as many amateur prefixes as possible on eachband. Multiply the totals from each band together to get thetotal points.

For the Set Listening Period monitor the 60 and 75metrebroadcast bands and log as many stations as possible in thetime allowed.

For both contests send a copy of your log and an entry feeof £1.00 to K Burnell, Contest Manager, 91 Mablins Lane,Coppenhall, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3RG who, I'm sure,would be willing to send you details of other contests onreceipt of an s.a.s.e.

All amateurs are invited to participate in the EA RTTYContest, from 1600UTC Saturday 12 February to 1600UTCSunday 13 February, organised by the Union deRadioaficionados Espanoles (URE).

This type of contest is a wonderful opportunity to hearthose rare "contest only" stations and prefixes on the 10, 15,20, 40 and 80 -metre bands.

Copies of the full contest details are available from theSWM offices in Broadstone on receipt of an s.a.s.e.

Contest organisers please note: we are always please topublish details of listeners' contests or contests with alisteners' section and brief details of other contest if you getthem to the SWM office well in advance of the date.

Thanks from RAIBC

The Northern Ireland Area group of the Radio Amateur Invalidand Blind Club have asked us to convey their thanks to all whodonated petrol tokens to them.

The RAIBC are still collecting Air Miles and petrol tokens andvouchers of all types. Send them to Radio Amateur Invalid andBlind Club (NI Area), FREEPOST BE1769, BelfastBT15 3BR. Further information can be obtained from DavidCaldwell GIOHOW, 59 Connsbrook Avenue, BelfastBT4 1JW, Tel:(0232) 471370 or Fax:(0232) 471980.

newsThe Early History of Radio: from Faraday toMarconi by Gerald Garrett

Most books on the history of Radio start with Marconi and ignorethe men and the work that went before. This new book deals withthe "pre -history" of Radio and ends with Marconi.

The book outlines the sequence of development fromFaraday's first prediction and concept of the electromagneticfield, the mathematical definition of the conditions forpropagation of waves by Maxwell, the demonstration of theirphysical existence by Hertz, identification of the need forresonance between transmitter and receiver by Lodge and finallyMarconi's successful practical application and "invention".

The late Gerald Garratt was formerly of the Science Museum,London.

This book is part of the Institution of Electrical Engineers"History of Technology" Series and is published at £19 includingp&p within the UK. Add 10% for Europe or 15% for acceleratedsurface post elsewhere. Further details from The MarketingOfficer, IEE, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way,Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2AY. Tel: (0438) 313311 orFax: (0438) 313465

Deutsche WelleChanges

The English languageprogrammes fromDeutsche Welle have leftthe long-establishedmedium wave channel of1269kHz and are now to beheard on 5.960 and7.285MHz (short wave) atthe new time of 2000 to205OUTC.

The satellite service onAstra has also moved, it isnow carried on an audiosubcarrier of RTL Plustelevision (transponder 2)at 7.740MHz.

Weather Plotting with Isobars

Weather information from shore, ship, oilrig and aircraft based observing stations isgathered and broadcast by radioimmediately on receipt. This informationis collected, processed and rebroadcast bynational meteorological agencies inEurope every three hours. Thisinformation is, however, at least threehours old and the "raw" data could onlybe decoded as a meaningless jumble ofletters and figures.

ICS Electronics Ltd produce ICS-SYNOPwhich will gather the "raw" data from asuitable h.f. receiver and present it in a fully zoomable map of Europe on the screen of any IBM-PC compatible computer to show wind, barometric pressure, temperature, cloud cover, etc. Thelatest version ICS-SYNOP III now includes isobars (or isotherms).

The package includes both the computer software and the radio interface. For further detailscontact ICS Electronics Ltd. at Unit V, Rudford Industrial Estate, Ford, Arundel, WestSussex BN18 OBD. Tel: (0903) 731101 or Fax: (0903) 731105.

(We will be reviewing ICS-SYNOP Ill in a future issue of SWM)

Drake SW8 Receiver

Nevada Communications havetold us of the new Drake SW8receiver that they expect to bereleased by the time theedition of SWM is published.This microprocessor -controlled, synthesised, worldband receiver featurescontinuous coverage from500KHz to 30MHz with a.m.,u.s.b. and I.s.b. modes, 116-136MHz (airband) a.m., and87-108MHz (Band 2) f.m. withstereo available onheadphones.

The receiver follows themodern trend of using a multi-function back -lit liquid -crystaldisplay featuring a seven -digitfrequency display. The 70memories, which do notrequire a battery backup, storeall the parameters associatedwith a particularcommunication channelincluding the frequency,mode, bandwidth, fast or slowa.g.c., r.f. attenuator andsynchronous detector.

The receiver is poweredfrom either six "D" cells or anexternal adapter and isexpected to sell in the £500-£600 price range.

Further details fromNevada Communications,189 London Road, NorthEnd, Portsmouth, Hants.P02 9AE.Tel:(0705) 662145 orFax:(0705) 690626.

(SWM will be reviewing theDrake SW8 just as soon as we canget our hands on one! - Ed.)


(7Lowe Electronics"ME YOUR FR/END /N THE BUSINESS!

WE PROUDLY PRESENT...

JPS Communications, Inc. NTR 1

The NTR1 is a sophisticated audio processing unit that uses Digital SignalProcessing to provide superior operating characteristics to those attainableusing analogue techniques. The unit takes the audio from the receiver andconverts it into a digital bit stream, processes it and turns it back into ananalogue signal.

Four pushbuttons switches provide Power On/Off, Noise ReductionOn/Off, Notch On/Off and Bandwidth Wide/Narrow. All functions areindependent and can be used separately or together. Whenever a functionis engaged, a companion LED is illuminated.

The NOTCH mode removes tones, whistles or heterodynes. This is usefulwhen adjacent channel carvers are present or when CW or RTTY tonesinterfere with desired speech reception. When receiving CW or RTTYsignals, the notch must be disengaged or nothing but key clicks will beheard!

The NOISE REDUCTION mode is known as "Dynamic Peaking", andworks by forming dynamic bandpass filters around any coherentfrequencies appearing within the audio passband such as the fundamentaland harmonic frequencies of speech, CW tones , RTTY MARK and SPACEtones etc. These dynamic filters reject the non -coherent frequencies ofwhite noise and other similar noise types. Therefore it can actually be usedto accentuate or peak CW or RTTY signals, as well as eliminate white noisefrom them.

Here at last is a device that provides noise and tone elimination from wideband audio signals, yet leaves the desired speech with good fidelity andyou can buy it from Lowe for just £199.00.

The NTR1 needs a REGULATED 12V DC power supply, at 800mA current.A suitable unit is available from us at E29.95.

Other JPS digital filters are also available - full details on request.

Wide band noise and toneremover. Works with anyreceiver or scanner.

Provides wide band operationfor AM or FM signals (approx.6.8kHz).

Narrow band operation forSSB, CW or Data reception(approx. 3.4kHz).

State-of-the-art Digital SignalProcessing.

Reduces atmospheric noisethrough Dynamic Peaking

Rapidly removes multipletones from voice signals

Operates on receiver audiooutput - no modificationrequired.

Built-in audio power amplifier

Head Office, Mail Order, Service and Spares Department: -

Lowe Electronics LtdChesterfield Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5LE

Tel 0629 580800 Fax. 0629 580020 Faxinfo. 0629 580008

PLEASE NOTE:

OUR FACTORY AT

"CROMFORD" IS PURELY

A PRODUCTION UNIT WITH

NO CUSTOMER FACILITIES.

PLEASE DIRECT ALL

ENQUIRIES TO OUR

RETAIL OPERATION AT

'MATLOCK" OR TO

OUR BRANCHES.

OUR APPOLOCIES FOR ANY

CONFUSION CAUSED!


AOR AR3030THE

HF150

WORLD'S BEST RADIOS...

D

'Short-wave receiver: AM;AMS; SSB 30kHz to 30MHz

£389.00

PR150 Active pre -selector £235.00 D

HF225 Short-wave receiver: AM; SSB;CW; 30kHz - 30MHz.

£479.00 D

HF225EUROPA

Limited edition HF225:Narrower AM filters etc

£699.00 D

SRX50 Portable SW RX; inc. LW;MW; & VHF/FM in stereo

£39.95 C

NRD535 Top class general coveragereceiver

£1,695.00 D

ICR72E General Coverage Receiver;inc Stand By Battery

£859.00 D

FRG100 Receiver 50KHz-30MHz £529.00 D

ICFSW7600 Portable SW RX with VHF /FMB'cast : SSB with BFO

£169.00 D

ICFSW55 Portable SW RX £269.00 D

ICFSW77 Portable SW RX £369.00 D

VT125UK VHF Airband scanner, £189.00 0VT225 VHF/UHF Airband, 100

memories£269.00 D

MVT7000 500kHz - 1300MHz 200memories, 10 search bands

£319.00 D

MVT7100 500kHz - 1650MHz, 1000memories, 10 search bands,AWFMNVFWUSB/LSB

£389.00 D

MVT8000 Base / mobile version ofMVT7000

£389.00 D

R537S Tuneable airband receiver £79.95 B

Rra5 VHF/UHF Airband scanner,civil and military

£329.00 D

WIN108 VHF Airband scanner 20 mem, £139.00 D

AR3000A Base / mobile wide bandreceiver, all -mode, 400memories, 150kHz - 2036MHz

£939.00 D

AOR'S NEW HP RECEIVER SHOULD

BE WITH US 8Y THE TIME

YOU READ THIS! SEE IT AT LOWE'S!

...DESERVE

AN1

THE BEST ACCESSORIES

Active antenna £52.95 C

MLB Magnetic Longwire Balun £39.95 B

MLBAMK1 MLB Antenna kit; 12.5m £66.95 C

MLBAMK2 MLB Antenna kit; 20m £76.95 C

MTA Magnetic Transfer Antenna; £179.00 D

DXONE High quality active antenna £289.00 D

AD370 Datong active antenna £79.95 0AT1000 SWL Antenna tuning unit £89.95 B

FL3 Datong muttimode audio filterwith automatic notch

£149.95 0

ABF125 VHF airband fitter NEW! £24.50 B

D130N 25 - 1300 MHz discone c/w15m COAX

£99.95 B

LAB Airband ground plane antenna £21.95 C

SCANMAS Wide band receiving antenna500kHz - 1300MHz

£39.95 C

J I M75 (JIM M75) Scanner pre -amp £84.95 B

HB400 Mobile mount for scanners £15.00 B

PSU101 Scanner PSU and stand £29.95 C

MG125B Airband mobile antenna withmag mount & cable with BNC

£29.95 C

LNA3000.V--47Masthead pre -amp, 50 -3000MHz

£159.00 C

AFG Airband Frequency Guide(covering Civil & Military)

£5.95 B

ATR Air Traffic Radio £2.25 A

OAC HF Oceanic Airband Guide,Spa Publications

£3.99 A

UKSD UK Scanning Directory £16.95 B

VUFG The VHF/UHF ScanningFrequency Guide

£9.95 B

SCANNERS Scanners 3rd edition, £8.95 B

SCNR2 Scanners 2, International £10.95 B=RF SYSTEMS....NG

SOON THE MB ISOLATORThere's a Lowe branchnear you! Visit yourlocal today for all that'sgood in shortwaveradio!

YORKSHIRE34, New BriggateLeeds,Tel 0532 452657

SCOTLANDCumbernauld AirportCumbernauldStrathclydeTel 0236 721004

EAST ANGLIA152, High Street,Chesterton,Cambridge,Tel 0223 311230

WALES & WEST79/81 Gloucester RoadPatchway,Bristol,Tel 0272 315263

SOUTH EASTCommunications HouseChatham RoadSandling, Maidstone,Tel 0622 692773

NORTH EASTMitford HouseNewcastle Intl AirportNewcastle upon TyneTel 0661 860418

SOUTH WESTThe Basement, RoyalFleet Club Devonport,Plymouth,Tel 0752 607284

SOUTH COAST27, Gillam Road,Northbourne,Bournemouth,Tel 0202 577760

All our branches have agreat selection of usedreceivers and scannersjust waiting for newowners!

LONDON - HEATHROW6, Cherwell CloseLangley, SloughBerks,Tel 0753 545255

Most branches and HeadOffice open Mon - Fri,9.00am until 5.30pm andon Sat from 9.00am until5.00pm. See you soon!

CARRIAGE CHARGES -A = £1.00, B = £3.00, C = £6.00, (POST) D = £10.00 (PARCELFORCE - NEXT WORKING DAY SERVICE)


newsBroadcast Shorts

A leaflet from Radio VlaanderenInternational arrived in the officeinviting free membership of theirInternational Listeners' Club. To joinwrite to: Brussels Calling, PO Box26, 1000 Brussels, Belgium for anapplication. Once this has beenreturned all you have to do is sendtwo detailed reception reports permonth and in return you will receivea QSL card and a copy of their ClubEcho magazine.

China Steps Up Jamming of BBCBroadcasts

The BBC announced that there has been a sharpincrease in Chinese jamming of all frequenciescarrying BBC Chinese language programmes inMandarin. Originally the jamming, which began in1989 at the time of the pro -democracy demonstrations,was confined to transmissions from the BBC relaystation in Hong Kong. Now it has spread, according toBBC engineers, to all frequencies beaming BBCMandarin broadcasts into China, including those fromtransmitters in the former Soviet Union.

Jamming is not being directed at BBC output inCantonese and English for China, but Voice ofAmerica's Mandarin service is also being harder hitthan previously.

No other countries are currently jamming the BBC.Iraqi interference to the BBC Arabic Service whichstarted during the Iran -Iraq war and continued duringhostilities in the Gulf has recently ceased.

48th WRTH

Just out is the 48th Edition of the radio listener's bible - theWorld Radio TV Handbook - affectionately known by thetongue -twisting acronym WRTH. This encyclopaedic guidehas been recognised as the most authoritative and up-to-date publication of the world's long, medium andshortwave radio and television stations for many years.Designed for easy access, the book allows the user, withthe right radio equipment, to tune into any of the world'sradio and TV stations.

WRTH '94 was produced with computerised editing,ensuring that new information is inserted right up to thetime the final pages were sent for printing

Available now from the SWM Book Service for £15.95 plus£1.00 UK p&p or £1.75 overseas surface.

1994 EDITION

WORLDRADIO

w

1 Li LL1Coproateisrvi couorir-couwin us-mics of LONG. 1®u.AND KINT.WAYE BADADCASIIIS n FAIQUENa, TIME AND WOKE

SPECK RAMC !COX SHORT -WANE PICEIKA MT WORTS

J watampf KO11li1515 IN FALNI U BAOAXASTa AMMOAMD 11160101E1 J COMPLETE MTN MAPS Of PLISPAI 11,AKPATIIA SITES

Vintage ServiceManuals

"Savoy Hill" Publicationsclaim to have the world'slargest and mostcomprehensive library ofcircuits and service manualsfor vintage equipment. Theycan supply copies from themost comprehensive andvaried library of technicalinformation on domesticappliances, electrical,electronic, hi-fi, radio, military,and television equipmentmanufactured from theVictorian era up until the1970$. Equipment from the UK,USA and Europe is included.

Material available includesservice sheets, companymanuals, test reports, originalprice, year verifications andhistorical information.

Write to Warrens View,Wrington Hill, Wrington,Bristol BS18 7PR, ortelephone (0934) 863491(10am to 7pm).

Ready-made Loops

In September 1992 SWMpublished an article "TheLiving Room Loop". We arepleased to announce thatthese loops, for m.w. DX, arenow available made to orderfrom Mr M Evans,120 Loughton Way,Buckhurst Hill, EssexIG9 6AR, to whom youshould send an A5 s.a.s.e. forfurther details.

Radio TVDX News

Problems in Malta with theofficially allocated two u.h.f.channels of E21 and E29 being'taken' by private stationsoperating on nearby Sicily.Overtures are being made tothe Italian authorities toremove the invaders from theMaltese allocations.

Meanwhile 'Super OneTelevision' on Malta has nowopened test transmissions onthe non -allocated Ch. E43!

Zambia will have her firsttaste of private broadcastingearly 1994 with at least 12bidders receiving licences forradio and TV stations. Theradio stations will operate atv.h.f. f.m. Band 2. There are noplans to privatise the state-owned ZNBC in the short term.Nearby Kenya has receivedgrant aid cash from Japan tomodernise her radio and TVnetwork system with threenew TV transmitters at Kisii,

Nakuru and Webuye, a newstudio complex at Ngongwhich should bring populationcoverage up to 60%.

RTL has been allowed tocontinue broadcasting into theSaxony (German) region usinglocal Deutsche Telekomfacilities. This is despite movesby the local licensing authority,the ruling was announced inDresden recently.

Further to the news of 5Doordarshan satellite channels(see 'Satellite TV News'), thebroadcaster is to terrestrialbroadcast the same channelson low power transmitters inthe main centres of Calcutta,Bombay, Delhi and Madrasusing a mix of Band 3 Chs.E5,7 and u.h.f. Chs. E23, 26 andE29.

The Polish 2nd TV chain willbe transmitting in PAL fromJanuary 1994 and droppingSECAM. It is intended that the

1st chain will also adopt thePAL standard from early 1995.

The Warsaw transmitter atthe Palace of Culture hasapparently been unwell andlocal viewers have suffered 2months of interruptions duringrepairs to the agedtransmitting system. The pressreport suggests the installationis 38 years old! Polsat, thesatellite channel is beinggranted a licence/franchise forten years to create anationwide terrestrial network.

'Telefis na Gaeilge' is aGaelic language channel toopen across Eire during 1994initially running three hoursdaily with a mix of locallyproduced material (30%), RTEproduced (30%) and importeddubbed/subtitled. Runningcosts are about £1.5 millionIrish with a similar figure forannual operating costs.

The Franco-German arts

channel 'ARTE' has beenstruck a blow by Belgian'sRTBF pulling out of fundingdue to severe moneyproblems. Though theprogramme will cease to beaired in Belgium, it willcontinue to appear on thenumerous Belgian cablesystems.

Finally if you are a 405 linevintage TV enthusiast andcrave for the good old TestCard C then weep no more! HSPublications are makingavailable a limited number ofdigital pattern generatorsdisplaying the real BBC Test C.This unique item is a limitededition generator made underlicence from the BBC. For moreinformation write - with s.a.e.-to HS Publications, 7 EppingClose, Derby DE3 4HR or ring(0332) 513399.


Broadcast Schedules

Every post seems to bring another batch of short wavebroadcast schedules into the SWM office. Obviously wecannot publish everything or there would be no room foranything else in SWM, but we will attempt to squeeze in asmany of the English language listings as we can using acondensed "frequency(MHz) / time(UTC) / target region"format. We will also try to list the dates for which theseschedules are valid.

Channel Africa (until 26 March)

9.585 0300-0500 Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia5.955 0300-0500 Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi7.275 0500-0700 Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi

11.900 0500-0600 Nigeria17.710 0600-0700 Nigeria17.810 1000-1100 Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia

9.730 1100-1200 Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia,Botswana

7.270 1500-1800 Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda,Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia

15.240 1500-1800 Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria,Cameroon

Adventist World Radio (until 26 March)

11.87015.610

9.83511.85513.720

7.2107.230

0000-01000100-0200.0200-03000200-03000200-0300*0700-08001000-1100

C & S AmericaS AsiaS AsiaSE AsiaN & E AsiaEuropeEurope

5.030 1000-1300 C & S America9.725 1000-1300 C & S America

13.750 1000-1300 C & S America9.725 1000-1300 N America

11.870 1100-1300 C & S America11.780 1200-1300* Africa

9.835 1500-1600 S Asia13.750 1500-1700 C & S America

7.455 1600-1700 S Asia13.720 1700-1800* S Asia & Africa13.720 1800-1900 Africa

5.980 1900-2300* C & S America7.140 2300-0000 Europe9.835 2300-0000 N & E Asia

11.870 2300-0000 C & S America15.610 2300-0000 SE Asia

Not dailyA new transmitter at Rimaysaka Sobota, Slovakia will begin testtransmissions on 8 January. A full service will be provided in the nextperiod.Provisional test schedule:

7.270 0100-0300 Indiat9.465 0300-0500 W Asiat9.455 0400-0500 E Africa

13.715 0600-0700 W Africa7.180 0700-0800 N Europe

13.790 1400-1500 India9.455 1500-1800 Indiat

11.610 1600-1800 E Africatt May include other languages

Radio for Peace International (until 26 March)21.465 0000-0400 u.s.b.15.030 0100-0800 a.m.

7.375 0100-0800 a.m.7.385 0100-0800 u.s.b.

15.030 0900-1600 a.m.7.375 0900-1200 a.m.7.385 0900-1400 u.s.b.

21.465 1200-1800 u.s.b.15.030 1700-0000 a.m.21.465 1700-0000 u.s.b.

Polskia Radio Warsawa (until 26 March)

6.135, 7.145, 7.270, 9.525, 11.815 1300-1355 Europe7.285, 9.525 1600-1655 Europe5.995, 7.270, 7.285 1800-1855 Europe1.503, 5.995, 6.135, 7.285 2030-2125 Europe

Radio New Zealand International (until 19 March)

9.700 0659-1206 S Pacific9.655 1206-1649 S Pacific (occasionally)9.655 1650-1849 S Pacific (Mon -Fri)

11.735 1850-2137 S Pacific15.115 2138-0658 S Pacific

news430MHz Repeater Stolen

The complete GB3GF 70cm repeater was 'very professionally'stripped and stolen from its site at Guildford, Surrey, in the earlyhours of Thursday 30 December 1993. This was obviously a pre -planned operation as the equipment was neatly and skilfullydismantled with tools during its time of least usage, and a 15mhigh tower was scaled on a wet night to remove the antenna.

The main repeater items consist of a Pye F9U wall -mountedbase station, much modified, an 8W power amplifier in anunpainted die-cast box with GB3GF engraved on the lid, a home -brewed 12V power supply in a black plastics box and a numberof cavity filters approximately 200mm long by 100mm diameter.

Antennas stolen were a J -Beam 'white stick' collinear with aglass -fibre outer tube, approx. 3.5m long, an X-50 dual -bandcollinear with a white glass fibre outer and three small radialsnear the base approximately 2.6m long and a 2m high 4 -stackprofessional folded dipole array.

As the theft was so professional it is possible that theequipment will be re -assembled and used for illegal purposes.This repeater is crystalled for 433.300MHz receive and433.900MHz transmit, so any unexpected activity on thesefrequencies, outside the usual repeaters, particularly if theGB3GF Morse ident is used, should be reported to PC1284 Clarkeat Guildford Police on (0483) 31111, ext 3128 or to the GuildfordRepeater Group's Secretary, Alex Morris G6ZPR, on (0483)892348, or Fax: (0483) 898927

Kenwood Appoints Dealer for ChannelIslands

Kenwood's dealer network has been further strengthened bythe appointment of Geoff Brown as an official KenwoodAmateur Radio Dealer.

Based in St Helier on the island of Jersey, Geoff has beeninvolved in Amateur Radio for some 30 years and suppliedKenwood locally under its previous Trio brand name as longago as 1975. Geoff is internationally famous for his operations,as GJ4ICD, on the v.h.f. and u.h.f. bands and has beenChairman of the UK Six Metre Group (UKSMG) for manyyears. For further information contact Trio Kenwood UKLtd., Kenwood House, Dwight Road, Watford,Hertfordshire WD1 8EB, Tel:(0923) 816444 or GeoffBrown, The TV Shop, Belmont Road, St Hellier, Jersey,Channel Islands.

Vintage Valves StillAvailable

We are pleased to learn thatValve & Tube Supplies, runby Rod Burman, has acquiredthe valve stock of the formerVintage Wireless Co. ofBristol.

Once the stock has beenthoroughly sorted (probablyby the time this issue appears)a two- to three-day order turnround is promised. Bothtested and untested valves areavailable, at different prices.

For further informationcontact Valve & TubeSupplies, Unit 2A, RinkRoad Industrial Estate,Ryde, Isle of WightP033 2LT. Telephone:(0983) 811386 or Fax:(0983) 564708.

New UK Agent forMosley Antennas

From 1 January 1994 EasternCommunication have beenappointed as the sole UKAgents for the world-famousbeam antennas manufacturedin the USA by MosleyElectronics Inc. of St Louis,Missouri.

Mosley manufacture a fullrange of beams for the RadioAmateur from 5 -element h.f.monobanders, to 9 -elementmultibanders, h.f. verticalsand v.h.f. & u.h.f. Yagis.

A full catalogue is availableon request from EasternCommunications,Cavendish House,Happisburgh, NorfolkNR12 ORU. Telephone:(0692) 650077


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DZogemloilill

Restoring An R1155Part 3

In this last part, Chas Miller tests the receiver's s.s.b. performance and attends to its physical and mechanical faults.

The final test of the R1155 was ofits single-sideband capabilityusing the b.f.o. This, by the way,operates at 280kHz (half the i.f.)and the harmonic used to beatwith the i.f. signal. It must beborne in mind that the soleapplication of the b.f.o. in theR1155, as in mostcommunications sets of its period,was to render c.w. signals audible;to this end the b.f.o. was tuned toaround 1kHz off the i.f. The half -frequency method was employedto prevent the b.f.o. frombecoming locked to the i.f. signalsand thus failing to produce anaudible note in the operator'searphones. My standard test fors.s.b. uses the RAF Volmet stationon approximately 4.8MHz, whichprovides a reliable signal atconstant signal strengththroughout the day. Excellentspeech quality could be resolvedand since the b.f.o. is injected intothe secondary of the after thea.g.c. diode has been fed from theprimary, there is no need tochange from the a.v.c. to manualcontrol modes. This was tried as amatter of course, but found to benot only unnecessary butundesirable as it introduced someunpleasant background noise.Once the preset adjustment hadbeen made to the b.f.o. it requiredno further attention.

Mechanical Considerations

The semicircular surround whichcarries the Celluloid dial coverwas removed to enable a newcover, cut from thin opticalquality plastic, to be fitted. Thisnecessitated unscrewing a numberof rusty 8BA bolts, whichrequired a dose of penetrating oilwell in advance of being tackledwith a screwdriver. It is absolutelyessential, by the way, that theblade of the latter should fit thescrew slot accurately, especiallyon such small bolts as these: amajor cause of failure to removetight screws is ill-fitting driverblades which simply chew up thescrew heads.

Operation of the epicyclicdrive to the tuning gang hadbecome tight and jerky; this wascured by some grease on its

moving parts. The bearings on themoving vanes of the gang weregiven a little light oil, which inaddition to making them movefreely quietens them electrically.

The dial itself had becomeseverely discoloured and in partshad faded badly, no doubt due todamp. The paint used to print thelegends on R1155 dials was on apar with that used on manydomestic receivers in the '30s and'40s - in other words, deplorablyimpermanent! It is hopeless to tryto remove dirt by using a clothhaving even the slightest amountof dampness, for it will assuredlyremove the markings from thedial as though they had neverexisted. The most that may betried is a very gentle rubbing witha dry cloth - and even that ischancy. As it happened, thanks toa reader, a spare dial wasavailable, but instead of using itdirect experiments were made asto the feasibility of making aphoto -copy to be pasted over theold one. The original colouredsections were lost in the process,but this is not a very seriousobjection since later models of theR1155 were in fact fitted withblack -and -white dials.

The various small brass platesgiving the functions of thecontrols responded to lightcleaning with a slightly dampenedcloth. The same treatment makesthe front panel reasonablyacceptable, but in due course itwill probably be repainted.

The holes left in the frontpanel by the removal of the d.f.-related controls are a problemwith any R1155 which requirescareful consideration. Blankingplates, unless very carefully fitted,may not look much better thanholes! Filling the latter and thenpainting them over is tedious buteffective, provided that theredundant indicator plates also areremoved and their screw holesfilled as well. If any reader hassuggestions to make in thisrespect they would be muchappreciated.

The bank of Jones plugs usedfor interconnecting the receiver tothe power supplies, indicatorunits, antenna, headphones andassociated T1154 transmitter had

all been removed and a smallpanel carrying a fuseholder andjack socket fitted in their place.This job had been done ratherwell, tending to confirm mysuspicion that the previous ownerhad been much better atmechanical than electrical work.The fuseholder was retained toprotect the h.t. input, whilst thejack was earmarked for the outputto the loudspeaker.

A Final Job

The performance of the set fromthe rubbish dump was as good asany R1155 I have tested, andbetter than some. Sensitivity waswell maintained over the fullextent of each band, and betweenmidday and two o'clock on a Julyafternoon it was particularlynoticeable on the 600 to 1500kHzrange that dozens of UK 'local'low -power stations could be heardwith almost uniform volume,despite the wide variation insignal strengths. On the h.f.ranges the sensitivity wasmaintained right up to the18.5MHz limit. Selectivity wasexcellent with no evidence ofsideband 'splash'.

The fact that the set worked sowell served to highlight a problemthat is common with thesereceivers. The presence of R26 inseries with h.t.- and the lower endof the volume control prevents thelatter from reducing the signal tothe triode grid to zero whenturned to its minimum position.When the set has been modifiedfor loudspeaker use evenmoderately powerful signals mayproduce a minimum -volumeoutput that is embarrassinglyloud, especially in the quiet of

night. In addition the frequencyresponse of the output stage variesnoticeably as the control is movedthrough the first third of its travel,being initially `bassy' and thanrather shrill. To overcome theseeffects R26 should be replaced bya link to h.t.-, and C105 replacedby a small 50g/25VWelectrolytic (this may be fittedinto the same clip). Some extranegative feedback is introducedby changing R2A to 180ki-1 andfitting an additional IMO, R3A,taken from V8 anode to the anodeof the output valve. The volumecontrol will then be found tooperate normally and withoutaffecting the tone. In fact, theoutput from the set via a goodloud speaker will almost certainlysurprise the listener by its quality.

Abbreviations

A amperea.g.c. automatic gain controla.v.c. automatic volume

controlb.f.o. beat frequency oscillatorBA British Association

(screw -thread standard)c.w. continuous wave

(Morse)h.t.- high tension negativei.f. intermediate frequencyi.f.t. intermediate frequency

transformerkHz kilohertz

kilohmMHz megahertzMS2 megohmRAF Royal Air Forces.s.b. single-sidebandVolmet VOLume

METeorological reportVW volts workingpF microfarad


Fgeticgo Vlig®Eu

Some Modifications to

With technology advancing sorapidly we can easily beforgiven for thinking thatdesigns more than five yearsold are out of date, so anyreceiver thatproduction and sells well for asimilar period must embodycompetent circuitry. Thelongest running model of alarge international family ofdigital world band portableradios that are manufacturedin Taiwan, is the Sangean ATS-803A, and it, like the Sony ICF-2001D, is becoming a classic inits own lifetime.

Since 1986 there have beenmany versions of this receiver,they all look the same butcarry different importersbadges and type numbers.One of the first, the SangeanATS-803, did not haveswitchable a.m. i.f. passbands;this was closely followed byothers - Ambassador EEB2020,Edvis RX33, Eska 33, MatsuiMR4099, Realistic DX440,Tatung TMR7602 and manymore. All use the same p.I.I.digital synthesis and mixingtechniques, although theremay be minor circuit andperformance differences; e.g.the MR4099 has a single stagecrystal roofing filter where theATS-803A has two.

Though already good forbroadcast listening, theseportables can be furtherimproved, especially withregard to tropical bandsensitivity and chuff tuning.

Their digital system cannot beaccessed to enhance poorergonomics or the basic 1kHzfrequency resolution, but wecan overcome the chuffing

ownership satisfaction by:

1. Making the b.f.o. knob intoa ±2kHz fine tuning controlthat smoothly interpolatesthe digital steps on a.m.,I.w., m.w. and s.w. This isideal for minimising s.w.whistles or rocking thenarrow filter over a quietersideband to avoid splatter.

2. Render inoperative theaudio mute to enable'listen whilst scanning',and use the muteswitching line to smootha.g.c. levels so that weakand average signals maybe slowly digitally tunedwithout disturbance.Strong signals still chuff,so no improvement here.

3. Slightly boost I.w.-m.w.ferrite antenna sensitivity.

4. Slightly boost a.m. i.f. gainwith an LC circuit thatimproves weak signaldemodulation. This mightnot improve MR4099types; the extra gain couldbe unnecessary and justincrease front end noise.

5. For external a.t.u. usebetween 1.62 and 6MHz

increase sensitivity bydisabling the internal 50E2load that shunts theexternal antenna RCAphono socket. Thismodificationsuitable if you live in ahigh signal strength areaor your external antennais active or long; receivergenerated I.w.-m.w.-Tropical harmonics mightcause problems in m.w.-Tropical-s.w. bandsrespectively.

6. Fit an internal antennaamplifier to improveamateur and tropicalbands sensitivity with theset's own whip antenna.This enhances portableperformance and isautomatically powered atfrequencies above1.62MHz via an internalprocessor controlled line.

I'll not go into circuit detail, norexpound oft -written text onhow to get the best out of aportable, merely limit text torelevant points. Thesemodifications are 'back off'and 'soldering iron in' jobs,and best left to a practicalhand. There is always the riskof damage, so try onlymodification 1 if you lackconfidence or have limitedexperience. You'll need amagnifying glass or +4 dioptrespecs to work comfortablyinside this receiver.

Some months ago wementioned somemodifications byGraham Maynard tothe ATS-803A that wehad seen in MediumWave News, thejournal of theMedium Wave Circle.We've had so manyinquiries that we are,with their permission,reprinting them here.

Removing thereceiver back

a. List your 25 memoryfrequencies on a sheet ofpaper; the nine manuallystored and the 16 bandbutton executed.

b. Remove the battery coverand bottom three largebatteries.

c. Lay the radio face downon a soft surface.

d Remove six back screws -all the same.

e. Gently click off the backand open like a book,setting it flat down on theleft. Look out for thefragile white wirebetween the backmounted telescopicantenna and the internalp.c.b. - for convenienceunscrew the antenna tag.

To re -assemble work inreverse.

The Modifications

1. Locate the rear of theb.f.o. switch towards thebottom left beside the flatp.c.b. interconnection.(Fig. 1.) Cut one p.c.b.track with a sharp craftknife and solder in a sub-miniature 47ki2 resistor. If


Fro:c23 MIGOPyy

the Sangean ATS-803Anecessary trim T111,above the a.m. filters,with a sharpenedmatchstick to centre thezero beat of an indicatedstation frequency.

2. Find R49 near the topmiddle a.g.c. pre-set.(Fig. 2.) Solder a 22pFcapacitor between it andpin 2 of the inter-p.c.b. 8 -way ribbon cable on theright hand audio board.Link the two tracks shown.

3. Locate and snip one legof R72, in the top left backcorner, to reduce r.f. stagedamping without affectingstability. Those who aremore adventurous mightwish to change C61 at thesame time from 220pF to100pF.

4. Solder a series connected33pH inductor and 4.7nFcapacitor between R112/4and R115/6 beside Q121,below the a.g.c. pre-set.(Fig. 3.)

5. Locate R7 above theexternal antenna switchand carefully solder a40mm wire link between itand the screening can.(Fig. 4.) Watch out foroverload problems - fit aswitch if necessary.

6. Try the circuit shown inFig. 5. as the basis for awhip antenna amplifier.Noise and stabilityproblems can occur whenthis type of buffer ismounted with the receivercabinet, so it could betried externally.

Other improvements arepossible in the form of narrowa.m. and f.m. i.f. filters -455kHz types are OK for a.m. ifT111 is re -trimmed to pull thesecond crystal oscillator.However, I enjoy my 803A forbroadcast listening and don'texpect to be modifying ifagain.

Fig.2

Fig.3

And finally - once you'vetuned in a weak I.w. beacon orm.w. signal, remember to usethe lock button. Below 850kHz,and at some otherfrequencies, this set canannoy by picking up its owninternal strobe noise.Switching the lock to 'on'effectively mutes this noise,and the new tuning, volumeand tone controls may beadjusted for comfortablelistening.


Fig.1

22pF

02

LO

Audio p.c.b.

T T4.7nF

R114

Ta 0121

Fig.5

100k

100p

New wireto whip

N to D181

+V

100n

100p White whipwire to p.c.b.

220 -V

15

ff2@wlwz

Yupiteru MVT-3100Multiband Receiver

This month we borrowed Donna Vincent from our sister magazine Practical Wirelessto put this scanner through its paces.

The Yupiteru MVT-3100 is aslim hand-held multibandreceiver covering the 143 -162.025, 347.7125 - 452.0 and830.0 - 960.0MHz bands,operating in f.m. mode. It issupplied with a flexibleantenna, hand strap, beltclip, earphone, car connectorand a 58 -page ownersmanual. As well as four 4.8VNiCad batteries and a 12VUK charger.

The first thing that struckme after unpacking the MVT-3100 was its user-friendlylook, in fact you could almostcall it trendy! The maincontrols are housed on a 16 -button key pad which ismounted on the front of thereceiver. ThePOWERNOLUME switchand SQUELCH controls andexternal speaker jack aresituated on the top panel,with the all importantSEARCH and SCANcontrols are next to thedisplay panel.

It's worth pointing outthat although the MVT-3100has a black plastics casingthe button controls are verycolourful making it easy todetermine which controlsperform which functions. Forexample the pinkFUNCTION key is used toexecute the extendedfunctions of the keys alsolabelled in pink.

Search Bands

The MVT-3100 has ten pre-programmed search bandscatering for Marine, Amateurand p.m.r broadcasts toname a few. Even thoughthese search bands are pre-set it is possible to changethe range of the search band.

Changing the range isvery easily done by firstselecting the manual mode,then pressing theFUNCTION key followed bythe BAND WRITE key. After

this you enter the lower limitof the band frequency beforepressing ENTER and thenthe upper limit followed byENTER. Once this has beendone press the appropriatesearch band key, e.g. 3MARINE, followed again byENTER.

When using the receiverin search mode it is possibleto 'pass over' frequencieswhere there is noise orunreadable signals fromweak stations. This can beeasily achieved by using thesearch pass memoryfunction. This function isparticularly useful as a time-saving device because itenables the search mode tobe more efficient by allowingunnecessary or noisyfrequencies to be passedover. It is also possible toverify the frequencies thathave been stored in thesearch pass memory.

Another very usefulsearch function is thecontinuous search facility.This allows the user to enteran approximate frequencymanually and then leave thereceiver to automaticallysearch for stations based onthe frequency entered.

I thought this was asimple but effective ideaespecially for someonewho's not entirely sure of thedesired frequency. However,you have to bear in mindthat only stations that arewithin the receivingfrequency range of thereceiver can be searched for.

When operating the MVT-3100 in search mode itautomatically stopssearching when it reaches asignal. It will stay on thereceived signal until youpress either the directionalarrows to shift the signal oruntil the signal is broken forlonger than two seconds.When the signal doesbecome broken the receiver

will start to search foranother signal.

Memories andScanning

The MVT-3100 has 100memory channels which arearranged in ten banks givingthe user the freedom to enterand store useful andfavourite frequencies into thememory. It is very easy tostore frequencies into thememory channels and themethod involved isexplained very well in themanual.

It is also possible to scanthrough either all of the 100memory channels or if youprefer just through specificbanks. This again is a usefulfeature especially if you onlywant to scan for specificfrequencies.

Another interestingfeature is the priorityfunction. This allows you tostore chosen frequencies aspriority channels. Forexample, if you are listeningto a particularly activefrequency but also want tosearch or scan for others youcan program the activefrequency into the receiveras a priority channel. If youdo this and then activate thePRIORITY function, thepriority channel will bedisplayed every five secondsenabling you to keep tabs onwhat's happening on youractive frequency, at the sametime as searching for others.

Additional Features

As well as the features I'vealready mentioned the MVT-3100 also has two buttonsand one switch on the lefthand side of the plasticscasing. These are labelledLAMP, MONI and ON KEYLOCK.

The function of the LAMPbutton is self explanatory and

when pressed operates aback lit function on thedisplay. MONI is a monitorswitch that is designed to beused when the reception of asignal is broken or becomesweak. The KEY LOCK switchwhen used locks the keypadcompletely.

I thought the idea of theKEY LOCK was very usefulespecially when I wasmonitoring an interestingfrequency and did not wantto loose it by inadvertentlytouching the keypad.

There is also the option tohear a beep tone every time akey is pressed. I was gladthat this was an optionalfeature as after a while thecontinuous beeping heardwhen I pressed a key becameirritating. Needless to say Isoon switched this functionoff.

Display and Manual

I found the display on theMVT-3100 to be very well laidout and mainly selfexplanatory. It was easy tosee at any one time exactlywhat was happening. Forexample when using thereceiver to search throughthe search bands thefrequency and appropriatesearch band number wasdisplayed, together with thesignal strength andfrequency step.

The well designeduncluttered display isdefinitely a plus point. I don'tthink there is anything worsethan a display that is so busythat you are constantlyreferring back to the manualto see what all the varioussymbols mean.

I would like tocongratulate the writers ofthe 58 -page manual thataccompanies the MVT-3100.The manual is very well setout and takes you through allof the various features,


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COMMTEL SCANNERSCOMMTEL 204Top of the range with a tripleconversion receiver. SelectableAM/FM.* 200 channels mem.* Frequency coverage: 68-88MHz, 118-174MHz, 220-512M1z,806-999.99MHz* Selectable AM/FM* Scan delay* Search function £249.95

COMMTEL 102A 3 -band 10 -channel sconner. * Frequencycoverage: 66-88MHz,138-174MHz, 380512MHz £99.95COMMTEL 205A superbbase/mobilescanner with easy-to-reod front paneldisplay/control button.* 400 channelmem. *Frequency coverage:- 25-512MHz,760-1300MHz* Direct access up to 207,002 frequencies* Modes - AM, NFM, WFM * Audiosquelch * Scan delay*Pius many other features £344.00

COMMTEL 203Easy to programme, covering all the popularbands up to 960MHz. Its double conversionreceiver provides excellent reception.*200 channels * Frequency coverage:68-88MHz,118-174MHz, 380-512MHz,806-960MHz* Scan delay * Lock out £199.00

NEW AOR AR3030Short Wave ReceiverWe are one of thefirst to stock thissuperb receiver.Remember, we canship anywhere inthe UK (or Europe) FAST! Coimmediate despatch

t ov£699

NEWSCANMASTERADJUSTABLEDESK STANDFully adjustable bothhorizontally and vertically,this stand is suitable for most makes ofHandheld Scanner and AmateurTransceiver. It is supplied with a ready -wired fly lead from BNC plug to fixedS0239 socke. £19.95 +£2.75 p&p

New Handheld ScannerAntennaModel TSC 2601Improve reception on yourhandheld scanner with this highgain flexible antenna.Freq. RX 100-900MHz.Freq. TX 144MHz, 70cms(low). Gain 1.5dB 430MHz.3.4dB 900MHz. ConnectionBNC. £14.95 + £1.75 P&P

ERA MICROREADERFor years the

Microreader has been one of the most

successful and widely used decoders in Britain. It

allows reception of:- CW, AMTROR,RTTY, SITOR. It even has a

built-in tutor to help you learn It

and read CW. The new 4.2Version gives even better

performance and includes free 'ohs

terminal software.Due to a special

bulkurchase we can offer the

Microreader Version2complete with leads, instructions,

frequency listing and free terminal software at 89

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THE FASTEST MAIL ORDER COMPANY (eh` FOR SAME DAY DESPATCH


'RING FOR THE RADIO ENTHUSIASTHUGE STOCKS -FAST DELIVERY - PERSONAL SERVICE

TELEPHONE HOTLINE: (0705) 662145 FAX: (0705) 690626

ACCESSORIESWIDEBAND PREAMPLIFIERSThese low noise preamplifiers area must for thescanner enthusiast and will improve receptionon many brands of base/hand-held radio.

SCANMASTERGW-2A low none GaAs FETpre -amp covering1-1400MHz withvariable gain (-3 to+20dB1. Requires PP3battery £59.95

JIM M75Similar to GW-2 above but with selectableband pass filter for improved performance and125-2100MHz) freq coverage £79.95

JIM PSU101 MK IVA combined desk stand and powersupply/charger for handheldscanners. Suitable for mostpopular models. Special versionsnow available please call for moredetails £29.50JIM PSU101 TAA new 9V version of the popular desk standand power supply, suitable for most Tandyand new Commtel scanners. Please advisemodel when ordering £29.50

SCANNING ANTENNASSCANMASTER BASE(500 kHz - 1500MHz)New high quality wide bandreceiving antenna uses fibreglass/stainless steel, with 4 smallradials. 'N' type connector. length1 . 1 metres

£39.95 - £4.75 P&P

SCAN MASTER MOBILE(25-1000MFIx)A wideccnd high quality magnetic mountmobile antenna - wired ready to go with 12hof low loss coax and BNC connector.Approx. 18' long £29.95 + £4.75 P&P

SCANMASTER DISCONE(25-1300MHz)Sralnless sree. !op of the range 'N' typeconnector. Complete with short mounting poleand clamps '8 elements with vertical whip' -complete with short mounting pole and clampsetc etc. Best value at ...£49.00 + £4.75 P&P

SCANMASTER DOUBLEDISCONE1100-1300MHz) Our verylatest antenna - givesoutstanding performance.Nearly 2.5dB gain over astandard discone plus transmiton any frequency in its range!We've heard signals on thisantenna that were inaudible on many others!INTRODUCTORY PRICE £59.95

SCANMASTER ON GLASS(25-1300MHz) ideal for mounting 111Eon the rear window - discreet butexcellent reception. Supplied c/w 15 ft.cable plus BNC connectorready to go £29.95

DIAMOND D505 (500IcHz - 1500MHz)Mobile version of D707. £94.95 + £4.75 P&P

2 I

DIAMOND D707 (500kHz-1500MHz)A base ant. with 20dB pre -amp 3.5ft longfibreglass. Requires 12V DC supply.£123.95 + £4.75 P&P

HARI SHORT WAVE RECEIVINGANTENNA* Professional construction* 1-30MHz frequency coverage* Worldwide reception* Fitted balun for optimum performance* Suitable for all types of receiver* Only 14 metres long

£59.95 + £4.75 P&P

UNIDEN/BEARCATSCANNERSB EARCAT 2500XLTA new handheld,features:-* 25-1 . 3GHz * 400

memories * VFO control* Auto freq. sorting * Auto store* Incl. chargerPrice £299 save £66

B EARCAT 890XLTA new base, features:-* 29-956MHz* 200 memories* VFO control* Auto freq. control* Auto store*lncludes mains 12 suppPrice £299

STARTEK FREQUENCY COUNTERS

A range or advanced portable countersfrom the USA. All come complete withtelescopic antenna andUK power supply.

Model 13501 - 1300MHz

c/w telescopic antenna

Priceed power supply

£1 19

ATH-15 (1-1500MHz) £199ATH-30 (1-2800MHz) £269ATH-50 (5Hz-2800MHz) £289

lel =moms

VIDEOSThree times Emmy Award winningproducer, Richard Moseson NW2L, haspulled cut all the stops to create a seriesof interesting, informative and entertainingVHS videos on Amateur Radio backed byCQ Magazine USA.* Getting Started in Ham Radio* Getting Started in Pocket Radio* Getting Started in Amateur Satellites* Getting Started in DX'ingAll videos £19.95 each, plus £2.75p&p. Running time approx. 50 mins.

BOOKS...VHF/UHF Scanner Frequency GuideNkui 160 Pay ccuas 26A/Hz b 1 2G-4 .. £9.95Shortwave Con Freq List 0-30MHz £9.99Marine Freq Guide Near the coast2 c4.05VHF/UHF Airband Guide £6.95Scanners 2 ov Peter Rouse £10.95Short wave Communications. £8.95Figlw RaLaivias Guide Beak 1993..saian) £5.9.5

NEW THIRD EDITIONUK SCANNING

DIRECTORYNow with spiral binder and even more

frequencies! This book is the last word for scanner

Price: £16.95 plus £2.75 p&penthusiasts - order yours now.

RECEIVERSICOMIC -R72 (100kHz-30MHz) £769.00IC -R7100 (25-2000MHz) ...£ 1255.00IC -R100 (500kHz-1.8GHz £565. 00IC -R1 H/held scanner £395.00Icom R71E Short Wave Receiver ....£895

KENVVOODR-5000 1100kHz-30MHz) £899.00

YAESUFRG -100 £499.00

LOWEHF-225 Europa fully lifted £699.00HF-225 (30kHz- 30MHz) £479.00HF-150 £389.00PR150 Pre Selector £199.95

ROBERTSRC817 Multi band radio £169.99RC8I8 Multi band w/cass £199.99

SONYSW77 £399SW55 £269SW33 £139SW1E £179AN1 £58AN3 £58

AORAR3030 New RX £699

STEEPLETONE MBR8Top of the range multi -bonaradio. Covers - LW, MW,Airband, Marine,Shortwave. AMDirection FinderAntenna,Mains/BatteryOperation,signal/Battery MeterPrice £89.95

STEEPLETONE MBR7Multi -band Radio. Thisradio will appeal toboth Aircraft Enthusiastsand the MarineMonitors.The multi -band 'jumbo' radio hasalmost everything youneed to monitor these bonds, LW, MW, &SW plus the Marine and Aircraft Bands...Good Starter! £76.40

SANGEAN ATS803AFull coverage shortwave receiver withAM/FM and SSB reception, with manyfeatures and good sensitivity filterin Thishas become one ofour most popular lowcost radios.SPECIAL OFFER THISMONTH:Free post and packing £129.95

TRADING POSTScanning receniers

AOR AR1000 hand-held, 1000 Minds £185AOR AR2100 base unit 1199AOR AR3000 all mode desk top £595Beaker 175XL desk top scanner £175Asarco 200XLT handkid, c/w 900MHz £165Foirynate HP100 scanner £175Fair -mote HP2000 ay. cad £215FDK 1M568 2m. Oral mower £65Goodman ATS 802 pocket S/W Rt.__ £40loom IC RI hand held, boxed £295Kenwood RI1 mobile scanner £315Sony IC -PRO 80 boxed £195Sony 7600 boxed, vgc £105Win 108 airbond RX ......................... ... £99Yoesu FRG9600 scannirq RX 6365Yupiteru MVI-7000 hltdd, boxed £239Yupitero MV148000 boxed £275

Shortwave receiversDrake R8E "as new exclemo £895Kayoed 82000 RX+VHF cony £525Lowe HF225 c/w keypad RX £395Saw SW55 portable RX £219Tit 9600 digital RX £235Trio R1000 general coverage receiver £295Yoesu FR67IX, c/w digital display £225Yoesu FR11700 + f R./J700 £425Yoesu FRG8800 + ATU + let. Menne £599Yoesu FR69600 choke of 2 £375

Hf Transceivers

Drake TR7 + PS7 PSU/MS7 Spkr £1025Isom IC725 + AT150 + P555 £1095kom 1(730 mobile HF IX 1495kom 1(737 ex -demo, as new .£13251ST 135 HE TX/RX 150W PEP 1775Kenwood TS1ZOS + Vf0120 £495Kenviced 15520/S IFF 12 E350

Rewind TS930S ilk, Marra (AN) £995Walk 5D HF, ideal 1st buy £350Tar Iff115 15m monobander £185Vaasa FT One HF base 1X £995Yoesu FT77 + FP757 PSU 1545Vasa FT1012D ratable HF £495'ANN FT102 roc £795V= F1707 + K700 AT11 £495tear FT74760 general oseege TX/IX £595tom FT980 « SP980 £1095

Hand-helds

Mince 01580 dual band hand-held £385CTE sender 145 2m handheld and *ad £139keen IGV-21E dual band £319.95Kapp KT22 2m handheld, bqc £115Kenpro KT 44 70ans hard -held £145Kenwood TH26 2m handheld, boxed, pc 5155Yoesu FT26 £210

Mobile Trongeivers

Icom 1(2131 2m mobie TX/RX £155Kenwood TM741 Triband 12/701 5595tom 11290 Mkl 2m m/mode £275toes FT726 m/band base (2n0 £795

SDI* kcessories/Miaopbanes/Arnps/SpeakersDatong F1.3 ado filter £85

Mane Tutor £55ERA B 34 liter.......................................................£39.95Icom PS15 power supply £175loom SP3 speaker £45Kenwood SP1 speaker £45Kenwood SP430 speaker £45%rowan modules 144/1005 £90Microwave modules L144/100 £90Nevado P.11000 high power KU £75Oscar 7/8 Wave 2m Antenna + meg £20Sony AN2 knee antenna kit £40Tokyo ATO 200W with meter £95Tokyo HL1K/6 6m high power amp £695Tokyo HX240 HF tronsverror................... £235TM auto notch Ages S39.95Toe 550 data term + monitor ............. £245Veatonics VC300 ATU + power my £85

The above is only a representative list of the type of secondhand

product we stock. Actual items change daily - please call foe the

latest stock %non. We offer generous partexchange - call La

now fora quotation.

PAY BY THREE POST-DATED CHEQUESSimply divide the price into 3 equal payments. Write 3 chequesdated in consecutive months starting with today's date. Writeyour telephone number and cheque card number on the backof each cheque. Post them to us, enclosing your name andaddress and we will (subject to status), send your goodsimmediately. The hardest part is deciding what to buy!

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SONY ICF-2001DFULL KIT INCLUDING: AN14275AWARD WINNERS

071-637-0353/0590AN AWARD WINNING MASTERPIECE

ICF-2001 D Kit £275 ONLYFinest all-round pro -receiver in the business.

FW/LW/MW/AIR mulit-band reception 32

station preset memory Synchronous detectorcircuit PLL quartz -locked synthesiser circuit

digital/analogue tuning 2 -way scan tuning

(memory, broadcast, define) 2 -position tone

control Direct metre band access 4 -eventprogrammable time AM attenuatar SSB

reception External antenna far AM, FM and AIR

band 288x159x52mm (w/h/d) 1.7kg. 2001DSYSTEM-ICF-2001D with active antenna AN -1 in

one complete package.

NEW ICF-SW77Similar specification to2001D but with jog -shuttle dial tuning for

accuracy £349

Kenwood TH78E

Fairmate HP2000

Nevada MSI000Alan CT14S

Yaesu FT26

Yaesu FT76

Yaesu FT 23R

Yaesu FT411

Yaesu F1811

Yaesu F1911

Yaesu FT219

Yaesu FT2400RH

£449£269£269£169£239£249£229£249£269£359£319£349

The UK Scanning Directory3rd Edition £16.95

Monitoring the WorldThe International Guide to listeningabove 30MHz £24.95

ICF-SW7600 £154.95

-6

HIGH PERFORMANCE PORTABLE RECEIVERWITH PLL SYNTHESIZER CIRCUITRY AND

CONTINUOUS AM FREQUENCY COVERAGE

LW/MW/FM/SW/SSB reception PLL synthesized circuitry

FM stereo Continuous AM frequency coverage 4 way

tuning: 10 memory presets, auto scan, manual tuning, 10 key

direct tuning *Sleep function Digital clock Programmable

timer 2 step tone control Antenna input socket Headphone socket Key protection LCD display Dual

conversion system Supplied with compact antenna, stereo

earphones and AC power adaptor Power: 4 xAA size battery.

ICF-AIR7 £249KF-PRO 80 £309CR-V21 world bond rererrer -

hu wad RITY weather re( £2699

PRO worldband rec inclweather fax £2699.00PRO dish antenna £1599.00

SONYICF-SW7600 £154.95ICF-SW1E £154.95

ULTRA -COMPACT SHORTWAVE RADIO WITH PLL

SYNTHESIZER CIRCUITRY

FM/I.W/MW/SW reception Pit synthesized circuitry FM stereo

Continuous AM frequency coverage 4 way tuning: 10 memory presets,

auto star, manual tuning, 10 key direct tuning Programmable timer

Sleep function Digital clock and alarm LCD display with light function

Dual conversion system 2 step tone control Key protection Record out

socket Supplied with stereo earphones, shortwave guide and compact

aerial Power: 2xAA size battery.

ICF-SW30 £89.95

ICF-SW33 £129.95AN -1 ANTENNA £54.95ICF-76011 £89.95

SONY ICF-SW55 "SUPERADIO" World time zones SSB Full digital p/sets Multiband £249 only

SCANNERS AND TRANSCEIVERSYUPITERU AIR -POWER AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

VT -125 II £169.95MVT-7000 £329.95VT -225 £239.95MVT-7100 £399.95

PANASONICR F -B10 World band receiver - pocket size £69.95RF-B65 S/pro muhi band digital radio -memories preset £189.95RF-B45 Digital m/band radio £129.95

071-637 0353/0590

ICOMSCANNERS/TRANCEIVERS

IC -R1 15.1300 MHz

100 memories ...Only £380.00

ICP-2ET £310.00KR -7100 £1199KW -2E £429.95

FULL RANGE STOCKED

CP-2E 144MHz £275(-21E £275(-25 £500CP-2E £279CP-2GE £319C -229E £369CW21E Dual Band £429CW-21ET £459CW-3230H £675

GRUNDIGSATELLIT 700 £349.00YACHT BOY 222 £52.95YACHT BOY 230 £65.95CONCERT BOY 230 £35.95

YUPITERUVT -150142-170MHz

FM marine monitor £169.95

MVT-8000 £349.95

ALINCOD1.180E 1189.95

£214.95

DJ41E £269.00

DJ-F4E £265.00

D.1 -580E Did Lai £434.95

DR -599E Did Lod 2dVIDan - 50 melt £679.00

DR -112E hn Hi +synching...env £300.00

DJ X 11 utfricuisdnip £299.95

AORAOR1500EX £319.00AOR2800 £409.00AOR2000 £279.95AOR3000A £859.95

YUPITERU

MVT 7100

"BEST SELLER"

£399.95ONLY

New full range antennas,base stations, CB mobiles, etc

ROBERTSR717R701

RP -28

R737RP -15

R101

R621

R817R(818

£79.95£79.95£89.95

£119.95£21.95£44.95£54.95

£139.95£179.95

R808R727 5 bands -DA/MW/SW/LW/SW1-4

R747 3 bands

RF-M3 Tiny

RP -26 FM/MW/LW

£99.95.£79.95£92.95£59.95£81.95

RC -35 Mono cassette radio £56.95

PHILIPSD2345 Portable Radio LW/NW/FM/2 x SW Fine

Tuning Controls Mains/battery supply £24.95

D1875 Compact 12 -bond Portable Radio

LW/MW/FM/9 shortwave Large tuning control

Tuning LED indicator Telescopic and ferroceptor

aerial DC supply connection Earphone

connection Wrist strap

Attractive pouch £49.95

All products are subject toa post & packing charge

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ASK ELECTRONICS AT 248-250 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD,LONDON W1P 9AD

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Short Wave Magazine, February1994

EGI757:_vris7

functions and displaysymbols in step by stepstages. The terms used onthe keypad buttons are alsoexplained with a briefdescription of when and howthey are used. Each functiondescription is alsoaccompanied by anillustrated example.

I think the user-friendlyapproach of the manual isvery good especially forsomeone who is fairly newto using receivers or forthose of us who get lost inthe jungle of jargon that isoften used in manufacturers'manuals.

Ease Of Operation

I found the MVT-3100 veryeasy to operate and soon feltcomfortable using thevarious functions. I liked theway the receiver felt in myhand and the fact the it wasrelatively light to hold.

The buttons gave a verypositive sounding click whenpressed, so there is noquestion of whether you'vepressed them hard enoughor not.

Charging the batteries isalso straight forward as allthat is needed is the 12Vcharger which plugs directlyinto the receiver without theneed to remove the batteriesfirst.

The only real criticism Ihave of this compact receiveris of the lamp function. Iwould like to have been ableto have the lamp on for adesired length of time uponthe operation of a switch.Instead I had to keep myfinger on the lamp button. Isuppose this could be abattery saving design but as Ifound the I.c.d. to besomewhat on the dark sideand therefore difficult to seeeven in daylight a switch toallow the lamp to be on oroff as required would havebeen nice.

Summing Up

My overall impressions ofthe Yupiteru MVT-3100 were

good. I enjoyed using it, gotgood results and found itlived up to the claim madeon the box about it beinguser friendly. I managed topick up quite a few amateursoperating mobile, as well assome interesting signalswhen using the marine bandon a visit to Poole Quay.

I feel it would be aparticularly good receiver tostart out with as it isuncomplicated, good lookingand at £199 relativelyinexpensive. However, themore experienced scannerenthusiast may find that itdoesn't offer enough in theway of memories andreceiving modes and maynot like the fact thefrequency steps cannot beadjusted.

Yupiteru have manyscanners in their ranges andwhile this is probably one ofthe more basic ones, its lowcost and high standard ofoperation make it a verytempting option. I know Iwould like to own one.

My thanks go to NevadaCommunications, 189London Road, PortsmouthP02 9AE. Tel: (0705) 662145for the loan of the YupiteruMVT-3100, which they cansupply for £199.

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MIN 111111 OMPASS iTaPENTER FUNC7iJ.

MULTI RAN. RECEIVER

Specifications

Frequency Range:

Tuning Steps:Modes:Memories:

Scan/Search Speed:Antenna:Audio Output:Power Supply:

Current Consumption:

Operating Temperature Range:Dimensions:Weight:

143.0 - 162.025MHz347.7125 - 452.0MHz830.0 - 960.0MHz10/12kHzn.f.m.

100 arranged in 10 banks of 10Priority 1

Search pass 10030 channels/40 steps per second5052 BNC100mW into 852 THD 10%NiCad battery (4.8V)External power 12V d.c.140mA max. audio65mA standby.0-50°C59 (w) x 147 (h) x 38mm (d)280g (excluding antenna)


UK Coast Radio Stationsin the 1990sThe Maritime Radioservice around ourcoast has to changewith the times.David Baileydescribes recentchanges to see theservice through thenext few years.

Only a few years ago, if youwalked into a coast radiostation, you would have foundjust about what your mind'seye would probably haveforeseen; operating consoles,each with a couple ofprofessional communicationreceivers and a mass of knobsand switches to controltransmitters, antennas andlanding circuits. It would nonoisy, phones would beringing, people would betalking, telex machines buzzingand a babble of voices andMorse signals would betumbling out of loud speakersfrom receivers guarding 2182and 500kHz, the internationaldistress and callingfrequencies. And, of course, nomatter what day you arrived,and not matter what time,someone would always bethere, a fact not lost upon thelocal police station, whoseofficers knew where they couldalways find a welcomingcuppa in the dead of a coldand miserable night.

Like the castles of therobber -barons dotted along thebanks of the Rhine, controllingtheir stretch of river, the coaststations were independentcommunication centres spreadout around the UK coast;liaison by telephone and telexof course, but essentiallyindividual units, staffed by apretty individualistic bunch ofpeople, looking after anddealing with those afloat ontheir patch of sea.

CelticRadio

LAND'SENDRADIO(GLD)

/

/

/

Gr imsbyRadio

ee

@ Coast Radio Station /./ 1

V VHF Slave Station Portishead Radio ////

Links to VHF Slave Stations,!,'Network Audio Links / //Network Data Links / / /

combeadio

, 1,/ , !/ ......, .-...., \

/ \--:- '

es.-

HUMBERRADIO (GKZ)

/ ThamesRadio

Weymouth 4014/0,0"---4116ay -Radio -

NITONRADIO (GNI)

---- -- Start Pointv PendennisRadio Radio

v BactonRadio

HastingsRadio

OrfordnessRadio

North -ForelandRadio

Integration

But, things are different now.Four of these coast stationshave disappeared; Oban on thewest coast of Scotland was thefirst. followed by Anglesey andIlfracombe and, most recently,by North Foreland Radio. Atleast the names of the lastthree live on, as v.h.f. slavesites to the remaining stations;Anglesey under the control ofPortpatrick; Ilfracombe andNorth Foreland controlled byNiton.

All the remaining coaststations offer their servicesaround the clock, butnowadays you might walk intoone and find it deserted, withnot a voice or a Morse signal tobe heard. You might just hear aprinter operating, and if youwent over to read the emergingtext, you could be surprised tofind details of radio traffic thatwas handled by the station thatvery minute. Indeed, thestation's own transmitterswould have been in operation,and its own telephone lineswould have been used toconnect the ship's call to thesubscriber ashore, but the

coast station radio officer whodealt with the traffic wouldhave been hundred of milesaway, sitting at his console atanother radio station, and avery different kind of console itwould be, gone are the generalcoverage receivers directly infront of the operator, and goneare the transmitter controlpanels. Console now means amodern office desk, uponwhich sits a v.d.u. andkeyboard, and an almost -silentink -jet printer. There's alightweight head set and justone old familiar item, a Morsekey. And that's it. The systemthat makes all of this possibleis called DistributedOperations Control (DOC) and ,of course, at the heart of it allthe inevitable computer,referred to in the DOC as theProcessor.

Each station has twoidentical processors, one 'on-line' and the other on standby.If a processor failure isdetected, the standbyprocessor will automaticallycome on-line and the faultyunit will be shut down. Butnow, onto the organisation ofthe DOC system.

North -South Split

Two independent DOCnetworks exist, one in thenorth of the country, and onein the south. The northern ringconsists of Cullercoats Radio,Stonehaven Radio, Wick Radioand Portpatrick Radio.

The southern ring membersare Humber Radio, Niton Radioand Land's End Radio. Of theseseven remaining stations, two,Stonehaven and Humber, nolonger have W/T facilities, butof course, the staff at thesetwo stations can take fullcontrol of the W/T equipmentat the other stations in theirregion.

Although all are essentiallythe same, the coast stationsfall into one of two categories,Commercial Coast Stations(CCS), or Distress Watch andBroadcast Stations (DWBS).Each region has one DWBS;Stonehaven in the north andLand's End in the south.

As the name implies, aDWBS is responsible forkeeping the distress watch inits region on 2182kHz and500kHz (channel 16 v.h.f. isnow the responsibility of the


ffcga0EoPg

Coastguard service) though itsown receivers, and alsothrough those at the otherstations. All broadcasts in aregion are done by the DWBS.For example, gale warningsconcerning the waters offHumber or Niton Radios wouldbe effected by the staff atLand's End controlling thetransmitters at the localstations. The broadcast controlstation, incidentally, isindependent of the DOCsystem, so if the DOC systemcircuits were to fail (notunknown), broadcast actionwould continue. Of course, thebroadcast system could fail too(also not unknown), in thiseventuality the responsibilityfor broadcast action would beassumed by the stationsconcerned, and the messagesto be broadcast would be sentby telex from the DWBS to thebroadcast station. A DWBS isstaffed throughout the 24hours.

A CCS is not continuouslystaffed, although during theday, on weekdays, at least oneradio officer will usually be onthe station. A CommercialCoast Station is normally justthat, handling paid -for trafficbetween ships and individualsor organisations ashore. Thebulk of the traffic will beradiotelephone calls, but thestations still equipped for W/Tremain quite active withtelegram traffic. Radiotelextraffic is also passed via coastradio stations, but this isthrough a fully automaticsystem controlled fromPortishead Radio, actuallysituated at Highbridge,Burnham -on -Sea. A DWBS, ofcourse, fully participates incommercial traffic handling viathe DOC system.

If a distress incident occursin a CCS's area, the CCS willnormally take no part in theproceedings, the DWBS willhandle the entire situation.However, under exceptionalcircumstances, a CCS mighthave to handle a distress, andit is fully equipped to do so, alleditions have fully capabilities

Matrixswitch

\MTTX Audio

Audiosignals Phones mic morse key

Radio officer's desk(up to 5 per station)

v.d.u. keyboard printer

To systemaudio network

VV/TRX 172

0

On-line

R/TTX

Control processor

signals With memory &hard -disk storageRP-

Control and data

RXco

0 0

0 00v.h.f.

TX/RXCoast station

network interface

Interface topublic telephone

network

coast Linestelephone

toSlave v.h.f.

TX/RX

Slavestation

interfacePacket -switchedflanking

data tostation

exchange

on a 'stand alone' basis.But, back to a CCS's usual

activities. A Ship with, say,v.h.f. traffic will call on one ofthe CCS's v.h.f. workingchannels, after first listeningfor a moment to ascertain thatthe channel is clear. The voiceof the ship's operator will notbe heard, but the coast stationreceiver will detect the signal,and the presence of the signalwill cause the DOC processorto switch on the associatedtransmitter, which will radiatea series of pips to indicate tothe ship that its call has beenregistered. At the same time,the processor will look for afree coast station operator. Ifthere is an operator free at thestation, through which the callis being made, the traffic willalways be offered there, if not,it will be offered via thenetwork to a free operatingposition at another station.When a free operatingposition is found, theprocessor signals to the radioofficer there, that traffic isavailable, the word 'traffic'appears on the v.d.u., andthere is a short audio 'beep'. Atthis point there is no indicationof what the traffic is, northrough which station the shipis calling.

The radio officer will key hisacceptance of the traffic, andwhen this is done, some basicdetails will appear on the v.d.u.

The coast station being calledby the ship is identified on thescreen by its callsign. Themain stations have their ownlong established callsigns,GLD, GNI etc., and the v.h.fslaves have '2' prefix callsigns,e.g., 2CE is Celtic Radio. Thefrequency on which the ship iscalling is shown, on v.h.f., thiswill be given as theinternational channel number.The radio officer's headphonesare now connected to thereceiver and his microphone.to the transmitter. He will askthe ship to identify itself, andenter its name and callsign onthe screen via the keyboard.

Computer

The ship's name and callsignare passed instantly by thestation processor to acomputer at Portishead Radio,and checked against databaserecords. If any to -ship traffic ison hand for the ship, thePortishead computer signalsthis fact back to the coaststation, and information aboutthe traffic appears on theoperating position v.d.u. Thisall takes about a couple ofseconds.

Various screen displays arenow available to the radiooffice, and he chooses the onerelevant to the traffic to behandled, to -ship, from -ship,telephone call or telegram.

Assuming that the ship wishesto make a telephone call, thecorresponding screen isselected, and the phonenumber required is typed in. Asingle key stroke will thencause the processor to selectan exchange line, and thenumber is automatically called.When the subscriber answers,another touch of the keyboardconnects the radio circuits tothe line, and the call cancommence. When the radioofficer is satisfied that all iswell, he then passes the call to'system control', his headset isdisconnected form the audiocircuits, and the v.d.u. screenclears. He has nothing more todo with the call, and is free toaccept new traffic.

The telephone call is nowmonitored solely by the on-lineprocessor. When the processordetects that the call is ended(by sensing the condition ofthe exchange line), it onceagain searches for a freeoperation position, in exactlythe same way as at thebeginning of the call, and so itfollows that the radio officewho deals with the conclusionof the call need not be the onewho started it, and it is quitelikely to be at another coaststation. The radio officerresponds to the 'traffic'promptly, and all the detailsentered at the start of the callwill be displayed, plus the


Marine Radio FrequenciesCoast Station Channel Service Ship Ship

Transmit Receive(kHz) (kHz)

Norwick (GNK) A Radiotelephone 2006 2751B Radiotelephone 2277 2840.6C Radiotelephone 2013 2604D Radiotelephone 2084 1659

Autolink RT 3338 3528Broadcast 1770

GNK1 Radiotelex 2577.0 2832.7GNK2 Radiotelex 2574.0 3542.7

Wick (GKR) Radiotelephone 2524 2705F Radiotelephone 2060 1797G Radiotelephone 2099 1755H Radiotelephone 2108 2625

Autolink RT 3335 3775Broadcast 1764

GKR1 Radiotelex 2147.5 1612.5GKR2 Radiotelex 2149.5 1923.7

Morse Working 467.5 517Morse Broadcast 510.5

Stonehaven (GND) Radiotelephone 2555 1856J Radiotelephone 2075 1650K Radiotelephone 2566 1946L Radiotelephone 1999 2607M Radiotelephone 3249 3617

Radiotelephone 2016 2698Autolink RT 2066 1722

3 Autolink RT 3252 3666Broadcast 2691

GND1 Radiotelex 2576.0 3615.7GND2 Radiotelex 2515.0 2780.7

Cullercoats (GCC) Radiotelephone 2527 17310 Autolink RT 1953 2828P Radiotelephone 2123 3750

Broadcast 2719GCC1 Radiotelex 2150.0 1615.0

Morse Working 466 515.5Morse Broadcast 510.5

Navtex 518Marine -Page 441

Humber (GKZ) a Radiotelephone 2105 1925Radiotelephone 2002 2684

S Radiotelephone 2562 2810Broadcast 1869

GKZ1 Radiotelex 2496.3 3607.3

North Foreland Radiotelephone 2132 1707Broadcast 1707

Niton (GNI) U Radiotelephone 2009 2628Broadcast 1641

GNI1 Radiotelex 2000.2 3517.0Morse Working 487 447

Morse Broadcast 447Navtex 518

Marine -Page 441

Land's End (GLD) W Radiotelephone 2111 2782Autolink RT 2120 3610Broadcast 2670

GLD1 Radiotelex 2146.5 2696.7Morse Working 488 448

Morse Broadcast 448

Portpatrick (GPK) Radiotelephone 2135 1710Broadcast 1883

Morse Working 482 442Morse Broadcast 510.5

Navtex 518

Hebrides (GHD) Z Radiotelephone 2534 1866Broadcast 1866

GHD2 Radiotelex 2147.0 3607.8

Alternative Morse Morse Working 454Ship Transmit Morse Working 458Channels (GKR, GCC, Morse Working 468GNI, GLD and GPK) Morse Working 480

duration of the call. He thenspeaks to the ship, andadvises the call duration. If thequality of the call was affectedby interference, or if there wasany other reason to warrant it,the chargeable duration of thecall can be adjusteddownwards. A function key onthe keyboard is then used tobill the call, this causes all thescreen details to betransferred to hard disk andprinter (at the station throughwhich the ship is calling).Once a week or so, coaststation staff copy all the billingdata from the hard disk tofloppy, and the floppy disk isthen sent to a processingcentre for the preparation ofbills. Further traffic with theship can now be handled, or, ifthere is nothing else on hand,goodbyes can be said and thecircuit cleared down.

Medium Frequency

That was an outline on how atypical v.h.f. radiotelephonecall is handled, MediumFrequency R/T and W/T callare dealt with along the samelines, but there are differencesof course. For m.f. R/T, whichincidentally is always on s.s.b.using upper sideband, coaststations have receivingfrequencies paired with thetransmitting frequencies, andthese are given an m.f.channel identification letter.Channel 'R', for instance is theTX/RX pair 2684/2002kHz atHumber Radio.

The receive paths on thesem.f. working channels arefitted with speech detectorsthat are supposed todifferentiate between humanspeech and the squeaks andpops and other strange noisesthat appear on m.f. The idea ofthe speech detectors is tomake possible direct calling onworking frequencies. If a shipdoes call direct, exactly thesame things will happen asthough the call was on v.h.f.,except that instead of the v.h.f.channel number appearing onthe radio officer's v.d.u., them.f. pair will be displayed.

However, the speechdetectors are in fact

susceptible to false alarms,especially at night, and theymay have to be disabled bythe coast stations staff onduty. The ship will then haveto call on 2182kHz, or it mayprefer to do so anyway,especially if it is a foreignvessel and not familiar withUK coast stations. As alreadymentioned, the DWBSmaintains a 24 hour watch on2182 and 500kHz, boththrough its own receivers andthose at CCS sites. If the watchkeeping radio officer at aDWBS hears a ship calling aCCS on 2182kHz, he will usethe CCS's 2182kHz transmitterto answer, and advise the shipof the working frequencies tobe used. Through a facilityknown as the Search PointScreen, he is able to feed theship's details and thefrequencies to the CCSprocessor, which will thenrespond as if it had justdetected a direct call on them.f. working channel, andprogress as previouslydescribed. The Search PointScreen is available from alloperating positions, and whenstaff are on duty at a CCS,2182 and 500kHz aremonitored, so that a CCScould also deal with shipscalling on those frequencies ofthe DWBS was unable torespond immediately.

The same procedure isfollowed if a ship is heardcalling in Morse on 500kHz(and there are no direct callingarrangements for W/T workingfrequencies). The radio officerat an operating pointresponding to the trafficprompt, would see from thefrequencies displayed that theship was on W/T, if the shiphad a telegram to send, therelevant screen would bebrought up, and the messageentered onto the screen viathe keyboard. The stationprocessor would count thewords in the completedtelegram, and pass it directlyto the Message HandlingSystem at Portishead Radiofor automatic forwarding to itsdestination. If there was atelegram on hand for the ship,it would be fetched from the


Message Handling System tobe displayed on the screenand the radio officer wouldtransmit it using his Morsekey.

When an m.f. ship is beingworked, full control of thetransmitter and receiver isavailable from the keyboard,function keys are provided forsuch things as power levels,gain and bandwidth control,tuning and frequencychanging.

That then, is a basicdescription of how this verycomplex system operates. Ithas its 'teething troubles' ofcourse, and in the very earlydays some of these verged onthe catastrophic. However, thesystem is now very reliable,and of course continues to berefined. Needless to say, thereare some very comprehensiveand sophisticated monitoringand control facilities availableto the staff from theiroperating positions, that it isnot possible to describe in thisoutline of the DOC system.

If the trend of the lastdecade continues, trafficthrough coast stations willfurther decline and, at a guess,

the northern and southernregions could combine into asingle UK network. Whateverthe outcome, a few of thefamous names (and callsigns)of maritime radio history willat least be heard for a fewmore years to come.

Network Map

The map shows how thestations are linked by landlinefor the various purposeswithin the DOC system, theselandlines are the private wirecircuits as leased by the BTregions to various users. Thelines used for the broadcastand distress watch networkare not shown, this network isindependent of DOC, althoughDOC is interfaced to it,because they share the radiohardware.

The arrangements for thenorth are similar, an anomalybeing that Portishead Radio isused as the switching site forthe audio signals between thestations of the southernregion, Portishead is the UK'smaritime h.f. station, and doesnot participate in the m.f. andv.h.f. coast station service. The

switching site was formerlyLand's End Radio, but the lackof alternative trunk line routesinto the West Country meantthat line failures (farmers withJCBs!) could not easily becircumvented. When NorthForeland Radio ceased to be amanned m.f. station, theprocessors from these wereinstalled at Portishead toenable it to become theregion's audio switch. Thereare no DOC operatingpositions at Portishead. Theswitching site for the northernregion is Stonehaven Radio.The north has a link toPortishead Radio, becausePortishead is used by bothregions for traffic storage andforwarding, as well as holdingdatabase information.

The data links in thesystem are arranged as a loop,and the data between stationsis sent both clockwise andanti -clockwise, if one leg of theloop becomes interrupted, thesystem can still function.

The link between the v.h.f.slaves and their parentstations were in place beforeDOC was implemented, andremain unchanged.

Coast Station BlockDiagram

All data to and from theprocessor is in serial form. Thematrix switch is a complexelectronic device controlleddirectly by the processor, andall audio paths within thestation, as well as thoseentering and leaving the site,are routed through it. Amalfunction of this gadget cangive rise to truly wonderfuleffects.

There are many moretransmitters and receiversthan shown on the diagram, ofcourse. The m.f. W/T and R/Treceivers are multi -channelspot frequency types. Inaddition each station has afully tuneable Eddystone 1650receiver whose audio outputfeeds into the system via thematrix switch, but is manuallycontrolled. Keying of the W/Ttransmitters is effected by itfollowing an audio interruptedby the Morse key.

Listen With Grandad by Leon Balen and David Leverett

11,1 CWT0410771.71

Sorry m' boy - haven'tquite got the hang ofthese new fangledremote controlthingummyjigs!

Ito7J

zrn

12


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2m 30W Mobile for £59!P335This amplifier converts your 2m FMhandheld into a 30W output mobile orbase system.

* RF sensing* 1.6W Input* Ideal for FM* 12dB power gain* SO-239/BNC plug* 12-14V DC* 74 x 50 x 24mm

This is a well made unit which wehave purchased at a silly price. Wehave limited stocks at this price andyou have a full 12 months UKwarranty. Ask us nicely and we'llsend it post free!

MFJ-1786 Hi -Q Loop

* 6 Bands 10MHz-30MHz * 36" Diameter* Remove control * 150 Watts* Fits in loft easily £299.95

It works because we've been testing it ourselves! It fits easilythrough the average loft trap door. It's also weatherproof for outsideand comes with mounting hardware for mast plus control box and ACadaptor. Simply plug adaptor into 240V socket, connect it to controlbox and run a coax cable between control box and loop. No otherconnection is necessary. The control box gives you slow and fast tuningplus built in VSWR and Power meter. A complete aerial system in one

package.Gives good low angle radiation for DX and some high angle for

local work. Mount it vertically for DX and horizontal for local work.Performance is very similar to a dipole erected at a similar height.However, unlike a dipole, instill works well at low heights of only a fewfeet. Ideal for portable work. For the full information send today for thespecification sheet.

ALINCO's - - - - New Duo For 1994

The Spectrum Display

DJ-G1E* 2m Tx/Rx* 70cms Rx* Rx 108-174MHz* Rx 400-510MHz* Rx 800-950MHz* AM/FM select* DTMF* CTCSS Encode* 5W on 12V* 80 Memories

£349The most exciting rig to hit the market with the unique

spectrum display. See the activity on adjacent channels, onadjacent memories, or check 2m and 70cms repeaters at the sametime! You get channel activity and signal strength. You also getnearly 400MHz of receiver coverage! Now look at the features:

AM/FM - switchable over the whole receiver range;Channel steps - programmable and self correcting; Memory Erase- clears individual channels: Programmable Scan - you set theupper and lower limits: Memory Skip - select memories to beignored; Channel Scope - gives you a spectrum display of 7memories or channels: CTCSS Encoder - gives you selectiverepeater access; Reverse Repeater - lets you listen on the input;Crossband Transmit - gives you transmit on 2m and listen on70cms; Illuminated dial - either 5 seconds or continuous; AutoPower Off - no more flat batteries; Low Battery Indicator - nowyou know when to charge it; Battery Save - for extendedoperation: Full DTMF - for selective calling: Beep Tone Off - forpeace and quiet!

An exciting new 2m rig, plus..A budget class 70cm handheld fromthe market leaders!

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A wolf in sheeps clothing might be apt. For its budgetprice hides a high performance rig from the market leaders ofhand-helds. Amazingly low cost for a rugged and well tested radiothat has dominated the Japanese market for some time. And nowonder when you look at the value you get. Slip it into yourpocket or brief case and you can keep in touch through the manyUK repeaters. If you hold a Novice licence, you will find this fitsthe bill perfectly. You get ALINCO reliability, tough constructionand one of the hottest receivers you have ever heard. You'll workto the limits with this one! And if you fancy a go at mobileoperation on the cheap, simply purchase the low cost 12 voltadaptor and you're ready to go. Make no mistake, this 70cms rig isthe business. The latest ALINCO test and extended "burn -in"production line ensures that your rig will be trouble free for manyyears to come. But for further reassurance you also get our written12 month warranty. So order your "no -risk" no -compromise radiotoday.

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Just arrived from the USA. Its the cheapest HF rig withthe famous Ten -Tee Pedigree. Just pay for the bands you want.Estra band modules £39.95. Measuring 2.5" x 7.25" x 9.75' It Isideal for mobile, base or portable. Only available direct from es.Plus a full 12 month UK backed warranty.

HF Rig Discounts!on most models.

Kenwood Icom YaesuWe can give you a good deal. One that is fair to you,

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We've cut the price to thebone on these rigs. You get greatvalue, guaranteed reliability andsuperb performance. Fullyfeatured, these rigs are wellrecommended for the beginner orexperienced user. You get twodry packs, one taking 4 AA cells,the other 6 x AA cells. The 70cmsmodel is ideal for the NOVICEoperator. By direct selling thesewe have been able to offer youthe very best value. Includesaerial and belt clip. Ni-cads andchargers extra.

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EAR TALKER £29.95Factory Direct PriceCombined ear -pieceand microphoneComes with PTT controlbox and clip. Models formost modern hand-helds.Quote model when ordering.

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10' Vertical17001cdoc

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Model 1 80-10 inc WARC 132ft £84.95Model 2 40-10m inc WARC 66ft £79.95G5RV+ 1Kw and line isolator £59.95

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Navigation AidsFinding your wayaround the high seashas never been easier.Brian Oddy G3FEXdescribes the techniquesused and the sort ofequipment that those ofus on dry land need inorder to listen to thebeacons.

Yachtsmen, fishermen and theowners of small boats whowish to make coastal andshort sea passages rely uponaids to find their position atsea. The basic aids are acompass and a chart (marinemap) covering the area. Onlythe more importantlighthouses and aids tonavigation are marked on the'small scale charts' whichmariners use to plan theirroute and plot their positionwhilst at sea. Much moredetailed 'large scale charts'are used when approachingland. They show the nature ofthe coastline, land marksvisible from the sea, the depthof water to the shore, dangerswhich must be avoided andthe position of buoys andlightvessels.

When in sight of land, amariner can ascertain theboat's position by using ahand bearing compass toobtain the bearing of twocharted landmarks, such as alighthouse and the point of aheadland. On a chart of thearea a pencil line is thendrawn towards each of thechosen landmarks in the samedirection as the bearings. Thepoint at which the two linesintersect represents theposition of the boat and iscalled a 'fix'. If the anglebetween the lines is less than30° the fix cannot be reliedupon.

Additional Aids

After dark it may well bedangerous to approach theshore and impossible to enterharbour without the help ofvisual aids, such as lightsmounted on buoys or installedon shore. The colour andnature of a light is chosen toconvey information and toavoid one light being mistakenfor another - it may be fixed,flashing or alternating incolour. In mist or fog it maynot be possible to see anylights, so reliance must then beplaced on audible warnings.Some buoys are fitted withwhistles, which are operatedby compressed air, or bellswhich are activated by passingwaves. On shore, explosivecharges may be fired at regularintervals. A number ofdifferent fog horns areemployed, the most wellknown being the diaphonetype installed at lighthouses,which emit a powerful low -tone note ending in a sharpdescending note, whichsounds like a grunt!

Radio Beacons

As an additional aid themaritime authorities haveinstalled low power long waveradio beacons at prominentcharted positions aroundcoastlines worldwide, also oncertain light vessels. The

radiation from the transmittingantenna (often a Marconi 'T') isvertically polarised and non -directional. When withinrange, it can be detected with afairly simple receiver.

Prior to 1 April 1992 theyoperated either within a group(maximum of 6) or as a singlebeacon. Their transmissionswere either sequential orcontinuous. The carrier of eachbeacon was amplitudemodulated (a.m.) with a tone,thereby producing a doublesideband (d.s.b.) signal. It waskeyed in Morse code(modulated carrier wave -m.c.w.) so that the beaconcould be identified by its twoor three letter callsign. Theduration of each beacon signalwas one minute. It consisted ofthe callsign keyed three to sixtimes (22s), a long dash (25s),the callsign keyed once ortwice (8s) and a silent period(5s).

After that date the use ofmodulated Morse code largelyceased and only the carrier ofeach beacon is radiated. Thebeacons now operateindividually and continuously.Each carrier is keyed in Morsecode (c.w.) so that it can beidentified by its callsign. Thesingle or two letter callsign issent at least twice (13s),followed by a long dash (47s).Those situated on the coasts ofEurope and the UK transmit onfrequencies between 283.5 and

315.0kHz. The use of c.w. hasenabled them to be spaced0.5kHz apart, but due to thelarge number of beaconsinvolved it has been necessaryto allocate shared frequenciesto some beacons which aregeographically well apart. Afew beacons, notably aroundIceland and along the Balticcoast still operate in groupsand employ m.c.w.

Use Of Beacons

Provided two or more beaconsare within range, their signalscan be used at sea to obtain afix. The key factor in thisprocess is the use of a receiverwhich has either a vertical loopor a horizontal ferrite rodantenna mounted on top, sothat it can be freely rotatedabove a fixed circular scale,which is calibrated 0° - 360°.The directivity pattern of theantenna resembles a figure of8. The two points of minimumresponse to incoming signalsare indicated on the antennaby a line, which acts as apointer for the calibrated scale.The set is positioned so thatthe 0° - 180° line on the scale isparallel to the boat's fore andaft line and as far away aspossible from the mast andrigging.

After tuning the receiver tothe frequency of one of thebeacons the antenna is rotatedfor maximum signal so that


cg,geoucg

the keyed callsign can beclearly heard. During the 'longdash' which follows, theantenna is slowly rotated untilit reaches a position where thesignal can no longer be heard.It is then swung slightly toeither side of this point to findthe exact point of zero receivedsignal, called the 'null'. Assoon as this is achieved theexact compass heading of theboat is noted. The 'relativebearing' of the beacon is thenread off the circular scalebeneath the antenna. Thisprocess is then repeated withthe second beacon.

(There are two such nulls180° apart. Some sets have a'sense' circuit to establish thecorrect null, otherwise it mustbe ascertained from a localchart, taking into account theestimated position of the boat).

The relative bearings of thebeacons are then added to thenoted magnetic headings ofthe boat to obtain themagnetic bearings of thebeacons, if necessarysubtracting 360°. They are thenplotted on a chart to obtain thefix. If the bearings of threebeacons are taken and thenplotted on a chart the pencillines will be unlikely to meet ata point. Usually they form atriangle, known as a 'cockedhat'. If the cocked hat is smallthe indicated position canusually be relied upon.

Radiobeacon DXing

Many 'landlubbers' enjoysearching for radiobeaconsignals. After logging the localones, the hunt for others mayprove to be quite a challenge!

Several factors need to beborne in mind when startingout on this interesting aspectof our hobby. Perhaps the firstpoint to mention is thatunfamiliarity with the Morsecode need not deter anyonefrom taking part. The callsignsare sent so slowly that it ispossible to jot down the dotsand dashes as they arereceived and then decodethem later by referring to acopy of the Morse code. Afteronly a few hours most peoplefind they are able to recognise

certain letters withoutreference to the code! (Twobooks about learning Morseare available from the SWMBook Service - see page 76.)

Choice Of Receiver

The capabilities of thereceiving equipment will playan important part in achievinggood results. Many of the olderportables which cover the longand medium wave broadcastbands will also tune to thebeacon band, but they cannotdetect c.w. signals withoutmodification. This involvesinjecting the output from anoscillator operating close to thereceiver intermediatefrequency (i.f.) into, or justahead of, the detector stage.When an incoming c.w. signal(at i.f.) mixes with the output ofthis 'beat frequency oscillator'(b.f.o.) an audible beat noteoccurs, which is reproduced bythe loudspeaker. It may bequite a simple matter to add ab.f.o. to an existing a.m.portable. A b.f.o. kit is availablefrom H. Corrigan, 7 York St, AyrKA8 8AR - see advert on page66, December '93 PracticalWireless.

Relatively expensivemodern portables often cover awide range of frequencies andcater for several transmissionmodes, including c.w. Thedigital frequency display willprove to be an especially usefulfeature. Some have a memorybank in which can be storedthe frequency of knownbeacons for subsequent recallat the touch of a button. Quitegood results can often beobtained when using this typeof set with just the built-inferrite rod antenna, but mosthave provision for connectingan external antenna, whichmay be advantageous. Somelisteners prefer to use a largeloop when DXing. Simplyplacing the set near to the loopmay give sufficient couplingand better results than a directconnection.

Some communicationsreceivers can produceoutstanding results whencoupled to a large loop or aproperly matched external

antenna. However, not all suchreceivers are sensitive in thispart of the spectrum and somedo not cover the band at all!Such problems can beovercome by using an up -converter to shift the beaconsignals to a band more suitedto the set. A crystal controlledv.l.f. converter, which shifts allsignals in the range 10-500kHzto 28.010-28.500MHz in the10m amateur band, ismanufactured by DatongElectronics - see advert onpage 67, December '93 SWM.

Because a c.w. signal has nosidebands it is possible toincrease the selectivity of thereceiver. This will enable thesignals to be separated moreeasily, but an added advantageis that a marked improvementin signal to noise ratio willoccur. An optional quartzcrystal c.w. filter (B/W 250Hz)can be fitted to the i.f. chain ofsome modern communicationreceivers, but a cheaperalternative, which can be usedwith most receivers, is to installan audio filter between theheadphone jack and theheadphones. In practice it hasbeen found that some beaconscan only be resolved by using avery narrow audio filter (B/W30Hz) and a good loop to null -out an unwanted co -channelbeacon signal.

Propagation

DXers should bear in mind thedifferences in propagationduring daylight and after darkwhen searching the band.During daylight, only thewaves which leave the beaconantenna at low angles canreach a point of reception.They are known as 'groundwaves' because they follow thenatural contours of the earth.Any radiation which leaves athigh angles will be absorbedby the lowest (D) layer of theionosphere, which is highlyionised by the radiation fromthe Sun.

Soon after sunset the Dlayer disappears to expose theE layer, which acts like a giantmirror in the sky. It may reflectthe waves back towards earth.The reflected 'sky waves' may

arrive within or well outsidethe area covered by the groundwaves. The sky waves fromdistant beacons may be loggedafter dark, but just how wellthey are reflected dependsupon the state of theionosphere, which iscontinually changing. SomeDXers use the signal from adistant beacon as a pointer toconditions.

Interference

Reception at night issometimes impaired by staticand thunderstorms, but man-made electrical interference isa more common problem. Amarked reduction in the levelof interference from nearby TVsets may be achieved bysuspending a random length ofwire between two supportserected as far away from thehouse as possible. A magneticbalun installed at one end ofthe wire will enable the signalsto be conveyed to the receivervia a screened (coaxial) cable.

Aeronautical Beacons

Many aeronauticalradiobeacons also operate inthis part of the spectrum andthey tend to confuse DXers.Most radiate a plain carrierwhich is keyed once with a twoor three letter callsign in Morsecode. There are no breaks intransmission.

Guide Books

One of the most popularguides is Reed's NauticalAlmanac. A new edition ispublished each year byThomas Reed, 178-185 HighStreet West, Sunderland Tyneand Wear. Some majorbookshops stock the AdmiraltyList of Radio Signals.

The quarterly radiobeaconchart in SWM can be used as aguide, but there are manymore waiting to be logged!

As lam putting this edition ofthe magazine together thedistinction between the seaand dry land is a little vague inSouthern England! - Ed


The International MaritimeOrganisation (IMO) has beenworking for the past ten yearson the development of a newsafety and distress system thatwill enhance the current systemused at sea. In the autumn of1988 the IMO convened aconference with a view torevising sections of the 1974Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS)requirements regardingcommunications at sea withemphasis on safety anddistress.

Currently, and in its mostbasic form, radio at seaprovides watch keepingmonitors on two specificfrequencies in the DUS portionsof the spectrum. Ships NOTcarrying a Radio Officer - andthere aren't many at sea todaythat do - would maintain alistening watch on 2.1829MHzand v.h.f. Channel 16(156.8MHz), while ships with aRadio Officer aboard and over aset tonnage, would, in additionto the above, monitor 500kHz.

However, with effect from 1January 1992, the new system,known as GMDSS, for GlobalMaritime Distress and SafetySystem, came into force whichis in line with the revisedChapter IV of the SOLASConvention. It uses the latest incommunications technology toprovide immediate distressalerts, rapid transmission ofDUS and an efficientcommunications networkduring any Search and Rescue(SAR) operations. Now, everyship without exception in itsarea of operations, should beable to perform ALLcommunications functionswhich are vital for its ownsafety and the safety of othervessels in its area.

With the coming ofsatellites and the tie-in withradio, advances in radiocommunications allow forgreater coverage andavailability, messageduplication in the case of safetyalerts and, despite naturallimitations, like global'footprints' associated withsatellites, mandatory receptionof safety messages andassociated SAR transmissions.GMDSS allows any ship indanger to automatically link -in

%- Global Maritime Distressmd and Safety System

John Griffiths explains the intricacies of the new Marine Radio requirements and explainshow the equipment would assist in a search and rescue operation

INMARSAT

Hydrographic services Meteorological services Rescue co-ordination centres Ship owners News services

and alert land stations,including rescue co-ordinationcentres, and pass on thedistress to other vessels in thearea. Separate systems aboardthe ship will allow her tocommunicate with othervessels as well, in effectdoubling the transmissionspread.

To ensure the system is upand running as soon aspossible, legislation maintainsthat all vessels constructedafter 1 October 1995 must meetGMDSS requirements, whilstvessels built before that datemust fit before 1 February 1999,or satisfy ALL requirements ofthe older Chapter IV SOLASConvention. Alternatively, forships built before 1 February1995, that they must meet allthe requirements in GMDSSafter 1 February 1999. GMDSSequipment may be installed onboth new and existing tonnageon a voluntary basis from 1February 1992 Many shipowners are already fitting theirnew tonnage to comply.

Basic PrinciplesShips will fit equipment basedon their areas of trading,irrespective of their size. Fourareas have been defined:

Al Within range of a v.h.f.Coastal Radio Station (CRS)with Digital SelectiveCalling (DSC)

A2 Within range of an m.f. CRSwith DSC

A3 Within cover ofInternational Marine

Satellite (INMARSAT)system

A4 All areas outside Al, A2and A3 (The Polar regions,North of 70°N and South of70°S).For example, a ship trading

world-wide and within theINMARSAT area must have thefull functions of Al, A2 and A3while a coastal trader workingaround the UK coast wouldonly be required to satisfycriteria for Al.

Equipment

The equipment required iscomprehensive, beingduplicated in a lot of cases, andcovers on an 'All Rights' basis.It can be seen that coverage is avery important by-product ofthe new system which ensuressafety is given the highestpriority at all times.For example, a bridge, that isthe navigation control centre,will be required to have thefollowing items:

DSC watch receiver/printer forcontinuous monitoring of v.h.f.channel 70.

A DSC watch receiver/printerfor continuous monitoring on2.1875MHz.

An R/T distress frequencywatch receiver for 2.182MHzbut only until 1 February 1999.

A NAVTEX receiver - in all areaswith NAVTEX coverage.

An INMARSAT EGC receiver -Enhanced Group Call, on ships

Fig.1.The INMARSAT System.

engaged in trade in non-NAVTEX areas. However, whereMarine Safety Information(MSI) can be received on h.f.Radiotelex or MARITEX, this isnot mandatory.

Following that, there mustalso be as deck fittings, that is,fitted to the fabric of the ship,and able to float free, a 406MHzCOSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB or anINMARSAT 1.6GHz L -BandEPIRB. However, where thesatellite EPIRB serves as one oftwo alter -native methods forDUS alerts, if duplicated, then itmust have a facility forremote activation.

To round it off formandatory fittings, there isthen the equipment forsurvival craft. The ship mustcarry THREE portable v.h.f.units for use in survival craft. Ifthe ship is less than 500 tonsgross, then only two must becarried. If the v.h.f. is apermanent fixture in lifeboats,then arrangements for batterycharging and/or replacementsmust be made. In addition tothis, all ships must carry a9GHz radar transponder foruse in all survival craft, but, ifunder 500 tons gross, onlyone need be carried. Theymust be kept in an accessibleplace for transportation tosurvival craft.

Distress and SafetyFrequencies

Monitoring will be automaticunder GMDSS, or near -auto ofthese frequencies:


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c;liquoiTcg

Digital Selective Calling onMarine v.h.f. channel 70(156.525MHz)

Monitoring on v.h.f. channel 16(156.800MHz)

Medium Frequency 518kHzNAVTEX

Medium Frequency 2.1875MHzDigital Selective CallingMedium Frequency 2.182MHzTwo-tone on DUS frequencyHigh Frequency 8.4145, 4.2075,6.312, 12.577, 16.8045MHz

MSI Frequencies as are asfollows:High Frequency (h.f.) 4.2095,6.314, 8.4166, 12.5795, 16.8065,19.6805, 22.376, 26.1005MHz.

Radio EquipmentFunctions

For those with no knowledge oftags such as 'DSC' and so on, inits basic form it is an automaticcall system which is digitalbased.'It allows an individualship to be called - ship to shore,shore to ship, ship to ship - andcan be originated from aterminal and sent 'direct' to anaddressee. It can also begrouped, e.g. to a company fleetusing a code to 'All Ships' in aparticular area. It has been inuse in aircraft communicationsfor many years - and someamateur equipment has it!

Under GMDSS, equipmentwill include a processor and av.d.u. A printer may be attached.A dedicated scanning receiverwill be included in equipmentfits, scanning on both m.f./h.f. aswell as v.h.f.

On m.f. (1.6-4MHz), DSC willbe used for automatic DUScommunications. A radio -telexwill be connected to theequipment for printing. As in allcases, emergency back-uppower cable of maintaining thefacility will be a requirements inevent of a main power sourcefailure.

On h.f. (4.0-27.5MHz) DSCwill be sited along with theusual s.s.b. and RTTY/SITORlinks. There is a clause requiringupgrading for Duplex R/T shouldit be deemed feasible. In poweroutput, back up batteries mustbe able to provide 400 watts ofs.s.b. operation, so batterybanks will need to be pretty bigalthough with advances inbattery development this neednot be as big as imagined!

On v.h.f. DSC must providetwo-way simplex telephony aswell as having DSC TX/RXfacilities with the addition of fullsemiduplex and full duplexoperation recommended underthe GMDSS umbrella. Importantinformation will automaticallybe printed out or displayed on a

CRSm.f.-h.f.-v.h.f.

AT SEA

Ailmemmor7676

fr,yor,76,

0

COSPAS/SARSAT

Cy.

v.d.u. or alphanumeric display.Portable v.h.f. sets must be

capable of two-waycommunications on v.h.f. 16 andat least one other ohannel. Itshould be easy to operate andhave an output of at least 0.25Watts. Power source must lasteight hours in normal use.

Oh, and should any of the'purists' be wondering - no,there is no longer a provision forc.w. (Morse) operation. In fact,the General OperatorsCertificate (GOC) has noprovision for Morse as acommunications medium.

Further communicationsitems are the Enhanced GroupCall (EGC) Receiver. This is partof INMARSAT's EGC Safety Netand enables users to receivemarine safety information on anational or regional basis. SeeFig. 1. In fact, the InternationalTelecommunications Union(ITU) and the IMO haveapproved 490kHz for MSIbroadcasts in nationallanguages! Some DXers on theEast Coast may like to see whatthey can pick up on that one!This equipment also givesaccess to 'FleetNET', wherecommercial information viapublic data bases can bedistributed on a fleet, regional ornational basis. SomeINMARSAT-B, C and M fits willhave an in-built EGC receiver.Some will not. Radiotelex in A3area must have ARQ (automatictelex fault correcting) asstandard, as do vessels in A4likewise. The system must alsoprovide automatic reception ofMSI messages.

So, in terms ofcommunications aboard ship,things appear to be well andtruly covered. It should prove tobe an exciting time in marinecommunications asdevelopments 'shrink' the globemaking it feasible to send a notefrom your office desk in, sayLondon to a ship's master

Casualtyvessel

Survivalcraft

across the world in Australia -and in under an hour! Usage ofsatellites is proving this to bethe case but, prior to GMDSS,DUS was a 'hit and miss' affair,as a lot of owners, especially inpoorer third world countries,made use on board ship ofsometimes obsolete equipment.

However, to ratify this, theIMO which is the International'Watchdog' have come up withGMDSS in the hope that safetyat sea is now more of anaccurate affair than previously.By 1999 all vessels should beGMDSS equipped, the exceptionbeing vessels under the lowertonnage limit of 500 tonnes.

Location Devices

Various methods exist at sea forlocation of survival craft in theevent of a sinking, or otheremergencies. Most of these willbe Emergency PositionIndicating Radio Beacons(EPIRBs) and Search and RescueTransponders (SARTs). However,in this category also falls theairborne AutomaticallyDeployable Emergency LocatorTransmitter (ADELT), which iscarried by helicopters overflyingwater. It will be seen that auto -location devices are not just'smart' but extremely versatile.

Marine type satellites fallinto basic groups. TheINMARSAT groups are A (Ship -Earth station), B, M and C arefollowed by theCOSPAS/SARSAT 'birds'.SARSAT stands for Search AndRescue Satellite Aided Trackingand COSPAS is an acronym ofthe same words, but in Russian!In the event of an emergency,beacons can 'call up' the 'bird'and initiation of a rescuemission can be got underwayquite literally in minutes.

Quite simply, INMARSAT isone of the maincommunications systemsapproved in GMDSS work. It

Rescuecoordinationcentre

LUT/MCC

Fig.2.The Integrated SAR System.

offers automatic handling ofdistress traffic by 'phone andtelex. Some systems have an in-built function which will reportthe ship's position automaticallyin response to a password.

INMARSAT B and M usedigital signalling, coming withGMDSS functions as standardand includes the EGC facility.Users know which satellite iswhich as INMARSAT M is asimplified version of B,denotable by the slightreduction in voice quality due toan antenna that does notcompensate for sea movement.

INMARSAT C is based on anautomatic telex transmissionsbetween two electronicmailboxes. It is limited to600baud and is standardised foruse with PCs, carried nowadaysby most ships. 'C' has autoreception of EGC messages asstandard.

COSPAS/SARSAT is a lowaltitude, polar orbiting satellitewhich monitors all parts of theearth. It uses space segmentpackages as the 'birds' are notexclusively used for sole SARwork. In the event of any DUStraffic being received, it wouldautomatically pass on theinformation to an LUT, LocalUser Terminal. COSPASmonitors signals on 121.5MHzand 406MHz and SARSATmonitors both of these plus243MHz.

In actual use the systemwould run as follows (seeFig.2.): In the event of EPIRB orSART or ADELT triggering thesatellite, the signal would betemporarily stored until aground receiving station comesinto view. It would then re-broadcast the information it hasstored, which would be actedupon by staff at the groundstation. Typical time in Europeanwaters is 45 minutes or less.

406MHz beacons are storedwith the ship's name andcallsign, while 121.5MHz EPIRBs


OPath of satellite

Doppler

i'C;TaflE'Cg

O

lir Nor low mor mar' w

are monitored also by aircraft.The 1.6GHz L -band EPIRB

transmits its signal viageostationary satellites. Withinrange of the space segment,outside the Polar areas, it cansend position and identify innear real time. At least one ofthe CRS in the coverage areawill have L -band processors forauto -alerting of SAR services.Location comes from thebeacon transmitting its positionand this is done by the use of anon -board Global PositioningSystem (GPS) receiver whichconstantly updates its position.Later developments are plannedto include a keyboard, makingadditional information for theSAR services available.Accuracy is, it is claimed, downto 200 metres.

SARTs respondautomatically with atransmission of a special 9GHzor 3cm sweep signal wheninterrogated by a radar in the9GHz band. This signal appearsas a line of 20 dots on a radarscreen, which provides a line fora bearing. The signal can also bepicked up by a suitablyequipped aircraft and at a muchgreater range. On interrogation,an audible alarm and visibleindicator will sound and flash onthe SART, indicating that thebeacon has been 'seen'.

ADELT is ejected from anaircraft at 8m per second inorder to clear props, fuselageand rotors. On deployment,activation is automatic and itbegins to transmit on 121.5MHzand 243MHz plus bringing in anX band radar transponder. All ofthese frequencies are air andsea compatible. Like the SARTabove, the reflected interrogated

Survival craft

signal is unmistakable andobvious.

System On -PassOperation

Should an LUT be informed of aDUS message via satellite it willcome to them via an MCC, andwill decipher the data neededfor things like callsign, nameand position. Data links fromsatellites to LUTs are carried outon 1544.5MHz. A Dopplercomponent exists in this linkdue to the motion of the loworbiting satellite. The Dopplercomponent is used to fix thelocation of the emergencytransmission, this results in lastand long fix which is then on -passed to the Mission ControlCentre (MCC). The UK LUT is atLasham in Hampshire.

Doppler Principle

Fig.3. The DopplerPrinciple.

Sea level

By looking at Fig. 3 we see thatin the left-hand side the satellite(travelling left -to -right)approaches the transmitter. Herethe frequency of the transmitterreceived by the satellite ishigher than the transmittedfrequency. When the satellite isoverheard or alongside thetransmitter, the receivedfrequency is the same as thetransmitted one. As the satellitepasses away on the right-handside the received frequency islower than the transmitted one.The curve, called a DopplerCurve, is monitored by the LUTand results in them working outthe Time of Closest Approach(TCA) of the satellite. Using theslope of the curve it can bedetermined how far theemergency transmitter is from

Curve

r-

the satellite. By knowing theexact position of the LUT andthe satellite, fixing thetransmitter's location is a matterof knowing the other two andcomputing the TCA.

Mission ControlCentres

The UK MCC is at Plymouth inDevon. It is a national point ofcontact for date exchange, andthis involves the transfer ofsystem control data which isneeded at the LUT and fromother MCCs. Once data isreceived at the MCC from itsassociated LUT, SARresponsibility is determined andthe alert sent out to the RegionalControl Centre (RCC). MilitaryRCCs in the UK are located at

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Rescue)and Plymouth (PlymouthRescue). In civilian locations,centres would be those mannedby HM Coastguard and arelocated at Falmouth, Dover,Great Yarmouth, Aberdeen,Clyde and at Swansea. CertainCRSs also have an alertresponsibility.

So, by combining GMDSSwith established SAR procedure,and making it a mandatorysystem by 1999, the IMO willhopefully be able to achieve aworld-wide safety net fromwhich mariners the world over,and aviators too, can safelyassume the nature of theirdistress can not only beascertained, but pin -pointedand, let's face it, down to 200m(700 feet or so) is prettyaccurate! Then, using traditionalmethods of marking such anorange dye and smoke flares,pyrotechnics and the still used'mirror to catch the sun' device,location can be more or lessdead on.

With alerts taking minutes,thanks to the advances intechnology safety at sea hasnever been in better stead.Who's have thought though thatthe old Morse code, used sodramatically through the years,would finally have been usurped- and in the very environment itproved so good in?

I trust that, if you're intomarine monitoring on whateverbands, this look at GMDSS,which is even now taking a holdaboard ships, was simpleenough to follow. Don't worry ifit isn't - even hardened andexperienced seafarers arehaving nightmares about it!Then again, I expect they saidthe same about Morse, too.

AbbreviationsADELT

ARQCOSPAS

CRSDSCEGCEPIRBINMARSATITUGOCGMDSSGPSIMOLUTMCCMSIRCCSARSARSATSARTSOLAS

Automatically Deployable Emergency LocatorTransmitter

Automatic Repeat reQuestSearch and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (in

Russian!)Coastal Radio StationDigital Selective CallingEnhanced Group CallEmergency Position Indicating Radio BeaconInternational Marine SatelliteInternational Telecommunications UnionGeneral Operators CertificateGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety SystemGlobal Positioning SystemInternational Maritime OrganisationLocal User TerminalMission Control CentreMarine Safety InformationRegional Control CentreSearch and RescueSearch and Rescue Satellite Aided TrackingSearch and Rescue TransponderSafety Of Life At Sea


Lowe Production LimitedUnit 23, Cromford Mill, Cromford,

Derbyshire DE4 3RQ

For the best in ShortwaveLook to Lowe Production

The HF-235; It's a little known fact that the HF-235 dominates its own sector of the market, butwhere you have a true professional need, thereyou will find the HF-235. Broadcasting companiesuse them for remote monitoring; airlinecompanies with international HF networks usethem for keeping in touch with their fleet;Government monitoring services use them (butwho knows for what?); but what has this to dowith the short wave listener??

I simply use the HF-235 to show that the team atLowe Production Ltd. not only design and makeshort wave receivers for the enthusiast, but areequally at ease in professional markets. Mind you,it is true that there are many individual owners ofthe HF-235 who appreciate its quiet, relaxedapproach to the HF bands and who prefer theprofessional style of a rack mounted unit. If youwant to know more about the HF-235, just ask for abrochure or write to me at the address on this page.

Why the "Europa"?Many people have asked me why we made the"Europa" version of the HF-225, and how it differsin performance. The "Europa" is a very carefullyreworked HF-225 aimed at the real short wave DXenthusiast, and the performance we obtain fromthe "Europa" comes from a host of detail changes,each one contributing to the end result. Forexample, those of you who follow "leading edge"technical discussions will know that several wellrespected authorities such as Ulrich Rohde (as inRohde & Schwarz) have pointed out thatintermodulation can be caused by the switchingdiodes used for filter selection (RF or IF), and thatby correct selection and biassing of these diodes agreat improvement in intermodulation per-formance can be gained. The snag is of course thata typical switching diode might cost 2p whereasthe diodes we are talking about could be £2 ormore - but we fit just such diodes to the "Europa"because the results are worth it to the user whocan tell the difference. This is just one smallexample of the "Europa" approach, but when wehave fitted all the detailed improvements,including a new filter bank, and new controlsoftware, and specially selected magneticallyshielded filter inductors, and so on and so on, youhave one h**I of a receiver.

That's why we can't make enough to meet thedemand. Come to think of it we can't seem tokeep up with demand for any of our productswhich is why the announcement on the facingpage is so important.By the way; the Europa spec. includes the famousKeypad Controller, and the synchronous AMdetector unit already fitted. Ask your favouriteshort wave dealer for a trial run against otherreceivers, and just listen to what the "Europa" cando.

Send 4 first class stamps to cover postage and we will send your FREE copy of "TheListener's Guide", our ever -popular aid to LF, MF and HF listening. Ask for my leaflets(Nol) "ATU or Preselector", (No2) "What makes a Lowe receiver so good", and the new(No3) "WireMatch Aerial" leaflet and we will include them in the pack. A.

fl § 711/1Nre

d4011 i:ill4K/a/9340)44 (4


For Design and ManufactureLook to Lowe Production

When I first suggested some eight years ago thatwe had the knowledge and ability to design andmanufacture a British short wave receiver, somepeople told me I was dreaming. But perhaps dueto my foresight and certainly due to anotherman's talent (the genius of John Thorpe) I amdelighted to announce that we have reached thepoint where the design and manufacturing teamcan stand alone as a separate company to beknown as "Lowe Production Limited". Duringthat eight year period we have produced a seriesof receivers with a particularly "Lowe" flavourwhich comes from having a clear vision of whatthe short wave listener needs from his radio, andan equally clear determination from John Thorpeand myself to design our products to give theresults in performance, features, and reliabilitywhich we see as correct.Not that we stop at receivers; in addition to agrowing number of short wave accessories such asthe WireMatch aerial system and the PR -150preselector, we have also designed and producedpulsed laser equipment for the treatment ofveterinary injuries, and we are involved in designconsultancy for very high quality compact disctransports and signal processing, so there is moregoing on here than many folk realise.I did say "The Team", and I consider myselffortunate to have an enthusiastic and capablegroup around me. In the photograph you will seeJohn Thorpe in the centre, surrounded by JeanJones my production controller; Kevin Whiteheadmy general manager; Beryl Goulding in charge ofsales order processing and everything else; andthen there's me at the back with the specs. Welook happy because we are; it's not every day youget a chance to go forward to an exciting future,particularly in these dark days, but we are allshort wave enthusiasts at heart and what betterwork than your hobby?There is another "Team" of course, and that ismade up of Carl and his merry men; Dave, Steve,Mark, John and Henry. If I could only stop themworking and gather them together in front of acamera I could present them to you - perhaps next

Tleat eat

month, but they are the chaps who have puttogether your receiver with such care and skill,and my thanks go to them for their dedication.Finally, we all thank you dear reader forsupporting our little company by buying, and Ihope enjoying, the receivers which we make.Without you we would not exist, and I hope thatwe can count on your support in the future. If youhave any comments on what we do, we are here atour new location for you to ring or write to us. It'sby listening to you that we can all listen to theworld with such ease.

Happy Listening

John WilsonManaging Director

With every product we make; Expertise; Knowledge;Experience; and that most important ingredient of all;the personal touch in everything we do

Lowe Production LimitedUnit 23, Cromford Mill, Cromford,

Derbyshire DE4 3RQ


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Don't Miss OutOn The Holiday Of The Year

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It's not too late to book your seat -it's waiting for you,although time is running short. Hurry now....we don't want

to leave you behind!

Join the Practical Wireless party, led by PW Editor Rob MannionG3XFD, when we fly out on a scheduled Delta Airlines flight from

Gatwick on Monday April 25 1994. We'll fly direct to Cincinatti,then our private coach will take us to the Holiday Inn in Dayton

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Book your seat on the PW 1994 HamVention Holiday for only£630 per person, sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms areavailable for an extra £205. The price includes the return flightand meals on the aircraft, coach transfers, accommodation forseven nights, two day excursions by coach and an admissionticket to the HamVention. We return home on Monday May 2,

arriving at Gatwick on Tuesday morning.Although Rob Mannion G3XFD is leading the PW party, the

entire holiday is being organised by the Bristol basedprofessional tour group operator RCT International. Sheila

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Seats to Dayton HamVention 1994 arestrictly limited, don't miss your chance...book

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short wave magazine Reader Survey

Win a Dressler ARA 200050MHz 2GHzActive Antenna - worth £299!Help us plan the Short Wave Magazine you want to read. Fill in the questionnaire and youcould win the star prize Dressler ARA Active Antenna kindly donated by South EssexCommunications.

The winner of our free competition will win the very latest active receiving antenna fromDressler, the well-known German manufacturer. It's compact, unobtrusive (110mm x 480mm),can be used indoors or clamped to an outdoor mast and gives in excess of 16dB gain over theentire frequency range.

The two runners up will receive one year subscriptions to Short Wave Magazine.

To enter the free competition all completed questionnaires must be sent to the address on page Q4. Entries must be received at theSWM offices by Friday 30 April 1994. The first questionnaire drawn out by the Editor will win the sender the ARA antenna. The tworunners up will win the one year subscriptions. The Editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

How many issues of SWM do you usually buy a year?1 3 6 9 12 0How do you obtain your copy of SWM?From a newsagent:- on firm order- home delivery 0- casual purchaseFrom an amateur radio dealerBy subscriptionFrom a friend

Do you have difficulty finding a copy of SWIM?Yes 11 No .1

How many other people usually read your copy of SWM?None 0 2 0 4 0 6 01 0 3 0 5 0 7 or more 0How many of these magazines do you also read or buy per year?

None 1-3 3-6 6-9 9-12Radio Communications D 0 0 0 0Ham Radio Today 0 0 0 0 0Practical Wireless 0 P 0 0Electronics + Wireless World 0 0 J 0 0Monitoring Times (USA) 0 0 D 0 0Popular Communications (USA) 0 0 J 0 0CO Magazine (USA) 0 0 0 D 0Maplin Magazine 0 0 0 0 0Elektor D 0 0 0 0Everyday with Practical Electronics 0 0 0 0Which of these newspapers do your regularly read?Daily Mail 0 Daily Express 0 Daily Mirror 0Daily Telegraph P The Times D The Star 0The Guardian 0 Today 0 The Sun 0The Independent 0 Regional 0 Local 0Do you own a home computer?Yes 0 No Li

If "Yes", which type (e.g. BBC, IBM PC Compatible, Macintosh, etc).


Do you hold an amateur radio transmitting licence?NoYes (Class A)Yes (Class B)Yes (Novice A)Yes (Novice B)

How much do you spend on the radio hobby in an average year (including QSL expenses, books,equipment, shows, etc)?Under £50 £251-£500£51-£100 £501-£1,000£101-£250 Over £1,000

Have you ever bought anything from an advertisement in SWM?Yes - Major equipment NoYes - Antenhas Yes - AccessoriesYes - Components Yes - Books

If "Yes", how would you rate the service you received from the advertiser?Poor Acceptable Good Very Good

How many radio rallies/exhibitions do you visit annually?None 2 41 3 5 or more

How would you describe your expertise in electronics?Beginner Average Advanced 0Which of these clubs/societies/groups do you belong to?AMSAT BARTG BATCG-QRP EDXC ISWLRAYNET RSGB RIGILA WACRAL LocalRadio Sation DX Club None Other

Do you have any other major hobbies? If so, what are they?: -

How interested are you in the following regular features in SWM?Very

interestedFairly

interestedSlightly

interestedNot

interestedReviews - ReceiversReviews - ScannersReviews - AccessoriesHistorical FeaturesConstructionalModifying EquipmentLettersJunior ListenerAdvertisementsGrassrootsNewsAirbandAmateur Bands Round -upBandscan AmericaBandscan AustraliaBandscan EuropeDecodeDXTV Round -upInfo in OrbitLong Medium & ShortMaritime BeaconsOff the RecordPropagationSatellite TVScanningSSB Utility ListeningWatching BriefTrading PostRalliesCompetitionsBook ServiceSpecial Offers


On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the content of SWM?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(Not technical enough) (Too technical)

We regularly devote issues to a themesupplements. How do you rate them?

Veryinterested

ThemesSimple Receiver ProjectsAirbandMarinePropagationAntennasHistoricalProjects to BuildComputersRadio StationsGoing on Holiday

Free SupplementsWhat ScannerGuide to SWL

and sometimes we add extra pages in the form of free pull-out

Fairlyinterested

How interested are you in reading about theVery Fairly

interested interestedHelp for BeginnersNew ProductsNews ItemsComputingModifying Equipment LITest EquipmentCBAirbandHistorical ItemsShow Reports CIScanningShort Wave ListeningConstructional ProjectsSatellitesOther (Specify

Slightly Notinterested interested

following aspects of radio?Slightly

interestedCI

CI

How do you rate the overall design and layout of SWM?Poor Fair Good

How do you rate the look of SWM's covers?Poor Fair Good

How easy is it to spot SWM on the newsagent's shelf?Very Easy Fairly Easy Fairly Difficult

How often do you construct projects published in SWM?Never Seldom Often

How closely do you read the advertisements in SWM?I read all or nearly all of the advertisementI read some of the advertisementsI read the occassional advertisementI never read the advertisements

Which of these do you listen to regularly?Broadcast Stations UtilitiesDXTV FaxAirband SSTVWeather Satellites AmateursBeacons Amateur Satellites

Notinterested

CI

CI

CI

Excellent

Excellent

Very Difficult

Always

Other

Short Wave Magazine, February 1994 Q3

Which of these bands do you listen toUsually

Long waveMedium waveVHF FM6MHz7MHz9MHz11MHz13MHz16MHz19MHz21MHz25MHzSatellitesAirbandUtilitiesDXTVAmateur

most often?Often

O

Sometimes Never

CI

Can you say, briefly, how you would like us to improve SWM?

PERSONAL DATA

Personal details are required for statistical purposes and will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please ignore anyof the following questions that you do not wish to answer. You must, however, supply your name and address if youwant to be included in the prize draw. The information in the questionnaire will be stored on a database but it will notbe stored and/or associated with your name and address.

How old are you?Under 1515-2526-3536-45

Cl

46-5556-65Over 65

Are you employed in an electronics related field?Yes

What is your annualUnder £6,500£6,500 - £10,000£10,001 - £15,000

income?

Please tick this box is youassociated companies

No

£15,001 - £20,000£20,000 - £25,00£25,001 - £30,000

do not want to receive

Cl

Over £30,000

further information from PW Publishing Ltd and/or

Thank you for taking the time to fill out our questionnaire. If you write your name and address in the space below andsend the completed form to the address below, you will be entered into our free prize draw. We will be happy to paythe postage*.

PW Publishing Ltd. (Survey),FREEPOST,Arrowsmith Court,Station Approach,BROADSTONE,Dorset BH18 8PW.(NO STAMP IS REQUIRED)

NAME

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

Unfortunately, the FREEPOST facility is only available for readers within the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland,Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Despite this, although readers abroad will have to pay the postage to returntheir questionnaires, they will still have free entry to the competition, and with the closing date of 30 April 1994, wehave allowed plenty of time for entries to arrive from around the world. - Ed.

Q4 Short Wave Magazine, February 1994

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Radio DaysMany of us have to put up with less than ideal radio shacks.

Bob Ellis describes a wireless set that almost requiredmountaineering skills to adjust.

I'm sure Woody Allen won'tmind if I borrow one of his filmtitles for this little piece. LikeAllen reflecting on his nativeNew York, radio for me hasalways been a thing of wonder,mystery and magic.Something special, yourclosest friend and yetsomehow out of reach.Growing up in a Midlandstown, the first radio I canremember was out of reach. Itwas screwed to the ceiling!

To live in Derby in the earlysixties meant that Dad was aRolls Royce man, so could turnhis hand to anything. We livedclose enough to the enginetest beds at Sinfin to have theirconstant roar as a backdrop toeverything we did. Just as youwere getting complacent, oneof them would playfully fire aloose bolt through next -door'sgreenhouse. It kept you onyour toes.

The radio had probablybeen a bargain. A markedcabinet, perhaps. For a fewhours, the test beds became apoor second to the sound ofmanic carpentry from the pre-fab garage. The new cabinethad a front, but no sides. Itwas nothing more than a largebaffle board the width of theback door, a system of chainsholding it a jaunty anglebetween the top of the doorframe and the ceiling.

To this day I can't work outwhere it got it's power from.All I can recall is that whenMum stood on a chair toswitch it on, the reassuring

glow of the station glass wasfollowed by the strains of TheWest End Celebrity Orchestrawith the theme to theHousewive's Choice on theLight Programme of the BBC -fifteen hundred metres on thelong wave from Droitwich.Station names like Daventry,Warsaw and the other countrythat was West Region holdmemories for all mygeneration, more so when toread them meant dragging thekitchen table, a vision in yellowFormica, over to the back doorthen, from a chair placed ontop of it, listening could begin.

Minor adjustments couldbe made by leaning out fromthe work surface, a route onlyattempted after scaling thenorth face of the Aga. Whatwonders were held frozen inthe station glass. Readingacross you find the results ofearly European Cup matches;Hilversum 1, Sottens 2, a sadday for Hilversum fading inextra time. I could find Praguein the school atlas, but wherewas Athlone?

Tuning to Saar -Louis onlygot me the news in Welsh -writing to the External Serviceof the BBC only got me a tersenote from the Board of Tradetelling a six -year -old thatgrant-in-aid funded broadcastsin the Empire Service are notfor domestic consumption. Tella boy he should not belistening and you have alistener for life!

As the family settled downwith Perry Mason, the

scaffolding would be erectedin the kitchen for the eveningsession. News from Moscowhad to wait until I knew thewinner of Have A Go and theeight o'clock repeat of TheGoon Show. Moscow and AFNplayed cat and mouse acrossthe dial agreeing only whenCuba became the perfectholiday home for nuclearmissiles. We stood at the brinkof war, but as long as Sundaylunch brought me Round theHorn, The Navy Lark and in thegrey afternoons of winter, TheClitheroe Kid and The BillyCotton Band Show, that was aproblem for the grown-ups.

My only problem then wasSam Costa. As the days wentby he was getting fainter andfainter. Dad said one of hisvalves was going and we couldsort it out at the weekend. Thiswould mean missing SaturdayClub, but it would be worth it.The radio was taken downfrom the altar above the backdoor and dusted. Each valvewas removed with a true senseof ceremony, wrapped innewspaper, its position notedon the back of a fag packet.

You had to queue in a radioshop in those days. An earnestyoung man in a white coattook our newspaper parcel intothe back room. Whatever hedid in there, he had to do italone. A man's relationshipwith his valve tester is apersonal thing.

The worst part is thewaiting. After what seemed anage our hero returned and told

me to be strong."It's the rectifier. Gone low

emission. I'm very sorry".Not as sorry as Dad. A new

7Y4 would set him backfourteen shillings. On thejourney back, he moanedabout paying for newtechnology. "These all -glassvalves are bound to failbecause you can't seal glassagainst the metal pins. Theynever had this problem withInternational Octal..."

The new valve was fitted inan atmosphere of relief andresentment, depending onwhich one of us owned thewallet, normal service beingresumed just in time for TwoWay Family Favourites.

After Dad had had achance to mourn the passingof fourteen bob, he decided toturn his loss to my educationalgain by breaking the glass ofthe old valve to explain to mehow it worked.

It was obvious to me that itcould never have worked. I'dbeen making circuits withbatteries, bulbs and switchesand had learned that if youwanted it to work, there mustbe a circuit across positive andnegative. The bits inside thevalve aren't connected to eachother. No wonder it didn'twork! I know better now, ofcourse. As I finish this whilelistening to Classic FM on afully synthesised wireless, Irealise just how far we havecome.

But where is the magic?

Don't forget, if you havedifficulty finding Short WaveMagazine at your local outlet,call the Editorial Office inPoole and we will talk to ourdistributors to find out why!

You can always place aregular order with yournewsagent, fill in the formhere to avoid disappointment.

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72Giwilgw

Timestep PDUSLawrence Harris reviews of one of the first METEOSAT Primary Data systems to become available at amateur prices.

There can be few people whohave not seen the weatherpictures routinely shown onmost weather forecasts. Theseare pictures taken by thegeostationary METEOSATsatellites, orbiting the earth atsome 35800km.

METEOSAT data

METEOSAT transmits differenttypes of telemetry, apart fromdigital and analogue picturedata. Forecast charts and otherbasic information arebroadcast as part of theMeteorological DataDissemination (MDD) to smallreceiving stations, often calledSDUS (Secondary Data UserStations), as WEFAX images.

Major national weathercentres and researchestablishments often requireimages of the highest possiblequality, and this is wherePrimary Digital data comes in.

This product from TimestepWeather Systems is notdesigned to receive WEFAX. Itgoes all the way and decodesthe original, high resolution(Primary Data) digital imagestransmitted on 1694.5MHz(channel 2), from whichWEFAX pictures originate.

Primary Data

The main mission forMETEOSAT is the generationof 48 cloud images per dayusing three spectral bands -visible light, thermal infra -redand infra -red (water). This datais used for short termforecasting, although thesame information produces arange of products for use inboth meteorology and longerterm climate studies.

Different types of image arebroadcast, some being fullearth (called A -format), andothers which include Europeand a section of North Africa(called B format).

Each PD transmissionusually contains images frommore than one band, the databeing interleaved. The AVformat is a whole disc, visiblelight image having maximum

resolution - 2.5km, but AIVHcontains both infra -red andvisible images, each at 5 or10km resolution; AW containsthe water vapour image. Testimages and re -transmissionsfrom other satellites -METEOSAT 3 and theJapanese GMS are alsobroadcast.

Hardwarerequirements

To receive and decode PrimaryData from METEOSAT youneed several items ofhardware, and a suitablecomputer. The first item, andthe only item, apart from thecomputer, not supplied byTimestep, is a large dish!

Although 1m, or evenslightly less, can get you agood, apparently noise -freeWEFAX image, to obtainreliable Primary Data, usingcurrent technology, we arelooking at an absoluteminimum of 1.6m diameter,with a strong preference for1.8m. The 1.6m dish size cangive good images ifeverything else is, andremains, perfect. For everydayoperation you need a systemwith some flexibility, so thatslight degradation of systemperformance in one or more ofthe associated componentsdoes not mean that theimages are immediatelydegraded.

A 1.8m dish is large andmust be accommodatedproperly. For correct use itshould be supported at leasthalf a metre above the ground,and preferably have provisionfor controlled movement inboth elevation and azimuth.Such dishes are becomingmore easily obtainable. It mayalso be prudent to enquireabout planning consent fromthe local council.

Feed and pre -amp

The dish must be fitted withthe supplied horn feed,mounted on three longthreaded rods, fitted near therim of the dish.

A high quality pre -amp,provided as part of theequipment, is designed to betotally compatible with therest of the hardware.

Cable of some 20m lengthwas included, balanced to thepre -amp and receiver, so therewas no need to cut it shorter.At first I was surprised to seeF connectors fitted, but thesehave proved very efficient incombination with the CT100cable.

The dish and pre -ampdeliver the 1694.5MHz signalalong the CT100 cable andinto the receiver. This wasupgraded during the reviewperiod, now having threeswitches and two rotarycontrols. Fortunately there isan absolute minimum of dayto day adjustment required.

The receiver is connectedto a card, slotted into a 16 -bitexpansion bus inside an ATcomputer - a standardprocedure. Before installationI examined it carefully, notingthe gold-plated connectorsand neat, construction.

Primary DataReceiver

This is a small unit, about200mm wide by 80mm highand 140mm deep, with threeswitches, two rotary pots, anda carrier meter. It can taketime to settle - no doubtenhanced thermalstabilisation will become afuture upgrade.

To align the dish preciselyfor PD reception, I attached amicro -ammeter to a longcable and plugged it into thereceiver output provided forthis purpose, on the rear ofthe receiver. It indicates thecarrier level to help withremote positioning.Alternatively, grab yourspouse or other friendlyperson, and they can call outsignal readings!

One switch selects 1691.0or 1694.5MHz (to allow forpossible transmissionchanges), and anotherswitches between the carriersignal strength and data

tuning. The manual brieflydescribes the necessaryadjustments, though withoutproviding any significantinformation about the natureof what you are asked to do.Fortunately the equipmentworked despite the manual'sshortcomings.

The receiver switches wereset, the process completedwithin about fifteen minutes!It is a mark of theeffectiveness of the hardwaredesign that this took so littletime. Other facilities on theback of the receiver include ani.f. monitor and other outputs,none of which I needed to use.

I found that for the first tento fifteen minutes, the receiverwas stabilising, so earlydecoding required someadjustment of the tuningcontrol to obtain good lock.Sometimes the lock lightwould come on yet no dataappeared on the screen.

Computerrequirements

Although framestores areoften used for WEFAXimagery, a computer isvirtually essential for PrimaryData. For this system, youneed an absolute minimumof a fast 286 machine; myown operations mostly use a386DX running at 33MHz. A1Mb RAM video card withSVGA graphics is alsorequired. A hard drive isessential and it should be areasonably good qualityone - maximum 28ms accesstime.

Timestep recommend theET4000 video card. Using adifferent card means that theanimation program gives onlymarginally usable results. Theproblem appears to be thatthe ET4000 card is one of onlya few which permit bankswitching - the ability to holdmultiple images so thatdifferent ones can beswitched into the display. I

suspect that there might besoftware options potentiallyavailable to overcome thisfeature.


Fig 1. METEOSAT-4 1August 1992210OUTC. Thecrescent earth seenin visible light.

Setting it all up

Having manoeuvred the dishinto the approximate position -pointing towards METEOSAT4, I configured the equipmentfor WEFAX reception so thatthe signal could be locatedusing the audio tone. Aligningthe dish for the best initialsignal proved the system wasworking, so I changed theinput connection from theWEFAX receiver to the PDreceiver.

Test Image

Several separate programs areprovided, and installedvirtually automatically usingthe supplied software. Thefirst is called MTEST, used ininitial setting up - which putsevery line of decoded data(normally infra -red) directly onthe screen without saving. Theresultant image is only forquality checking. It isnecessarily distorted butallows you to see whether thelines are good. If any arecorrupt you may need totroubleshoot. Any problemswith the data stream will beobvious - missing data showsas lines or black bands; noisydata may show partiallyreversed sections.

If you have carefullypositioned the dish andconfirmed the signal strengththen you should get a goodquality picture. I ran this testfor some time to ensure that

EG,w1GT7

the receiver was operatingconsistently. When the qualityis good, and it almost certainlywill be, then you have gotyourself a working system -read on!

After monitoringreception quality (usingMTEST), I ran the main PDUSprogram. The manual listsimage types transmitted byMETEOSAT, includingresolutions (at the sub -satellitepoint) and the duration andfrequency of transmissions.EUMETSAT publish the officialdissemination schedule.

Software scales the imageso that the whole of the formatis shown during collection.Realtime data is stored withthe filename TEMPDATA.MPD,and subsequent imagesreplace previous ones with thesame name.

After collection, you canzoom in to any selectedregion. Higher resolutionformats give more detailedimages - from 2.5km at thesub -satellite point, down tothe lower resolution figuresseen at higher latitudes.

Every line contains positioninformation, so, unlike WEFAXdata, you can start imagedecoding at any time duringthe transmission, and theprogram plots the image inthe correct position. This canbe useful if you don't haveenough disk space for acomplete image.

Data is written directly ontothe hard drive. This isnecessary because images

Fig 3.METEOSAT-3 25September 1992;lakes of northAmerica.

contain up to 30Mb of data,and is the reason for having areasonably fast disk drive. Youmay also need to perform fileand space consolidation fromtime to time.

The software

The PDUS program is styledon the PROsat II format andhas a similar menu choice -FILE, SECTION, RECEIVE,DISPLAY, COLOUR, OPTIONS,and QUIT.

FILE allows the loading ofpreviously saved PDUSimages which can take severalseconds to load! SAVING theimage is a quick as it is merelynecessary to rename thetemporary file. Image deletionand directory switching arealso included.

The SECTION option allowsmarking for subsequentsaving of a selected portion ofthe complete image. Thisfacility lets you select theimportant part of an imageinstead of saving the wholeimage. RECEIVE offers severalchoices. You can start imagecollection immediately, or,using the SET READ TIMESoption, do it under programcontrol during your absence.Select AUTOSAVE and thesoftware waits until the nextprogrammed time slot.

The DISPLAY option allowschannel selection when imagecollection or loading iscomplete, and indicators showwhat is available, thoughthese do not always seem to

Fig 2. METEOSAT-4 4 July1992 easternMediterranean.

be accurate, sometimesindicating an absent channelas being present. You canselect an area for zooming andthe function keys are suitablyprogrammed.

Enjoy the View

When you collect either theEuropean or whole diskimages, you have, in oneimage, greater detail thanseen in the sum total of all theWEFAX images thatMETEOSAT transmits during awhole hour.

I find several areas to be ofgreat interest. The island ofSicily has the active volcanocalled mount Etna. When iterupted several months ago Iwas able to see the smokeemissions over several days.Images of the ever-changingsnow covered peaks of theAlps, and the ice forming andmelting around Norway aretransmitted every half-hour.Yes, I even used it to see ourweather! I also find that theseimages are a considerablehelp when I am planning onsetting up my telescope for anight's observing. Individualclouds around Dartmoor andPlymouth Sound can be seen.

Special mention must bemade of morning and eveningvisible -light whole discimages. They cannot havesignificant applications nearthese extremities but they lookincredible - just like thecrescent moon. Add somegentle false colouring and theyare a must.

Re -transmittedpictures

There are so many differentareas available from thesePrimary Data images thatselecting a few for detailedcomment is a problem!METEOSAT 3 is currently nearlongitude 72°W, and some ofits images are re -transmittedby METEOSAT 4 in the LXIslots.

The Amazonian rivers andjungles have provedconsistently fascinating to me,


T@wil@tv .(g,toanD'ig R40,Cggq VI GEDITyy

and can be scientificallymonitored on a regular basis.Whole disc thermal images ofAmerica from METEOSAT 3are re -transmitted fromMETEOSAT 4 every hour.

Further north, betweenCanada and Greenland wehave the area which the higherorbiting METEOR WXSATsoccasionally reveal to peoplemonitoring from Britain.METEOSAT Primary Dataimages routinely show theseareas, though from a differentperspective. The enormous icesheets and icebergs arevisible in different spectrumimages.

Temperature

A complete infra -red image' includes calibration data. This

can be used by the software toallow both temperatureprofiles, and the direct readingof temperature to beaccomplished. It works atreat! Images are calibrated tohigh accuracy, so you seedisplays such as -30.3°indicated. The accuracy of theread-out compares well withthe calibrations on NOAApolar WXSATs. I tried this andfound them to be similar, butthe thickness of theatmosphere might causesome distortion at higherlatitudes for METEOSATreadings.

Bugs??

Yes I did find a couple of bugs,even if minor. Using themouse to move the pointer formenu selection is fine. Whenyou switch to SECTION forzooming, it sometimes jumpsto an unpredictable position. Ican live with this one!

A second, slightly more

puzzling problem may occurduring the use of AUTO -INVERT under the OPTIONSmenu. This facility is used toreverse the display of infra -redimages, and is very useful forMETEOSAT 3 visible imageswhich are sent in reverse greyscale. This initially operatedcorrectly, but suddenlyreversed its logic! My versionnow shows the proper greyscale when the option choiceindicates that it is reversed.Timestep suggest that thismight have been caused bydata corruption from aMETEOSAT 3 image.

Another 'bug' I found wasthe unclean result occurring ifyour disk becomes full duringdata collection. On mycomputer the image simplystarted to display regularmissing lines; this thenbecame the indication of a fulldisk. At least the system didn'tcrash!

In my view these problemsare not very significant.

Picture conversion

The software allowsconversion from PD images(.MPD) to PROsat II (.DAT)files, and to both SCF andPCX file formats. This meansthat further conversion tocommon formats is possible.I tried all conversions using avariety of images and theresults were excellent. Itallows the selection of asection of the UK for savingand conversion, which canbe read by DTP programsand even into my wordprocessor for use as a letterlogo! I also found it cheaperon disk space to convert filesto PCX format, then compressusing PKZIP or similarprogram.

Fig 4. METEOSAT-4 total solar eclipse30 June 1992; circular shadow oversouth Atlantic.

Animation software

There are two animationprograms supplied -PDAFANIM, which animatesthe whole earth (A -format)infra -red images, andPDUSANIM which animatesEurope. It is essential torecognise that the softwareonly works effectively with theET4000 video card and one ortwo others, and needs lots ofRAM! The manual specifies aminimum of 4Mb.

This program for A -formatimages is very versatile, andcontains other options, helpingto make this a quiteexceptional piece of software,provided your hardware cancope!

The second animationprogram is called PDUSANIM,and animates images ofEurope. Like its sister program,it needs plenty of RAM (16Mbis specified!) because each fileoccupies over 1Mb. Adescription of sorts wasincluded in the PDUS manual.Unfortunately this was notcomprehensive, severalsoftware options not beingmentioned. Additionally, thebuilt-in HELP screen excludedreference to them as well! Byexperimentation, I managed towork out what was on offer.

Encryption

Primary Data from METEOSATwill be encrypted in duecourse, starting with tests inearly 1994, and continuinguntil routine encryption after1995. Manufacturers of PDUSequipment were informed ofthis change during 1992 sothat the necessary decryptionkey units could be built. Pricingpolicy for UK users will bedecided by the MeteorologicalOffice. 'Info in Orbit' willprovide full details as infor-mation becomes available.

Final notes

My aim with this review hasbeen to provide a

comprehensive description ofa Primary Data system,explaining what is availablefrom both the satellite and thehardware. If you are actuallyproposing to spend money onpurchasing a PD system, Iwould suggest that it could beworthwhile identifying yourpersonal reasons for doing so.If you only want to see theweather, this is not for you -just watch the news!

In this part of the market Idon't think that Timestep havemuch competition - I havecome across few other PDUSsystems around the world,and their prices need to beseen to be believed - they areso out of the reach of theamateur market.

This system provides somesuperb images, and needsminimum re -adjustment. Myonly significant criticism of thewhole set-up is the manual, orrather the brief notes thatwere included. Timestep needto look urgently at this aspectof its output, a view repeatedlyexpressed by correspondentsto 'Info in Orbit'.

My thanks to Dave Cawley andPeter Arnold of TimestepWeather Systems forproviding this exceptionalpiece of equipment.

Prices

Timestep can supply all or anyof the parts for a completePDUS system. If you alreadyhave a METEOSAT system youwill not need all of it. Theircatalogue, available onrequest, lists all the options.Typical prices are:

Dish feedPreamplifierReceiverCard & Software

£49£255£699£499


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JAV I AT I 0 NTHE AIRBAND SPECIALISTS

At the time of writing our combined VHF/UHF frequency guideand UHF only supplement are dated mid December however weexpect new editions to be available from late February.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE THESE LISTS IN FULL A4 FORMATJUST LET US KNOW WHEN ORDERING.

NEW EDITION VHF/UHF LIST: £7.50 including p&pUHF ONLY LISTING: £4.00 including p&p

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By Ron HamFaraday, Greyfriars, Storrington, West Sussex RH2O 4HE

Broadly speaking, short waveenthusiasts are particularlyinterested in receiving radio

and/or television signals fromabnormally long -distances. This iscommonly called DXing, however,before any of this can happensomething must go 'wrong'somewhere in earth's complexatmosphere and upset the normalpaths of such signals. The idea ofthis column is to publish readers'reports and observations so thatothers can compare these resultswith their own work or logs over asimilar period.

School Project

With this in mind, I must nowcongratulate, 13 year old, ConnorWatch (Co. Wexford) who decidedto use the subject of propagation fora school project last June. Briefly,he checked the prevailingatmospheric pressure against a

range of signals that he received inBand II (87-107MHz) and writes, "Ifeel I learned something from it". Ofcourse you did Connor, yourecorded for future comparison thevariations in pressure and theEuropean stations that you heard.

Keep in mind that, in v.h.f. terms,Ireland is a long way from Franceand Germany therefore yourreception of signals from thosecountries alone is worth recording.Your graphs show that more distantstations were audible when thepressure was high than while it is

low. Such data is only availabletoday because, over many decades,

people like yourself have taken thetrouble to write down what theyheard and compare it with otherfactors like sudden temperaturechanges, sunspots and the weather.

You also told me that on June 10,you logged a good number of Italianstations at the top end of the band.This was a bonus for you Connor,because, while you were looking fortropospheric openings, naturepresented you with a nice fatdisturbance, known as Sporadic -E.This often occurs during thesummer months in the lower 'E'region of the ionosphere and it wasthis that gave you those Italians.

Solar

From sites in Edinburgh andGlasgow, Ron Livesey, the auroralco-ordinator for the BritishAstronomical Association, using theprojection method, located twoactive areas on the sun's disc onOctober 3, 4, 8, 10, 17 & 21 and threeon the 16th & 22nd. The latter werealso observed by Patrick Moore(Selsey) who kindly sent a drawingof these three areas, Fig. 1, as hesaw them on his projection screenat 1100 on the 22nd..

Auroral

Ron Livesey received reports ofauroral 'glow or patch' for theovernight period on October 9/10,11/12, 17/18 & 20/21; 'arc or band' on16/17, 20/21 & 27/28; 'rayed arc orband' on 25/26; 'ray bundles' on10/11, 11/12, 12/13, 18/19, 22/23 &

Fig. 1.

24/25; 'active formsor pulsations' on 5/6,9/10 & 21/22 and 'allsky aurora' on 8/9,where visible, fromobservers in Canada andthe United States, the Met.Office at Wick and the OceanWeather Ship Cumulus. May I

remind you that Ron would be happyto receive your reports at Flat 1/2,East Parkside, Edinburgh EH16 5XJ.

Magnetic

The variety of magnetometers usedby John Fletcher (Tuffley), TonyHopwood (Upton -on -Severn), KarlLewis (Saltash), Ron Livesey, DavidPettitt (Carlisle) and Tom Beckham(Goosetrey), between them,recorded strong disturbances to theearth's magnetic field on October 9,10, 11, 25 & 27-29. Lesser activitywas noted on days 1, 4, 5, 16 & 18.

Propagation Beacons

As usual, my thanks are due toGordon Foote (Didcot), Cmdr HenryHatfield (Sevenoaks), IanMcDermid (Comrie), Ted Owen(Maldon), Em Warwick (Plymouth)and Ford White (Portland), for their28MHz beacon logs from which I

compiled the chart in Fig. 2. Henryreports that EA3JA was very loud onNovember 6.

Among all the other SouthAfrican beacon activity, Gordoncopied a lone signal from ZS5VHFon November 7. Gordon alsoreported that reception was up and

downduring

the periodand he found the

best day was November 14 when helogged 12 beacons and,significantly, a few Americansamong them. Ern and Gordon toldme that ZS6PW is now up on28.160MHz (previously 28.160MHz).

Band II

During the tropospheric opening onNovember 18, Connor Welch, usinga Sony ICF-SW800 with its own rodantenna, heard a Frenchtransmission around 95.4MHz. WhileLeo Barr (Sunderland) was tuningthrough the band on his Philips carradio he found the local stationsRadio Broadland and Lincs FM andan unidentified station from Holland.On October 29/30, Leo heard BBCRadio 4 from Ashkirk, Forfar andSandale, Classic FM, BBC RadioScotland and 1FM from Blackhill,1FM from Darvel, BBC R Scotlandfrom Skriaig, Isle Of Skye, BBCRadio Solway and Viking FM. Heidentified these by their programmecontent.

Details of the atmosphericpressure, recorded by me fromOctober 26 to November 25, can beseen in my television columnelsewhere in this issue.

October NovemberFig. 2: Beacon Chart

BeaconCTOAPODFOAABDKOTENDLOIGIEA3JAHG5GEWIK1PCB1Y4MKA1NSVKD4EC

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Roger Bonney,33 Cherville Street, Romsey, Hants S051 8FB

The wind of change has blownthrough Eastern Europe thesepast couple of years, the most

dramatic perhaps October '93 withthe Russian Revolution - 2. Worldchanging events like this are wellcovered in the media and forsatellite 'zappers' the world'sdramas are played out in their livingrooms as the various satellite TVnews feeds are monitored.

I personally would have thoughta year go that no Russian satellitewould be carrying soft porn but I

am again proved wrong! Cable Plusis a Prague based companyproducing an evening menu of filmsand imported programmes (such asthe US version of Candid Camera)that are then downlinked acrossCzechoslovakia for cable systemsin the major towns. Friday/Saturdaynights from about 2300 is the cuefor the soft porn segment in an

evening of programmes running1800-0100 approx. This televisualdownlink can be monitoredcurrently on the Russian satellite -Gorizont 11 @ 11°W - on its singleKu band 11.525GHz r.h. circulartransponder with a relatively strongsignal on a lm dish.

Gorizont craft have no provisionfor station keeping (orbital stability)and gradually they move into anincreasing inclined orbitalmovement requiring special receivedish tracking. That's why the 14°WGorizont is so weak for much of theday as the bird moves in an inclinedorbit above/beneath the Clarke Beltthough centred at 14°W. Therelatively stability of the 11°W birdsuggests that its relatively new intoservice and has yet to move into aninclined orbiting pattern.

The past few weeks have seenseveral new satellite channelsbecome established, there's nevera dull moment out in the ClarkeBelt! One SWM reader queried thenew pop music channel, similar toMTV but in German on Eutelsat II Fl@ 13°E there are a series oftriangles in the corner. This is thelong awaited VIVA music channelex Köln on 11.00GHz horizontal,opening December 1 and seems tobe transmitting around the clock.

For Arabic students on the samebird at 11.67GHz horizontal (the oldFilmnet pad) is found another 24hours TV offering from EDTV Dubai(Emirates Dubai Television) withtheir domestic N service at veryhigh signal strengths. If you're intoAlbanian affairs then the arrival ofN Shqiptar on Eut. II F3 @ 16°E willplease you though with a restrictedprogramme/news offering 1730-

193OUTC and using clear PAL -

check out 11.575GHz horizontal forthis service. Incidentally on thesame bird at 12.53GHz vertical

arrived a news feed mid morningDecember 12 concerning Russianvoting figures with 2 -way reportsfrom Moscow into several Westerncountries including the USA. Eachitem was interspersed with a testcard and ident 'CNSRT - Moscow',a new one on me - can anyoneadvise the sourcing news agency?

On -going repairs in space to theHubble telescope (Decemberweeks 1-2) were witnessed bymany sat -zappers mainly viaIntelsat K 21°W. During this period Ilooked in vain for evidence of theNASA -TV feeds on Intelsat 504 @32°W that in previous expeditionshas downlinked extensive NASAoutput into Europe. NASA N wascarried over this bird but onlyintermittently in Ku band - NASAcarriage was seemingly in C Bandvia the TDRS bird or prebookedsmaller chunks on the K craft inFSS band.

The final word from Jean-LouisDubler in Montreux. Tele MonteCarlo and RTL-N programmes nowcarried in the clear on Telecom 2Bare being 'lifted' on to many Swisscable systems without thepermission from (or payment to) theoriginating programme source thatmay result in these services beingencrypted. French cable systemspay a nominal charge to RTL/TMCfor each subscriber thusconnected. TMC now has their ownlive bulletin broadcast nightly fromEuronews, Lyons. TF1 is rumouredto be opening a dedicated Frenchlanguage news service in 1994

using digital compression(Spectrum Saver) via Telecom 2B at5°W. The signal will be in the clear,once you've found a digitaldecompressor!

Orbital NewsWe've news of a really hot satelliteDXing receiver with a claimedthreshold of under 2.5dB - the SRX2000E - made by NKM ElektronikGmbH. This rather dramaticdevelopment in low signal workingresults from a complete redesignand rethink around the videodemodulator stages and combinesa very low threshold videodemodulator with digital signal p.I.I.processing. The incoming signal(either PAL, NTSC, SECAM) is splitinto its 3 basic components (r -y, b -y,y), each is digitally processed andrecombined to produce a newcleaned up PAL signal, new syncsand colour burst. Though menudriven it is claimed to be 'userfriendly'. Price tag is DM 5500 FOBGermany, for more details contactthe manufacturers at PO Box 1705,79507 Lorrach, West Germany (FAX:07621 18840).

Fig. 1: Test card ofthe new Turkish

movie channelEutelsat II F2 @

10°E.

Another hot spot for satelliteoperations is the Middle East withseveral large groups planing toopen rival N services. OrbitCommunications is opening a Nproduction facility near Rome, Italythat will offer digitally compressedand encrypted N channels acrossthe whole Middle East during 1994aiming for over 20 availablechannels by 1997. MPEGcompression will be used withencryption for the service of films,sports, general entertainment andchildren's programmes.

Another Rome based service -Arabic Radio and TV - (ART) is

planning a 4 -channel TV service viaArabsat 1D 'soon' though using D2 -MAC with K4 -Crypt scrambling.Further action is seen withestablished Middle EastBroadcasting (MBC) out of Londonwith their compressed + DigiCipherservice though intended for over150 terrestrial receive sites andrelated MMDS (microwaveterrestrial retransmission)transmitters. The new services willinclude general entertainment,family entertainment andeducation, movies and a newschannel. The other new satelliteservice is an Arabic station - 'Al-Mustaqbal N' - broadcasting fromBeirut across the Middle East viaArabsat 1D (20°E) in C Band forsome 20 hours daily.

Finally, if you write in withinformation or queries can youplease include an s.a.e. Generalreception reports and news arewelcome, include details of yourown receiving setup and anyunique home construction oradaptions to the system. Due totime limitations I'd prefer not toreceive long video tapes! I'm nottoo happy to receive 'phone calls at0500 Monday mornings or 2200

Sunday evenings - which hashappened.!

Fig. 7: Andrew Sykessnapped this impressive7°E shot of the Fubk test -card.

411.1111111111.NEWSOURCE

Begin RollingNow

Fig. 2: Trans -Atlantic newsfeed circuit Atlanta - Europevia Intelsat K, 21 °W.

Fig. 3: Test card of the FrenchTelecom programmepackage.

Fig. 4: A Greek news feedrolling via Eutelsat II F4 7°Eusing sound -in- syncs. Notejittery picture via JohnLocker.

NBC SKYPATH

0 26 93 00Fig. 5: An NBC programmecircuit via Intelsat K inboundfor the revamped SuperChannel output on 13°E viaJohn Locker.

Fig. 6: The non -too strongPM5544 test card from NileTV, Egypt on Eutelsat II F3 @16°E.


I DATV Epag c]=EqpiRon Ham,Faraday, Greyfriars, Storrington, West Sussex RH2O 4HE

When I am asked, "do youever get a thin time formaterial for your

columns?", in theory, the answershould be "yes, at the end of theSporadic -E season", but this is notthe case, because, there is alwayssomething going on in the restlessatmosphere to write about. Also,there is more behind the receptionof long-distance (DX) televisionsignals than the subjectimmediately suggests. Forexample, each time pictures fromafar appear on your screen youhave learnt that a naturaldisturbance is taking place in theionosphere or the troposphere.Broadly speaking, a goodSporadic -E is required to see DX inBand I (45-68MHz), while Bands III1175-230MHz), IV (471-608MHz) andV (615-856MHz) need what's calleda tropospheric opening.

The former is a sudden upset inthe 'E' region of the ionosphereand the prevailing weather has alot to do with the latter. DXTV cansometimes be seen in Bands I andIII, rather grottily, via auroralreflection and for a momentary'flash' by meteor trail reflection.So, to sum -up, a small portabletelevision receiver that covers allthree bands is a super propagationindicator to have available. Don'tforget readers, if pictures arebeing received on Chs. E2 & R1then you are almost certain to find'DX' in the 50MHz amateur bandbecause of the similarity in

frequencies. This association alsogoes for Band III and the 144MHzband and Bands IV and V and the430 and 1296MHz bands. It all fitstogether nicely and this is whereone interest in the world of radiocan alert another.

General Rules

For the benefit of our new readers,Bands I and III are in the v.h.f. partof the spectrum and Bands IV andV are in the u.h.f. region. Although

Fig. 3: Unidentified news -reader.

Sporadic -E events do occur, on alimited scale, during the wintermonths, the main 'season', whenthe big openings are expected, isbetween mid -April and mid -

September with peaks in June andJuly.

Each 'band' represents a part ofthe radio frequency spectrum thathas been internationally allocatedto terrestrial television. Because ofthe limited frequency spaceavailable, the bands have to beshared and to do this they aredivided into channels, a fewmegahertz wide and given a

number that is recognisedthroughout the world. For instance,Band I has the West European 'E'channels and the East European 'R'channels that are allocated tomany countries such as Norway onChs. E2 (48.25MHz), E3 (55.25MHz)& E4 (62.25MHz), Denmark on Ch.E3 & E4 and Poland & Russia onChs. R1 (49.75MHz) & R2

(59.25MHz). More preciseinformation can be found in thelatest edition of the World Radio TVHandbook, published by Billboardand, if wanted, can be purchasedfrom the SWM Book Service at theEditorial Offices in Broadstone.

Over the years, TVDXers haveproved that when Band I is open,television pictures from stations inAlbania, Austria, Belgium,Czechoslovakia, Finland, France,Germany, Holland, Hungary,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, parts of theMiddle East, Portugal, Romania,

Russia,Scandinavia,Spain, Sweden,Switzerland andYugoslavia canbe received in

the UK.Furthermore,

Band III is splitinto 12 channelsand the twou.h.f. bands havesome 48

channelsbetween them. Now let's see whatsome of our readers have to sayabout conditions during Octoberand November.

Band I

In October, Lt Col Rana Roy(Meerut, India) found disturbancesaround Ch. E2 (48.25MHz) almostdaily from the 3rd to the 28th andon November 6. While on mostdays he identified pictures fromSouth-east Asia, he logged signals,sometimes smeary and fluttering,from Bangkok TV on 5 October,Figs. 1 & 2. Smeary pictures,suggesting some 'F2' activity werealso seen during the late afternoonof the 7th.

Up North, Bob Brooks (GreatSutton) found short periods ofwinter Sporadic -E on November 3,5, 6, 8 & 9. Spread through theseevents he logged test -cards andprogrammes from Denmark (DR),Norway (NRK) and Spain (NE) anda few from unidentified sources.His log shows good Sporadic -Eopenings between 1420 & 1845 onOctober 15 and from 1040 to 1530on the 19th. On the 15th he sawprogrammes from Denmark,Portugal (RIP) and Spain. On the19th, the score wasCzechoslovakia (Bratislava) CIS,Germany (ARD1), Italy (RAI),Norway (NRK), Poland (TVP) &Sweden (STV1) and watchedcaptions, cartoons, ice -hockey,news and tennis from unidentifiedstations.

Because of the ever changing'shape' of Sporadic -E clouds, manysignals, like the news reader in Fig.3, appear for too short a time to geta positive identity. In addition tothe example in Fig. 3, Bobproduced photographs of a

regional caption from Spain, Fig. 4that he took in 1986 and a film titlefrom TVE, Fig. 5, complete with co -channel interference, that hereceived in August 1991.

My thanks to Tarostaw Grytner(Chorzow) for telling me thatPoland has two governmentprogrammes TVP1 and TVP2 andmany private TV stations. He thinks

Figs. 1&2:Bangkok TV.

it unlikely that we would receivethe latter in the UK because oftheir low power.

Satellite TVHaving seen a picture from a

Polish satellite station (Polsat) inmy November column, TarostawGrytner, kindly explains the origin."It's a commercial Polish station,with films and news transmittedfrom Holland by Eutelsat" andadded that this is the reason whyyou can sometimes read the word'NETHERLANDS' at the bottom ofthe picture.

Rana Roy reports that as fromAugust, India has 5 satellitechannels that are telecast viaINSAT 2B. The pictures received inJuly by Peter de Jong (Leiden,Holland) from ASTRA 1 C includean opening announcement, Fig. 6,a channel schedule, Fig. 7 and aGerman (WDR) programme, Fig. 8.

In New Radnor, Simon Hamerhas been watching "all thoseGerman stations, via Astrasatellite, the same as we aim forduring tropospheric openings". Hecontinued, "that includes 5 regionsfrom the third network, BR -3, MDR -3, NDR-3, WEST -3 and SWF-3. I

can even listen to Jonathan Mark'sexcellent Media Network on RadioNederland in f.m. quality in theevenings". Simon pointed out thatthis is good because short wavereception can be rotten at that timeduring the winter.

Weather

"We are having pleasant weathernow. Temperatures are 27°C duringthe day and 11°C at night," wroteRana Roy on November 18.

A little snow, icy winds, highpressure, fog, hard frosts and shortperiods of heavy rain is the bestway that I can sum up November'sweather here in West Sussex. I

recorded 77.5mm of rain during themonth compared with 171.7mm inNovember 1992. Most of this yearsrain fell on the 10th (17.8mm), 13th(22.9mm), 14th (16.5mm) and 30th(16.5mm). By midnight on the 14ththe pressure reached 1026mb(30.3in) (see Fig. 13), the rain hadgone and a cold spell set in that didnot abate until the 24th. Someovernight temperatures, measuredin my garden, were down to 21°Fand there was light snow on the20th and 21st.

The daily variations inatmospheric pressure for theperiod October 26 to November25, Fig. 13, were taken at noonand midnight from my ownbarograph.


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DE= ZomEli-oqp

Fig. 5: TVE.

Tropospheric

Tropospheric disturbances oftenoccur during periods of very highatmospheric pressure and make thehigher v.h.f. and the u.h.f. bands DXprone when the 'high' begins tomove and the pressure starts to fall.

This happened during theevening and overnight onNovember 16/17. The usual co -

channel interference, in the form ofpatterns, developed on the u.h.f.screens and some of the networksapologised to viewers about thepoor quality of their pictures andexplained that it was due to theatmosphere and beyond theircontrol.

Such events can last anythingfrom a few hours to several days. Itall seems to depend upon theextent of the prevailing highpressure system, the strength of theincoming 'low' that is pushing it andchanges in temperature.

Reports from radio observersover the years have helpedeveryone to better understand whathappens and it's not uncommon tolearn that after seeing patterns ontheir domestic TV, v.h.f./u.h.f.enthusiasts make haste to theirstations to see what DX is about onthe nearest amateur band.

6101.1%\

\et 11,10iiiiiiitit tt . 111 IF 1 CtI ( I

.)),

ONE 1'11

11 1111

A

,114\ kkkAAA

.'11.m.1%\ )) 1111% 1111;111"1,,"sV11i ,,, So.

Fig. 6: Astra 1C.

Connor Walch (Co. Wexford)tells me that, "in this part of Irelandeverybody watches HTV (Wales),BBC1 and 2 (Wales) and S4C with au.h.f. antenna on the roof andsometimes a booster". However,Connor has been keeping an eye onthe changing pressure and onNovember 1st, with his family'sdomestic set and antenna, he

received a noisy picture from theFrench Canal+ and a strong colourpicture from Germany's ZDF.

Lower down, in Band III, on

October 29, 31, November 1 and 2,Bob Brooks logged a test -card fromBelgium (BRT) and Denmark (DR)and programmes from Denmark,France (Canal+), Germany (ARD1 &WDR1) and Ireland (RTE). Bob alsoreceived signals in this band fromBelgium, France and Ireland againon the 17th and 18th.

On November 1, Simon Hamer,trawled Band III and loggedpictures from Denmark (DR) on Chs.E5 and 8, Norway (NRK) on Chs. E8and 11 and their TV2 on E12 andSweden (SVT1) on Chs. E6 and 9. Healso found Denmark's TV2 andSweden's SVT2 in the u.h.f. band.As expected, Simon had a goodhaul on the 18th with programmesfrom Denmark, Finland (YLE1) on Ch.E6, Norway, Poland (TVP) on Ch. R8

and Sweden in Band III aswell as Belgium, Denmark,France, Germany (ARD1,HR3, MDR3, N3, NDR3,SWF3 & ZDF), Holland,Ireland and Sweden's SVT1,SVT2 and TV4 in the u.h.f.bands.

Fig. 8: ,,pWDRprogramme.

in mb30.7 103830.6 103530.5 103230.4 102930.3 102630.2 102230.1 101930.0 101529.9 101229.8 100929.7 100529.6 100229.5 99829.4 99529.3 99129.2 98829.1 984

SSTV

In November, John Scott(Glasgow) received slowscan television captions, in

Fig. 7: Channel Schedule.

the 14MHz band around 14.230MHz,from stations in the Commonwealthof Independent States (CIS) Fig. 9,Germany Fig. 10, Spain Fig. 11 andSweden Fig. 12. John has receivedQSL cards, acknowledging hisreports, from stations in Ireland(Craigavon and Lisburn) in the northand Tipperary in the south andothers from Kent and London.

He tells me that the SM5EEP,Fig. 12, has a regular net, on14.233MHz, around 1330 onSaturdays, when other SSTVerscome up to work him. Thanks forthis info John, it will greatly help

.1j050ED. Fig. 9: SSTV from CIS.

newcomers to have a known signalto look for. To avoid disappointment,those of you who are new to slow -scan reception may like a tip; listenaround 14.230MHz for a strong'twittering' then, while watching themonitor, slowly tune through the'twitters' until the picture starts to'run' and slowly build up. It's best totry this several times before youtackle a weak signal.

Fig. 11: SSTV from Spain.

Fig. 10: SSTV from Germany. Fig. 12: SSTV from Sweden.

October 1993 November 199326 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 15 6 17 8 9 20 21 22 23 24 25NMNMNMNMN M NMNMNMNMNM NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNM NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNMNM NMNMNM NM

N

N ( N

Fig. 13

in mb30 7 103830 6 103530 5 103230.4 102930.3 102630 2 102230 1 101930 0 1015299 101229 8 100929 7 100529 6 100229 5 99829.4 99529 3 99129 2 98829.1 984


IicD)3111DD

BANDSCAN AMERICABy Gerry Dexter

(Heralde

Christian Science MonitorBroadcasting) has

signed an agreement to sellWCSN, its short wave station in

Maine, to Prophecy Countdown, areligious organisation headed by

Seventh Day Adventist Pastor JohnWesley Osborne, Jr. The actualtransfer of ownership won't occuruntil September, but WCSN is alreadyairing as many as 30 hours ofProphecy Countdown programmingper week.

Prophecy Countdown, based inMt. Dora, Florida, will pay $5 millionfor WCSN. Herald Broadcastingexpects to have the planned majorimprovements in place at its WSHBstation in South Carolina by theSeptember take-over date. Theseimprovements involve the addition ofanother 500kW transmitter andassociated antennas and will enableWSHB to fill in the gaps in HeraldBroadcasting's world coverage leftby the loss of WCSN.

Radio MiamiInternational Arrives

After years of effort, Radio MiamiInternational has finally begunbroadcasting. Initial test broadcastswere aired over a standbytransmitter, using only about 400Wwatts. The regular 50 kW unit shouldbe in operation by now. WRMI isusing 9.955MHz. The first broadcastsconsisted of periodic test tones andstation announcements. Once thenormal schedule is in place youshould be able to find WRMI activefor at least twelve hours out of everytwenty-four. Much of theprogramming is expected to be in theform of half hour blocks of time soldto various organisations, a number ofthem anti -Castro groups. Most of theprogramming will be in Spanish.Reception reports will be confirmedwith an attractive card. The addressis Radio Miami International, PO Box526852, Miami, Florida 33152, USA.You can contact the station via e-mailon CompuServe - 71163, 1735. TheFAX number is (305) 267-9253.

High Frequencies onThe High Seas?

Word is still floating around about thecoming operation of a 'radio ship'.The Motor Vessel Fury 11 is said to bein the process of being outfitted inBoston harbour and then is to bepositioned somewhere in theCaribbean next year. The ship is

supposed to have four short wavetransmitters which were once usedby the VoA, two of them said to be 40kW and two of 10kW. Air time on willbe sold to various groups. BrotherStair, a preacher based in South

Carolina, is reported to have boughtall the available time on one of thetransmitters so it will be devotedexclusively to his own preachings.Apparently a number of Caribbeanisland governments have turneddown applications for a license forthis station.

Silent Canadians

CFCX, the short wave relay of CICC1,Montreal went off the air last Augustand at the time, a spokesman made itsound as it would be a very long timebefore the station returned to shortwave. However, US DXers are nowhearing it again, (on its usual 6.005frequency) and with better signalsthan before. Other DXers on a recent'DXpedition' to Washington state, sayit appears that two other Canadianshort wave stations are currently offthe air. No signals were heard fromCKFX on 6.080 or CKZU on 6.160. Hadthey been active they should havebeen heard easily in Washingtonstate.

Notes from CentralAmerica and theCaribbean

Ondas Musical, Santo Domingo, isactive from the Dominican Republicon 4.780 or slightly below, running to0300 sign off. This is a return to shortwave for this station, which wasactive on the 60 metre band yearsago. Another reactivated station is

Radio Barahona on 4.930, which nowseems to have added 'Internacional'to its name. The religious stationRadio Amanecer International on

6.025 will increase its power to 5kW.The station is broadcastingprogramming to Cuba, in addition to atwo hour English program directed tothe Caribbean each evening. Thestation is considering the addition ofFrench language broadcasts as well.

A month or two before the firstsignals from WRMI were heard, itssister station, Radio CopanInternational, went on the air fromTegucigalpa, Honduras. It is

operating with Spanish programmingMondays through Saturdays from1400-1500 and 2100 to 2300 and onSundays 2100-2200 on 15.675. A 60second spot announcement on RadioCopan International costs $5. Reportscan be sent in care of Radio MiamiInternational.

Radio Litoral, another newstation from Honduras, is said to beactive now on 4.830 although we'veseen no loggings on this one.Supposedly it is located at La Ceibaand identifies as 'Radio Litoral, la ozinternacional de La Ceiba'. Anyonewho spends as much time tuning the60 metre bands knows what a poor

frequency choice this is. 4.830 is

normally occupied by a strong signalfrom Radio Tachira in Venezuela.Radio Reloj in Costa Rica is oftenactive on 4.832.

Adventists World Radio'sinstallation at Cahuita is reported tohave been having some problemswith its transmitters and are in theprocess of having the trouble fixed bythe manufacturer. That will explainany absence you may note on one ormore of AWR Cost Rica'sfrequencies.

In Mexico, Radio Education on6.185 has added more Englishlanguage programming and alsoplans to add programmes in Frenchand German,

South America

Ecos del Oriente, Lago Agrio on 3.270has be reactivated and signs on atabout 1015UTC.

Radio Oriental is using 4.780,

slightly variable, which will makelogging and identifying this one, orthe Dominican mentioned earlier, justa bit confusing! The station operatesfrom Tena, in Napo province andsigns on just before 1000UTC.

Still another reactivation is RadioBahai on 4.950 which signs on justprior to 0900.

And yet another returningstation is Radio Luz y Vida, 4.850,which signs on around 1030. Thisstation has been around for manyyears and has disappeared and thenreturned several times over thatperiod.

Radio Occidente has reappearedfrom Venezuela after being silent onshortwave for a multi -year period. It'sbeing heard on 9.750 for much of thedaylight hours in the WesternHemisphere. The identification is saidto also mention 3.225, where thestation used to operate, but thatchannel seems not to be in use.

Surinam is one of the less easilyheard South American countries. Theonly active station there is RadioApinte which is using quite lowpower. To make matters worse, thestation seems to change back andforth between 4.991 and 5.005, bothvariable and both subject to intenseinterference from otherbroadcasters. Sign off normally takesplace shortly after 0300.

Hawaii Calls!

KWHR may be on the air from Hawaiias you read this. KWHR is affiliatedwith US short wave station WHRI andwill relay WHRI programming toAustralia/New Zealand and Asia. The100kW transmitter is expected to use17.555 from 0000 to 0200. 17.510 at0200, 9.930 at 0600, 7.425 at 1600,

13.625 at 1800, 13.720 at 2000 and17.510 again at 2200.

Somewhere else in the Pacific:Dr. Adrian Peterson's shortwavenewsletter reports that a 10kWshortwave transmitter is beingreadied for installation on somePacific Island. Details have not yetbeen released.

Adventist World Radio plans toinstall a third 100kW transmitter atKSDA in Guam sometime later thisyear.

Radio Tonga continues to be

silent on short wave. Apparentlythere is a problem with the lineconnection between the studio andthe transmitter and getting this fixedis the responsibility of the TonganTelecom Corporation. No one seemsto have any idea as to how longRadio Tonga will be absent from its5.030 frequency - which, by the way,is now also being used by anothervery rare catch - Radio Bhutan.

Back on the Mainland

US short wave station WINB at RedLion, Pennsylvania has cut itsbroadcast time to 73A hours per daywhile it makes changes to itsantenna system. Pastor Peter Petershas purchased a 15% interest in

WINB. WINB went on the air in 1962,so it predates by two decades theflood of private US short wavebroadcasters which began in theearly 1980s.

WEWN in Alabama, which hasbeen on the air for a year or so now,has decided to discontinue use ofone of its four high power transmitter.The station will keep the fourth unitas a standby.

The Voice of America station atDixon, California has now beencompletely closed down.

Other Notes

KNLS, Anchor Point, Alaska now airsprogramming in English andJapanese between 1300 and 1400 on7.355. It is also being relayed by atransmitter at Novosibirsk, Russia inChinese between 1300 and 1500 on6080. Unfortunately, this DXer friendlystation says it cannot QSL reports forits Russian relay.

That's all for this time. We'll havemore news from the Americans andthe Pacific in three month's time.Good listening!


Graham Tanner,42 David Close, Harlington, Middlesex UB3 5EA

!thought that I would take thisopportunity to state theobjectives of this section of

SWM, for the benefit of newreaders, and as a reminder toexisting readers. This part of themagazine is devoted to thenumerous s.s.b. signals heardbetween 0-30MHz that use thespoken voice for communications.When you subtract from that30MHz segment the broadcastbands and the various areasallocated to radio amateurs, thereare still vast areas available to allsorts of 'utility' signals. Many ofthese utility signals use complexequipment (e.g. FAX, AMTOR, RTTY,etc. to code and decodetransmissions, so you, the reader,will also need equipment to decodethem; the benefit of s.s.b. voicetransmissions is that you alreadyhave the best and most sensitive'decoding' equipment available -

your ears. This section reportsupon transmissions where theEnglish language is used, however

I am happy to deal with otherlanguages. I look forward toreceiving your letters at theaddress at the top of the page.

Since I took over this columnfrom the late Peter Rouse, I havemainly reported upon militarytransmissions, because that seemsto be where much of your interestslie (judging by your letters, that is.Over the coming year, I would liketo print more about the maritimescene (something that I know littleabout), and maybe mention a fewdifferent users of the spectrum.

All this is going to requireinformation and letters from you,detailing what you heard, whenyou heard it, and what theconversation was about. If you'renot sure of the full details, don'tworry, one of the many readers ofthis column is bound to know -whenever I put questions in thecolumn, I always get plenty ofanswers and a few more questionsbesides.

More Britannia

A few months back, I mentionedthe h.f. station operated byBritannia Airways at Luton. I havehad quite a few letters on thissubject, including a long letter fromMrs B in the Isle of Man. Sheexplains that the Britannia set-up isso that they can monitor theirflights and crews when they want,without having to rely on

telephone -patches via the BT

Portishead Radio. It also allows forlonger conversations to discussproblems and flight changes.

KCC-130 Hercules refuelling tanker, it weighs 829211bs dry!

Mrs B says that BritanniaAirways has just taken delivery ofsix brand-new Boeing 767ERs (ER -Extended Range), which will be

replacing some of their Boeing737s; she doesn't know theirSelcalls yet, so if anyone hears ofthese being passed 'on air', I'll bepleased to pass them on via thiscolumn.

Exercise

Geoff Crowley writes with anotherinteresting letter from Iceland. I

dread to think what thepropagation must be like up there.He mentions an exercise takingplace in early November in which astation was talking with 'Architect',and was advised that 'Lima' wasthe new working frequency. Geoffsays that he wasn't aware that theRAF assigned code -letters to theirh.f. frequencies. Well Geoff, thereappears to be two group; one setcomprises just single letters (suchas 'Lima' above), and anotherseries has two letters such as'Hotel Mike'.

Logs received over the past fewmonths sometimes list anoccasional tie-up, but I'm not toosure about printing them in thiscolumn for two reasons - maybethe frequency/letter(s) tie-upschange, and I value my freedomand don't want a 'visit'! Sometimes,at the end of the 'Architect' hourly

weather broadcast, they read a

series of letters - maybe there is aconnection between the two?

Geoff's log of the exercisetraffic was mainly anonymous 'tri-graph' callsigns (combinations ofletters and numbers) talking to astation 'Buckam'; this is actually'Buchan', which is one of the RAF'sradar and communications centres,the others are at Neatishead andBoulmer. The fourth site (StaxtonWold) closed recently. The propertitle for these is 'Air Defence RadarUnits', and during exercises thesestations are extremely busy - if youcan find them, that is!

Incidentally, the 'Architect'service used to be broadcast fromthe old RAF airfield at Upavon inWiltshire, but when I checkedthere during last summer I was toldthat everything had been movedaway. I have since heard that itnow operates from a sitesomewhere to the south-west ofOxford.

More CoastalControl

Clive M writes from Cornwall, andmentions 'Coastal Control', andasks why haven't I mentioned it anymore since July 1992. Well, Clive,partly through lack of information,and partly because I would like tobe sure about what I print.

What is known is that the

Photo Mike Richards

'Coastal Control' set-up is used bythe Royal Navy and MerchantNavy. There are a number of paired'calling frequencies', where theshore station transmits a two-tonebleep every 5 seconds to indicatethat the particular circuit is activeand that it is available for use (thetones disappear when a contact isbeing set-up). One tip (from RonGalliers) is to listen to the 'ship'frequency, so that you don't haveto put up with the annoying tones.Clive says that he has heard both2.702MHz and 4.420MHz activerecently, sometimessimultaneously. Once contact is

established between a ship and theshore station, both laSY to a pair of'working frequencies'. These arerarely the same channel number,e.g. "ship 32, shore 51".

After the July 1992 mention ofthis service, I received ananonymous note that listed twopairs of ship and shorefrequencies. After listening forquite some time, eventually a

contact was set-up using one ofthe four frequencies listed; I wentto that frequency and heard onehalf of a very brief conversation,and then the stations launched intosome form of computercommunications. When I tried a

few days later on the samechannel number, I heard nothing,so maybe the frequencies arechanged regularly?


iDDEflP 3,MCG'1

MCDME0f1=M

The question of 'special'prefixes seems to have gotsome people on the go a little.

If you look at the countrieschecklist on page 60 of the 1994

RSGB Call Book or if you have arecent copy of Geoff Watts' Prefix -Country -Zone List you will seeagainst a given country not only theamateur prefix but also the 'ITUallocation'. Consider the USA, forinstance, we see AAA-ALZ, WAA-WZZ, NAA-NZZ, KAA-KZZ as the ITUallocation. We may say then, that a'special' starting with one or twoletters in these groups is US inorigin. APA-ASZ, by contrast, is fromPakistan, so if you picked up a

callsign of the form AS2ZZ forexample, you could assume that (ifhe is genuine) he is in Pakistan.Thus when a new call is heard, if hecan't be pulled out of the 'normalcountry/prefix list', then a referenceto the ITU listings will usuallyresolve the question.

Properly, there are NO

exceptions to this rule; howeverunofficial prefixes beginning withnumber 1 have been used; ISSpratly was one such, 1A theSovereign Military Order of Malta,113 Blenheim Reef, 1G Geyser Reef,1M Minerva Reef, 1P Pelican Islandand 1Z the Karen State. This positionONLY arises in a place having nolicence authority, so in fact it edgesup to the outer edge of piracy,though maybe with the best of intent- so long as you are prepared toaccept that a reef that dries at lowwater can be a 'country'!

Let's have a peep at the bands.By and large, conditions have beenpretty poor this past month, thoughthere have as always been brightspots.

To give yourself some guidance,it is as well to listen to one of thestations that put out the solar dataon c.w., such as DKOWCY. To turnthe data given back into somethingmeaningful, consult the RSGB CallBook article on this topic.

Letters

The first comes from newcontributor Andrew Maidens wholives in Alford, Lincs. Andrew hasleft college and is now job -hunting;which has given him a little morespare time to build up Howes DX DCreceivers from the kits and to putthem to use. Outside, at 15m a.g.l.there is a 27MHz CB vertical of the 5%persuasion. Sticking to sideband,21MHz gave all W call areas, VE3 &VY2R0 in N America, Asians by wayof 4Z4SG, YC2EWZ, A47RS, JI6KVR,S21AM, A71AN, 9K2WA, VU2TTC,YK1AN, HZ1TA, AP2JZB and variousCIS signals; Africa contributedZS1NL, EA8GQ, 9J2FB, 7X2DG,

Paul Essery GW3KFE, PO Box 4, Newtown, Powys SY161ZZ

A22MN, C53HG, 5NOGDE, SU1CS,J52AK, CN8NS, TY7ZZ, EC9BN,

TU2PA, C91AT, Z21GZ, 9G1JI, 5X1C &J5UAE.

In South and Central America wecan see LE1DCH, PY1CVJ, HK5JPS,CX6CB, CE5JLW, YV5ENI, CP5KB,K8UNP/P/C6A, NP4Z, 9Y4BA,YS1RRD, TG9GI, 6Y5DA & TIOCNE.Turning to 28MHz, Andrew provesthat there's 'life in the old band yet'despite the low sunspot level. NorthAmericans were absent on thisband, but plenty of South American,Caribbean and African stations.Finally, a nice crop under theheading of 'other/unknown' includedsuch as ZD8VJ (Ascension), ZD7DP(St Helena), 5R8DSF (Madagascar),FH5CB (Mayotte), V51BG, FR5EL

(Reunion), P40W (Aruba) & FY5GJ(Fr. Guiana)

Mark Malone in Great Harwoodtried a slightly different option,sticking to 14 & 21MHz. Stripping outthe Europeans and the nearer CISstuff, we find on 14MHz EA9TQ,W3NA, VU2DK, OD5ZJY, WA2JVM,9M8R, RW9WA, VK2WJ, C31LJ,

N1DUG, W1 NIK, W5DJ,6W6/KB3AYP & 9H4M. For 21MHzwe see VOIDGP, AK1L, AA3CE,VU2DK, N5KTG, A92EV, 9K2JC,NI DCM, N4MM & W2BXA.

Next we turn to Mark Borthwickwho lives in Hawick on the ScotsBorder and runs a Sangean ATS-803A into some 9m of wire, in anend -fed arrangement On 7MHz wesee a crop of GB stations & EA9UK;on 14MHz s.s.b. there are lots ofW1-2-3-6-7-9 & 0, along withHSO/G4UAV, 4Z4ZB, 4Z1TC, 4X6KZ,ZS6RI, 7X5BK, 9K2YA, 9X/DL6OBY,EA8BYR, VEONBZ/MM close to theMoroccan coast at 34°N & 10°W,ET3SID, EA9TQ, PT7VVX, IK8ESAwith 3W, 7X2FK; not to mention RTTYreceived from CU1AC, EA6AB &CU3EM.

When Mark gave 18MHz a whirl,he logged W1-2-3-4-7-9, A92BE,

A61AD, 5T5JC, PJ8AD, YBOARF,

7X2BK, VEIKEP, CH1YX in NovaScotia, JL1WPO., JA2DHF, JA2CG,JA7DRM & ZB2AZ. Turning to21MHz, again lots of WI -2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0, plus FM5WE, VK5LED, C53HG,KP4GN, VP5N, VP5/K2TD, TO5MM(Mortique Is), JY5IN, HZ1AB, 9K2TC,7X2LS, 7X2WEK, 7X2HM, C91AJ,VU2RBI, YV5ENI, V3IDH, V31DX,ZS6JP, 9H3BKS, 9H1EL, PY1RR,

0 D5ZZ, VE3KWT, 4Z4JT & 4Z5DX.On a different tack, Mark

wonders whether it is worthrecording in this column the timeswhen particular stations are heard. Isee no objection, but I suspect theEditor won't allow that sort of extraspace! Mark himself seems to listenmainly during the day, rather thanearly morning or night-owling.

Harry Richards was a mite

tangled with the whole question ofcallsigns and I say to Harry, andanyone else in the same boat, do gethold of Geoff Watts, Lists (62

Belmore Road, Norwich) and keep itby you.

Geoff Crowley leaves hisMidvangur, Iceland home about thetime this is being written; he will bein Scotland over Christmas, andthen probably on to Ecuador.Meantime, Geoff has taken hisAmateur Radio exam, administeredby the Icelandic Posts andTelegraph. They have three licencegrades; a 'T' licence that seems akinto our v.h.f. licence, then an 'A'giving all bands but c.w. only, andthen the 'B' licence that allows allmodes and bands. Doubtless nexttime I'll hear he has passed.HC/TFxxx sounds an intriguingprefix!

Geoff remarks on the differentbehaviour of the bands in TF-land,and has fun on the low bands; in lateOctober there is an approximate'greyline' path between Iceland andVK/ZUJA, which the 3.5MHz TFgroup have exploited to the full. The'Grey Line' is the line round theglobe at any given moment thattraces out twilight at dawn or dusk;interesting to us because of theenhanced propagation that canoccur along the greyline path.

As for signals, 24MHz yielded theodd WNE signal, VOINE, CHIYE,Europeans 5T5JC, 7Q7XX, 7Q7ZZ,4X6DK & TL8NG. 28MHz yielded aW, probably via the RS12 'bird' butotherwise Europeans. The very long3.5MHz list shows the DX segmentto have been the most productive,with N America, Europe of course,Asia, Africa & Australasia all wellrepresented; 7MHz was also fun,with such plums as HK8JFF, JW7FD,CE6CG, JA3TXA, CH9NH, KG6LF,

TI2VVR & P4OL. 14MHz was also notbad, with VK, VP5JM, IN7, ZD7CRC,5H3EM, WA3NAN the stationassociated with the Space Shuttlelaunches, a 'probable' VR6, PY8EA,ZB2X, W7GMH/KH6 in Hawaii, and abucket -full of ZLs. One of thespecials from VK, plus a questionedW7RM' heard twice, giving differentnames all gave interest on 21MHz,as well as the other DX logged.

Next we hear from MattSpencer, in Redhill, who wonderswhether anyone knows of a loggingprogram for an IBM compatiblecomputer, which is designedspecifically for the s.w.l. Anysuggestions please? Certainly I

don't, though I would have thoughtthat most of them could be used bya listener prepared to compromise abit; for example the N3E:IF, which isavailable in shareware. Matt'sSangean ATS-803A and 30m end -fedlistened on Eighty to PT7BZ, VE2HQ,

VE3FJ, VOICA, VO1MZ, VO5FG,

W2HOW, W4PRO, UA9MA &Europeans. Switching to 7MHz, Mattnoted UZ3SWA, UA3AXL & V26B,while on 14MHz HKIHHX, OA4ANR,PT7CB, P4OL, YV5NCJ & YVVIA werebooked in. Up again to 21MHz, forHCOE, P43A, TGOAA, VP2EC, V26N,V31DX, ZW5B, plus Canadianregions 1, 2, 3. The use of a

Canadian call containing a 9 is

mentioned by several people, soprobably it's a special of some sort.

QSL Etiquette

Now we come to a differentquestion: paying to receive QSLcards. My personal view on this issimple and old-fashioned. I will sendcards to and receive them from theBureau. If someone sends me anIRC or a dollar bill, it goes back withthe card. Anybody who demandspayment for his QSL card, and,worse, anyone who refuses toanswer Bureau cards, is actingagainst the interests of amateurradio.

Odd, I have a copy of PracticalWireless for January 1937 in front ofme, containing a reader's lettercomplaining of the money -for -mycard practice! Fifty-five years ago,the then BSWL was 'prepared toblack -list the tin god amateurs' - it'snot a new problem then, is it?

Putting it bluntly, new entrants tothe hobby are needed all the time.Charging for cards, and refusing touse the Bureau system, puts off thenewcomer, licensee or listener; and,perhaps worse, it debars pooreramateurs and pensioners from fullparticipation in their hobby of maybea lifetime.

The answer is simple; get everyBureau to stamp up cards goingthrough them. Then let the DXCCDesk at Newington, add a newcondition for recognition: that whenthe cards come in for verification, atleast a specified proportion mustbear one or another Bureau stamp.If this test is failed, the operation bedeclared invalid for DXCC credit.

To go on a DXpedition can onlybe one of two things for theoperators: either a test of oneself, oran ego trip. Either way it is only rightthe cost should fall on theexpeditioner.

Finale

That's the lot for now! As usual, thedeadline is for arrival by thebeginning of the month and theaddress Box 4, Newtown SYI6 1ZZ.Now to go outside into an S9 -plusgale to check my antenna farm!


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0nce February arrives, at lastthere will be noticeably morelight in the evenings. Before

long, better flying weather will bewith us and many pilots start topractise their routines in

preparation for the forthcomingdisplay season. There's no prize,but I'll report here the first sightingany reader makes of an aircraftstarting the season's practising.Rather like the first cuckoo ofspring, as traditionally reported inthe letters page of nationalnewspapers.

Newcomers are not the onlyreaders to be confused by thejargon of flight. Becauseinformation is repetitive and has tobe conveyed quickly, so much relieson abbreviations and context. In

next month's special aeronauticalissue you'll find an article that I

have written to try to disentangle allthose numbers with which pilots filltheir speech. Questions andfeedback via this column please.

AeronauticalExperiences

Thanks to an anonymous readerfrom Shropshire who sent variousexamples of aviation art (probablyfrom a calendar) and information onpleasure flights operated by AirAtlantique DC -3 to view the tallships taking part in the Cutty Sarkrace. The half-hour flight over theTyne from Newcastle in the 1948Dakota would have set you back£30. The sender of this informationwill be interested to hear thataviation activity was expected to beso heavy that the area wasdesignated as temporarilyrestricted airspace during 17 July1993. Newcastle was thecontrolling authority for theduration.

Local news from the Hastingsarea is supplied by Dave ShirleyG4NVQ. Another RAF station on theMoD's hit -list is Manston and if itcloses then personnel will transferto Wattisham. Dave reports anothercase of a Gatwick arrival touchingdown on taxiway 2 instead of 08L.No harm done - this time. He alsosaw a B.747 of North West abort itstake -off then try again successfullywith no explanation as to whathappened. At Gatwick, Daverecommends the spectator'sterrace (open 0900-1600 in thewinter) or, failing that, the top of No.1 short-term car -park.

At the beginning of the 70s,

when several types of British -builtairliners were in regular use andstrikes and terrorism had hardlybeen invented, John Parry GJ8RRP(Jersey) flew back from a holiday in

Majorca in a BAC One -Eleven. DareI ask if Freddie Laker's nameappeared on the side? Apparently itwas shadowed by a BEA Trident(remember the red wings!) justbefore both aircraft entered cloud.Visibility remained poor all the wayback to Jersey, which suggests anunusually low cruising level. Onbreaking cloud in the descent, thatTrident was still there! John asksfor my comments. Formation flyinghas been known under exceptionalcircumstances. The last twoTridents in British Airways serviceflew back to Heathrow in formationand landed simultaneously on theparallel runways. But, in cloud -

never. Also, the Trident had anoutstanding cruising Mach numberand would leave anything else(One -Elevens included) well behindover a sector of that length. I'vewatched them overtake whilst I'vebeen flying (but with verticalseparation). So, I'm baffled.

John is aware of night-timeoverflights. Yes, major airports doaccept flights at night and there isalways a team on watch. Freightflights are allowed subject to noiserestrictions and there is always theodd emergency or irregularity (e.g.landing en -route for fuel). Theupper airways intersecting overJersey are UR14 (preferentiallysouthbound), UG4 (bidirectionallyeast/west), UG27 (preferentiallyfrom south-west to north-east) andUN484 (bidirectionally south-west/north-east). If you'reinterested, these are shown on theusual charts. A list of chartsuppliers appears on AirbandFactsheet that is free of chargefrom the Broadstone Editorial Officeon receipt of a stamped, self-addressed envelope capable ofholding a single A4 page.

Frequency andOperational NewsOnce again, I summarise the latestchanges in the GASIL (11/93) fromthe CM. Deenethorpe has a

change of frequency, 127.575

replacing 120.275MHz even thoughthe latter has only recently beenestablished. Castle Donington is

well enough known since wartime.The old callsign finally disappears,but its replacement, 'EastMidlands', is more in keeping withthe modern context in which theairport operates. At Southend,radar services on 125.05 and129.85MHz have ceased.

Some n.d.b.s have also beenwithdrawn and they are Clacton(CLN, 429kHz(; Ottringham (OTR,

398.5kHz) and Strumble (STU,400kHz1. Other beacons at these

Tornado: today's bomber. Taken at Mildenhall Air Fête1993. Christine Mlynek.

locations continue in service. Nowfor the Stornoway story. North ofthe airfield, on the 18 approach,was a locator (SWY, 669.5kHz). Thishas been withdrawn and a newbeacon established on the airfield(SAY) with the same frequency.Don't get confused check theMorse identification carefullybefore commencing an approach.

National Air Traffic Services(joint CAA and military air trafficcontrol) are constantly striving toincrease capacity on busy routes.At peak times, the London UpperSector provides separate controlfor south-east England overflights.This sector has been split and isworked on 134.75 (west) and127.425MHz (east). A new upperairway has been established, UB71from Honiley to Biggin. For fulldetails see AIC 164/1993.

Meanwhile in Scotland,improved traffic flow will bepossible by repositioning some ofthe Edinburgh, Glasgow andPrestwick holds. Some SIDs arechanged so that fast jets andslower propeller aircraft takeseparate routes and Prestwick'sPTH and GOW SIDs have beenwithdrawn. Northbound arrivalsand overflights approach Scotlandalong airways to the east side ofthe country and southbound flightswill remain to the west; an anti-clockwise traffic pattern is thusestablished. For full details see AIC165/1993.

Follow -Ups and Foul -Ups

No prizes even if you spotted thatthe photo captions had beenswitched round in December.Ernest Marrows (Grimsby) wasquickest off the mark in reportingthis error, for which apologies.

In December, I entered thedebate about allowing twin-engined airliners to fly long over -water sectors: extended -rangetwin -engine operations (ETOPS).The regulatory authorities don'tshare my personal concern that thereduced margin for error isn'tworth the risk. Another question:what's to be gained? The lowerpurchase and ownership costs oftwo (rather than more) engines

must be balanced against the extrafuel consumed in following routesthat are not too far from a landing,the modifications (and extraweight) that must be added to atwin to bring it up to ETOPS

standard, the need for specialmaintenance procedures with a

stricter Minimum Equipment List(allowable faults on despatch),specialised crew training, and therequirement to demonstrate all ofthis to the airworthiness authority.

It surprised regular travellerAndy Cadier (Folkestone) to be

confronted with Britannia B.767-204ER G-BYAB (25139) whendeparting for San Juan (I assumethis to be TJSJ on Puerto Rico).Andy asks how the maximumpermitted passenger load isderived. What about evacuation inan emergency? Various factorsoperate here. The load must not beso great that the runway's take -offdistance available is insufficient.Then there is a maximum weightbeyond which the lift and thrust ofthe aircraft are inadequate to allowcontrol in the air. The regulatedtake -off weight calculation sees tothis at the flight planning stage.Another physical restraint on thenumber of passengers is that theseats must not be too closetogether. Seat pitch is adjustable intin increments as the seatsthemselves clip onto slotted tracksin the floor.

Evacuation must be

demonstrated by filling the aircraftwith people and then throwing themall out down the escape slideswithin a stipulated time. For thistest, certain emergency exit doorsare deemed to be inaccessible andhence remain closed. The flightcrew complete the emergency drillsand then usually vacate through thecockpit's direct vision windows,lowering themselves down an

escape rope. It worries me thatmany of these trials are done withfit, healthy, young volunteerswearing sensible shoes and in theabsence of simulated smoke.

There is something you can doas a passenger. Note the positionsof the exits (not just the nearestone) and how to operate them.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 61


Alan GardnerPO Box 1000, Eastleigh, Hants S05 5HB

Wt

th the start of a New Year, Ithought that it would be agood idea to take a look at

what radio related developmentsmay take place over the nextdecade.

During the last year, thegovernment has been engaged in amajor review of the way a large partof the radio spectrum is currentlybeing utilised, with the aim ofdetermining the best way to manageits use during the next decade, andhow to harmonise allocationsthroughout Europe. Previousreviews have already examined themicrowave spectrum but this timethe emphasis has been on thefrequency range 28-470MHz, whichis of particular interest to scannerowners. The final report of thespectrum review committee is

anticipated fairly soon, but in themeantime it is worthwhile examiningsome of the topics alreadydiscussed and presented at a

spectrum review seminar that washeld at Lords cricket ground duringthe summer.

Military Users

The largest users of the spectrumunder review are Governmentservices, particularly the MOD. Withthe end of the Cold War it could beargued that the requirement foraccess to large portions of the radiospectrum have diminished, but thiswould not seem to be the case.

The MOD currently performsmost of its battlefield trainingexercises in Europe, but with thewithdrawal of many forces back tothe UK it is likely that there willactually be a greater requirement forlarge scale exercises within existingtraining areas. This will bring with itthe need for a large number of singlefrequency radio nets operatingmainly in the 30-47MHz band. In

order to reduce the amount ofspectrum required for such nets,NATO is considering the use of12.5kHz channel spacing, although itwould be a considerable time beforethis could be implemented.

However the main chunk ofspectrum as far as the military areconcerned is the huge block at 225-400MHz. This is currently admin-istered by NATO and is used for alarge range of single channel air-to-air, air -to -ground, ship -to -air, ship -to -ship and ship -to -shore communi-cations as well as links via theSkynet and NATO 4 series of militarycommunication satellites andPtarmigan Tactical radio relaynetworks. The current thinking is

that the top and bottom ends of thislarge band will be released to civilusers sometime during the nextdecade.

Other MOD uses ofthe spectrum 400-450MHz include the newPavePaws BallisticMissile Early Warningsystem at Fylingdales inNorth Yorkshire. This canbe heard 'chattering' in

the background of mostu.h.f. p.m.r. transmissionsthroughout the North-east of England eventhough it is not likely tobe operating at its fullcapability duringpeacetime. Intriguinglythe MOD also claim to beoperating large p.m.r.-like systems and a wide -area mobile telephonenetwork but littleadditional information isavailable on the subject.

Two other defence networks arementioned: one is 'MOULD' a

national home defencecommunication system, which is

now reaching the end of its designlifespan. Quite what will replace itis at this stage unknown, but itcould have other implications aspart of the system shares spectrumin the 430MHz amateur band. Theother system is the GovernmentEmergency CommunicationsNetwork, this comprises of a

microwave backbone network withlocal access via links at v.h.f. andu.h.f. An existing low band v.h.f.network that was intended for 'lastditch' communications has nowbeen discontinued and theequipment passed on for use bylocal government.

Emergency Services

The emergency services were alsodiscussed at some length, the maintopics being the integration of allthe different communicationssystems into one nationwidenetwork and the interferenceproblems that many police forcesexperience during the summermonths due to enhancedpropagation conditions. This is

made worse by current frequencyplanning that has all the main UKbase station transmit and receivefrequency bands reversed withrespect to the rest of Europe.

This would be very difficult tochange overnight, so the currentthinking is to try and move existingusers such as police personal radiosystems to a new allocation in thefrequency range 380-400MHz. It is

intended to eventually make thisallocation a new Europe -widedigital trunked p.m.r. allocation for asystem called 'TETRA' that wouldbe primarily used by the all theemergency services. But don't get

too excited as all of these networksare just proposals at this stage,however they do give an insight intothe way commercialcommunications systems mayevolve during the next few years.

Two other intriguing allocationslisted as being assigned to theemergency services are the bands168.3125-168.8375MHz and173.9875-174.4125MHz, which I don'tbelieve have been used since thelate 1960s - does anyone knowwhere or what these are used for?

Private Mobile Radio

PMR services are mentioned ashaving an increased allocation inthe v.h.f. lowband with mobilestransmitting in the range 68-70MHzpaired with base transmittersoperating between 81.5-83.5MHz. Inthe long term most p.m.r. servicesare expected to operate as trunkednetworks with the eventualtransition to digital systems such asthe proposed European 'TETRA'standard.

DBS

Other topics worth mentioninginclude the possible allocation in

1995 of the band 216-225MHz as atemporary 'parking' band forTerrestrial Digital AudioBroadcasting - experimentaltransmissions are already beingconducted in this band from theBBC site at Crystal Palace inLondon.

Band III

Looking at further uses for the oldTV Band III allocation, a small bandbetween 189.7-189.8MHz has beenset aside for radio and TV talkbackchannels, 199.5-200.5MHz is to beused for cordless PABX (telephone)

systems and 183.5-184.5MHz hasbeen designated for low powerdevices that may include short-range remote gas, electricity andwater meter reading equipmentthat are currently underdevelopment.

If you would like to read moreabout the subjects I havementioned you can obtain theRadio Spectrum Review CommitteeStage 3: 28-470MHz Report ofseminar proceedings 8th July 1993by ringing the DTI RadioCommunications Division Library on071-215 2072 and asking fora copy.

Antenna Design

Antennas seem to regularly featurein the letters I receive. CharlesVasili has noticed that most v.h.f.and u.h.f. antennas are constructedfrom aluminium, and he wonders ifthere would be any advantage inusing a better conductor such ascopper in order to improve thegain. Well, the answer is yes - but itonly makes a few tenths of a dB indifference, which is such a smallvalue as to be practicallyimmeasurable.

The main reason for usingaluminium is to reduce the cost andweight, electricity boards use it foroverhead power lines for exactlythe same reason. In actual fact, theresistance of a material used forantenna construction variesthroughout the radio frequencyspectrum. This is because of aneffect known as skin resistance. Atvery low frequencies, theresistance of a conductor is directlyproportional to its conductivity,cross sectional area and length. Asthe frequency is increased a

progressively larger proportion ofthe current flows only in thesurface layer of the material. Thethickness of this layer is


0o6DEEIEg

proportional to the square root ofthe material resistivity. So in actualfact the thickness of the layer willbe greater in materials of higherresistivity, which tends tocounteract to a certain extent anyimprovement that could be gainedfrom using a more conductivematerial.

One way of achieving the bestuse of materials is to coat or plate arelatively poor conductor with a

thin layer of much higherconductivity metal such as gold orsilver. This is particularly usefulwhen physical constraints such assize or weight have to be taken intoconsideration, or when metal tometal joints have to be made, as isthe case with connectors. Puregold or silver connectors are toosoft to be of practical use, as theywould wear rapidly. By using a

harder material such as brass orcopper for the main part of theconnector, and plating the actualcontact surfaces, a much moredurable design can be produced.

One of the other factors to beconsidered when constructingantennas is the need to avoid theuse of dissimilar types of metals inconjunction with each other. Agood example of this would be theuse of brass nuts and bolts toconnect to aluminium elements.This can cause electrolyticcorrosion to take place, especiallyif the metals are likely to be used in

wet conditions or if there is a largeamount of atmospheric pollutionpresent. The two metals act ratherlike the plates of a wet cell battery,with the conductors slowlycorroding away whilst producing asmall direct current. The resultantjoint can act as a non-linearjunction causing all sorts ofadditional side effects including theproduction of harmonics andintermodulation products whichmay in turn interfere with otherradio services, especially if they arelikely to be co -sited. Professionaldesigns produced for military use orcellular telephone base stationspay particular attention to thechoice of materials and have a

guaranteed intermodulationperformance - but at a price.

Security Tags

The production of spurious signalscan also have practical uses. Haveyou ever wondered how theelectronic security tags used in

high street stores work?Well one method is to make use

of the non-linear junction effect.The security tag usually consists oftwo overlapping short metal stripsof foil with a layer of a differentmaterial sandwiched between thestrips, which are cut to form a halfwave dipole at the frequency ofoperation. When the tag is passedthrough a security barrier it is

subjected to a strong r.f. fieldconsisting of two signalstransmitted at similar frequenciesto each other. This causes the non-linear junction formed by thedifferent metals to produceintermodulation products which arere -radiated by the simple foil dipoleantenna. These signals can then bedetected by a suitable receiver builtinto the security barrier. This cansometimes be fooled by otherelectronic equipment which alsocontain non-linear circuit elementssuch as diodes or transistors. In

fact a slightly modified and moresensitive version of the electronicsecurity barrier equipment is soldfor use as a bug detector, as it canlocate any electronic circuit even ifit is switched off and concealedwithin another object such as awall or desk.

AOR 2001/2 Mods

Finally just a quick mention on thissubject, for some reason severalreaders have simultaneouslywritten to ask if I know of anymodifications for the AOR 2001/2series of receivers. The only ones Ican recollect were published someyears ago in the March 1985 andMay 1987 issues of PracticalWireless and subsequentlyreproduced in Peter Rouse's bookScanners 2 along with someadditional information. The July

1991 SWM 'Scanning' column alsocontained a scan resume circuitthat I find to be most useful.

In response to the mostfrequently asked questions, no I

don't believe it is possible toincrease the number of memorychannels beyond the original 20 asthey are retained in memory that isan integral part of themicroprocessor controller chip.

The memory back-up capacitorin the AR2002 will only retaininformation for a few hours, ratherthan days as stated in thehandbook. Rechargeable NiCadbatteries would seem to be the bestoption if you can fit some in.

It is not possible to significantlyincrease the search and scanspeeds by changing capacitors onthe control board as the squelchand p.I.I. circuits cannot respondfast enough to operate correctly.Although the scanner appears torun much faster it will not stopwhen a signal is detected. The bestyou can hope for is double thespeed providing you don't makelarge frequency changes duringmemory scans.

It just remains for me to thankyou for your letters, calls and faxesduring the past year and wish youall the best for 1994. Until nextmonth - Good Listening.

n.MFNEDC]CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61

Recent aircraft have rows ofluminous stripes on the floor; theseguide you to the exits, so note theircolours. If the worst happens, crawlon the floor to avoid smoke (followthe luminous stripes). If you are thefirst to reach a plug -type hatch,remove it and then throw it outsideand well clear by passing itdiagonal -wise through the opening.Be sure of which side theevacuation is to be on: don't vacateover the wing on the side of anengine fire!

It's never too late to re -discoverthe delights of radio so I hope thatDerek Pullen (Abingdon) doesn'tthink that things have changed forthe worse since he last wrote tothis magazine 45 years ago! Derekretired from a specialised careerduring which he was involved in thedevelopment of radiographicimaging of gas turbine engineswhilst running. In this way,clearances between the fixed androtating components of an aero-engine can be assessed underdifferent operating conditions.Derek has even published scientificpapers on the subject. Derek hasactually met Sir Frank Whittle whois credited with the British

Maritime reconnaissance Nimrod. Taken at Mildenhall AirFête 1993. Christine Mlynek.

development of the gas turbineengine.

Derek points out that an engine -failed twin might typically drift downfrom FL350 to 190 in the space oftwo hours. This reassures me not.

Information Sources

Dave Shirley notes that specialistaviation publishers BuchAir have ashop on the Gatwick spectators'terrace. He also reports that SkyOne carries Skytext information(arrivals, etc.) but Sky News

doesn't.Can anyone supply the circuit

diagram for a Gauers 6521

long/medium/airband receiver? Ifso, contact John Parry directly atNo. 2, Thornley, Bagatelle Road, St.Saviour, Jersey JE2 7TB. John alsowants a copy of Ferry Command byDon McVicar. The address I havefor the publisher, Airlife, is 101

Longden Road, Shrewsbury SY39EB, Tel: (0743) 235651. If anyoneknows better, write to me; if you'vea spare copy of the book, writedirect to John please.

AbbreviationsAIC Aeronautical Information

CircularB BoeingBEA British European

AirwaysCAA Civil Aviation AuthorityDC Douglas CommercialFL flight levelGASIL General Aviation Safety

Information LeafletkHz kilohertzMHz megahertzMoD Ministry of Defencen.d.b. non -directional beaconSID Standard Instrument

Departureperson

The next three deadlines (fortopical information) are February11, March 11 and April 15. Repliesalways appear in this column and itis regretted that no directcorrespondence is possible. Allletters to 'Airband,' c/o The GodfreyManning Aircraft Museum, 63 TheDrive, Edgware, Middlesex HA88PS. Genuinely urgentinformation/enquiries: 081-958 5113(before 2130 local please).


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Anew year, perhaps with newopportunities. This month'scolumn includes details of a

free offer of PC software of interestto WXSAT enthusiasts.

January METEORlaunch

Just before press date for lastmonth's Info I received news of theimpending launch Ion November 26)of METEOR 3-6 so was able toinclude it. On November 29 I heardMETEOR transmissions on137.30MHz that did not correspondto the times expected for METEOR3-3 (that has also been using thatfrequency) so I presumed it was 3-6. I then noticed that the imagecorresponded to the path ofMETEOR 3-5, that we have notheard from since November 1992.Checking following passes showedthat it was METEOR 3-5 and not anew satellite.

Meanwhile, the TASS newsagency announced a delay in thelaunch of the new METEOR. Theircorrespondent Semen lvanovreported that the satellite was dueto be launched from Plesetsk innorthern Russia, carrying scientificequipment provided by German andFrench companies. Postponementfollowed the discovery of anequipment malfunction. Launch isapparently re -scheduled forJanuary, and will include a micro -satellite - TUBSAT - for amateurradio communications.

FANAS BulletinsAn official announcementconcerning CIS WXSAT operationsstated that on December 1,

METEOR 3-3 would be switched off.The FANAS bulletins - 'Forecast forAscending Node for AutomaticSatellites' give advance notice of

Fig. 1: 1.6m dish forPrimary Data: BrianDudman.

planned CIS operations, and areissued at regular intervals. I receivea copy on computer disk everyfortnight, kindly sent to me by PaulWilson of Macclesfield. I am notsure in what manner they areoriginally disseminated, but I willprovide full details in due course.

We continued to receivetransmissions from METEOR 3-3until December 11 when it was thenswitched off. A later FANAS bulletinconfirmed the operation of METEOR3-5.

NOAA OrbitalChanges

Those who listen to WXSATtransmissions, but do not decodethe pictures can still identify whichsatellites are operating. The effectof subtle orbital changes, however,might not be noticed. Thosemonitoring images may havenoticed the improvement in lightingconditions that is affecting NOAA-9morning passes. Conversely,NOAA-10 and NOAA-11 are slowlydeteriorating. The changes arecaused by the slow regression ofthe nodes of the orbits of eachsatellite.

NOAA-9 passes southboundeach day at about 0834 local time(0834UTC in Britain) during morningdaylight. Because of the slowrotation of its orbital plane, thisWXSAT is not truly sun -

synchronous. Measurements of itsorbit - our old friend Keplerelements - reveal this change to bea little over 1° per day. Thistranslates to over three minuteslater per month, so NOAA-9 ispassing over when the sun is a littlehigher than previously - hence theimprovement in lighting for themorning passes.

NOAA-10 passes southbound atabout 0620 local time (062OUTC inBritain) and its orbital change - a

nodal regression rate of nearly 1°per day - makes it earlier. NOAA-10is therefore moving towards darkermornings, and will eventuallydescend in darkness. Conversely itsafternoon passes will improve asthey encounter the sun at higherelevations.

NOAA-11 was originally a mid-afternoon WXSAT, providing well -illuminated images. Its orbit hasdrifted such that it is now crossingnorthbound (daylight ascending) at1620 local time (162OUTC in Britain).It will continue to drift by about fourand a half minutes later per month,corresponding to a nodalregression rate of over 1° per day.

The orbit of NOAA-12 is

relatively stable, crossingsouthbound at 0728 local time(0728UTC in Britain). Its orbit is

slowly movingsuch that itcrosses just 44seconds earliereach month.Were NOAA-13to be opera-tional we wouldsee it crossing northbound at about1343UTC in Britain, and movingslowly forwards by almost a minuteper month.

Learning aboutOrbits - FreeSoftwareThe newcomer to satellitemonitoring faces a bewilderingcollection of new technology andterminology. The most commonquery that I receive involvesrequests for explanations of Keplerelements, so some months ago I

ran a series on this subject thatseems to have been helpful tothose new to WXSAT monitoring.

During the last few months I

have been collecting software ofboth the shareware and publicdomain type, on topics relating tosatellite orbits and utility programs.One was written by Major TomRiggs of the US Air ForceAcademy's AstronauticsDepartment, and illustrates Keplerelements by simulating theresulting orbit. It is excellent.

The program comes incompressed (Zipped) format, in twoparts. One teaches thefundamentals, with illustrations todemonstrate the meaning ofindividual Kepler parameters. Itallows you to fill in your own figuresand then see the resultant orbit. I

tried it on the CIS METEOR WXSATsand the simulation showed how theorbits precess over a period ofweeks. Using low inclinations onecould see how satellites having alow inclination do not normally riseabove UK latitudes, unless theyhave a large orbital radius (andcorrespondingly long orbital period)- such as the geostationarysatellites. Increasing orbital periodtowards the geostationary value(about 24 hours) demonstratespictorially how these satellitesappear to remain stationary in thesky.

When the simulation program isrun, the screen provides threedisplays. The first shows the globeof the earth within the orbit of thesatellite, and the relative position ofthe satellite in that orbit. A text fieldis adjacent, showing the selectedKepler parameters, together withsome derived figures showing thesatellite's current position. Thelower half of the screen displays amap of the earth, with the sub -

Fig. 2: METEOSAT-3 image of America:Brian Dudman.

satellite point superimposed,leaving a trail. For demonstrationpurposes time is speeded up, sowithin a few minutes you can seethe manner in which successivesatellite passes cross at differentlongitudes.

This program includeseverything about orbits that oneneeds to know, and I will be happyto provide a free copy on receipt ofa self-addressed, stampedenvelope containing a standard PCformatted disk, of either size.Please include two extra First Classstamps towards copying, etc.

METEOSAT-6operations

The successful launch ofMETEOSAT-6 was announced in apress release from Paris. An ArianeV61 boosted it into orbit at 0117UTCon 20 November 1993. Thespacecraft was placed in theplanned geostationary transfer orbit(GTO), and ESA's European SpaceOperations Centre (ESOC)established radio contact with thesatellite soon after injection intoGTO.

The initial configuration andcheckout operations weresuccessful, and control of thesatellite was taken over by ESA'sOperations Centre, ESOC, inDarmstadt, Germany, immediatelyafter its separation from thelauncher, 26 minutes after lift-off. Aglobal network of four groundstations operated from ESOC's mainMission Control Centre, had beenset up. During the first hours inorbit, ESOC performedconfiguration and check-out of themain electrical systems, whileMETEOSAT-6 was still in theelliptical, geostationary transferorbit. Some 37 hours after launch,the apogee boost motor was usedto circularise the orbit.

The spacecraft's longitude wasthen about 19° west and will beslowly drifted eastwards. Theschedule was for it to drift past 10°on December 17. A further smalladjustment may then be made tothe drift rate, taking it to the final 0°longitude by the end of January1994. There, drift will be stopped bya small orbit change obtained byfiring the satellite's thrusters.

Commissioning of METEOSAT-6is to be performed while it is driftingtowards its final position, so that


DEO® LIE CDUCDrIe

ownership of the satellite can betransferred to EUMETSAT as fromearly February 1994.

First Image

An important event in thecommissioning phase is thetransmission of the first image fromMETEOSAT-6, which was scheduledfor the end of November. The infra-red detectors on board have to becooled down first. The first infra -redimages are transmitted two dayslater, but many more images aregenerated and their qualityassessed before the satellite is

declared operational.EUMETSAT plans to make

METEOSAT-6 the operationalsatellite, replacing METEOSAT-4,that will become the in -orbit, back-up satellite. METEOSAT-5, that hasserved as back-up so far, will thenbe moved westwards over theAmericas. There it will take overfrom METEOSAT-3, that has been onloan to the US Weather Service,NOAA, since 1991, until NASA'snext -generation geostationarysatellites are launched and becomeoperational. After five years ofservice, METEOSAT-3 has littlepropellant left for orbitalmanoeuvres, and needs to bereplaced within a couple of months.

During the 1994 hurricaneseason, METEOSAT-5 is expected toplay an important role in thedetection and real-time tracking ofthese dangerous events.

METEOSAT-6 and METEOSAT-7,(scheduled to be launched at theend of 1995), will ensure continuityof vital weather data until the turnof the century. As from the end of1995, EUMETSAT will take overoperations of all METEOSATsatellites from ESA.

My thanks to Gordon Bridge ofEUMETSAT, together with otherESA sources, for providing detailsfor inclusion here.

LettersRegular readers of Info will recallRay Howgego of Caterham, whohas written to update me on hisprojects. Ray designed his ownLindenblad antenna, whichreceived considerable interestfrom readers - I passed on severalenquiries to him. He comments thatsome commercial crossed -dipolesappear to be scaled -up versions of146MHz antennas and, hesuspects, may have their phasingharnesses wrongly fitted.Hobbyists often discover theWXSATs while monitoring amateurradio satellites such as UoSAT-2(and several others). These requirethe use of a left -circularly polarised

antenna for reception. The result ofusing such an antenna for theWXSATs (that use right -circularpolarisation) would be toexperience deep signal fades; it isworth remembering this possibility- particularly if weak signals arereceived from high elevation NOAApasses.

He also built an if. strip for hisIC -R7000 receiver, and an eight -pole crystal filter to minimise pagerinterference. He uses a loop-Yagifor METEOSAT reception, and a

Dartcom down -converter tochange the 1691MHz carrier to themore conventional 137.50MHzsignal. Ray comments that this isprobably the cheapest way intoMETEOSAT reception.

Brian Dudman sent me a

picture of his 1.6m dish,camouflaged in his picturesqueHarrow garden - see Fig. 1. He alsoincluded a realistically colouredPrimary Data visible light image ofnorth and south America - see Fig.2 - imaged by METEOSAT-3 and re-transmitted by METEOSAT-4.

Bev Marks of Battle (EastSussex) obtained a NOAA-9 imageshowing sun -glint near Italy, duringsummer. In order to obtain a goodquality print he contacted ChrisKaley who is on the committee ofthe Remote Imaging Group. TheDAT (PROsat11) format image wasenhanced with Photostylersoftware (running under Windows3.1) and converted to PCX formatfor printing out on a Laserjet printer- see Fig. 3.

Quentin Hordle provided Fig. 4,dated August 10, a large formatpicture showing Greenland, anddown across the Atlantic to Spainand the tip of north Africa. Thislooks like a direct picture fromNOAA 11, including sun -glintreflecting off the Atlantic.

Decoder

Info correspondent Tom Woolner ofHarpenden sent me a copy of hisdesign for a circuit for decodingWXSAT audio output from a

suitable receiver. Tom's circuittakes the output from his CirkitWXSAT receiver and interfaces toa PC. The cost of the circuit isminimal, though other testequipment is required for setting uppurposes. Tom sent me a diskcontaining some sample picturesthat were impressive, particularlyconsidering the cost of thedecoder. There may be a separatedescription of Tom's project.

Screen PhotographyOne or two correspondents haveasked for advice on taking

Fig. 4:NOAA imageimage of bilk

the Atlantic:Quentin Hordle

photographs of screenimages. A few pointers tosuccessful photography canbe given from experience!The camera must notoperate the flashgun -

though unfortunately someautomatics cannot bedisabled. Any flash, or otherlight shining into the screenwill cause unwantedreflections.

In order to avoid imagedistortion, set the cameraalong an axis perpendicular to thescreen. For best results, do screenphotography during the eveningwhen you can darken thesurrounding area to obtain the bestcontrast.

Focusing is straight forwardwith the 'single-lens reflex' type ofcamera, but should be checkedcarefully when the image issuitably positioned. I use a 135mmtelephoto lens, focused while set tof/1.8. Closing down the aperture toabout f/4 for actual picture takingensures that the image will be

sharp.Exposure time should be

something over one tenth of a

second to minimise the effect ofscreen refresh, though if you havethe luxury of a non -interlacedmonitor, such problems will notoccur. I use colour film rated at 100or 200ASA. Taking a fewexperimental pictures and notingthe different settings shouldquickly provide optimum results.

Please!

Please note that I canonly respond to briefrequests accompaniedby a stamped s.a.e.During the last fewweeks I have receivedsome letters asking foreither tape recordingsof the WXSATs, or forvolumes of information,sometimes without eventhe courtesy of a stamp.

Fortunately this is a small minority. Iremain unemployed...

Kepler Elements

I will send a print-out of the latestelements upon receiving a stampeds.a.e. and extra First Class stamp.All known weather satellites plusMIR can be included, together withtheir transmission frequencies ifoperating. This data originates fromNASA.

Frequencies

NOAAs 9, 11 a.p.t. on 137.62MHz;NOAAs 10, 12 on 137.50MHz; NOAAbeacons on 136.77 and 137.77MHz;METEOR 3-4 or 3-5 on 137.30MHz.

Fig. 3:NOAA-9 image showingsummer sun -glint:Bev Marks.

Abbreviations

a.p.t.

AVHRRBBSDOS

EMSESA

EUMETSAT

GOES

GOMSh.r.p.t.NASAPDUS

SVGA

automatic picture transmissionAdvanced Very High Resolution RadiometerBulletin Board ServiceDisc Operating SystemExpanded (or extended) memory SystemEuropean Space AgencyEuropean Organisation for the Exploitation of

Meteorological SatellitesGeostationary Operational Environmental SatelliteGeostationary Operational Meteorological Satellitehigh resolution picture transmissionNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationPrimary Data User StationSuper VGA


PROsat II is used by most leadingWeather Satellite enthusiasts.Lawrence Harris, Roger Ray andBrian Dudman are just a few whohave come to rely on the vastlysuperior features of PROsatFeatures such as 1,000 frame fullscreen full colour animate, 3D,direct temperature readout andWindows export make Timestepproducts preferred by most users.All satellites are catered forincluding the awkward JapaneseGMS and the very infrequentSoviet Okean series. All currentSVGA cards are supported. NOAAimages contain full resolutionvisible and infrared data in astunning 2.4Mb file!

If you really are serious aboutWeather Satellites, phone or writeus now for a colour catalogue andfind out why the world's expertsincluding Arthur C. Clarke use andrecommend our equipment.

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I *GOCDCiGIMike Richards G4WNCPO Box 1863, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 3X13

Geoff Halligey of Bridgend haswritten pointing out that therewas an error in my December

update on Bracknell. Just to put therecord straight, here are the currentrange of operating frequencies andtimes:

2.6185MHz (1800-0600UTC)4.61MHz (24hr)8.04MHz (24hr)14.436MHz (24hr) and18.261MHz (0600-1800UTC).All frequencies operate using

10kW transmitters using the callsignGFA.

David Packman of Hampshirehas what many would consider tobe a dream station. The systemstarts with a 20m long wire antennathat feeds his JRC NRD-535 hi.receiver via a Lowe magnetic balun.David also uses the impressive IcomR-7100 receiver to give continuouscoverage right through to 2GHz.

Utility decoding is done through anequally impressive array ofequipment starting with an ICS FAXII decoder and 486 computer for FAXimages. The received images arecleaned -up using Corel Draw andthen taken into QuarkXpress forprinting to a 360 dots per inch (d.p.i.)inkjet printer.

For receiving the general utilitymodes, David uses the AmericanUniversal M-8000 and M-1200decoders with SSTV from Comar.Just for the icing on the cake, Davidalso has an AOR-3000A receiverwith a laptop PC for portable/holidaylistening. To put all this intoperspective, David has been a keenshort wave listener for some thirty-six years, his first receiver being thefamous R1155, which was followedby a AR88 then a more modernYaesu FRG -7000. By evolving oversuch a long period of time, Davidhas been able to build a system thatis ideally suited to his listeningrequirements.

Chris Durkin of Ormskirk hasrecently logged a very weak pressstation on 18.456MHz using 50 baudRTTY with a 400Hz shift. The stationwas heard at 1325UTC transmittingEnglish news items relating toIndonesia. Does anyone out therehave any information on thistransmission?

Mr M. Cox of Wigan oftenmonitors American c.w. stations butis confused by the word AMVER thatkeeps appearing in transmissionsfrom Tuckerton. Can anyone helpwith an explanation?

Maghreb Arabe Press (MAP) Schedule

Dave Woods has this month sent me the latest schedule for this wellestablished h.f. press station. As many readers have shown an interest inforeign language transmissions, I've included the full schedule of alltransmissions.ArabicDirected to Africa and the Middle East0900-1030 & 1530-17000TC on 18.4961MHz (CNM80/X11)FrenchTo Africa1000-113OUTC on 18.265MHz (CNM78) & 18.2209MHz (CNM76/X9)1530-1700UTC on 18.2209MHz (CNM76/X9), 18.265MHz (CNM78) &15.6549MHz (CNM65/1X),To Europe1000-113OUTC on 15.654.9MHz (GNM65/1X), 7.8424MHz (CNM20/1X),14.76MHz (CNM61) & 19.1711MHz (CNM86/X11)1530-1700UTC on 7.8424MHz (CNM20/1X), 10.6341MHz (CNM37/9X) &19.1711MHz (CNM85/X11)EnglishTo Middle East and Africa1200-1400UTC on 18.4961MHz, 18.265MHz (CNM78) & 18.2209MHz

(CNM76/X9)To Europe1200-1400 on 15.6549MHz (GNM65/1X), 7.8424MHz (CNM20/1X), 14.76MHz(CNM61) & 19.1711MHz (CNM85/X11)SpanishTo Brazil1900-2100UTC on 13.873.9MHz (CNM58/X9)To Puerto Rico1900-2100UTC on 13.3634MHz (CNM47/X9)To Bogota1900-2100UTC on 13.4575MHz (CNM49)

All these transmissions use 50 baud RTTY with a 400Hz shift, so shouldbe easily receivable subject to the prevailing propagation. If you want toQSL with this station, the latest address according to the KlingenfussGuide to Utility Stations is: Maghreb Arabe Presse, Le Chef d'Exploitation,Rue Ibn Aicha, BP1049, RABAT Morocco.

Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)Schedule

This station transmits a wide range of press information to most parts ofthe globe. Jan Nieuwenhuis has sent me a copy of the winter schedule astransmitted in November '93. One interesting feature for FAX enthusiasts isthat they also send press photos at the following times and frequencies:0030-0100UTC and 2330-0000UTC on 13.58MHz (HMF36) and 11.476MHz(HMF52). For 50 baud, 400Hz shift RTTY transmissions, the followingschedule applies:EnglishTo Asia0400-0600UTC on 14.568MHz (HMF32) & 14.58MHz (HMF46)1000-1100UTC on 10.58MHz (HMF46) & 8.152MHz (HMF86)1500-1730UTC on 10.58MHz (HMF46) & 8.02MHz (HMF85)To Europe

0400-0530UTC on 15.633MHz (HMF26) & 11.476MHz (HMF55)1000-1200UTC on 15.633MHz (HMF26) & 11.43MHz (HMF55)1500-173OUTC on 13.78MHz (HMF35) & 9.395MHz (HMF84)To America0400-0730 & 2130-2300UTC on 13.58MHz (HMF36) & 11.476MHz (HMF52)To Africa0800-103OUTC on 14.452MHz (HMF57) & 11.536MHz (HMF49)1800-2100UTC on 11.476MHz (HMF52) & 8.02MHz (HMF85)FrenchTo Asia1145-1430UTC on 10.524MHz (HMF45) & 8.152MHz (HMF86)To Europe2130-0000UTC on 11.43MHz (HMF55) & 9.395MHz (HMF84)To Africa

on 14.452MHz (HMF57) & 11.536MHz (HMF49)1800-2100UTC on 11.536MHz (HMF49) & 9.395MHz (HMF84)RussianTo Europe

0600-083OUTC on 15.633MHz (HMF26) & 13.78MHz IHMF35)1230-143OUTC on 15.633MHz (HMF26) & 11.43MHz (HMF55)

The latest QSL address for this station is: KCNA Pyongyang, Ministry ofCommunications, Department of International Relations, Korean CentralWireless Station, Oesong-Dong, Central District, PYONGYANG, N. KOREA.

Dr J. Sime from Falkirk is juststarting out in utility decodinghaving developed an interestthrough reading Short WaveMagazine. He currently uses a LoweHF-225 receiver and has access to a80486 based computer. Havinglooked at the wide range ofdecoding systems, he's inclined togo for the Lowe Modemaster andwonders if this will do the job. A lookat the review in the November issueshould confirm that the package iswell and truly fit for the purpose. I

have also had the opportunity to usethe package over an extendedperiod and still find the FAX

reception extremely good. In mycase, the link between the programand the HF-150 receiver is

particularly useful.Just to prove the wide

distribution of Short Wave MagazineI've just received a letter from SteveRawdon of the Wellington AirportMet Service. He saw the chart I

printed in the November issue andhas sent me a copy of a companionchart. You should find it illustratingthe column. He also sent me acomplete transmission schedule butthat will have to wait another month

as there's more than enoughmaterial for this column.

NAVTEX Round -up

As a number of readers have askedfor more information about thismode, I think it's about time I gave itanother airing. NAVTEX is anacronym for NAVigational TEXt andprovides a wide range ofnavigational information for those atsea. The system forms part of theGlobal Maritime Distress and SafetySystem and receivers aremandatory on all passenger shipsand cargo ships over 300 tons. Inpractice, you will find that manysmaller boats take advantage of theinformation as well.

One of the important aspects ofNAVTEX is that it operates on justone frequency, 518kHz, but involveslocal ship -to -shore stations all overthe world. The avoidance of radio'collisions' is achieved in two ways

i) the limited range of 518kHztransmissions and

ii) each station is allocated specifictimeslots in which to send theirinformation.


Press RTTY

This month Day Watson has sent me a comprehensive press RTTYlisting that he put together during November. As I know many of youhave a particular interest in press transmissions, I have taken theopportunity to replace the normal frequency list with a press special.Because all the stations listed have been recently heard in the UK you arealmost guaranteed success providing you listen at around the specifiedtimes.

PA)

3.5600

4.4634

5.0550

5.2200

5.2400

5.2750

6.9720

7.6580

7.75607.8060

7.8424

7.8500

7.9590

7.9960

8.0200

8.0490

8.1365

9.11409.1330

9.4630

9.7970

10.1625

10.6341

11.0800

11.1235

11.6040

11.6060

12.1100

12.1200

12.1860

12.2125

12.2284

13.4400

13.5630

13.5800

14.3670

14.5600

14.7600

14.7850

15.4620

15.5440

15.6549

15.7050

15.9350

16.1170

16.1360

17.4430

18.0400

18.2209

18.2550

18.4961

18.5610

19.1711

19.9800

20.0850

20.2040

21.8075

Mode Station

ARAB I C/50/N/600RTTY/75/N/85RTTY/50/N/400ARAB I C/75/N/450RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/75/N/425RTTY/50/N/500RTTY/50/N/400ARABIC/75/N/425RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/425

RTTY/50/N/500RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/250RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/R/850

RTTY/50/R/425RTTY/50/N/500ARABIC/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/425ARABIC/50/N/600FEC/A/96/E/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/75/N/400RTTY/50/N/425RTTY/50/N/200RTTY/50/R/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/75/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/800RTTY/50/N/250RTTY/75/N/400ARAB I C/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/425RTTY/50/N/550RTTY/50/R/425

RTTY/75/N/400RTTY/50/N/425RTTY/50/N/425RTTY/75/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/75/N/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/825RTTY/50/N/425RTTY/50/R/400

RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/500

RTTY/50/N/425ARAB I C/50/N/400

RTTY/50/R/400RTTY/50/N/400RTTY/50/N/400

SANA DAMASCUS (YKW1)USN ? LOCPETRA AMMAN (JYF)MENA CAIRO (SUA94)TANJUG BELGRADE (40C2)MENA CAIRO (SUA211)ROMPRES BUCHAREST (YOG59)TANJUG BELGRADE (YZD)MENA CAIRO (SUA34)TANJUG BELGRADE (YZD7)MAP RABAT (CNM20.1X)ATA TIRANA (ZAA)IRNA TEHRAN (9BC23)TANJUG BELGRADE (YZD9)KCNA PYONGYANG (HMF85)IRNA TEHRAN (9BC25)

AA ANKARA (TCY1)MTI BUDAPEST (HGG31)ATA TIRANA (ZAA6)PETRA AMMAN (JYF4)ROMPRES BUCHAREST (Y0J)

INA BAGHDAD (YIL71)MAP RABAT (CNM37.9X)SANA DAMASCUS (YKP28)PIAB BONN (OG12612)TANJUG BELGRADE (YZJ2)

XINHUA BEIJING (BZS21)ROMPRES BUCHAREST (YOM21)SUNA KHARTOUMJANA TRIPLOITANJUG BELGRADE (YZ07)XINHUA BEIJING (BZP62)TANJUG (YZJ5)CNA TAIPEI (3MA22)KCNA PYONGYANG (HMF36)XINHUA BEIJING (BZP54)PETRA AMMAN (JYF2)MAP RABAT (CNM61)MEA NEW DELHI (ATP65)JANA TRIPOLIXINHUA BEIJING (BZS25)MAP RABATTANJUG BELGRADE (YZJ6)MENA CAIRO (SUA291)PANA DAKAR (6VK317)XINHUA BEIJING (BZR66)XINHUA BEIJING (BZG48)AA ANKARA (TCY4)MAP RABAT (CNM76X9)MEA NEW DELHI (ATB68)MAP RABAT (CNM80X11)IRNA TEHRAN (9BC31)MAP RABAT (CNM85X11)IRNA TEHRAN (9BC33)ANSA ROME (ISX20)TANJUG BELGRADE (YZJ)ROMPRES BUCHAREST (Y0V28)

(UTC)

1726-33

1820-30

1705-15

2004-34

1657-17142035-55

1643-57

0823-250712-231706-08

1646-51

1858-1930

2100-24

1708-15

1523-27

1910-14

1452-1516

1000-270901-041035-38

0857-0922

1336-471651-53

1723-26

0644-531133-34

1432-341100-04

1610-18

1527-301151-53

1428-32

1150-54

0728-57

0759-0811

1122-24

1038-41

1000-03

0945-491105-21

1125-26

1654-55

1125-31

0908-11

1533-51

1127-29

1130-32

1114-21

1015-17

0942-441336-38

1011-15

1017-19

1153-1200

0900-061331-35

0818-22

The following table shows how these timeslots are shared out forstations covering the North Sea area.

Station

Cullercoats RadioHarnosand RadioCoast Guard TexelOostende RadioRogaland RadioStockholm RadioTallinn RadioVardoe Radio

Identifier Transmission limes (UTC)

G 0048, 0448, 0848,1248, 1648 & 2048

H 0000, 0400, 0800, 1200, 1600 & 2000

P 0348, 0748, 1148, 1548, 1948 & 2348

T 0248, 0648, 1048, 1448, 1848 & 2248

L 0148, 0548, 0948, 1348, 1748 & 2148

J 0330, 0730, 1130, 1530, 1930 & 2330

U 0030, 0430, 0830, 1230, 1630 & 2030

V 0300, 0700, 1100, 1500, 1900 & 2300

..,.-5, riertsrwacer IIELBOUVE/VOLUPGTOM WFC SIN% PIMC.... ...

VZIE22

CAT

0 _A_

-!---

....h:

xit. Vol

\%\ ISOL\\G \ N\ ENS)CH

tSOL ,m

- V:\\

IM

.I

---1. i_.. t- ...-- --, ) i'-- -CM5'-.'" --':'....-

i

.--- --"-_.... ..,=

// °2 CI

4rs

., , ,,,, 140,-,,,,..,,,,,,,,,,, , ,, ,, ,

mom. .o, ...... rm. VINCff 'Wu.. re ia.1-, VALID 0000 27-NOV-1993 UTCI ISSUED 1046 26-N0V-1993 UTC

Wellington FAX Chart from Steve Rawdon.

The single letter in the Identifiercolumn is used to indicate thenavigational area covered by thatstation and can be used at thereceiving end to select whichstations you want to receive, butmore of this later. To show you howthe collision avoidance systemworks, let's look at HarnosandRadio that transmits on the hourevery four hours. A look throughthe international timing chartsshows that the only other stationsusing those time slots are: Miami,Antofagasta (Chile), San Franciscoand Vladivostock. You can see fromthis that there is little likelihood ofinterference between thesestations.

The transmission mode used forNAVTEX is standard Forward ErrorCorrection (FEC) that goes undervarious names depending on thedecoder you use. Some of the mostcommon examples are: SITOR B,AMTOR B or FEC.

Now let's take a closer look atthe way NAVTEX messages arebuilt-up. To make the system asuseful as possible each stationrestricts its transmission toinformation directly relevant to itsassigned area. This area being thatindicated by the single letter areaidentifier I mentioned earlier. In

addition to grouping the informationinto geographic areas there are arange of different message typesavailable. These are currentlydivided into ten different typesusing letters of the alphabet asfollows:

A = Navigational warningB = Meteorological warningC = Ice reportD = Search and rescueE = Meteorological forecastF = Pilot messageG = DECCA messageH = LORAN -C messageI = OMEGA messageJ = Differential OMEGA message

The great benefit of havingthese well define areas andmessage formats is that thereceiver can be set to receive onlythose messages that are importantfor the craft concerned. There isalso the facility for urgent warningsto be transmitted outside the

normal schedule.Let's now take a look at how a

typical message is transmitted. Theexample shown here is a directcopy of a real message.

ZCZC SA35WZ 1709IRELAND, WEST COAST.APPROACHES TO GALWAY BAY.FINNIS ROCK BUOY53-03N 09-29W UNLIT.NNNN

The first line of this messagecarries the information required toclearly identify the source. ZCZC isa standard code to indicate thestart of a message. Of the nextcharacters, 'S' identifies the stationas Niton Radio, 'A' shows that themessage is a navigational warningand the number 35 is just a

message serial number.In addition to these standard

message formats the transmissionfollows a standard practice thatincludes a minimum ten secondperiod of idles at the start of thetransmission with a further fiveseconds between messages. Theseperiods of idles are required asmany FEC decoders can onlysynchronise while the station issending idles. More informationabout this mode can be found inthe Klingenfuss Radioteletype CodeManual available from the SWMBook service. Full details of thestation identities and timeslots is inthe Admiralty List of Radio SignalsVol 2 or the Klingenfuss Guide toUtility Stations.

Regular OffersI am currently offering a number ofservices to readers to help withyour listening as follows. For a copyof Day Watson's BeginnersFrequency list or my own Decodelist just send three first or secondclass stamps and an address labelto the address at the head of thecolumn.

For those of you with access toan IBM compatible computer, I canalso offer the latest version (6.01 ofthe popular JV-FAX program. Allyou need to do is send me a blank,formatted 3.5in disk, three firstclass stamps and an address label.


Giffaa 11cDtPqBy Brian Oddy G3FEX,Three Corners, Merryfield Way, Storrington, West Sussex RH204NS

Medium Wave ChartFmk(kHz)

Station Coumv

IkW)Power Limner

-520 Hof -Seale 15711 Germany 0.2 A ,r,a531 Ain Beide Algeria 600531 Torshavn Faroe Is 100 E.P531 Leipzig Germany 100 A,D.,1.,P.,12.,

531 RNE5 via? Spain531 BeromOnster Switzerland 500 P.R.510 Wavre Belgium 150/50

510 Solt Hungary 2000 E.,1',P.,11.,V510 Conamara Ireland IS) 2 P',R540 Sidi Bennour Morocco 930 1.,r

- 549 Les Trembles Algeria 61:0 0.C*.e.1*.

519 Thurman (DM Germany 200 A,D,E.,L.,N*,PSP,T,U,V

519 St.Petersburg Russia 1000 1,P.,W.549 Qurayyat Saudi Arabia 2000 V*558 RNE5 vie? Spain587 Berlin Germany Igo r.cr567 TullamoreIRTEII Ireland IS) 50)

567 RNE5 via? ;Spain 7 A.17.0*576 MOhlackerISDRI !Germany 500 A.E,PSPIP576 Riga 'Latvia 500576 Braga Portugal Is

r.s.

576 BarcelonaIRNE51 Spain 50 AS.,0',1',FP,T,V585 Orf Wien Austria 600 A585 ParisIFIPI France 8

585 MadridIRNE11 Spain 200 C'.V.E.,H,1",

585 DumlnesIBBC Scot) UK 2

594 Frankfurt/HR) Germany 1000/400 A.0',E..F.P.,CP,T',U.

594 Ourda-1 Morocco 100594 Muge Portugal 100594 Dube Saudi Arabia 2000 V.603 Lyon France 300603 SevillaIRNE51 Spain 50603 NewcastleIBEIC41 UK 2

812 AthloneIRTE21 Ireland ISI '100P',FLT,U,V,W

612 RNE1 via621 Wavre

SpainBelgium

10

soC',1,Q

621 Batra Egypt 2000621 RNE1 via 7 Spain 10621 BarxelonalOCRI Spain 50 P',07630 Dannenberg(NDR1 Germany 103630 Vigra Norway 100

630 Tunis-Ojedeida Tunisia 600

639 LimmasolIBBCI Cyprus 500639 PrahalLiblice) Czech 1500639 RNEI via 7 Spain

616 RNE1 via 7 Spain 10657 Neubrandenburg(NDR) Germany 250 V P',11*.W657 Murmansk Russia 150

657 MadridIRNE5I Spain 20657 WrexhamIBBC Wales) UK 2666 Bodensees6rISWF) Germany 303/193666 R. Vilnius Lithuania 503 A,17,L',CP,S866 Lisboa Portugal 135666 BarcelonalCOPE) Spain 10 C'675 Marseille France 600 A,D,IP,V,T,V,1AP675 Bodo Norway 10 E'675 Uzhgorod Ukraine 50 S'684 SeallaIRNE11 Spain 500684 Kairouan Tunisia 10 S.684 Beograd Yugoslavia 2000 07,1 -J...11 -x-693 Ain-el-Hamam Algeria 5 P.693 Berlin Germany 250 A',V,P693 ViseuIRDP11 Portugal 10 P693 TortosaIRNE I) Spain 2 CP

693 EnniskillenlBBC5) UK 1 R

702 FlensburgINDR) Germany 5 AJP,El702 Monte Carlo Monaco 300 1,C702 ZamoraIRNEI I Spain lo c,i'.P.,CP702 Catalca Turkey__ 150 P.711 Rennes I France 300 0.D,K,N7,171.1.,T711 Heidelberg Germany 5 P',0'711 Laayoune Morocco GOO V,P711 MurcialCOPEI Spain 5 C.720 Holzkirchen1RFE) Germany 250 N'720 Langenberg Germany 200 D,G.720 Norte Portugal 100 P',11,V720 Santa Cruz Tenerife 20 1*.P720 Lots Road, LdnIBBC41 UK 0.5 D

729 Putbus/BergenINDRI Germany 10 CP

729 ConORTEll Ireland (SI 10 V,G,P,T,Yr729 - RNE1 via?- Spain -? C*0,E,1.,N.,

F-a.tr,v738 Paris France a r738 Poznan Poland MO E.1".P.V738 BarcelonaIRNE1) Spain 500 C',0,1,1"..0.V*747 FlevolandlHilv2) Holland 400 A,D,E',1C,N.,

P',07,T,U,V747 CadizIRNE51 Spain 10 C.,11.756 Bra unschweigIOLF1 Germany 800/200 11.0.,E.,17,117.,U,V756 Lugoj Romania 100 r

BilbardEll 5 C',1',P."_756 ___±Spain756 RedruthIBBC11 UK 2 CP

165 Dakar Senegal 400 P'765 ; Soltens Switzerland 500 E',Nr,13.,IP774 Abis Egypt 500 P.774 Enniskillen(BBC41 Ireland IN) 1 Q,R

774 RNE1 via ? Spain 7 C',D,E*.1,N,PSPV

783 Burg Germany 1000 A,N,P.,13,T.,`"783 Miramarla Porto) Portugal 103 1,17.,C1',V783 Tartu& Syna 600 1',17.,S.792 Limoges 'France 300 1",W*792 LingenlNDR) I Germany 5 V,11'792 KavallalVoAl Greece 500 P.792 Sevilla/SERI Spain 20 C',E.J.,P.,G.,V792 LondonderryIBBC) UK I R

801 MUnchen-Ismaning Germany 369 N',F.,0',T801 Adun Jordan 2000 l801 St. Petersburg Russia 1000 F*.P.801 RNE1 via? Spain 7 C.,I,P,CP,V.810 Volgograd Russia 150

Note: tw. & m.w. frequencies in kHz; s.w. in MHz; Time inUTC (=GMT). Unless stated, all logs compiled in the fourweek period ending November 30.

Frig Station Country Power Listener11114z) (kW)810 MadridISER) Spain 20 c-.1.,r,a.,w,vr819 Barra Egypt 450 r.P.,11.,V.819 Toulouse France 50 F".13*819 Trieste Italy 25 1.,P.819 Warsaw Poland 300 H.J.,17.,Y.819 San SebastonlEll Spain 5 C.J.,P.828 HennoverINDRI Germany 100/5 VA'828 BarcelonaISER) Spain 50 C',1',P837 Kharkiv Ukraine 150 P"837 Nancy France 200 P',11',V.,W837 COPE via ? Spain C.,E',1*.P.,11',V.846 Ostrava Czech. Rep. 30 P846 Rome Italy 540 A,V,E7,P1.1",7",U.V855 Berlin Germany 100 F',P'.11'855 RNE1 via 7 Spain 7 C',D.,E7,1',

P7,11J',U.,111P864 Santah Egypt 500 1.,P',V864 Paris France 300 A.E',0'864 SocuellamosIRNE1 I Spain 2 V,I.,P.873 FrankturtIAFNI Germany 150 D',N.,P.,(1J',1r,V.873 ZaragozaISER) Spain 20 C.,1,P.,C1'873 Enniskillen(RUI/ UKP',R882 COPE via ? Spain 7 C r.r.ir.v.891 Algiers Algeria 600/300 C,0,1".1.

P',CP,T7,1P.r891 Hulsberg Netherlands 20 L.,N.,P,O.,U891 Vilarnoura Portugal 10 P.900 Milan Italy 600900 COPE via? Spain ?

909 Angra Do Heroismo Azores 5

909 MallorcaIRNE5I Spain 10 N',P.918 Moscow Russia 75 s'918 R. Ljubljana Slovenia 602/103 l',P,V.918 Madrid(R. Intl Spain 20 C',D l',N,P',12'

Wolvertem Belgium 300 A,O,N,V,117,T,V,V.,W.EvoraIRRE) Portugal 1 P.Izmir Turkey 200

Lvov Ukraine 500

Bremen Germany 100

Venezia Italy 20 E',1,11.Agadir Morocco 600 PRNE5 via? Spain C',I.,N.J.Toulouse France 300 1.,P,0.U..rRostov-na-Dona Russia 300 P.drnodlobrochov) Czech Rep .200 P',CP.V.MadridICII Spain 20 C.1'.N.P.VPori Finland 600 A.1:17,E.,V,

CPP,U*.V.,Y963 Ta Chonaill Ireland 151 10 P',R963 SeixalIRRE) Portugal 10 P.972 HamburgINDR) Germany NO A,D.P',C1',7',11-972 RNE1 via? Spain ?

972 Mykolayiv Ukraine 500 V.S'981 Alger Algeria 600r300 A',C.,V,CP.T..V990 Berlin Germany 300 r,a,u.wsso R Bilbao(SER) Spain 10 C',LM',17',V990 TywyMBBC2) UK 1 ; PS999 Schwenn MIAS) Germany 20 P.999 MadridICOPEI Spain 50 V,D.,I,N.,17',13',V..W1008 Les PalmasISERI Gran Canaria ? V.I.P',Q1008 Flevoland(101,5) Holland 400 CI,E',IP,V,T,U,V,W1017 RheinsenderlSWF) Germany 800 0.D',E`,P',12',R,T,U*1017 RNE5 via? Spain ? C',1',FP,0'1026 Graz.Dobl Austria 100 E.,CP,U1026 SER via? Spain ? C',P',V1035 Tallinn Estonia 500 C.V.1035 Milan Italy 50 P.1035 LisboraProg 31 Portugal 120

11344 Dresden Germany 250

1044 Sebas-Aioun Morocco 3001014 San SebaatianlSER) Spain 10

1053 Iasi Romania 1030

1053 ZarogozalCOPE) Spain 101053 EnniskillenIBBC1) UK I

1062 Kalundborg Denmark 2501071 Prague Czech Rep. 801011 Brest France 201071 Lille France 401071 Riga Latvia 50

1071 BilbaolEll Spain 51080 Katowice Poland 1500

1080 ToledolOCR Spain 5

1080 SER via 7 Spain ?

1089 Krasnodar Russia 3001098 NitralJarok1 Slovak Rep 15001098 RNE5 via? Spain ?

1107 MunichlAFN) Germany 401107 RNE5 via? Spain 7 V,I,P.,0*1107 Wallasey113BC11 UK Ci .s50_4.,Pli1116 ' Bari - Italy1116 Bologna Italy 601116 PontevedraISER) Spain 5

1125 La Louviere Belgium 20

1125 Deanovec Croatia 100

1125 RNE5 via? Spain ? C',1.,P.,11',V.1134 Zadar Croatia 600/1200 E.J.J.,11.,r,V.,),1134 COPE via? Spain 2 C6,1.,17.,V1143 StuttgartIAFNI Germany 10 13,12',U',IP1143 BolshakovolMayakl Russia 150 V1143 COPE via? Spain 2 C',1 N',V.1152 RNE5 ma? Spain 10 C.,E,P,O,11',V1161 StrasbourgIF In0 France 200 E.P-,EP,V*1161 San Sebastian(El) Spain 50 IP1170 Vila Real Portugal 10 IPA.1170 Bell Kriz Slovenia 3001179 SER via? Spain ?

1179 Solvesborg Sweden 600

1188 Kuurne Belgium 5

1188 Rerchenbach(MORI Germany 51188 Szolnok Hungary 1351197 Minsk Belarus 50 P1197 MunichIVOA) Germany 300 LP'S)*1197 Virgin R UK 1 D',E.,G.,T,W,X1206 Bordeaux France 100 P',0',V1206 Wroclaw Poland 200 E',1',P.,11.1215 COPE via? Spain ? P',0*1215 Virgin R UK ? 13.,E,F,PP0',

CP,T,U,WS1224 Vidin Bularia 500 P.,11.

A.P.

P-sr,r,w

VPI,P',V1P13,V,(1*

A,0,E,P,J,K,

A,P,E.P,VP.

Freq Station Country PowerOM)

Dubow6114

1224 COPE era , Spain CJ*.P*1224 Virgin R UK

II1

1233 Liege Belgium 5 CP

1242 Marseille France 150 PAP1242 Virgin R UK ? A.FP,CP,V,X1251 Marcell Hungary 503 V,C1',V1251 Tripoli Libya 500 P

1251 Hulsberg Netherlands 10

1251 R.Renascenca via ? Portugal 10

1251 Porto Portugal 10 I*1260 SER via? Spain 7

1269 NeumiinsterIDLFI Germany WO A,V,E,P,IP,le,176,117,V`,W

1269 COPE via? Spain C.,P,PAP1278 Strasbourg France 300 V.1278 DublinXork(RTE21 Ireland IS) 10

1287 Litomysl/MelnikIRFE) Czech Rap. 300/2001287 LeridaISERI Spain 10

1296 Pirsagat Azerbaidzhan 150 S'1296 ValencialCOPE) Spain 10

1296 Rebia Sudan 1500 S'1305 Marche Belgium 10/5 0'1305 Rzeszaw Poland P1305 RNE5 via?

.100Spain 7

1314 Kvitsey Norway 1200

.T',U,11'.VP)PY1314 ONES via ? Spain1323 LeipzigIRMWSI Germany 150 E',1,17',CP,

1323 Wachenbrunn Germany 1000/150 A1332 BmolDomamill Czech Rep. 50/25 U.1332 Rome Italy 300 17,LIP,V.,r1341 Lakihegy

TarrasetSER)HungarySpain

3002

CP,V71341

1350.

Nancy/Nice France 100 Fm,0P,T,V,V71350 Cesvaine/Kuldiga Latvia 501359 Melilla Morocco 5 P.1359 Arganda Spain 600 V,P,V1358 FoirdaleiMens RI zo1368 Venice Italy 20

1377 Lille France 300 A,E,P.,(1.,R1377 Ukraine Ukraine 50

1386 Athens Greece so P7,1.1

1386 Kaliningrad Russia 500IP 1P.VP.Y

1395 LushnielTiranal Albania 1000 E7,1,L7,P,11.,r,V.1395 RNE5 via ? Spain 21404 Brest France 201413 Masirah IsIBBC) Oman 15031413 RNE5 via ? Spain 7 C.,P",V1122 Alger Algeria 50/251422 HeusweilerISR) Germany 1200/600

T",U.,1P,W1422 Valmiera Latvia 501431 Mikolayiv Ukraine 4001410 Kwylorda IWakhstan 7

1440 MamachIRTO Luxembourg 12013 0.P',I1',R,T,V,V1440 Damman Saudi Arabia 1600 V,P,17,V,V1449 Berlin Germany 5 PAPA'1449 RedmossIBBCA) UK 2

1458 LushMeffiranal Albania 500 l1467 Esfahan Iran 200 r1167 Monte CarloDWRI Monaco 1000/40

FP,r,U7,V°1476 WiemBisamberg Austria 600 E.MtP,11',U*,1171485 SER via ? Spain VP,P1185 BoumemthIBBC1 UK 2 P.,U1185 CarhsleIBBC41 El P. -1491 Clermom-Ferrand France 213

1494 St.Petersburg Russia 10001503 Stargard Poland 3001503 RNE5 via Spain1512 Wolvertem Belgium MO AP,L.,P.,(1°,

Ft.,T.,UtV1512 Jeddah Saudi Arabia 1000 P.O1521 Kosic eICizatice) Slovakia 600 It12.,V.1521 Duba Saudi Arabia 2000 C,P.1521 RManresaISER) 5pain 2 V,P,P1530 KeflaviklAFRTS) Iceland 0.25 E

1530 Vatican Italy 150/450 1,1.',114',PP,P',0',FPV

1539 MainflingenIDLF1 Germany 1700 D'AP,PSP,

1539 ValladolidISER) Spain 15 Pyr1544 LVD de Sahara Morocco 17

1557 Nice France 1303 P.,CP1557

1566

Kaunas IR.Vilmus) Lithuania 75Vila de Porto,Azores 10 IP

1566 Mayak Russia 471566

iseaMonte Canaria Switzerland 300Semen Switzerland 300 L.V

1566 Sfax Tunisia :1200 V,I.,P1575 Genova Italy ,50 1,F7',V7

1575 SER via ? Spain 5

1575 VillanuevalOCR) Spain 51584 SER via ? Spain 2

1593 Langenberg(WOR) Germany 14130/800

1602 SER via ? Spain

Note mnes marked' were legged during darkness. All other entries werelogge during daylight or at dawn/dusk. Only BBC outlets of 2kW or less areincluded

Listeners:- J. Francis Hearne, R. Mary McPhillips,k Ted Barely, N.London N.Bristol. Co.Monaghan.B Leo Barr, Sunderland. K. Simon Hockenhull, S. Roy Merrall,C. Darren Beasley. E.Bristol. Dunstable.

Bridgwater. L Sheila Hughes. T Sid Morris, RowleyD Sean Cooper, Wells- Morden. Regis.

next -one -Sea. M. Rhoderick Illman, U. David Nenleton,E. Geoff Crowley, Owed. Bradford.

Hafnarordur, N. Stephen Jones, V. Martin Price,Iceland. Oswestry. Shrewsbury.

F. Martin Dale. 0 Ronald Kilgore, W. Tom Smyth,Stockport. Colondonderry Co.Fermanagh

G. Ron Damp, Worthing. P. Paul Logan, K. John Stevens, Largs.H. John Eaton, Waking. Lisnaskea. Y. Phil Townsend,I. Gerry Haynes. a Eddie McKeown. E London.

Bushey Heath Newry


Local Radio Chart

New contributors to this column arealways welcome. Please be sure to stateyour name, address and post code on all

correspondence. Your full address will alwaysbe treated here as confidential - only anapproximate location will be quoted in the text.

When compiling a report please state thefrequency first, then station name followed bytime of reception in UTC (=GMT). If possible,indicate SINPO rating, language used, targetarea and duration of the broadcast. Group theentries so that all m.w. local radio is together,all 17MHz together, etc.

Long Wave Reports

Whilst listening at midnight on November 14,Roy Merrall (Dunstable) heard Kazakh Radiosign -on with their National Anthem at 0001UTCon 243kHz. Their 500kW signal from Alma Atawas under a broadcast in Danish. To be sure ofthe ident he tuned to their parallels on1.440MHz and 3.955MHz.

An increase in the strength of the groundwaves from the reserve transmitter at Raszyn,Poland on 225kHz has been noted in the day bySheila Hughes in Morden. In contrast, JohnStevens has found their signal to be inaudiblein Largs, He says, "there is a whispersometimes in the evenings, but that is all". Amarked improvement in reception should beevident when the rebuilding of the giant mastradiator at Gabin has been completed.

Medium Wave Reports

The conditions for m.w. transatlantic DXingproved to be good on several nights in

November. Whilst checking the band at 0730on November 3, John Parry (Northwich) wasamazed to find WBBR in New York on 1130 stillcoming in during daylight! Exceptionalconditions were observed on November 27 byPaul Logan in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh. Thatnight he compiled an impressive list of stationsin Canada, N/S America and the Caribbean,see chart. By far the strongest signal camefrom CFBC in St. John on 930, it rated 44444 at0355.

The sky waves from some stations in NAfrica and the Middle East were also heardafter dark by listeners in the UK, see chart.Those from Les Trembles, Algeria (600/300kW)on 540 and Oujda, Morocco (100kW) on 594reached Iceland, some 4650km (2900miles)away! They were rated 42442 at 2101 and32332 at 2107 respectively by Geoff Crowley inHafnarfjordhur.

A new LR station in High Wycombe on 1170was logged by John Wells in East Grinstead. Itis called '1170 -AM', Tel: (0494) 446611 for moredetails. Following the closure of the m.w. outletof BBC Greater London Radio (GLR), 1458kHzhas been taken over by Sunrise Radio for a24hr Asian service. Reception reports on their50kW transmission should be sent to SunriseRadio, Sunrise House, Sunrise Road, Southall,Middlesex. Tel: 081-574 6666.

Short Wave Reports

A change in h.f. propagation occurred towardsthe end of November, which resulted in the13m, 16m and 19m bands closing here quiteearly in the evening. Even the 25m bandbecame unreliable. Some broadcastersrevised their published schedules and movedto frequencies in the 31m band, which thenbecame congested. Nevertheless, the higherfrequency bands were open during daylightand good reception from some areas wasevident.

Although we are now well down the slopeof the present sunspot cycle, the 25MHz (11m)band is still being used by some to reachlisteners in Africa. How well their signals arereceived there is unknown to me, but severallisteners in the UK logged them via back

Free(kHz1

Station I10/BBC

e.m.r.p ListenerNW)

558 Spectrum R 1 750 D.G,H,R,T.,V585 R. Solway 8 2.00

603 CheltenhainICD8031 1 JA,V603 invicta SG 'Coast) 0.10 D,H,V

630 R. Bedfordshirel3CR) B 0.20 D,G,H,I,J,R,U,V630 R Cornwall 2.00 G,H,V

657 R. Clwyd 2.00 D.H.0.011,R,V

666 DevonAir R 034 G,H,J,P*,V566 R. York atio D,H,K,S,V

729 BBC Essex 0.20 13,13,0,11,K,13.0*,V

738 Hereford/Worcester B 0 037 D.H.I,J.R,V

756 R. Cumbria 1.00 0,P,C1

756 R. Maldvon 0.63 H.J.NP,O.R.1 .1/

765 BBC Essex 0.50

774 R. Kent a 010 0,31.V

n4 R. Leeds 050 F,H,C1`,S

774 Gloucester 13CSG) 0.14

792 Chiltern IS.Goldl 0.27 D.H,111.,V

792 R. Foyle 1.00 N,0,0441 R. Devon 2.60 H,J,0,01.1*.V828 Chiltern (S.Goldl 020 0.14,V

828 FL Aire IMegic8281 0.12 F,S

828 2CR (Ct. Gold) 027 11*.VU

837 R. Cumbria/Furness 1.50 N,0

837 FL Leicester 0.45 0,H,J,0*,R,T*,V855 R. Devon 1.00 V

855 A. Lancashire 1.50

855 R. Norfolk 150 0,F1,0,V

855 Sunshine R 0.15 H,J,81*,0,R,T*,V

873 R. Norfolk 0.30 8,0,11,811.V

936 Brunel R (CI. Gold) 0.18 11.1,V

945 R. Trent (Gem AM) 0.20

954 DevonAir ICI. Gold) 0.32 FIA,0*,V954 R. Wyvem (WYVN) 0.16

990 WABC (Nice 8 Easy) 0.09 F,H,R,T*.U.V

990 R. Aberdeen B 1.00 NO990 R. Devon 8 1.00 6,0,0990 Hallam R. (Gt. Yks) 1 0.25 13,0,S

999 R. Solent , 8 1.03 H2O,V

999 R. Trent (Gem AM) 0.25 D,H,T*,V

999 Red Rose (Gold) 0.81) 0.031017 Beacon R IWABC) 070 14,17,13,R,S,r,V

1026 Downtown R 1.70 N,o.a.01026 R. Cambridgeshire 0.50 13,11,K,N,0*,51/

1026 R. Jersey 8 1.00 NAV1035 NorthSound 1 0.78 D,H.01035 R. Kent 0.50 H,L*,(1.,V1035 R. Sheffield B 1.00 H,S

1035 West Sound R 0.32

1107 Moray Firth R 1.50 H,N,O,V

1116 R. Derby 1.20

1116 R. Guernsey 8 0.50 HA,N,O,V1152 80M8 IXtre-AMI 3.00

1152 Great North RIGNRI 1.80

1152 IBC IL Talkbeck RI 23.50 H,V

1152 Piccadilly RIGold) 1.50 F,C1*.S.T*

1152 R Broadlend 0.83 B,D.,0,S,V1152 R. Clyde (Clyde 2) 3.06 NA*1181 Brunel R. (Cl. Gold) 0.18 H,30*,V1161 Bedfordshirel3CRI 8 0.10

1161 R. Sussex B 1.03 H.K,L*5*,V

Frog

Ik112)

' Matson 11.11/

BBCassn,

(5W)

Listener

161 R. Tay 1.40 N,0*,1,0161 HumbersidelGt. Yks). 0.35 13,0*,S

170 GAR Teeside 0.32 0-.5170 Portsmouth (SCR' 0.12 H,V

170 R. Orwell )SGRI 0.28 H51,13*.V

170 Signal R. IS. Gold) 0.20 F,H,N,0*,R,T*170 Swansea Sound 058 0*242 Invicta SoundICoast) 032 H,T,V

242 Isle of Wight R. 0.50 H,0*,P*,V251 Saxon R. (SGRI 0.76 i E.,31,N 0* P* 0* V260 Brunel R ICI. Gold) 1.60 11.0,P,V260 R. York B 0.50 U

260 Sunrise R I 0.29 H,R,V

280 Marcher Sound 160111 I 0.64 F,H2O,P*,(1',T*278 Bradford (Gt. Yks) I 043 11.0.,P.,S305 Barnsley (GL Yks) I 0.15 0*305 Red Dragon (Touch) I 0.20 F,H,0,0',V323 FL Bristol (Som. Sndl 8 0.63 H,J,0313*,V

323 Brighton (SCR) I 0.50 ' 31.0*,V

332 Hereward R. IWGMSI I ; 0.60 D*,H,K,N,13,P*,V332 Wiltshire Sound El 0.30 H,J,K,13,11.,P,V

359 Essex R. (Breeze AM) I 0.28 11.0,0*.P,V359 Mercia SnclOttra-AMI I 0.27 ' NO,R.T.359 Red Dragon (Touch' I 0.20 0,0*359 R. Solent 8 885 0,V368 R. Lincolnshire B 2.00 D.,H2O,V

368 R. Sussex El 0.50 H,K,V

368 Wiltshire Sound B 0.10 H,J,0*,T*413 Sunrise R. I 0.125 H,V

431 Essex R. (Breeze AM) I 0.35 11.0,PtCl*.TN431 R 210 (CI. Gold) I 0.14 H,C1.11.,V

449 R. Peterborough/Cambs 0.15 14,0*.P.,V456 GMR 5.00 F,H,N,O,P*,CLS,U"458 R. Cumbne 0.50 N,0,(1458 R. Devon 2.03 H.N.O,V458 R. Newcastle 2.00 H81,0,P*.V458 Radio WM 5.00 N1.11,3*.V

476 County Sound I 0.50 G.N,O,P*,Q*,T',U*,V485 R. Humberside B 1.00 A,B,E1',H2O,P*,S

485 R. Merseyside B 1.29 N.O,P',Q.R S485 R. Sussex B 1.00 H,V

503 R. Stoke-on.Trent B 1.00 H,L.,N,C3CM,R,TtV521 Reigate (Cry Sndl I 0.64 H,N',0,111',0`,V530 Sheffield (Gt. Yks) I 0.74 ELN,O,P*,S

530 R. Essex 8 0.15 H,K,N,V530 R. Wyvern IWNN) I 0.52 H

548 Capital 11 (Cap GI I 97.50

548 I R. Bristol B 5.00 0*.P',Q*548 Liverpool ICity GI I 4.40 0..7*548 i R. Forth 'Max AM) I 2.20 H*,N,0,F.,S'548 . R. Hallam (Gt.,Yks) I 0.74 ELS

557 Chiftern R. (Gold) I 0.76 am,o,p,a-,ats557 Southampton (SCR) I 0.50 ' H,N',0',P'8',1/557 R. Lancashire B 0.25 0.0*,S'557 Tendring (Mellow) I 7 A*.H',0*584 Kettering IKCBCI I 0.04 H.V

584 . R. Nottingham 13 1.03 H,Cir.Q*.V584 R. Shropshire B 0.50 11,0,T*

584 R. Tay I 0.21 H,14.13,P.

602 R. Kent B 025 C,H,N*,0,P*,T*,V

Listeners: - H. Gerry Haynes. Bus ey Heath. P. Eddie McKeown, Newry.A. Leo Barr. Sunderland. Francis Hearne, N Bristol. Q Mary McPhillips, Co. Monaghan.B. Vera Brindley, Woodhall Spa. J. Simon Hockenhull E Bristol. R. Sid Morris, Rowley Regis.C. Tim Elucknall, Congleton. K. Sheila Hughes. Morden. David Nenleton, Bradford.D. Sean Cooper, Wells -next -the -Sea. L. Rhoderick Illman, Cad. T. Martin Price, Shrewsbury.E. Geoff Crowley, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland. M Stephen Jones, Oswestry. U. Tom Smyth, Co. Fermanagh.

F. Martin Dale, Stockport. N Ross Lockley. Stirling. John Wells, East Grinstead.G. Ron Damp,Worthing.0. Paul Logan, Lisnaskea.

scatter and other modes. They come from R.Norway Int, Oslo 25.730 (Norw 1300-1329) 25312 at1307 by Eddie McKeown in Newry; R. Denmarkvia RNI 25.730 (Da 1330-1355) 43333 at 1340 byRobert Connolly in Kilkeel; RFI via Allouis 25.820(Fr 0900-1555) 24422 at 1100 by Simon Hockenhullin E Bristol; R. Nederland via Flevo 25.970 (Du1030-1125, Sun only) S10242 at 1100 by KennethBuck in Edinburgh.

Conditions in the 21MHz (13m) band haveenabled the signals from a number of differentareas to reach our shores. Those from R.

Australia were heard on 21.525 from Darwin (Engto S Asia 0100-0900) 22222 at 0816 by GerryHaynes in Bushey Heath; 21.595 from Carnarvon(Eng to S Asia 0100-0900) 32343 at 0832 by MartinPrice in Shrewsbury; 21.725 from Darwin (Eng to SAsia 0900-1100) 45544 at 0910 by Ross Lockley inStirling.

Among those from other areas in the morningwere R. Japan via Moyabi, 21.575 (Eng to Eu, MEast 0700-0900) 34333 at 0702 by Chris Shorten inNorwich; R. Pakistan, Islamabad 21.520 (Eng to Eu0800-0845) S10444 at 0828 by Bill Clark in

Rotherham & (Eng to Eu 1100-1120) 44444 at 1100in Morden; UAE R, Abu Dhabi 21.630 (Ar to FarEast? 0800-1100) S10444 at 0919 by PhilipRambaut in Macclesfield; SRI via Softens? 21.820(It, Eng, Fr, Ger to Aust, S Pacific 0830-1030) 24342at 0930 by Michael Griffin in Ross -on -Wye; BBCvia Kranji 21.715 (Eng to Far East 0900-1030) 23332at 0930 in Kilkeel; UAE R. Dubai 21.605 (Eng to Eu1030-1055) S10455 at 1030 in Edinburgh; HCJB,Ecuador 21.455 (u.s-b. + p.c.) 45333 at 1149 by VeraBrindley in Woodhall Spa.

In the afternoon, R. Moscow Int 21.450 (EngWS 0700? -1300) was 55444 at 1208 by RonaldKilgore in Co. Londonderry; RAI Rome21.520/21.535/21.710 (It [Home service relay toAfrica/Lat. Am/USA] Sun only, 1330-1700) 45544 at1347 by David Edwardson in Wallsend; DW viaMich? 21.560 (Ger to S Asia 1400-1550) 43343 at1505 by Peter Pollard in Rugby; R. Portugal viaSines 21.515 (Eng to M East? 1530-1600) 44443 at1542 by Rhoderick Illman in Oxted; HCJB Quito21.455 (u.s.b.+ p.c.) 35333 at 1630 by HarryRichards in Barton -on -Humber; WYFR viaOkeechobee, 21.615 (Eng to Eu, Africa 1600-1700)25332 at 1645 by Darren Beasley in Bridgwater;also 21.500 (Eng, Ger to Eu, Africa 1700-1900)45555 at 1705 by John O'Toole in Stratford; R.Nederland via Bonaire 21.590 (Eng to W Africa1730-2025) 45222 at 1745 in Hafnarfjordhur.

Some of R. Australia's 17MHz (16m) signalshave also reached the UK in the early morning.Their transmission to S Asia via Carnarvon 17.750(Eng 0700-0900) was 33222 at 0744 in BusheyHeath; to S Asia via Darwin 17.695 (Eng 0700-0900)45344 at 0857 by Mary McPhilips in Co.

Monaghan.Also logged here in the morning were R.

Romania Int, Bucharest 17.720 (Eng to Pacificareas 0645-0715) 55555 at 0658 in Norwich; R.Japan via Yamata 17.860 (Eng to Oceania 0900-1000) 23433 at 0945 by Darran Taplin in Brenchley;Voice of Greece, Athens 17.525 (Gr, Eng to Aust0800? -0950) 44344 at 0945 in Shrewsbury; BBC viaWoofferton & Skelton 17.640 (Eng to E Eu, India,Africa 0800-1500) 22232 at 0953 by Leo Barr inSunderland; R. Vlaanderan Int, Belgium 17.515


Transatlantic DX Chart

11-1,opag GcoTcom 0000qLong Wave Chart

Frog StationkHz

CountryOrtV)

Pewee Ufa,IOC

'

153 Becher Algeria 1000 A.1"153 Donebach Germany 500 A0.19,E,G,H,LILL',N.,P,R.,S,U153 Brasov Romania 1200 K.,Q182 Albums France ZOO A,B.D,E,H,I,K,L.,N.,O.P.Q.,R*.S.0171 Kaliningrad Russia 1033 A,D.,G,1,1(,L*.N.,0',0,W,S,U171 Medi 1-Nador Morocco 2000 A..P171 Moscow Russia 500 A,H177 Oranienburg Germany 750 A,G,H,I,K,NALP,C1.,R..1.1183 Saarlouis Germany 2000 A,D,E,K.LN.,0PS.1.,R..S,U189 Tbilisi Georgia 500 A

198 Warsaw 3 Poland 200 K198 BBC Droitruich UK 503 A,D.,E,H,I,KL,N,O,0',Ir,S,U207 Munich Germany 500 A,B,G,K.,1..,N.,P,Q.,Ft..0207 Reykjavik Iceland 100 D

207 Kiev Ukraine 500 a-216 RMC Roumoulea S France 1400 AO,G,K,N.,0,P,Q.,11..0216 Oslo Norway 200 E,K,P.,U225 Reszyn Resv TX Poland ? A,C,G,H.,K.,L.,N.,0,P,C1.,R.,S.,T.,U234 Beidweiler Luxembourg 2000 A,D.,E,I,XL,N.,0,P,Q.,R.,S,U234 St.Petersburo Russia 1000 A.K.,R243 Kalundborg Denmark 300 kDO,H,I,K.,L.,N.,0.,P,Q.,Fr,U243 Alma -Ate Kazakhstan 500 M.243 Erzurum Turkey 200 A252 Tipeza Algeria 1500 A,L,P..11`,U252 I Atlantic 252 S Ireland 500 A.B.D.,E.11.1,J'ACLN.O.P.0..R..S.0281 Burg Germany 200 A,G,I....P,Q.,R,U261 TaldomlMoscow) Russia 2000 A.D.,K,N.,11.,U270 Topolni Slovak Rep. 1500 A,P,G,H,I,K,L',N.,0,P,C1',F1',U270 Orenburg Russia 40 K279 Minsk Belarus 500 A,F,I(..N.,O.P.,Cr,R.,0

Note Entries marked were logged during darkness. All other entries were logged during daylightor at dawn/dusk.

(Eng to Africa 1000-1025) 43333 at1000 in Morden; Monitor R. Int viaKHBI 17.555 (Eng to N Asia 0900-1055) S10333 at 1007 in Rotherham;R. Pakistan, Islamabad 17.900 (Engto Eu 1100-1120) 44443 at 1110 byGeorge Tebbitts in Penmaenmawr;HCJB Quito 17.490 (Sp, Eng to Eu[u.s.b. + p.c.] 1030-1230?) 54444 at1125 in Kilkeel.

After mid -day, HCJB Quito17.890 (Eng to USA 1130-1600) wasS10322 at 1214 in Macclesfield &17.790 (Eng to Eu 1900-2000) 44344at 1935 by John Eaton in Woking;Voice of Greece, Athens 17.535 (Gr,Eng to C Africa 1300-1350) 44444 at1318 by Martin Dale in Stockport;Africa No.1, Gabon 17.630 (Fr, Engto W Africa 0700-1600) 43433 at1324 by Ron Damp in E Worthing;RTM Tanger, Morocco 17.595 (Fr toM East, N Africa 1400-1700) 44333at 1600 in Bridgwater & 17.815 (Eng,Fr to M East, N Africa 1700-1900)44344 at 1702 in Woodhall Spa;WEWN Birmingham, 17.510 (Eng toEu 1600-1700) 22212 at 1630 inRugby; VoA via Morocco? 17.790(Eng to Africa 1630-1730) 54444 at1650 in Barton -on -Humber; R.

Nederland via Bonaire 17.605 (Engto W Africa 1930-2025) 55555 at2013 in Hafnarfjordhur and 34232 at2017 in Oxted.

Quite good reception of R.

Australia's 15MHz (19m) broadcastshas been reported by listeners inthe UK. 15.565 to S Asia (Eng 1100-1300) was 45333 at 1100 in BusheyHeath; 15.170 to N Asia viaCarnarvon (Eng, Chin, Cant 0900-1400) was 32322 at 1140 in Newry.

Many other signals havereached the UK in the morningincluding R. Pyongyang, Korea15.180 (Eng to SE Asia 0600-0650)44444 at 0646 in Norwich; R.

Moscow Int 15.540 (Eng WS 0700-1000) S10433 at 0830 by FrancisHearne in N Bristol; R. Austria Intvia Moosbrunn 15.450 (Ger, Eng toAust 0800-1100) 44444 at 0849 in Co.Monaghan; AIR via Aligarh 15.050

Listeners: -A. Ted Bardy, N London.IS Vera Brindley, Woodhall Spa.C. Tim Bucknall, Congleton.D. Geoff Crowley, HatnarljOrdhur, Iceland.E. Martin Dale. Stockport.F. John Eaton, Woking.

G. Simon Hockenhull, E Bristol.H. Sheila Hughes, Morden.

I. Stephen Jones, Oswestry.J. Ronald Kilgore, Co Londonderry.K. Eddie McKeown. Newry.L Mary McPhillips, Co. Monaghan.

M. Roy Merrell, Dunstable.N. Sid Morris, Rowley Regis.0. David Nettleton, Bradford.P. Fred Pallant, Storrington.Q. Martin Price. Shrewsbury.R. Harry Richards, Barton -on -Humber.S. Tom Smyth, Co. Fermanagh.T. John Stevens. taros.U. Phil Townsend, E London.

(Eng to NE Asia, Aust, NZ 1000-1100) 33322 at 1015 in Sunderland;SRI via Schwarzenburg 15.505 (Eng,Fr, Ger to Far East, SE Asia 1100-1230) SI0322 at 1126 in Rotherham;R. Kuwait, Kbad 15.495 (Ar to MEast 0715-1315) 32332 at 1135 in

Kilkeel; R. Prague, Czech Rep15.355 (Eng to Eu 1130-1157) heardat 1130 by Tim Bucknall in

Congleton.In the afternoon the BBC via

Antigua 15.220 (Eng to N/S Am1100-1400) was 12221 at 1331 in EWorthing; BBC via Limassol 15.575(Eng to M East, India 0400-1500)33222 at 1340 in Rugby; Vatican R,Italy 15.090 (Eng to Aust, NZ 1345-1405) 43443 at 1345 in Morden;Israel R, Jerusalem 15.640 (Eng toW Europe, USA 1400-1425) 45434 at1417 in Woodhall Spa; RTM Tanger,Morocco 15.360 (Ar to N Africa1045-1700) 45324 at 1530 in Woking;INWCR Nashville 15.685 (Eng to Eu1100-0000) 33433 at 1620 inShrewsbury; China R. Int via Mali15.130 (Eng to E/S Africa 1600-1657)34443 at 1621 in Brenchley; Ch.Africa, Johannesburg 15.240 (Engto Africa 1600? -1755) S10212 at 1630by Tom Smyth in Co. Fermanagh.

In the evening, WEWNBirmingham, 15.695 (Fr to Eu 1700-1900) was 54444 at 1700 inPenmaenmawr; VoA via Morocco15.410 (Eng to Africa 1600-2200)55545 at 1709 in Co. Londonderry;WRNO New Orleans 15.420 (Eng toUSA, Eu 1600? -2300?) 42222 at 1806in Stratford; R. N Santiago, Chile15.140 (Sp 0930-0500) SI0211 at1810 in Macclesfield; KTBN via SaltLake City 15.590 (Eng to USA 1600-0200) 1:1:133 at 1840 by AdrianO'Leary in Cork; RAE Buenos Aires,Argentina 15.345 (Eng to Eu, Africa1900-2000) 24442 at 1900 in Stirling;RNE via Noblejas 15.375 (Eng toAfrica 1900-2000) 44434 at 1900 inRoss -on -Wye; RNB Brasilia, Brazil15.265 (Eng, Ger to Eu 1800-2055)35333 at 1920 in Bridgwater; HCJBQuito 15.270 (Eng to Eu 1900-2000)

1:1Xers--

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

Ted Bardy, N London.Darren Beasley, Bridgwater.Robert Connolly, Kilkeel.Gerry Haynes, Bushey Heath.Paul Logan, Lisnaskea.Roy Merrell, Dunstable.John Parry, Northwich.

S10333 at 1930 inEdinburgh and 45444at 1943 inHafnarfiärdhur;WYFR Okeechobee15.566 (Eng to Eu,

Africa 2000-2200)34232 at 2028 in

Oxted; BBC viaAscension Is 15.400(Eng to Africa 1500-2315) 35333 at 2030 inBarton -on -Humber.

Potent signals from R. Australiahave been reaching the UK in the13MHz (22m) band. Their signals on13.605 from Darwin (Eng, Chin toAsia 0900-1400) peaked 54444 at1140 in Penmaenmawr; 13.755 fromCarnarvon (Kh, Eng to S Asia 1230-1430) 44444 at 1312 in E Worthing.

Also logged here in the morningwere Monitor R. Int, via KHBISaipan 13.615 (Eng to Oceania0800-1000) 43343 at 0855 in

Shrewsbury; SRI via Softens?13.685 (It, Eng, Fr, Ger to Aust, SPacific 0830-1030) 55455 at 0904 inCo. Monaghan; also 13.635 (Eng, Fr,Ger to Far East, SE Asia 1100-1230)S10333 at 1124 in Rotherham; AWR(KSDA) Agat, Guam 13.720 (Ind toAsia 1100-1200) 33233 at 1145 inKilkeel.

Later, R. Nederland via Flevo13.700 (Eng to S Asia 1330-1625)was 33333 at 1600 in Newry; R.Pakistan, Islamabad 13.590 (Eng toM East 1600-1630) 34344 at 1610 inNorwich; WINO Nashville 13.845(Eng to USA 1200-0100) 32332 at1649 in Woking; VoA via Selebi-Phikwe 13.710 (Eng to Africa 1600-2200) 55433 at 1835 in Co.

Londonderry.Broadcasters using this band to

reach Europe include UAE R. Dubai13.675 (Eng 1030-1100) S10444 at1030 in Edinburgh; R. Austria Int viaMoosbrunn 13.730 (Ger, Eng, Fr, Sp0500? -1900) S10444 at 1230 in Co.Fermanagh; R. Bulgaria, Sofia13.645 (Eng 1130-1300, also to USA)53553 at 1245 in Bridgwater; WHRI

Freq Station Location(Wiz) IUTCI

llnee IOW

USA

680

770

850

1010

1050

1090

1130

1180

1500

1510

1520

1580

WEANWABCWHDHWINSWEVD

WBALWBBRWHAMWTOPWSSH

WINKSWQEW

1 New York. NYNew York, NYBoston, MANew York. NYNew York. NYBaltimore, MDNew YorkRochester, NYWashington, D.C.Boston. MABuffalo, NYNew York

0300

0510

0240

00300050

0120

0400

0300

OM01335

0700

0055

E

E

E

D, E

E

E

0,GE

E

A, E

E

E

CANADA

560

580

590

600820

850

870

680

690

710

740

750

820

920

930

930

940

950

1050

1080

1150

1290

1375

1380

1400

1410

1510

1570

CHVO

C,JFX

VOCM

CBNACKCM

CKGA

CKXB

CKXG

CBF

CKVO

CHCM

CBGY

CHAMCJCH

CFBC

CJYQ

CBM

CHER

CHUM

CJRP

CKOC

CHRM

RFO

CFDA

CBG

CIGO

CJRS

CKLM

Carbonear, NEAntigonish, NSSt. John's, NFSt. Anthony, NFGrand Falls. NFGander, NFMusgravetown, NEGrand Falls, NFMontreal, PQClarenyille, NFMarystown, NEBonavista Bay, NFHamilton, ONHalifax. NSSt. John, NBStJohn's, NEMontreal, PQSydney, NSToronto, ONQuebec, POHamilton, ONMatane, PaSt. Pierre et MiquelonVictorieville, PGGander. NFPt. Hawkesbury, NSSherbrooke, POMontreal, PG

0215

22114355

0000

0120

0200

00400035

0100

0000

0120

2210

0055

0700

2230

0155

2345

0120

ONO

0320

0120

0210

0100

0125

2300

2319

0045

0400

0. 0, 0

C AMERICA 8 CARIBBEAN

690 Caribbean Beacon800 TWR

1400 Harbour light1610 Caribbean Beacon

The Valley, AnguillaBonaire. Ned. AntillesCarriacou, GrenadaThe Valley, Anguilla

0010

0300

0100

0305

E,F

E

E

0

SOUTH AMERICA

650 HJKH Antenna 2860 R. Mundial940 R. Jomal950 WKG R. Vision

1470 R. VibraciOn

Bogota, ColumbiaRio, Brazil 0110

Rio. Brazil D215

Caracas, VenezuelaCarbpano, Venezuela

0500 i E

E ;

E ,i

0140 I E

0140 i E

South Bend 13.760 (Eng 1700-0000)44444 at 1700 in Stratford; R. Kuwaitvia Kbad 13.620 (Eng 1800-2100)heard by David Nettleton in

Bradford; R. Prague, Czech Rep13.580 (Eng 1800-1830) 24433 at 1814in Hafnarfjordhur.

Some of the 11MHz (25m)signals to Europe come from HCJBQuito 11.835 (Ger, Fr, Eng 0600-0830), heard at 0700 in Bradford;BBC via Rampisham 11.680 (Eng0900-0930) 44434 at 0928 inSunderland; R. Romania, Bucharest11.940 (Eng 1300-1400) 55555 at 1315in E Worthing; Polish R, Warsaw11.815 (Eng 1300-1355), noted as'fair' at 1340 in Congleton; ERTThessaloniki, Greece 11.595 (Gr1000-2245) S10454 at 1525 inEdinburgh; Israel R, Jerusalem11.585 (Eng 2000-2030)44333 at 2005in Woodhall Spa; R. Japan viaMoyabi, 11.925 (Eng 2100-2155)54444 at 2100 in Penmaenmawr;AIR via Bangalore 11.620 (Eng, Hi1745-2230) 22222 at 2110 in Rugby;RCI via Sackville 11.945 (Eng 2130-?) 24222 at 2149 in Oxted; VOFC viaOkeechobee 11.915 (Eng 2200-2300)22222 at 2200 in Morden.

While beaming to other areasHCJB Quito 11.925 (Eng to S Pacificareas 0730-1130) was SI0433 at1115 in Rotherham & (Eng to USA1130-1600) 44333 at 1148 in Co.Londonderry; FEBC, Philippines11.690 (Eng to China, N. Guinea0900-1100) 33333 at 0958 in Cork;Voice of the Mediterranean, Malta11.925 (Eng, Ar to N Africa 1400-


Tropical Bands

Frog

IPAHz)

Station Country UTC OXar

2 310 ABC Alice Springs Australia 2013

2.325 ABC Tennant Creek Australia 2017 GAP3 220 R Togo, Lome Togo 2244 HA3 245 AIR 'tanager India 1624 0,G,H,J3 255 BBC via Maseru Lesotho 2128 G,H,J,M.P3 270 SWABC I, Namibia SW Africa 2110 D,H,J,P

3 277 AIR Srinagar India 0115 D.G,HA

3.295 SWABC Windhoek SW Africa 1906

3.300 R. Cultural Guatemala 0237

3315 AIR Bhopal India 1630 D,H,S

3.316 SIBS Godench Sierra Leone 0000 H,M,R

3.325 RCN Lagos Nigeria 2004 H)3 355 AIR Kurseong India 1600 6,H,J,M,S3.356 R. Botswana Gaborone 1923 OA

3.365 R. Rebelde, La Julia Cuba 0100

3.365 AIR Khampur India 1627 G,H,J

3.365 GBC R-2 Ghana 1750

3.375 R. Douradoa Brazil 0105

3.375 R Nacional Sao Gabriel Brazil 0105

3.385 RFO Cayenne Guiana 0215

3.905 AIR KingswaylFeeder) India 1620 G,H,J,S

3.915 BBC Kranii Singapore 1615 G.HAN3 925 AIR KhampurlFeederl India 1621

3 945 AIR GorakhpurlFeederl India 1545 H,S

3 955 BBC Skelton England 1840 D,E,G,I.LN

3 955 Novosibirsk Rly A Ata Kazakhstan 1600 J,S

3.965 RH Paris France 2204

3 970 RFE Munich Germany 2205 D,N

3.975 BBC Skelton England 2206 N

3.980 VoA Munich Germany 2020 D E,F N P

3.985 China R. Int via SRI Switzerland 2130 N,P

3.985 SRI Beromiinster Switzerland 2023 D,F

3 990 Xinjiang BS. Urumqi China 1607

3 990 BBC via Limassol Cyprus 0542

3 995 DW via JUlich Germany 2220 OF.J.61,4 500 Xinjiang BS, Urumqi China 1418

4 600 R Perla del Acre Bolivia 0240

4 682 R Paititi Bolivia 0005

4.735 Xinjiang, Urumqi China 0100 D,H,J,N

4.750 Nei Mensigu PBS, Hailar China 1425

4.155 R. Educ CP Grande Brazil 0120

4 760 Yunnan PBS, Kunming China 1415

0 160 ELWA Monrovia Liberia 2038 H,M

4.760 TWR Swaziland 1925 J.R

0.765 Brauaville P Rep. Congo 2332 FA4.765 RRI Medan Indonesia 2235 18

0 770 FRCN Kaduna Nigena 2110 A,C,E,F.G,H,I,

J,M,N.P,R,T,V4.775 R. Gabon, Libreville Gabon 2120 E,H,P,R

4.780 1/. Carabobo Venezuela 0243

4.783 ATM Bamako ----Mali 2034 5,14

4.785 R. Tanzania Tanzania 1907

4.790 Azad Kashmir R. Pakistan 0215 0.11,N

4.790 R Atlintida Peru 0245

0 790 TWR Manzini Swaziland 1826 F,H,V

4.800 R Nac Amazonas Brazil 0135

4.800 CPBS 2 Bening China 2340 D,F,H

4.800 R Popular Cuenca Ecuador 0225

4.800 AIR Hyderabad India 1626 H)1.800 LNBS Lesotho Maseru 1937 H)4.805 R Nac. Amazonas Brazil 2341 14

4810 R San Martin Tarapoto Peru 0220

4.810 R. South -Africa S Africa 1922

4 815 R Cultism& Londrinst 'Brazil 0130

4.815 Chine R, Beijing China 1550 0,0,84 815 R diff TV Burkina Ouagadougou 2140 D,H,M,R

4 820 E Prov. Huila Angola 2213

4.820 La Voz Evangelica Honduras 2318 OF4 820 AIR Calcutta India 0130 0.6,J4.825 R. Cantao Nova Brazil 01305 FA

4 am R. Botswana, Gaborone Botswana 1923 E.G,H,N,P,R

4.830 R. Tachira Venezuela 0015 0,F,G,J,M,N4 835 R. Tezolutlin, Coban Guatemala 0135 D)4 835 RTM Bamako Mali 2108

4 840 Heilongpang, Harbin China 1353

16001 44444 at 1452 by Peter Poisonin St.Andrews; R. Australia via ?

11.660 (Eng to S Asia 1430-2200)44433 at 1519 in Brenchley; R.

Pakistan, Islamabad 11.570 (Eng toM East 1600-1630) 55545 at 1605 inNorwich; R. Nac da Amazonia,Brazil 11.780 (Port 0900-0200)S10222 at 2150 in Macclesfield.

An improvement in thereception of R. New Zealand's9MHz (31m) signals to Pacific areaswas noted by UK DXers. Their100kW signal from Rangataiki on9.700 (Eng 0650-1206) rated 25552 at0830 in Wallsend, S10333 at 1030 inRotherham and 21222 at 1128 in

Woodhall Spa.Many of the 31m broadcasts are

to Europe. They include the BBC viaLimassol 9.660 (Eng 0700-1515)25333 at 1045 in Barton -on -Humber;R. Nederland via Flevo 9.650 (Eng1130-1325) heard at 1130 in

Bradford; Voice of Greece, Athens9.425 (Gr, Eng 1200-1250) 43344 at1240 in Rugby; Croatian R. viaDeanovec 9.830 (Cr 24Hrs, Eng

1303-13061 22232 at 1304 in Cork;Polish R, Warsaw 9.525 (Eng 1600-1655) 45444 at 1630 in Woking; R.

free(14Hal

Station Country UTC DXer

4 845 R Ca bocla, Manaus Brazil 0714

4.845 RTM Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 0715

4 845 ORTM Nouakchott Mauritania 1943 0,EF,11,KH.P.F14 850 R. Yaounde Cameroon 2216 N

4 850 R. Luz y Vida, Loja Ecuador 0254

4 865 fl Verdes Brazil 0251

4 865 PBS Lanzhou China 2330

4 865 Caracol Colombia 0045

4 865 LV. dal Cinaruca Colombia 0045 D,E,N

4 870 R. Cotonou Benin 2119 HA.P,R4 875 R. Nat. Boa Vista Brazil 0249

4 880 R Bangladesh Dacca 1530 M.04 885 R. Clube do Para Brazil 2330 DAN4.885 China R, Beijing China 2340 D,G,H

4 885 Voice of Kenya Kenya 1620

4.690 RR Paris via Gabon 0528

4 895 R Bare, Manaus Brazil 0254

4.995 Voz dal Rio Arauca Colombia 0035 D,J4900 SLBC Colombo Sri Lanka 1624

4 905 R. Nat. N'djamena Chad 2220 C,E,G,H.J.M,N,P,64 910 AIR Jaipur India 1632 kHALS4 910 R. Zambia. Lusaka Zambia 1751 FAR4915 R. Annanguera Brazil 0713 EA4 915 R. Nac. Macapi Brazil 0140 0.J4.915 PBS Guangxi, Nanning China 0000 0.H4915 GBC-1, Accra Ghana 2120 C,D.E.F.G,H.J.

d 915 Voice of Kenya Kenya 1911

4 920 ABC Brisbane Australia 1908

4 920 R. Quito Ecuador 0025

4.920 AIR Madras India 1608 H,J,S4 925 R. Nacional. Bata ES Guinea 2018

4 926 R. Cobnza 2000 Peru 0259

4 335 R. Capixaba, Vitoria Brazil 0715

4 935 Voice 01 Kenya Kenya 1818 H,N,P,F1

4 950 V. of Puparg China 1443

4.960 R. La Merced Peru 0030

4 962 Cima Dominion Rep. 0730 04 970 PBS Xinjiang China 1416

4 970 R Rumbos. Caracas Venezuela 0025 0.6.84 975 R Uganda, Kampala Uganda 1920 E,H,J,M,N,P,F1

4980 PBS Xinjiang, Urumqi China 0030 0.HA4 980 Ecos dal Tarbes Venezuela 2319 D,E.F.G.K,M,N,V4.990 Hunan I, Changsha China 0025

4 990 FRCN Lagos Nigeria Li 2203 E,H,J,M.P,R.04 990 R. Ancash, Huaraz Peru 0711

5 005 R Nacional, Bata Eq. Guinea 2047 EH.J.51.11

5 005 8 Nepal. Kathmandu Nepal 1610 ELHA.M5.010 R. Garoua Cameroon 2108 P,R

5.010 SBC Singapore Singapore 2304 H,M

5 OM PBS -Jiangxi Nanchang China 2324 D,F,G,11.51

5.020 OREN Niamey Niger 2022 FLAN5 025 Parakou Benin 2055 H,M.R

5 025 BBS Thimpu Bhutan 0535

5 025 Rebelde, Habana Cuba 0150 B)5.025 R. Uganda, Kampala Uganda 1922 J,N,R5 035 R. Aparecida Brazil 0709

5035 R. Bangui C Africa 2102 OFLAK.N,P,R5.040 PBS Fujian, Fuzhou China 1053

5040 Voz del Upano, Macas Ecuador 0537

5.045 R. Cultura do Para Brazil 0045 ILE5.047 R Togo. Lome Togo 2102 D,EFFIA)A.N,R,U5 050 got de Yopal. Vopal Colombia 0222 N

5 050 R JesUs del Gran Poder Ecuador 2330 F,Q

5 050 AIR Aizawi India 0035

5 050 SBC Singapore Singapore 2327 OF5.050 R Tanzania Tanzania 2100 HAFA.P.R5 052 SBC Singapore 7245 11,M

5 055 R Ditusora, Caceres Brazil 0040 05055 RFO CayennelMetouryl French Guiana 2335 [LEMAN5 060 PBS Xinjiang China 0040 05.062 RN Progreso. Loja Ecuador 0155 05.075 Caracol Bogati Colombia 0700 LLE.G,J.K,M,N,P

Jordan, Amman 9.560 (Eng 1700-

1730) S10212 at 1700 in Co.

Fermanagh; R. Algiers Int viaBouchaoui 9.535 (Eng 1700-1800,also to M East) S10233 at 1718 inDunstable; SNBC Omdurman,Sudan 9.165 (Eng 1800-1900) 33232at 1808 by P. Gordon Smith in

Kingston, Moray; R. Portugal viaSines? 9.780 (Eng 1900-1930) 43343at 1909 in Co. Monaghan; R.

Bulgaria, Sofia 9.700 (Eng 1830-

2000) 43433 at 1915 in St.Andrews;VoA via Gloria 9.760 (Eng 1700-2100)45444 at 1925 in Co. Londonderry;VOIRI Tehran 9.022 (Eng 1930-2030)43433 at 1930 in Newry; Monitor R.Int via WSHB, 9.355 (Eng 1900-2200)S10333 at 2050 in Largs; R. Cairo viaAbis 9.900 (Eng 2115-2245) 55544 at2130 in Stirling.

While beaming to other areasSRI via Sottens? 9.885 (Eng, Fr, Gerto Far East, SE Asia 1100-12301,

rated 43433 at 1104 in Sunderland;R. Australia via Carnarvon 9.510(Eng, Chin to Asia 0900-1100) S10233at 1120 in Edinburgh; also viaShepparton 9.770 (Eng to S Asia1430-1600) 52432 at 1505 in BusheyHeath; Voice of Vietnam, Hanoi

9.840 (Eng to Africa 1600-1630)54444 at 1610 in Norwich; R.

Nederland via Talata Volon 9.605(Eng to W/SE Africa 1730-1925)S10444 at 1830 in Macclesfield;Yemen R, Sana'a 9.780 (Ar to M East1000? -2145 [Eng 2100-2135]) 34333at 2115 in Morden; UAE R, AbuDhabi 9.770 (Eng to USA 2200-0000)32322 at 2201 by Robin Harvey inBourne; also 9.605 (Eng to USA2200-0000) S10333 at 2330 in N

Bristol; R. Nac del Paraguay 9.735(Sp 0800-0400) 43433 at 2330 in

Bridgwater; Voice of Turkey, Ankara9.445 (Eng to USA 2300-0000) 45444at 2345 in E. Bristol.

In the 7MHz (41m) band KTBNSalt Lake City 7.510 (Eng to USA0200-1600) was S10222 at 1000 inRotherham; R. Australia viaCarnarvon 7.260 (Eng to S Asia1430-2100) 32333 at 1638 in

St.Andrews, S10333 at 1815 in

Macclesfield and 54334 at 2008 inBarton -on -Humber; Voice ofNigeria, Ikorodu 7.255 (Fr to WAfrica) 22432 at 2125 by FredPallant in Storrington; VOA viaSelebi-Phikwe 7.415 (Eng to Africa1900-2200) 44444 at 2151 in Co.

Nem-A

B.

C

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

LM.

N.

0

P.

a.6.

S.

T.

U.

V.

Leo Barr, Sunderland.

Vera Brindley, Woodhall Spa.Bill Clark. Rotherham.Robert Connote, Kilkeel.Geoff Crowley, Iceland.John Eaton, Woking.David Edwardson, Wallsend.P Gordon Smith, Kingston, Moray.Robin Hervey, Bourne.Gerry Haynes, Bushey Heath.Sheila Hughes, Morden.

Ronald Kilgore. Co. Londonderry.Ross Lockley. Stirling.Eddie McKeown. Newry.Roy Merrell, Dunstable.Sid Morns, Rowley RegisJohn O'Toole. Stratford.Fred Pallant, StorringtonJohn Parry, Northwich.Peter Pollard, Rugby.Philip Rambaut. Macclesfield.Darran Taplin, Brenchley.

Monaghan; WJCR Upton 7.490 (Engto E USA 2100-1000) 33233 at 2259 inWoking.

The 41m broadcasts to Europeinclude WEWN Birmingham 7.465(Eng 0500-1000) 42444 at 0900 inStockport; AWR via Forli 7.230 (Eng1000-1100) 34443 at 1029 in Cork; R.Prague, Czech Rep 7.345 (Eng 1130-1157), heard at 1130 in Congleton &(Eng 1930-1955) 54333 at 1930 in

Norwich; Vatican R, Italy 7.250 (Eng1715-1730) 44343 at 1727 inShrewsbury; AIR via Aligarh 7.412(Hi, Eng 1745-2230) SI0323 at 1800 inCo. Fermanagh; R. Bulgaria, Sofia7.455 (Eng 1830-2000) 44444 at 1830in Morden; Voice of Greece, Athens7.450 (Eng, Fr, Ger, It 1900-1950)54544 at 1900 in Ross -on -Wye; R.Romania Int, Bucharest 7.195 (Eng,Ger 2100-2200) 42533 at 2135 inBridgwater; R. Ukraine Int, Kiev7.195 (Eng 2200-2300) 55544 at 2200in Stirling; also 7.240 (Eng 2200-2300) 33333 at 2206 in Newry; R.Budapest, Hungary 7.220 (Eng2200?-?) 54333 at 2204 in Bourne;Israel R, Jerusalem 7.465 (Eng 2230-2300, also to USA) 44444 at 2230 inPenmaenmawr; Voice of Turkey,Ankara 7.185 (Eng 2300-0000, also toM. East) 43333 at 2305 in

Storrington.In the 6MHz (49m) band R.

Australia via Shepparton 6.080 (Engto Pacific areas 0800-0900) was32222 at 0801 in Bushey Heath; &via Carnarvon 5.890 (Eng to S Asia1800-2200) 33333 at 2031 in KingstonVoice of Lebanon, Beirut 6.550 (Ar,Eng, Fr 24hrs) 33543 at 1615 inNorthwich; R. Nac de GuineaEquatorial via Malabo 6.250 (Sp toAfrica 0600-0800, 1100-2300) 33333at 2040 in Stirling; R. Nederland viaFlevo 6.020 (Eng to USA 2330-0030)S10222 at 2330 in N Bristol; MonitorR. Int via WSHB 5.850 (Eng to USA0000-0400, also to Caribbean 0000-0100) 44444 at 0001 in Kilkeel; BBCvia Antigua 5.975 (Eng to C/S Am2000-0730154434 at 0151 in Woking.

Whilst broadcasting to Europe,HCJB Quito 6.205 (Eng 0700-0800)rated 55444 at 0730 in Ross -on -Wye;Croatian R via Deanovec 5.920 (Cr,Eng 24hrs [News 0806]) 35553 at0806 in Wallsend; R. Nederland viaFlevo 5.955 (Eng 1130-1325) 43443 at1233 in Stockport; RFI via Allouis6.175 (Eng 1600-1700) 55555 at 1640in Stratford; R. Austria Int viaMoosbrunn 5.945 (Eng 1930-2000)S10333 at 1940 by Julian Wood inElgin; R. Yugoslavia, Belgrade 6.100(Eng 1930-2000) 33333 at 1947 in

Rugby; R. Sweden via Karlsborg?6.065 (Eng 2230-2300) heard at 2230in Bradford.


RF/1 g I IGAndy Cadier,28 Romney Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT2O 30J

With some notable excep-tions, personal computershave not made major

inroads into AN operation. Sure,some people use Amigas forgenerating on -screen graphics andcaptions and in North America,where the NTSC standard reigns,the addition of a Video Toasterboard turns an Amiga into a highlyeffective video special effectsgenerator.

That's North America thoughand there are no plans for a PALversion of the Toaster. There is anadd-on for IBM PCs and theirclones that does the same for thesecomputers but it's a lot moreexpensive than the Video Toasterand has not caught on in amateurcircles, ::h is a shame.

Computers in SSTV

Where the PC does have a role toplay is in slow scan televisionISSN) and a new product calledPasokon N deserves carefulattention. The name soundsJapanese (a lot of products thereare called Paso -something, it's theway they pronounce personal), butthe origins of the name are not soobvious. What is clear is thespecifications, so here is a

description of Pasokon, but first aword of explanation. For manyyears operating SSN meant eitherbuilding a dedicated receiveconverter, transmit converter and,for colour operation, multiplememory units, or buying a ready -built commercial unit. Neither ofthese methods has beenparticularly cheap, in fact,commercial units have generallybeen of the order of betweensomewhat dear and very expensive.

Another problem with thesehardware -based SSN systems isthat they are 'mode orientated'.That is, hardware -based SSNconverters will only operate in onemode at a time, and to changemode - and this is only possible ona few systems - then the firmwarehas to be exchanged. Not a

satisfactory method of operatingslow -scan, especially in these daysof multiple modes and operatingsystems. Invariably, ownership ofone of these hardware basedconverter systems means that youare limited to the reception andtransmission of only one, or at best,a limited number, of modes.

Many protagonists (anddetractors!) of SSN have arguedthat the mode suffers badly fromthis variety of 'standards' and thetime has come for a rationalisationof the multifarious modes,transmission times, etc. Failing that,what operators want is a systemthat allows them to receive andtransmit in a variety of modes andat the flick of a switch, and at anaffordable price. Also, this slowscan system must be updatedeasily to allow new modes to beadded to the repertoire, thus givingthe operator the ability to keeppace with the 'art'.

The Pasokon TV

Well, this Utopian dream of a multi -mode SSN transmit and receiveconverter has been realised. Withthe advent of the affordable PC (aslow as £25 at the last Cranfieldrally!), the simple addition of a cardin one of the slots and a disk ofsoftware means you can be runningfull colour transmit and receiveSSN in a choice of modes within a

few minutes!Yes, Pasokon N has arrived to

revolutionise Slow Scan operation,(well, at least it will play its part).Pasokon N is a PC -based full -colour transmit and receive slowscan N converter. The systemconsists of a PC card requiring a16 -bit slot, the operating softwareon a floppy disk, a user manual anda 25 -way D -type connecting plug.The idea, system and software isthe brainchild of SSN's old friend,John Langner WB2OSZ, who hasbeen at the forefront ofcomputerised SSN for many years.

The distributor says the usermanual is well presented (althoughthose who purchased the initialversion were not so lucky) andexplains all you need to know inlayman's terms. That is you neitherneed to be a computer expert noran electronics whizz -kid to get thesystem installed and operational.

Pasokon is able to send andreceive all popular modes: Robot,Martin, Scottie, AVT and Wraase,producing full colour images duringreception. It features automaticreceive mode selection andautomatic fine-tuning for signals upto 100Hz off frequency. The programreads and writes popular image fileformats and offers simple imagemanipulation and easy operationoverall. It works with any 286 orlater CPU and at least 640K RAMand VGA display.

Operating SSN with Pasokon issimplicity itself. On receive, with theprogram loaded, you just tunetransceiver into a slow -scan signal,switch over to Pasokon, hit theENTER key and it does the rest. Itselects the correct mode and speedand the incoming image is

displayed in full colour real-time

during reception. Transmitting a

picture is just as easy.The only complaint with the

system at all is that, unlikeconventional hardware basedconverters, you cannot feed a

camera or video signal direct intoPasokon to snatch an image fortransmission. Instead a separateimage capture system is needed,although a software link is providedin Pasokon for direct access to theVIP 640C Frame Grabber that JohnLangner recommends.

To sum up, Pasokon N providesa relatively inexpensive means ofbecoming fully operational on SSNon all modes, even if it meanspurchasing a PC as well. If youalready have a PC in the shack thenthe system is highly cost-effectivewhen compared to conventionalscan converters. It is simple to useand the quality of the receivedpictures is said to be as good asany other system used. The onlyfailing, as mentioned, is the inabilityto snatch live pictures direct.

Otherwise the quality of thepictures resolved and the colourcontent is of very high quality by allaccounts. Pasokon TV costs £180.00plus £6 P&P (£12.00 Overseas). Areceive -only version, calledSnooper, consisting of a very smallinterface that will plug directly intoa spare serial port on the PC,

program disk and user manual,costs £85 plus £2.50 P&P. Pasokonand Snooper are availableexclusively from: KM Publications,5 Ware Orchard, Barby, Rugby CV238UF. Tel: (0788) 890365; FAX: (0788)891883.

Finally, a note to other suppliers:I will be happy to feature your ANproducts as well, just send themalong!

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A T Smail,100 Euston Street,London NW1 2HQ

Air Supply,83b High Street, Yeadon,Leeds LS19 7TA

Amateur Electronics Holdings,45 Johnston Street,Blackburn BB2 lEF

Amateur RadioCommunications Ltd,38 Bridge Street,Newton -le -Willows, MerseysideWA12 9BA

AMDAT,4 Northville Road, Northville,Bristol BS7 ORG

Arrow Electronics,Unit 17, Six Harmony Row,Govan Cross, Glasgow G51 3BA

BBC World Service Bookshop,Bush House, Strand,London WC2 4PH

Bredhurst Electronics Ltd,High Street, Handcross,Haywards Heath,West Sussex RH17 6BW

Cirkit Distribution Ltd,Park Lane, Broxbourne,Herts EN10 7NQ

Electronic Equipment Bank,323 Mill Street NE, Vienna,VA 22180, USA

Flightdeck,192 Wilmslow Road,Heald Green, Cheadle,Cheshire SK8 3BH

Hayden Communications,132 High Street, Edgware,London HA8 TEL

Johnsons Sound Service,43 Friar Street, Worcester,Worcs WR1 2NA

Lowe Electronics Ltd,Chesterfield Road, Matlock,Derbyshire DE4 5LE.

Lowe ElectronicsRetail Branches:27 Gillam Road, Northbourne,Bournemouth, Dorset BH10 6BW.

79/81 Gloucester Road, Patchway,Bristol BS12 5JW.

152 High Street, Chesterton,Cambridge CB4 1NL.

Cumbernauld Airport,Cumbernauld, StrathclydeG68 OHH

34 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU.

Communications House,Chatham Road, Sandling,Maidstone ME14 3AY.

Mitford House,Newcastle International Airport,Woolsington,Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE20 9DF.

The Basement,Royal Fleet Club, Devonport,Plymouth PL1 4PQ.

6 Cherwell Close, Langley,Slough, Berks SI..3 8XB.

Martin Lynch,140-142 Northfield Avenue,Ealing, London W13 9SB

PM R,Industrial Estate,Gwaelod-y-Garth,Cardiff CF4 8JN

The Radio Place,5675-A Power Inn Road,Sacramento, CA 95824, USA

The Short Wave Centre,95 Colindeep Lane, Sprowston,Norwich, Norfolk NR7 8EQ

Ward Electronics,422 Bromford Lane, Ward End,Birmingham, B8 2RX

Waters & Stanton,22 Main Road, Hockley,Essex SS5 CS


World Radio TV Handbook - 1994 EditionThe 48th edition of the radio listener's bible. This encyclopaedic guide has beenrecognised as the most authoritative and up-to-date publication on the world'slong, medium and shortwave radio and television stations for many years.Designed for easy access the book allows the user. with the right radioequipment to tune into any of the world's radio and TV stations. It is a book forthe committed radio professional and enthusiast Contents include: Over 80 pages listing the long and medium wave stations throughout the world. Over 25 pages listing all the shortwave stations in frequency order. Over 40 pages listing worldwide TV stations with addresses and names of

personnel Detailed maps of principal transmitter sites. County by country listings of long, medium and shortwave broadcasters by

frequency, time and language. Survey of high frequency broadcasting reception conditions for the year. Reviews of the latest shortwave receivers and accessories now on the market Names and addresses in international radio listener clubs, broadcasters and personnel. A complete guide to radio programmes for DXers and shortwave enthusiasts. Hour by hour guide to broadcasted in English.£18.95 p&p £1.95 order code 419 BK.

World Radio TV Handbook Satellite Broadcasting Guide 1994A new companion volume to the perennial bestseller World Radio TV Handbook - WRTH - the WRTHSATELLITE BROADCASTING GUIDE builds on the many years of experience built into WRTH and BartKuperus, the Associate editor of WRTH. has authored a guide that provides details of all geostationaiycommunications satellites, their operators and their programming worldwide.The book contains detailed coverage maps illustrations, receiver tests, programming surveys, installationguides and names and addresses of satellite broadcasters. It will benefit potential satellite receivingequipment buyers, programme providers, cable headend operators, satellite equipment manufacturers anddealers and enthusiasts.£16.95 p&p £1.75 order code 420 BK

World Radio TV Handbook Equipment Buyers GuideA companion volume to the perennial bestseller World Radio TV Handbook - WRTH - the WRTHEQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE builds on the many years of experience built into WRTH and the WRTH authorsand editors under the guidance of broadcaster Jonathan Marks, distil their expertise in personal tests onShortwave receivers, antennas, pricing and performance, specifications of equipment and how tounderstand them, in -car equipment and used equipment. This is an important new book for radioprofessionals and enthusiasts and is built around the invaluable information that has appeared annually InWRTH since 1987. Also includes the WRTH Annual Industry Awards.£16.95 p&p £1.75 order code 421 BK

Guide to Utility Stations 1994 - J. Klingenfuss20,000 frequencies from 9kHz to 30MHz, 4,000 call signs 60 RTTY press services on 250 frequencies inalphabetical and chronological order. Schedules of 80 meteo FAX stations on 300 frequencies. and of 150meteo RTTY stations on 450 frequencies. 960 abbreviations. NAVTEX, 0 -code. Z -code. Phonetic alphabet andfigure code SINPO/SINPFEMO code. Emission designations Classes of stations terms and definitions. AMSand MMS regulations and frequency allocations. 100 station addresses in 200 countries AMSMWARNRDARANOLMET area world maps 540 pages.£30.00 p&p £2.50 order code 412 BK

To order phone our sales line on 0738 30707 or send your cheque orpostal order. We accept Access, Visa or American Express

AXDON BOOKS SWF32 Athol! Street, Perth PH1 5NP

Write or phone for our FREE 1994 Radio Books Catalogue

1994 EDITION

WORLDRADIOTvz 1..

,014 QUANTEKFC2000

Ultra High SensitivityFrequency Counter/Finder* 1MHz - 2.4GHz* Sensitivity less than 1 mV to 800MHz* 2 gate times* Hold switch* Display hold & charge LEDs* 700mAh Ni-Cad Batteries* Made in the UKSupplied with Charger & AntennaSpecial Offer £109 + f5p&p

Regular Price £119

01.1AIVItof

ee lancua

SCANNER VOX SWITCHConnects to and works with any receiver whichhas an 'ear' socket and squelch control. Simplyplug the AUTO -VOX into the 'ear' socket of thereceiver, then plug the output leads from theAUTO -VOX into the microphone and remotesockets of a tape recorder. The AUTO -VOX willthen automatically switch the tape recorder onwhen a signal is received and off when there isno signal present - result a tape full of all theaction!Kit £15.95 assembled £24.95 Inc! p&p

SCANNERS RECEIVERSYUPITERU MVT 7100 £379YUPITERU MVT 7000 £315YUPITERU MVT 8000 £335YUPITERU VT 225 £249FAIRMATE HP2000 £289AOR 1500EX £329

Please add ES p&pSAVE f10 on scanning receiver

prices when ordered with a FC2000

Q44(44444 Ete4449443 Houldey Road, Birmingham, B31 3HL

CREDIT CARD ORDERS':it PRODUCTSTel: 021 411 1821 Fax: 021 411 2355 GUARANTEEDOR,2moNTHS

WINTER 1993/94CATALOGUE

The new enlargedCatalogue is out now!

New direct phone lines for prompt service

16 more pages

£££'s worth of discount vouchers

100's new products

240 pages, 26 sections, over 4000 products

New section of entertainment and accessoriesincluding disco equipment, audio mixers, caramplifiers, crossovers, speakers and boosters

). Complete range of Velleman kits now stocked

The latest scanning receivers and accessories

New Ni-cad batteries and chargers

New range of telephone equipment and accessories

Published December 1993

Available from most large newsagentsor direct from Cirkit

Send for yourcopy today!

CICIRKIT DISTRIBUTION LTDCid& VISA

Park Lane Broxbourne Hertfordshire EN10 7NQTelephone (0992) 448899 Fax (0992) 471314 .1


ELECTRONICSVALVES &SEMICONDUCTORS

COLOMOR (ELECTRONICS) LTD.

Phone for amost courteous quotation

081-743 0899Fax: 081-749 3934

Telex: 917257We are one of the largest stockists

of valves etc, in the U.K.

170 GOLDHAWK ROADLONDON W12 8HJ

AMIGA COMPUTER USERS O.S. 2 AND 3. PAL onlyRadioMemDB. 500 channel memory database. 50 blocks by 10 channels.

Alter, delete, swap and transfer channel data. Delete, transfer and print block data.RadioLog. A Radio log book, stores date, time, frequency, mode, SIO, station and

location. Display and print by month. Search a monthfor date, frequency or station and display.

Price £7.00 each or £13.50 for both incl. p&p. Cheque or PO.

Priory Software7 The Priory, 137 Priory Road, Hungerford, Berks RG17 OAP

-44ICRX-#° ICOM IZEICZi'IV2312 COIV7220L SOFTWAREFM

I trir.6-1 5.0 0 0 I:1 E

"S..,

`214.14.1

Complete radio control127000, 120000 2,121404.24 4P3,14

FEATURES INCLUDE :

Bidirectional control of receiver functions On -screen display of all receiver settingsSupports internal memories and soft memories with full editing facilities'Activity scanning of user specified frequency with full logging

PLEASE SEND FOH A FREE BROCHURE TO

for tho Loom 1-t72, R71

Skyview Systems Ltd., Dept. SWSkyview House, Alresford, Essex C07 8BZ.TEL: (0206) 823185 FAX: (0206) 825328 MEC

LASTCHANCETechnical Software have decided to closedown the radio software side of their businessin order to concentrate on other things.

Sales of radio software and the associatedhardware will end on March 4th but supportfor everything sold will continue as before.

This is the last chance for all those who wouldlike to buy our products for BBC, Spectrum,Commodore 64 and even VIC20 computers, soplease get your orders in NOW while thingsare still available.

There are bound to be some last minutebargains - give us a ring or send an SAE fordetails.

technical softwareFron, Upper Llandwrog, Caernarfon LL54 7RF

Tel: 0286 881886

THE VINTAGE WIRELESS BOOK LISTINGPublished regularly containing 100s of out-ol-prinl. old and collectable wireless and TV books. amateurradio books and magazines. Send six hist class stamps for 100 page listing or f3 75 lor next lour issues.

NEW BOOKS::

JANES MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS 1989. 10th Edition. A vast volume (862 pages). Largeformat wraps. Contains descriptions, photographs and basic technical details of the worlds militarycommunications equipment. Brand new in carton. Published at £80. Special Offer £45 includingpostage U.K. Foreign postage extra.

RADAR DEVELOPMENT TO 1945. A remarkable work published for the I.E.E. edited by R. Burns.A hefty volume 12"x8;4". By former/present radar experts 528 pages. Progresses from the 1930'sto 1945. Includes the various systems used by UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, USSR, USA and France.Compiled by professional historians containing many historical photographs, drawings andtechnical information hitherto inaccessible. The most authorative early radar book to date.Originally £69. Our price £39.95 including U.K postage. Foreign postage extra.

WINNING THE RADAR WAR. A new book on World War 2 radar. The suspense filled story of theexperiments and electronic eaves dropping. Author was one of the key technicians.224pp illus. £9.95 £2.00 p+p.

WANTED FOR CASH. Pre 1975 Amateur Radio and Wireless and T.V. books, magazines. Also valvecommunication receivers and domestic sets. working or not. Government surplus items andobsolete test equipment and valves,

(Dept S.) CHEVET VINTAGE SUPPLIES157 Dickson Road, BLACKPOOL FY1 2EU "Zm

Tel: (0253) 751858 or (0253) 302979. Credit Card - Telephone orders accepted mm

SERVICE MANUALSWe have what is probably the largest range of

Service Information available anywhere.

From the Earliest Valve Wireless to the LatestVideo Recorders. Colour Televisions, Test Gear, Audio,Computers, Amateur Radio in fact practically anything.

Originals or Photostats as available.

Also available. Our FREE catalogue detailing Hundredsof Technical Books and Repair Guides available.

Send 2 xlst class stamps for your copy TODAY

Mauritron Technical Services (SWM),47A High Street, Chinnor,

VISAOxfordshire, OX9 4DJ. I=11=Tel:- 0844-351694. Fax:- 0844-352554.

SHORT WAVE MAGAZINE

PCB SERVICEPrinted circuit boards for SWMconstructional projects are available from the

SWM PCB Service. The boards are made in 1.5mm glass -fibre and are fully

tinned and drilled. All prices quoted in the table include Post and Packing and

VAT for UK orders.

Board Title of Article Issue Pricef

SR010 A Green Bandspread Dipper Jun 93 5.75

SR008 Experimental VHF Receiver Jun 91 5.81

SR007 VLF Receiver Dec 90 5.24

SR006 Medium Wave AM Radio Nov 90 3.34

SR005 R210 Converter July/August 90 6.87

SR004 PR0-2004 Modifications Oct 89 6.63

SR003 HE to VHF Converter Aug 89 5.22

SR002 Weather Satellite Reception Jun 88 3.88

Orders and remittances should be sent to: Badger Boards, 87 BlackberryLane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B78 4JF. Tel: 021-353 9326, marking yourenvelope SWM PCB Service. Cheques should be crossed and made payableto Badger Boards. When ordering please state the Article Title as well as theBoard Number. Please print your name and address clearly in block capitalsand do not enclose any other correspondence with your order.

Please allow 28 days for delivery. Only the p.c.b.s listed here are available.

Badger Boards, 87 Blackberry Lane, Four Oaks,Sutton Coldfield B78 4JF.

Tel: 021-353 9326


VPIleTdEcji TEDFill in the order form in the November Issue in BLOCK CAPITALS - up to a maximum of 30 words plus 12 words for youraddress- and send it, together with your payment of £2.35, to Trading Post, Short Wave Magazine, Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach,

Broadstone, Dorset BH1B8PW. If you do not wish to cut your copy of SWM, or do not wish to use the order form provided, you muststill sendthe flash from this page, or your subscription number, as proof of purchase of the magazine. Advertisementsfromtraders,or for equipment which it is illegal to possess, use or which cannot be licensed in the UK will not be accepted.

140-150MHz (corn IC -2E hand-held, boxed, £130.Sony PRO -80 w/v.h.f. cony., £140. GRN 6in monitor,£20. Cirkit NiCad charger/discharger, £30. Cirkit H/B 2m Xtal rig, w/S20/S22/R1, £55. Old 243MHzS.A.R.B.E., £10. Scrap ICF2001 Mkl, £15. Mr Mani,171 Kenton Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 OEU. Tel:081-907 2125 12-5pm.

934MHz equipment. The perfect stop between CBand Ham radio - some Hams prefer itl Also SwanAstro 150 h.f. rig, digital read-out, scan frommicrophone. Tel: Middlesex 109921 718105.

1993 Drake R8E all -mode receiver fitted v.h.f.converter, brilliant performer, original box withinstructions, £780. Parcel Force or collect. Tel:Skegness 762359.

Altos intelligent monitor, green 12in screen,selection of most sta nda rd Baud rates and bit codes,ideal for c.w., RTTY terminal, £60. Norman, KentTel: 106891821885.

AOR-3000A receiver scanner just like new withoriginal packing and manual etc., practically unused,save, £300, will take, £650. Fred, Manchester. Tel:061-436 3051.

Attention HF150 owners - HFI 50 interface completewith software, as new, half R.R.P. at, 120, pluspostage/packing, no offers. Malcom, Leics. Tel:(05301813953.

Attention Irish readers, AOR3000 scanner, boxedand as new, £595. Also PR02006 Hyperscan with400 memories, in mint condition, £290. Sony 20010shortwave receiver,1225 in mint condition. El3EVB,Ireland. Tel: 051-71278.

ATU MIZUHO sky coupler, model KX-3 PI matchingtype, very sensitive, cost £70, little used withinstruction leaflet, accept, £35, mint condition,

Tel: Bournemouth (0202) 891253.

Audio filter, ERA BP34 s.s.b., a.m., c.w., RTTY,excellent performance, no ringing etc., leads,manual, box, mint condition, £60. Datong a.n.f. autonotch filter, leads, manual and box, mint, £45,carriage extra. Tel: Middlesex 081-570 5603.

BlackJaguarhand-held scanner, NiCads, chargers,case, two aerials, v.g.c., £85. Century 21 RX (LoweSRX30) very good receive with manual, £85.Eddystone ECIO, mint condition, £65. Tel: Sheffield(07421373330.

Eddystone 358, EC1O, EC10 Mkl l, 870, 960,1000/1/2,Pan unit EP20, any condition. Also offer£10 each forscrap sets, collection possible. Tel: Surrey 10374)128170 or FAX: 103721 454381.

Eddystone EA12 in excellent condition and workingorder with manual, £150, would prefer buyer toinspect end collect please. Len GOINU, Plymouth.Tel: 10752) 343074.

ERA Microreader, boxed, £100. Tel: West Yorks10924) 495776 anytime.

FGA collinear airband aerial c.w. mounting clamp118 to 136MHz, 2dB gain PL259 termination, £15.Buyer to collect. Stevens, Newmarket. Tel: (0638)578318.

Grundig Satellit 1400SLprofessional receiver, digitalread-out 150kHz to 28.5MHz plus f.m. mains/batterya.g.c.,b.f.o.,etc.Good condition and working order,very sensitive, £105 inc P&P. Tel: Chester (0244)310271 evenings only.

Grundig Satellit TR6000 1.w., mw., f.m., s.w., 1.6 to30MHz band spread s.s.b. unit carry case, £85. Pyev.h.f. 20 valve radio, 1.w., m.w., v.h.f., f.m.,p.w.o., £70. Hugh McCallion, No. 8 Strathard Close,Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, N. Ireland BT51 3ES.Tel: 10265) 43793.

Guided missile control monitor with 5 large moving -coil meters and p.s.u., £50. Signal generator (asnew) TS385A for aligning radio compass receivers,2 -deck, a.c. mains driven (Buyer collects theseitems). Mr Hayward, Kent. Tel: (03041853375.

HRO MX plus p.s.u., manual, speaker and sparevalves, can be seen working, buyer collects, £175.Re -advertised due to time waster) Mr Hancock,Hants. Tel: (0256) 771872.

Icom 71E mint condition, boxed, £550. Icom v.h.f.25MHz 2GHz, excellent, £550. Eddystone 1837/2digital, 5 filters, s.s.b., Is.b., v.g.c., 1200.Grundig 650 International, almost new, £250.Eddystone 1650 Top Range E1150, exchange CollinsRX. Tel: Middlesex 081-813 9193.

JRC JST-125D transceiver, all Ham bands plusgeneral coverage, receive c.w. filter fitted, twinv.f.o.s notch p.b.t memories etc. NFID5006 powersupply NVA88 matching speaker, all mint, boxed,MOO. Tel: Trowbridge (02251753166.

JRC NRD-525 receiver, 9 months old, £625. MR-5000v.h.f./u.h.f. scannet£145. PK232MBX decoder,£170. ICS FAXII FAX, RTTY decode for PC, £70. ICS-SYNOP,£60. Realistic PRO -2006 scanner, £175, pluspostage. Tel: Derby (0332) 833661.

JRC NRD-525 receiver, 200 memories, timer etc.,optional 1.2kHz fitter fitted, with box and manual,will pay carriage, £600. Tel: Somerset (08231259781.

Lowe HF-150 receiver with keypad whip powersupply and manual, little used,£225. Tel: Gloucester(0452)415056 evenings.

Lowe HF-150 with keypad and p.s.u., boxed, £275 orPX with Grundig YB500. Tel: Cheshire (02601274470.

Lowe Modemaster, FAX and RTTY decoding system,unwanted gift, mint con dition,£110. Malcom Porter,Hants. TeL (0256) 766558.

MFJ-722 receiver audio filter s.s.b., c.w., notchbandwidth adjustable, as new, with instructionsand connecting leads, retails for, £94, this one for,£50, includesIffley, Oxford. Tel: 770398.

Microwave Modules 2001 RTTY to TV convener,flume data printer, tractor feed with 2001 to printercable, £150. Tel: Kent (0732) 842288 evenings orweekends.

Notebook 386SX 25MHz, 8Mb RAM, 85Mb HOD,3.5in FDD, PCMCIA Modem, Track -man, VGA,batteries and canycase, cost, £1750, accept, £800or exchange for Kenwood transceiver or qualityreceiver, cash available. Tel:105331698217 anytime.

PC s.w.I.3.0 data decoder, hardware and software,RTTY, ASCII, Fec/Arq, AMTOR/Sitor, Morse, Navtex,boxed, as new, bargain,£50.Tel:Bucks(07531885163.

PR046 hand-held scanner c.w., NiCads, chargeretc., 2 months old, accept, £140. Owner wants R535airband base receiver. Tel: Bristol (04541772168.

Pye Fenman III 1950s four speaker radio, beenstored many years, excellent condition with serviceinformation, exchange for Sony SW1, SW20or goodshortwave radio, or will accept, £75. Tel: Glos10453)753035 anytime or leave message.

Racal RA117, mint condition, 0-30MHz u.s.b., Ls.b.,a.m., £150 o.n.o. Racal RA98 independent sidebandadapter, £50. B40 receiver, £50, all three, £230. Tel:Derby 103321372696.

Racal RA17 with RA237B 1.f. converter in originalRacal steel rackcase, 10-980kHz, eight ranges, 0-30MHz h.f., £200. Original manuals included,excellent condition, also Saisho SW5000 receiver(Sangean ATS803A clone), £50. A. Walker, 8Richmond Avenue, Merridale, Wolverhampton. Tel:10902) 26124.

Racal RA17, 0-30MHz receiver, v.g.c., £175, candeliver. Jim M-75 GaAs f.e.t. pre -amplifier, mintwith box, £50. Revco discone, mint N -type socket,£20. Tel: Barks (0753) 840534.

Racal RA17, £50. Racal RA17/11 converter/s.s.b.unit, £65. Infortec FAX converter, all speeds inc.grey scale, £60. All cash and collect. Richard,Yorkshire. Tel: 10535) 600667 after 7pm.

Radio compass receiver R1933A, as new, PO. 100-400MHz receiver (valve), £20. Philips tape recorder,solid state, £25. Mr Hayward, Kent Te 1:10304 1 853375.

Realistic DX300 pre -select digital read-out, finetune, st/by switch, good working order andcondition, 240-110 12V or battery operation, £65carriage paid. Seon, Glasgow. Tel: 041-959 7466.

Realistic PRO -2006 scanner, 400 channels, a.m.,n.f.m., w.f.m., 25 to 520 and 760 to 1300 MHz, costover £300, cash offers or swap for h.f. receiver. MrParmenter, 14 Tees Road, Pringfield, ChelmsfordCM1 51114.

Yaesu FRG -7700 all -mode communications receiver,excellent condition with manual, £195 o.n.o. Tel:Berks (0344)488364.

Realistic PR0-37 scanner, 200 memory channels,perfect working condition with box and instructionboolt£95. No offers, cash only. Tel: Lowestoft (05021517002.

Signal airband receiver, extras R535 v.h.f/u.h.f.,£160. Also Realistic desk top scanner u.h.fJa.mJf.m.300 channel Pro 2004 model,£120. Tel: Mansfield(0623) 643948, A38 junction 28 MI.

Skiptech 15-20amp p.s.u., £70. Ham Internationalmobile amp, 100 watt f.m., 200 watt sideband pre -amp, £110. G4MH beam, £110 new or as new. Logperiodic antenna wanted, also Linear amp forFT290R11. Tel: Kettering (0536) 522007 anyreasonable time.

Sony AN -1 antennas (was only used indoors), £25.Kenwood SB-5013 communications ext. speakers,£12. Altai regulated power supply (13.8V, 3Aconstant 5A surge), £12, all mint condition. James,Berks. Tel: (0628) 27505.

Yupiteru MVT7100 multi -band receiver, used once,boxed, includes soft case and fiexi aerial, absolutelyas new, £350, no offers, I am prepared to arrangecarnage. Steve, Cleveland. Tel: (0429)269344.

Sony ICS7600 DS 1.w./m.w. s.w./f.m. u/l.s.b. 10memories, £80 with manual. Sandpiper square h.f.antenna for balcony rail etc, excellent performance,£60. Sony SW55 receiver, boxed, mint £200. Wouldexchange for non -working NRD 525/535. Tel:Boumemouth (0202)422273.

Sony SW77 f.m., rn.w., s.s.b., 162 memories,lovely to use, excellent performance, all manualsand accessories, as new, genuine reason for sale,cost, £359, will accept£260. Tel: Staffs(09021700908weekdays, evenings, or Voicebank 104261 917807anytime - I'll call back.

Telequipment D83 oscilloscope150MHz bandwidth)with V4 dual trace amplifier, S2A dual (delayed)sweeptimebase and optionalTV162S knell/verticalamplifier. Complete with manuals and spare c.r.t,£300. Tel: Broxburn (0506) 853875 anytime(answerphone).

TR2300 trio 2m f.m. portable, full working order,boxed with all original accessories plus rubberduck antenna, £105. Tel: Somerset 10823) 421578.

Treasured Trio R2000 with Dee Comm a.t u. and 12ftsectioned aerial for sale. Used but not abused. Nomanual or box, hence only £300, no offers. lain,Lincs. Tel: (0526) 353728 evenings only.

Trio R1000 complete with new unused long hireantenna, very good condition and original manuals,1200 or would exchange for good quality portablee.g. Sony ICF-2001D. John Crellin, Blackpool. Tel:(0253) 822937 evenings.

VHF receiving unit type 215 (va lye), £15.100-200M HzAmerican intermediate frequency amplifier Iva lye),£15130MHz). Carriage extra, prefer buyer to collect.Mr Hayward, Kent. Tel: 103041853375.

Wavecom W4010 data decoder, manual,f450 o.n.o.Alinco DJ-500T/E dual -band hand-held, extendedreceive, 20 memories, two NiCads, charger, asnew, £195. Tel: Warwick 109261 54556 anytime.

Yaesu FRG-77000-30MHz receiver, good condition,handbook and diagrams, £230 o.v.n.o. Tel: Reading(0344) 886711.

Yaesu FRG -8800 receiver with v.h.f. converter,excellent condition, £400. Brian, Lancs. Tel: 10254)208571.

Yaesu FRG8800 h.f. receiver, mint condition, boxedwith instructions, £375, plus postage, also RealisticSX302 ht. receiver, £85 Sony P R080 scanner, £150.Both g.w.o. Wanted Kenwood R5000 or JRC535 inmint condition. Tel: Essex (02451322082 after 6pm.

Zenith tra ns-oceanic world radio, £65 o.n.o. or swap,why? Tel: Harts (0462)441867.

RAMS IV, decode, RTTY, AMTOR, Morse, SSTVwith your Spectrum computer, £15, also RAMSfilter, for use with above, £20. Morse tutor forSpectrum, £5, all little used, postage extra. Robert6171VX, N. Ireland. Tel: 106937) 62166 after 6pm.

WantedAR3000A/ICR700 base scanner required, must beexcellent condition, also wanted Global ATU1000and Dressler/Datong wideband active antennas.Tel: North Yorks (0609188132229am to 7pm weekdaysplease.

NRD 525 options (v.h.f./RTTY), external speaker ors.s.b. filter required. Tel: Bournemouth (02021422273.

Original mains transformer for AR88D required,please help. Roger Livsey,39 Brompton Park, Rhos -on -Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd, North Wales. Tel:10492)545325.

Pre-war HMV Marconi combined radio and TVtable model, any condition,will collect any distance,swap possible. Michael Usher, 85 Bromham Road,Bedford, MK40 48S. Tel: 102341354767.

Sony ICF-2001D with fitter mods. etc., (state whathas been done). Grundig Satellit 500 and Heathkita.tu. also required, price details to: 120 LoughtonWay, Buckhurst Hill, Essex (69 6AR.

Spare parts for Eddystone 770R RX, mainstransformer, coil strips etc., complete receiverconsidered if unmodified, perfectworkingTel: 102351522387.

Xtals from scrap Trio JR310 RX, especially19.955MHz, swap for WIFB's Note Book as new,can you help. Mr Harmer, 9 Park Square East,Jaywick, Essex C015 2NL.

Tilt -over, winch up, two section tower, 30ft high,possibly Versatower,only,£180,willdeliver. G4NXW,Ashbourne. Tel: (03351 345865

ExchangeAudioline mobile CB or buy immaculate Audioline345 or Uniden 300 homebase citizens band radio, nosillyprices and within forty miles radius Cheltenhamor some delivery expenses paid, please no cowboys.Tel: Glos (06841295770 anytime.

HeathkitHW-101 5 band s.s.b./c.w. transceiver withp.s.u., mic, manual, swap for Racal RA1217/18,Plessey PR -155 or w.h.y.? similar, working or faulty,must be complete. Tel: Tyne & Wear 102071 544342after 6pm.

Kenwood R5000 receiver, extra performance fittersandv.h.f. board fitted, superb radio, excellent boxed,£850, but would prefer to exchange for (corn R7100or NRD 535. Tel: Bournemouth (0202) 422273.

Lap -top computer TR8100 Centronics and RS232ports, in-buittterminal software, large I.c.d. screen,ideal shack -/P decode computer, great for portablepacket, Microsoft basic and internal software, swapfor any scanner. Kevin GUAM', Sheffield. Te1:10909)566724.

Pocom decoder with manual and monitor for LoweHF150 receiver. George, Nr. Preston. Tel: (02531790339.

Sangean ATS-803A digital radio, new condition,boxed with manual, exchange for Coder CR70Areceiver, or pay cash, also required Codar pre -selector, have also Codemaster CWR601E RTTY/c.w. for exchange. Mr Borthwick, 42 Eildon Road,Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Tel: (04501370937.

Please use an order form from a previous issue as there was no room to squeeze itin this month. You must still send the corner flash from this page. Ed.

Closing Date for Adverts: March 1994 Issue - 1st February 1994,April 1994 Issue - 1st March 1994.


SIIVM FEB 94 TP75

ASO tIC2V©Next day delivery service for orders received a.m., providing the required books are in

stock. To take advantage oi this be sure to enclose f3.75 P&P per order (no limit to number

of books ordered). Service applies to UK customers only.

The books listed have been selected as being of special interest to our readers. They are supplied directto your door. Some titles are overseas in origin.

HOW TO ORDER. PLEASE USE THE ORDER FORM ON PAGE 79.POST AND PACKING; add £1.00 till one book, £2.00 for two or more books (overseas readers add £1.75 for one book, £3.50 for twoor more for surface mail postage) and send a postal order, cheque or international money with your order to PW Publishing Ltd.,FREEPOST, Arrowsmith Court, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Please make your cheques payable to PW Publishing Ltd. Paymentby Access, Mastercard, Eurocard or Visa also accepted on telephone orders to Poole (0202) 659930. Books are normallydespatched by return of post but please allow 28 days for delivery. Prices correct at time of going to press. Please note: allpayments must be made in Sterling.LISTENING GUIDESAIR BAND RADIO HANDBOOK4th EditionDavid J. SmithExtensively revised & updated(October 1992). Air band radiolistening enables you to listen -in onthe conversations between aircraftand those on the ground who controlthem, and is an increasingly popularand fascinating hobby. A new chapteron military air band has been added.The author, an air traffic controller,explains more about this listeninghobby. 190 pages. E7.99

THE COMPLETE SHORT WAVELISTENER'S HANDBOOK 3RDEDITIONHank Bennett. Harry Helms & DavidHardyThis book is a comprehensive guide tothe basics of short wave listening.Everything you need to get started asan s.w.l. is explained in a clear andeasily understood manner. Receivers,antennas, frequencies, propagation,Cl-codes, etc. are all covered.294 pages. £14.95.

DIAL SEARCH 1992/94George WilcoxThe listener's check list and guide toEuropean radio broadcasting. Coversm.w.,I.w., v.h.f. & s.w., including twospecial fold -out maps. Also includes afull list of British stations, a select listof European stations, broadcasts inEnglish and 'Making the Most of YourPortable'. 46 pages. £4.25

FLIGHT ROUTINGS 1993Compiled by T.T. & S.J. WilliamsThis guide was produced with thesole aim of assisting airband listenersto quickly find details of a flight, oncethey have identified an aircraft'scallsign. Identifies the flights ofairlines, schedule, charter, cargo andmail, to and from the UK and Eire andoverflights between Europe andAmerica. 122 pages. E5.95

FERRELLS CONFIDENTIALFREQUENCY LIST 8th EditionCompiled by Geoff HalligeySpirally bound, this easy -to -usereference book covers 1.6 - 28MHz ingreat depth, all modes and utilityservices, with new reverse frequencylisting showing every knownfrequency against each callsign,who's using what frequency andmode, what's that callsign? These aresome of the answers this book willhelp you find. 544 pages. £17.95

GUIDE TO FACSIMILE STATIONS13th EditionJoerg KlingenfussThe new edition of this superreference book covers the world'sfacsimile stations, their frequenciesand methods of working. There is asection covering the equipmentneeded to receive FAXes over theradio. To give you an idea of what isavailable there are many pages of off -air received FAX pictures.392 pages. E18.00

GUIDE TO UTILITY STATIONS12th EditionJoerg KlingenfussThis book covers the complete shortwave range from 3 to 30MHz togetherwith the adjacent frequency bandsfrom 0 to 150kHz and from 1.6 to3MHz. It includes details on all typesof utility stations including FAX andRTTY. There are 19549 entries in thefrequency list and 3590 in thealphabetical callsign list plus press

services and meteorological stations.Included are RTTY & FAX press andmeteor schedules. There are 11800changes since the 10th edition.534 pages. E24.00

HF OCEANIC AIRBANDCOMMUNICATIONS 4th EditionBill LaverHF aircraft channels by frequency andband, main ground radio stations,European R/T networks and NorthAtlantic control frequencies.31 pages. E3.95

INTERNATIONAL RADIO STATIONSGUIDE BP255Peter ShoreAs in 'Broadcast Roundup', hiscolumn in PW, Peter Shore has laidthis book out in world areas, providingthe listener with a reference workdesigned to guide around the ever-more complex radio bands. There aresections covering English languagetransmissions, programmes for DXersand s.w.l.s. Along with sections onEuropean medium wave and UK f.m.stations. 266 pages £5.95

INTERNATIONAL VHF FM GUIDE7th Edition.Julian Baldwin G3UHK & KrisPartridge G8AUUThis book gives concise details ofrepeaters & beacons world-wide pluscoverage maps & further informationon UK repeaters.70 pages. E2.85

MONITORING THE YUGOSLAVCONFLICTLangley PierceA guide to movitoring the Yugoslavradio transmissions of the UN, aircraftand shipping engaged in the civil warin the former Yugoslavia.28 pages. £4.85

NEWNES SHORT WAVE LISTENINGHAND BOOKJoe Pritchard G1U cmA technical guide for all short wavelisteners. Covers construction anduse of sets for the s.w.l. who wants toexplore the bands up to 30MHz. Alsocovers the technical side of the hobbyfrom simple electrical principles allthe way to simple receivers.276 pages f15.95

POCKET GUIDE TO RTTY AND FAXSTATIONSBill LaverA handy reference book listing RTTYand FAX stations, together withmodes and other essentialinformation. The listing is inascending frequency order, from 1.6to 26.8MHz.57 pages. E3.95

RADII] LISTENERS GUIDE 1993Clive WoodyearThis is the third edition of this radiolistener's guide. Simple -to -use mapsand charts show the frequencies forradio stations in the UK. Organised sothat the various station types arelisted separately, the maps are usefulfor the travelling listener. Articlesincluded in the guide discuss v.h.faerials, RDS, the Radio Authority anddevelopments from Blaupunkt.56 pages. £2.95

SHORT WAVE INTERNATIONALFREQUENCY HANDBOOKFormerly the Confidential FrequencyList and re -published in April 93, thisbook covers 500kHz-30MHz. Itcontains duplex and channel lists,callsigns, times and modes, broadcastlisting and times. 192 pages. £9.95

UK SCANNING DIRECTORY3rd EditionThis spiral bound book lists over 12000UK spot frequencies from 25MHz to1.213GHz. Articles on scanning in theUK. 250 pages. £16.95

VHF/UHF AIRBAND FREQUENCYGUIDE 4th EditionA complete guide to civil & militaryairband frequencies including how toreceive the signals, the frequenciesand services. VOLMET, receiverrequirements, aerials and much moreabout the interesting subject ofairband radio are included.123 pages. £6.95

VHF/UHF SCANNING FREQUENCYGUIDEThis book gives details of frequenciesfrom 26MHz to 12GHz with no gapsand who uses what. Completelyrevised and enlarged (February 19931,there are chapters on equipmentrequirements as well as antennas, theaeronautical bands, as well as thelegal aspect of listening using ascanner. 156 pages. OfP

WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 1994Country -by -country listing of 1.w., rn.w.& s.w. broadcast and TV stations.Receiver test reports, Englishlanguage broadcasts. The'bible'. E15.95.

ANTENNAS (AERIALS)AERIAL PROJECTS BP105Practical designs including active,loop and ferrite antennas plusaccessory units. 96 pages. £2.50

ALL ABOUT VERTCAL ANTENNASW. I. Orr W6SAI & S. D. Cowan W2LXCovers the theory, design andconstruction operation of verticalantennas. How to use your tower as avertical antenna and compact verticaldesigns for restricted locations. Allabout loading coils and a.t.u.s.192 pages. £7.50

ANTENNA EXPERIMENTER'S GUIDEPeter Dodd G3LDOAlthough written for radio amateurs,this book will be of interest to anyonewho enjoys experimenting withantennas. You only need a very basicknowledge of radio & electronics toget the most from this book. Chaptersinclude details on measuringresonance, impedance, field strengthand performance, mats andmaterials and experimental antennas.200 pages f8.90

ANTENNA IMPEDANCEMATCHINGWilfred N. CaronProper impedance matching of anantenna to a transmission line is ofconcern to antenna engineers and toevery radio amateur. A properlymatched antenna as the terminationfor a line minimises feed -line losses.Power can be fed to such a linewithout the need for a matchingnetwork at the line input. There is nomystique involved in designing eventhe most complex multi -elementnetworks for broadband coverage.195 pages. E11.95

ARRL ANTENNA BOOK16th EditionA station is only as effective as itsantenna system. This book coverspropagation, practical constructionaldetails of almost every type ofantenna, test equipment and formulas

and programs for beam headingcalculations. 789 pages. E14.50

ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUMVolume OneFascinating and hitherto unpublishedmaterial. Among the topics discussedare quads and loops, log periodicarrays, beam and multi -bandantennas, verticals and reduced sizeantennas. 175 pages. £9.50

ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUMVolume TwoBecause antennas are a topic ofgreat interest among radio amateurs,ARRL HQ continues to receive manymore papers on the subject than canpossibly be published in BST. Thosepapers are collected in this volume.208 pages. £9.50

ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUMVolume ThreeEdited by Jerry Hall K1TDAs the title suggests, this book is thethird in the continuing series onpractical antennas, theory andaccessories produced by the ARRL.The book reflects the tremendousinterest and activity in antenna work,and provides a further selection ofantennas and related projects youcan build. 236 pages. £9.50

BEAM ANTENNA HANDBOOKW. I . Orr W6SAI & S. D. Cowan W2LXDesign, construction, adjustment andinstallation of h.f. beam antennas. Theinformation this book contains hasbeen complied from the data obtainedin experiments conducted by theauthors, and from informationprovided by scientists and engineersworking on commercial and militaryantenna ranges. 268 pages. £7.50

G-QRP CLUB ANTENNA HANDBOOKCompiled and edited by P. LinsleyG3PDL & T. NicholsonKA9WRI/GWOLNO.This book is a collection of antennaand related circuits taken from Sprat,the G-QRP Club's journal. Althoughmost of the circuits are aimed at thelow -power fraternity, many of theinteresting projects are also useful forgeneral use. Not intended as a textbook, but offers practical and provencircuits. 155 pages. E5.00

HF ANTENNA COLLECTIONIRSG13)

Edited by Erwin David G4LI11This book contains a collection ofuseful, and interesting h.f. antennaarticles, first published in the RSGB'sRadio Communication magazine,between 1968 and 1989, along withother useful information on ancillarytopics such as feeders, tuners,baluns, testing and mechanics for theantenna builder. 233 pages. £9.50.

INTRODUCTION TO ANTENNATHEORY BP198H. C. WrightThis book deals with the basicconcepts relevant to receiving andtransmitting antennas, with emphasison the mechanics and minimal use ofmathematics. Lots of diagrams helpwith the understanding of thesubjects dealt with. Chapters includeinformation on efficiency, impedance,parasitic elements and a variety ofdifferent antennas. 86 pages. E2.95

NOVICE ANTENNA NOTEBOOKDoug DeMaw W1FBAnother book from the pen of W1FB,this time offering 'new ideas forbeginning hams'. All the drawings arelarge and clear and each chapter

ends with a glossary of terms. It iswritten in plain language and youdon't need to be a mathematician tobuild and erect the support structuresthat are presented in this book.124 pages. E6.95

PRACTICAL ANTENNA HANDBOOKJoseph J. CarrAs the name suggests, this bookoffers a practical guide at everythingto do with antennas, from h.f. tomicrowaves. It also has sections onpropagation, transmission lines.antenna fundamentals and a helpfulintroduction to radio broadcastingand communication. The book neatlybalances a practical approach withthe minimum of mathematics, gooddiagrams and a lively text.437 pages. E21.95

RADIO AMATEUR ANTENNAHANDBOOKW. I. Orr W6SAI & S. D. Cowan W2LXYagi, Quad, Quagi and LPY beamantennas as well as vertical,horizontal and sloper antennas arecovered in this useful book. How tojudge the best location, DX antennaheight, ground loss and radials.188 pages. E7.50

SIMPLE, LOW-COST WIREANTENNAS FOR RADIO AMATEURSW. I. Orr W6SAI & S. D. Cowan W2LXEfficient antennas for Top Band to 2m,including 'invisible' antennas fordifficult station locations. Clearexplanations of resonance, radiationresistance, impedance, s.w.r.,balanced and unbalanced antennasare also included.188 pages. E7.50

W1EB'S ANTENNA NOTEBOOKDoug DeMaw W1FBThis book provides lots of designs, insimple and easy to read terms, forsimple wire and tubing antennas. Alldrawings are large and clear makingconstruction much easier. There is nohigh-level mathematics in this book,just simple equations only whennecessary to calculate the length ofan antenna element or its matchingsection. 123 pages. £6.95

WIRES & WAVESCollected Antenna Articles from PW1980-1984Antenna and propagation theory,including NBS Yagi design data.Practical designs for antennas frommedium waves to microwaves, plusaccessories such as a.t.u.s, s.w.r. andpower meters and a noise bridge.Dealing with TVI is also covered,160 pages. £3.00

YAGI ANTENNA DESIGNDr James. L Lawson W2PVThis book is a polished and expandedversion of a series of articles firstpublished in Ham Radio following onfrom a series of lectures by theauthor, who was well-known as theexpert on Yagi design. Chaptersinclude simple Yagi antennas, loopantennas, effect of ground, stackingand practical antenna design.210 pages. £10.95

25 SIMPLE AMATEUR BANDAERIALS BP125E. M. NollHow to build 25 simple andinexpensive amateur band aerials,from a simple dipole through beamand triangle designs to a mini -rhombic. Dimensions for specific spotfrequencies including the WARCbands are also given.63 pages. E1.95


SERVICE25 SIMPLE INDOOR AND WINDOWAERIALS BP136E. M. NollDesigns for people who live in fiats orhave no gardens, etc., givingsurprisingly good results consideringtheir limited dimensions. Informationis also given on short wave bands,aerial directivity, time zones anddimensions. 50 pages. E1.75

25 SIMPLE SHORT WAVEBROADCAST BAND AERIALS 13P132E. M. NollDesigns for 25 different short wavebroadcast band aerials, from a simpledipole through helical designs to amulti -band umbrella. Information isalso given on short wave bands,aerial directivity, time zones anddimension tables that will help spot anaerial on a particular frequency.63 pages. £1.95

25 SIMPLE TROPICAL AND MWBAND AERIALS BP145E. M. NollSimple and inexpensive aerials for thebroadcast bands from medium waveto 49m. Information is also given onband details, directivity, time zonesand dimensions. 54 pages. E1.75

MORSE

INTRODUCING MORSECollected Articles from PW 1982-1965Ways of learning the Morse Code,followed by constructional details of avariety of keys including Iambic,Triambic and an Electronic Bug with a528 -bit memory as well as a practiceoscillator and Morse tutor.48 pages. E1.25

SECRET OF LEARNING MORSE CODEMark FrancisUpdates for the Novice Licence.Designed to make you proficient inMorse code in the shortest possibletime, this book points out many of thepitfalls that beset the student84 pages. EOM

SATELLITES

NEWNES GUIDE TO SATELLITE TVDerek StephensonThis book, the 2nd edition, is a hardbound volume, printed on high qualitypaper. The author is a satellite repairand installation engineer and the bookcovers all information needed by theinstallation engineer, the hobbyist andthe service engineer to understandthe theoretical and practical aspectsof satellite reception with dishinstallation and how to trouble -shootwhen picture quality is not up toanticipated reception. Mathematicshas been kept to a minimum.284 pages. 0/P

SATELLITE BOOK - A Complete Guideto Satellite TV Theory and PracticeJohn BreedsThis book deals almost exclusivelywith television broadcast satellitesand is a comprehensive collection ofchapters on topics, each written by aexpert in that field. It appears to beaimed at the professional satellitesystem installer, for whom it isinvaluable, but it will be appreciatedby a much wider audience - anyoneinterested in satellite technology.280 pages. £30.00

SATELLITE EXPERIMENTER'SHANDBOOK 2nd EditionMartin Davidoff 1C2UBCThe book is divided into four mainsections - History, Getting Started,Technical Topics and Appendices. Itprovides information on spacecraftbuilt by, and for, radio amateurs. Inaddition, it discusses weather, TV -broadcast and other satellites ofinterest to amateurs.313 pages. £14.50

SATELLITE TELEVISIONA layman's guidePeter PearsonPictures from space, that's whatsatellite television is all about.Orbiting satellites, 35000km high,receive TV signals from stations onthe earth and re -transmit them backagain. This book explains all you need

to know to set up your own satelliteTV terminal at home, dish andaccessories, cable and tuner.73 pages. £1.00

SATELLITE TELEVISIONINSTALLATION GUIDE2nd EditionJohn BreedsA practical guide to satellitetelevision. Detailed guide -lines oninstalling and aligning dishes based onpractical experience. 56 pages. £13.00

WEATHER SATEWTE HANDBOOK4th editionDr Ralph E. Taggart WB8DOTThis book explains all about weathersatellites, how they work and how youcan receive and decode their signalsto provide the fascinating pictures ofthe world's weather. Plenty of circuitdiagrams and satellite predictingprograms. 192 pages. £14.50

AMATEUR RADIOALL ABOUT VHF AMATEUR RADIOW. L Orr WSSAIWritten in non -technical language,this book provides informationcovering important aspects of v.h.f.radio and tells you where you can findadditional date. If you have a scanner,you'll find a lot of interesting signals inthe huge span of frequenciescovered, 100-300MHz & 50, 420, 902 &1250MHz bands.163 pages. £9.50.

AMATEUR RADIO CALL BOOK (RSGB)Latest EditionOver 60000 callsigns are listedincluding El stations. Nowincorporates a 122 -page section ofuseful information for amateur radioenthusiasts and a new novice callsignsection. 444 pages £9.50

ARRL HANDBOOK FOR RADIOAMATEURS 1994This is the 10th edition of thishandbook and contains the bestinformation from previous issues.New for this edition is someinformation on feedback -loop designfor power supplies, a new gel -cellcharger project, updates on antennasystems and new coverage of baluns,propagation programs are comparedand colour SSTV and telephone FAXmachines are also covered. Finallythere's a new section on 'for theworkbench' with new projects for thereader to build. 1214 pages. E1595

ARRL OPERATING MANUALAnother very useful ARRL book.Although written for the Americanamateur, this book will also be of useand interest to the UK amateur. Topicscovered range from short wavelistening through operating awards torepeaters, operating and satellites.684 pages. E12.95

ARRL SATEWTE ANTHOLOGYThe best from the Amateur SatelliteNews column and articles out of 31issues of QSThave been gatheredtogether in this book. The latestinformation on OSCARs 9 through 13as well as the RS satellites isincluded. Operation on Phase 3satellites (OSCAR 10 and 131 iscovered in detail.97 pages. E5.95

ARRL UHF/MICROWAVEEXPERIMENTER'S MANUALVarious AuthorsA truly excellent manual for the keenmicrowave enthusiast and for thebudding 'rnicrowaver'. Withcontributions from over 20 specialistauthors. Chapters coveringtechniques, theory, projects, methodsand mathematics.446 pages. £14.50

COMPLETE DOERBob LocherThis book covers equipment andoperating techniques for the DXchaser, from beginner to advanced.Every significant aspect of DXing iscovered, from learning how to reallylisten, how to snatch the rare onesout of the pile-ups and how to securethat elusive QSL card.204 pages. £7.95

HINTS AND KINKS FOR THE RADIOAMATEUREdited by Charles L Hutchinson andDavid NewkirkA collection of practical ideasgleaned from the pages of DSTmagazine. Plenty of projects to build,hints and tips on interference, c.w.and operating and snippets ofinformation from amateurs who'vetried and tested the idea.129 pages. £4.95

HOW TO PASS THE RADIOAMATEURS' EXAMINATION (RSGB)Clive Smith G4FZH and GeorgeBenbow G3HBThe background to multiple choiceexams and how to study for them withsample RAE paper for practice plusmaths revision and how to study forthe exam. The majority of this book isgiven to sample examination papersso that candidates can familiarisethemselves with the examination andassess their ability.88 pages. £5.95.

INTRODUCTION TO AMATEURCOMMUNICATIONS SATELLITESBP290. A. PickardThis book describes several currentlyavailable systems, their connection toan appropriate computer and howthey can be operated with suitablesoftware. The results of decodingsignals containing such informationas telemetry data and weatherpictures are demonstrated.102 pages. £3.95

INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIOBP257I. D. PooleThis book gives the newcomer acomprehensive and easy tounderstand guide through amateurradio. Topics include operatingprocedures, jargon, propagation andsetting up a station. 150 pages. E3.50

INTRODUCTION TO RADIO WAVEPROPAGATION BP293

How does the sun and sunspots affectthe propagation of the radio waveswhich are the basis of our hobby?They affect the ionosphere, butdiffering frequencies are treateddifferently. Find out how to use chartsto predict frequencies that will be themost profitable. What effect will noisehave on the signal? Find out with thisbook. 116 pages. E3.95

INTRODUCTION TO VHF/UHF FORRADIO AMATEURS 8P281I.D. PooleAn excellent book to go with the newNovice or full callsign. Nine chaptersand an appendix deal with all aspectsand frequencies from 50 to 1300MHz.Topics include propagation,descriptions of the bands, antennas,receivers, transmitters and a specialchapter on scanners.102pages. £3.50

PASSPORT TO AMATEUR RADIOReprinted from PW1981-1982The famous series by GW3JGA, usedby thousands of successful RAEcandidates in their studies. Plus otheruseful articles for RAE studentsincluding emission codes,explanations of diodes, s.s.b. anddecibels.87 pages. £1.50

PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PACKETOPERATION IN THE UKMike Mansfield G6AWDIntroduces the concept of packetradio to the beginner. Problem areasare discussed and suggestions madefor solutions to minimise them. Dealswith the technical aspects of packettaking the reader through setting upand provides a comprehensive guideto essential reference material.220 pages. E9.95

CLEW CLASSICSEdited by Bob SchetgenOperating QRP is fun. The equipmentis generally simple and easy to build,but often performs like moresophisticated commercialequipment. Some QRP Field Daystations operate a full 27 hours on acar battery - it's the perfectequipment for emergencycommunication when the power fails.Extracts from QST and the ARRLHandbook. 274 pages. E9.95

RADIO AMATEUR CALLBOOKINTERNATIONAL LISTINGS 199472nd EditionThe only publication listing licensedradio amateurs throughout the world.Also includes DXCC Countries list,standard time chart, beacon lists andmuch more. Over 1400 pages. £19.50

RADIO AMATEUR CALLBOOK NORTHAMERICAN USTINGS 199472nd EditionListings of US amateurs (includingHawaii). Also contains standard timechart, census of amateur licences ofthe world, world-wide QSL bureau,etc. Over 1400 pages. E19.50

RADIO AMATEUR'S QUESTIONS &ANSWER REFERENCE MANUAL4th Edition.R. E. G. Petri G8CCJThis book has been compiledespecially for students of the City andGuilds of London Institute RAE. It isstructured with carefully selectedmultiple choice questions, to progresswith any recognised course ofinstruction, although is is not intendedas a text book. 280 pages. E7.95

RAE MANUAL RSGBG.LBenbow G3HBThe latest edition of the standard aidto studying for the Radio Amateurs'Examination. Updated to cover thelatest revisions to the syllabus. Takesthe candidate step-by-step throughthe course. 127 pages. E5.95.

RAE REVISION NOTESGeorge Benbow G3HBIf you're studying for the RadioAmateur's Examination, this bookcould be useful. It's a summary of thesalient points of the Radio Amateurs'Examination Manual, the standardtextbook for the exam. It's A5 size andtherefore can be carried with youwherever you go. Easy -to -read, it'sdivided into 13 chapters with topicslike receivers, power supplies,measurements, operating

summary of the formulae all dealtwith. 92 pages. MAO

VHF/UHF DX BOOKEdited Ian White G3SEKAn all round source of inspiration forthe v.h.f./u.h.f. enthusiast. Written byacknowledged experts this bookcovers just about everything you needto know about the technicalities ofv.h.fJu.h.f. operating.270 pages. £18.00

VVIEB's DESIGN NOTEBOOKDoug DeMAW W1FBThis book is aimed at the non-technical amateur who wants to buildsimple projects and obtain a basicunderstanding of amateur electronics.Your workshop does not need to beequipped like an engineering lab to besuccessful as an experimenter. Don'tlet a lack of test equipment keep youfrom enjoying the thrills ofexperimentation. 195 pages. 131.50

W1FB'S HELP FOR NEW HAMSDoug DeMaw W1FBThis book covers everything fromgetting acquainted with newequipment to constructing antennas,station layout, interference andoperating problems to on -the -airconduct and procedures.755 pages. £6.95

W1FB's ORP NOTEBOOK2nd EditionDoug De Maw W1FBThe new improved and updated 2ndedition of this book, covers theintroduction to QRP, constructionmethods, receivers and transmittersfor QRP. This workshop -notebookstyle publication, which is packedwith new designs for the keen QRPoperator, also covers techniques,accessories and has a small technicalreference section. 175 pages. E7.95

YOUR GATEWAY TO PACKET RADIOStan Horzepa WAlLOUWhat is packet radio good for andwhat uses does it have for the'average' amateur? What areprotocols? where, why, when? Lots ofthe most asked questions areanswered in this useful book. Itincluded details of networking andspace communications using packet278 pages. £8.95

THEORY

ARRL ELECTRONICS DATA BOOKDoug DeMaw W1FBBack by popular demand, completelyrevised and expanded, this is a handyreference book for the r.f. designer,technician, amateur andexperimenter. Topics includecomponents and materials, inductorsand transformers, networks & filters,digital basics and antennas andtransmission lines. 260 pages. 111.95

AUDIOElements of Electronics - Book 6BP111E A. WilsonThis book studies sound and hearing,and examines the operation ofmicrophones, loudspeakers,amplifiers, oscillators, and both diskand magnetic recording. Intended togive the reader a good understandingof the subject without gettinginvolved in the more complicatedtheory and mathematics.308 pages. £3.95

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MODERNELECTRONIC COMPONENTS BM&RA. PenfoldThis book covers a wide range ofmodern components. The basicfunctions of the components aredescribed, butthis is not a book onelectronic theory and does notassume the reader has an in-depthknowledge of electronics. It isconcerned with practicalities such ascolour codes, deciphering codenumbers and suitability.166 pages. £3.95

EVERYDAY ELECTRONICS DATABOOKMike Tooley BAThis book is an invaluable source ofinformation of everyday relevance inthe world of electronics. It containsnot only sections which deal with theessential theory of electronic circuits,but it also deals with a wide range ofpractical electronic applications.250 pages E8.95

FILTER HANDBOOKA Practical Design GuideStefan NiewiadomskiA practical book, describing thedesign process as applied to fittersof all types. Includes practicalexamples and BASIC programs.Topics include passive and activefilters, worked examples of filterdesign, switched capacitor andswitched resistor fitters andincludes a comprehensive catalogueof pre -calculated tables.195 pages. £30.00

AN INTRODUCTION TO THEELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE BP315F. A. WilsonThis little book deals effectively with adifficult abstract subject - the invisibleelectromagnetic wave. Aimed at thebeginner, the book with its basicapproach to electromagnetics,antennas, waves, propagation andconstraints is a good starting point,complete very simple but cleardiagrams and the minimum ofmathematics. 122 pages. E4.95.

FROM ATOMS TO AMPERES BP254FAWilsonExplains in simple terms the absolutefundamentals behind electricity andelectronics. Topics include the use ofSI units, gravity, magnetism, light, theelectron, conduction in solids andelectrical generators.244 pages. £3.50

NEWNES PRACTICAL RF HANDBOOKIan HickmanThis book provides an easy -to -readintroduction to modem r.f. circuitdesign. It's aimed at those learning todesign r.f. circuitry and users of r.f.equipment such as signal generatorsand sweepers, spectrum and networkanalysers. 320 pages. £16.95

PRACTICAL ELECTRONICSCALCULATIONS AND FORMULAEBM. F. A. WilsonWritten as a workshop manual for theelectronics enthusiast, there is astrong practical bias and highermathematics have been avoidedwhere possible.249 pages. 13.95


BOOK SREFLECTIONSTransmission Lines & AntennasM. Walter Maxwell W2DUThis will help dispel the half-truthsand outright myths that many peoplebelieve are true about transmissionlines, standing waves, antennamatching, reflected power andantenna tuners. 323 pages. E14.50

SOLID STATE DESIGN FOR THE RADIOAMATEURLes Hayward W7201&Doug DeMaw W1FBBack in print by popular demand! Arevised and corrected edition of thisuseful reference book covering allaspects of solid-state design.Topics include transmitter design,power amplifiers and matchingnetworks, receiver design, testequipment and portable gear.256 pages. E10.95

TRANSMISSION LINETRANSFORMERSJerry Sevick W2FMIThis is the second edition of thisbook, which covers a most intriguingand confusing area of the hobby. Itshould enable anyone with amodicum of skill to make a baton, etc.Topics include analysis,characterisation, transformerparameters, baluns, muttimatchtransformers and simple testequipment. 270 pages. E13.50

RADIO

AIR & METEO CODE MANUAL13th Edition.Joerg KlingenfussDetailed descriptions of the WorldMeteorological Organisation GlobalTelecommunication System operatingFAX and RTTY meteo stations, and itsmessage format with decodingexamples. Also detailed description ofthe Aeronautical FixedTelecommunication Network amongstothers. 358 pages. E18.00

HIGH POWER WIRELESS EQUIPMENTArticles from Practical Electricity1910-11Edited by Henry Welter YoungA reprint of interesting practicalarticles from the very early days ofradio, when materials and methodsdescribed are from another era.Subjects covered ranges from aerialsthrough detectors to things like Testaand his wireless age. 99 pages. E7.70

MARINE SSB OPERATIONJ. Michael GaleHow do you stay in touch when yousail off over the horizon and into theblue? What you need is a singlesideband radio, a marine s.s.b. Thisbook explains how the system works,how to choose and install your setand how to get the best out of it.There is also a chapter on amateurradio with the emphasis on theincreasingly important maritimemobile nets. 96 pages. E9.95

MARINE VHF OPERATIONJ. Michael GaleA v.h.f. radiotelephone is essentialequipment for any sea -going boat, butwhat can you do with it? Who can youcall, and how do you make contact?Which channel do you use, and why?What is the procedure for callinganother boat calling the familythrough the telephone system, ormaking a distress call? This book willtell you. 47 pages. E6.95.

PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO1994This book gives you the information toexplore and enjoy the world ofbroadcast band listening. It includesfeatures on different internationalradio stations, receiver reviews andadvice as well as the hours andlanguage of broadcast stations byfrequency. The 'blue pages' provide achannel -to -channel guide to worldbend schedules. 416 pages. E14.50.

RADIOTELETYPE CODE MANUAL12th EditionJoerg KlingenfussThis book gives detailed descriptionsof the characteristics of telegraphtransmission on short waves, with allcommercial modulation typesincluding voice frequency telegraphyand comprehensive information on allRTTY systems and c.w. alphabets.96 pages. E11.00

SCANNERS 2Peter Rouse GU1DKDThe companion to Scanners, thisprovides even more information on theuse of the tih.f. and Ottcommunications band and givesconstructional details for accessoriesto improve the performance ofscanning equipment261 pages. 110.95

SHORT WAVE COMMUNICATIONSPeter Rouse GU1DKDCovers a very wide area and soprovides an ideal introduction to thehobby of radio communications.Imemational frequency listings foraviation, marine, military, spacelaunches, search and rescue, etc.Chapters on basic radio propagation,how to work your radio and what thecontrols do, antennas and band plans.187 pages. E8.95

SHORT WAVE RADIO LISTENERS'HANDBOOK.Adhur MillerIn easy -to -read, non -technicallanguage, the author guides thereader through the mysteries ofamateur, broadcast and CBtransmissions. Topics coverequipment needed, identification ofstations heard & the peculiarities ofthe various bands. 207 pages. E7.99

WORLDWIDE HF RADIO HANDBOOKMartyn R. CookeThis book lists high frequencies usedby aircraft and aeronautical groundstations. Divided into sections,Military, Civil, etc. The book should beeasy to use. 124 pages. 13.95

WRTH EQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE1993 EditionWillem Bos & Jonathan MarksA complete and objective buyer'sguide to the curent short wavereceiver market For the novice andthe experienced listener, this guideexplains how to make sense of thespecifications and select the rightradio for your listening needs.270 pages. E15.95

1934 OFFICIAL SHORT WAVE RADIOMANUALEdited by Hugo GemsbackA fascinating reprint from a bygoneage with a directory of all the 1934tiw. receivers, servicing information,constructional projects, circuits andideas on building vintage radio setswith modern parts. 260 pages. £11.60

BEGINNERS

ELECTRONICS SIMPLIFIED - CRYSTALSET CONSTRUCTION BP92F. A. WilsonEspecially written for those who wishto take part in basic radio building. Allthe sets in the book are old designsupdated with modern components. Itis designed for all ages upwards fromthe day when one can readintelligently and handle simple tools.72 pages. E1.75

INTERFERENCE

INTERFERENCE HANDBOOK (USA)William R. Nelson WA6FQGHow to locate & cure r.f.i. for radioamateurs, CBers, TV & stereoowners. Types of interferencecovered are spark discharge,electrostatic, power line many 'cures'are suggested. 250 pages. E9.50

DATA REFERENCE

NEWNES AUDIO & HI -F1 ENGINEER'SPOCKET BOOKVivian CapelThis is a concise collection ofpractical and relevant data for anyoneworking on sound systems. The topicscovered include microphones,gramophones, CDs to name a few.190 pages. Hardback E10.95

NEWNES COMPUTER ENGINEER'SPOCKET BOOKThis is an invaluable compendium offacts, figures, circuits and data and isindispensable to the designer,student, service engineer and allthose interested in computer andmicroprocessor systems.255 pages. Hardback E12.95

NEWNES ELECTRONICS POCKETBOOK5th EditionPresenting all aspects of electronicsin a readable and largely non -mathematical form for both theenthusiast and the professionalengineer.315 pages. Hardback E12.95

NEWNES RADIO AND ELECTRONICSENGINEER'S POCKET BOOK18th EditionKeith BrindleyUseful data covering math,abbreviations, codes, symbols,frequency bands/allocations, UKbroadcasting stations, semi-conductors, components, etc.325 pages Hardback. E10.95

POWER SELECTOR GUIDE BP235J. C. J. Van de VanThis guide has the information on allkinds of power devices in usefulcategories (other than the usual alphanumeric sort) such as voltage andpower properties making selection ofreplacements easier.160 pages. E4.95

FAULT FINDING

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOURMULTIMETER BP239R. A. PenfoldThis book is primarily aimed atbeginners. It covers both analogueand digital multi -meters and theirrespective limitations. All kinds oftesting is explained too. No previousknowledge is required or assumed.102 pages. E2.95

HOW TO USE OSCILLOSCOPES &OTHER TEST EQUIPMENT BP267R.A. PenfoldHints and ideas on how to use the testequipment you have, to check out orfault find on electronic circuits. Manydiagrams of typical waveforms andcircuits, including descriptions ofwhat waveform to expect withparticular faults, or distortion in audioamplifiers. 104 pages. £3.50

MORE ADVANCED TEST EQUIPMENTCONSTRUCTION BP249RA. PenfoldA follow on from Test EquipmentConstruction alP2481this book looksat digital methods of measuringresistance, voltage, current,capacitance and frequency. Alsocovered is testing semi -conductors,along with test gear for general radiorelated topics.102 pages. E3.50

MORE ADVANCED USES OF THEMULTIMETER BP265R.A. FanfoldThis book is primarily intended as afollow-up to BP239, Getting the mostfrom your Multi -meter. By using thetechniques described in this book youcan test and analyse the performanceof a range of components with just amulti -meter (plus a very fewinexpensive components in somecases). The simple add-ons describedextend the capabilities of a multi -meter to make it even more useful.96 pages. E2.95.

OSCILLOSCOPES, HOW TO USETHEM, HOW THEY WORK3rd EditionIan HickmanThis book describes oscilloscopesranging from basic to advancedmodels and the accessories to gowith them. Oscilloscopes areessential tools for checking circuitoperation and diagnosing faults, andan enormous range of models isavailable. 248 pages. £15.95

TROUBLESHOOTING WITH YOURTRIGGERED -SWEEP OSCILLOSCOPERobert L GoodmanThis book steers you through thevarious features - old and new - thatscope technology provides and is aninvaluable guide to getting the bestout of your scope. An overview ofavailable scopes will help you choosethe one that best suits your needs.Areas covered include spectrumanalysis, test applications, multiple -trace displays, waveform analysis,triggering, magnified sweep displays,analogue and digital scopes, etc.309 pages. E17.50.

TELEVISION

ATV COMPENDIUMMike Wooding G6IOMThis book is for those interested inamateur television, particularly thehome construction aspect There isn'ta 70cm section as the author felt thiswas covered in other books. Otherfields such as 3cm TV, are covered indepth. A must for the practical ATVenthusiast. 104 pages. £3.00

GUIDE TO WORLD-WIDE TELEVISIONTEST CARDSEdition 3Keith Hamer & Garry SmithCompletely revised and expanded,this is a very handy and usefulreference book for the DXTVenthusiast. Over 200 photographs ofTest Cards, logos, etc., world wide.60 pages. E4.95

CONSTRUCTION

CIRCUIT SOURCE BOOK 2 BP322R. A. PenfoldThis book, as its name implies, is asource book of circuits. The circuitsprovided are mostly of interest to theelectronics enthusiast are are almostall based on integrated circuits.Topics covered include variousoscillators, monostables, timers,digital and power supply circuits.214 pages. E4.95.

COIL DESIGN AND CONTRUCTIONMANUAL BP160B.B. BabaniCovering audio to cf. frequencies, thisbook has designs for almosteverything. Sections cover suchtopics as mains and audio outputtransformers, chokes and rf. coils.What is the required turns ratio? Thisbook will show you how to find out.Text and tables. 106 pages. £2.50

HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUROWN PCBs BP121R. A. PenfoldThe purpose of this book is tofamiliarise the reader with bothsimple and more sophisticatedmethods of producing p.c.b.s. Theemphasis of the book is very much onthe practical aspects of p.c.b. designand construction. 66 pages. 12.50

MORE ADVANCED POWER SUPPLYPROJECTS BP192R. A. PenfoldThe practical and theoretical aspectsof the circuits are covered in somedetail. Topics include switched modepower supplies, precision regulators,dual tracking regulators andcomputer controlled power supplies,etc. 92 pages. £2.95

PROJECTS FOR RADIO AMATEURSAND SWLS BP304R. A. PenfoldThis small book covers theconstruction and use of radiofrequency and intermediatefrequency projects, and audiofrequency projects. Under the firstheading ideas include a crystalcalibrator, an antenna tuning unit, awave trap, a b.f.o. and other usefulprojects. On the audio side projectsinclude a bandpass filter, a by-passswitch, a c.w./RTTY decoder andmany other practical ideas andsuggestions for the home constructor.92 pages. E3.95.

POWER SUPPLY PROJECTS BP76R. A. PenfoldThis book gives a number of powersupply designs including simpleunstabilised types, fixed voltageregulated types and variable voltagestabilised designs.89 pages. E2.50

SHORT WAVE SUPERHET RECEIVERCONSTRUCTION BP276RA. PenfoldA general purpose receiver to build,from antenna to audio, described inunderstandable English.80 pages. £2.95

TEST EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTIONBP24& RAPenfoldDescribes, in detail, how to constructsome simple and inexpensive, butextremely useful, pieces of testequipment. Stripboard layouts are

provided for all designs, together withwiring diagrams where appropriate,plus notes on their construction anduse. 104 pages. E2.95

50 (FET) FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORPROJECTS BP39F.G.Rayar50 circuits for the owl., radio amateur,experimenter or audio enthusiastusing fats. Projects include r.f.amplifiers and converters, testequipment and receiver aids, tuners,receivers, mixers and tone controls.104 pages. 12.95

COMPUTINGBASIC PACKET RADIOJoe Kasser W3/G3ZCZJoe, who has worked on packet radiofor some time, is the author of theexcellent Lan -Link computer program.So it comes as no surprise that itfeatures in this book. Well suited tobeginners and experts alike this bookis a mine of information.364 pages. £19.95

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERCOMMUNICATIONS (AN) BP177R. A. PenfoldDetails of various types of modem andtheir applications, plus how tointerconnect computers, modems andthe telephone system. Alsonetworking systems and RTTY.72 pages. E2.95

NEWNES AMATEUR RADIOCOMPUTING HAND BOOKJoe Pritchard G1UQWShows how radio amateurs andlisteners can 'listen' to signals byreading text on a computer screen.This book also covers the applicationof computers to radio 'housekeeping'such as log -keeping, OSL cards,satellite predictions and antennadesign as well as showing how tocontrol a radio with a computer.363 pages. E15.95

PCs MADE EASYSecond EditionJames L TurleyA friendly, comprehensiveintroduction to every personalcomputer - including Macs! This bookis packed with valuable tips on everyaspect of computer technologyavailable today and will help you toget comfortable with your computer -fast. 438 pages. E14.95

UPGRADE YOUR IBM COMPATIBLEAND SAVE A BUNDLESecond EditionAubrey PilgrimAimed at the owners of the IBMcompatible computer, this bookprovides a very straightforward andeasy to read guide on upgrading. Theauthor has adopted a friendly andinformative style and the there aremany excellent illustrations. TypicallyAmerican in approach and style, thebook provides much information andan excellent read.245 pages. E16.95

MAPS

RADIO AMATEUR'S MAP OF NORTHAMERICA (USA)Shows radio amateur prefixboundaries, continental boundariesand zone boundaries. 760x 636mm.£350

0TH LOCATOR MAP OF EUROPETraxel DK5PZRadio Map ServiceThis comprehensive map of theEuropean callsign area has now beenupdated and enhanced. This wellthought out, coloured map coversfrom N. Africa to Iceland and fromPortugal in the west to Iran in theeast Folds to fit into the 145 x 240mmclear envelope. 1080x 680mm. 0/S

RADIO AMATEUR'S PREFIX MAP OFTHE WORLD (USA)Showing prefixes and countries, pluslistings by order of country and ofprefix. /0/4 x 711mm. 13.50

NORTH ATLANTIC ROUTE CHARTThis is a five -colour chart designedfor the use of ATC in monitoringtransatlantic flights. Supplied folded.740x520mm. E6.50


SUBS CLUBBe sure of your copy of Short Wave Magazine everymonth and qualify for the Subscribers' Club as well.

Special offers and discounts are normally available tomembers, including those abroad.

This month we have two marine-

related items on offer to oursubscribers, each at £1 below normalprice.

Marine SSB OperationJ. Michael GaleHow do you stay in touchwhen you sail off over thehorizon and into the blue?What you need is a singlesideband radio, marine.This book explains how thesystem works, how tochoose and install your setand how to get the best outof it. There is also a chapteron amateur radio with theemphasis on theincreasingly importantmaritime mobile nets. 96 pages. NORMALLY £9.95

NI,KINESSBopERATI0I. MkKiel

Offer price: £8.95+ £1 p&p UK, £1.75 overseas

Marine VHF OperationJ. Michael GaleA v.h.f. radiotelephone isessential equipment for anysea -going boat, but what canyou do with it? Who can youcall, and how do you makecontact? Which channel do youuse, and why? What is the

procedure for calling anotherboat, calling the family throughthe telephone system, ormaking a distress call? Thishook will tell you. 47 pages.NORMALLY £6.95.

A Yaditinasier s Guide

MARINEVHF OPERATIONMichael Gale

Offer price:£5.95+ £1 p&p UK, £1.75 overseas

This offer is open until 28 Feb (UK),28 March 1994 (overseas).

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TURN YOUR 'SNACK' INTO A MONITORING STATION!Connect to any receiver with a squelch control and the AUTO -VOX will automatically switch yourrape recorder on and off as signals are detected. A must for all scanner owners. 'Return to a neatlycompressed tape of all the action'. Supplied as a kit with full instructions or ready belt and tested.

Kit £12.50 AUTO -VOX Built £25.00Send large SAE for details of all our scanner upgrades

Radio Research, SWM1, 3 Pasture Close, Whitmore, Staffs, STS SDP

IMPROVE YOUR YAESUFTIOIMK1, - E Double balanced mixer for quieter receiver £24.0010, 18, & 24 MHz kit £23.00ON filters for FTIOIE/B/ZD, 707, 107, 902, 102 - State which £54

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DRAKE R8ECommunicationsReceiverFEATURES FITTED AS STANDARD

* Wide frequency coverage (100KHz to30,000KHz) plus additional VHF bands(35-55MHz and 108-174MHz) with theoptional VHF converter. Multi -modereception includes AM, FM, RTTY, CW,USB and LSB.

* Five built-in filter band widths... forreception of most signals under virtuallyany conditions.

* Synchronous detector... for improvedquality of received AM signals, especiallyunder severe fading conditions.

* Non-volatile memory ... for informationretention during power outage.

* Built-in, multi -voltage power supply...for operation in most parts of the worldon nearly any type of power line voltage.

* RS232C serial interface... for remotecontrol of receiver functions.

* Multiple scan functions... for scanningby carrier, time or seeks modes offrequency or selected memories.

* 100 channel memory capacity... forstoring of frequency, band, and modedata.

* Two operating VFOs... for increasedflexibility and convenience.

* Built-in pre -amp and attenuator... forimproved reception of extremely weaksignals, as well as very strong signals.

* Timer function . . . for automaticoperation. Very useful for recordingpurposes.

* Dual time zone built-in clock.* Built-in dual mode noise blanker... for

reduced electrical interference.* Passband offset... for the reduction of

nearby interfering signals whilemaintaining maximum intelligibility.

* Selectable AGC . . . for improvedreception of fading signals.

* Built-in speaker. * PLL synthesised.* Dual antenna inputs.* Optimum tuning step selection for each

operating mode.* Connections for an external speaker and

tape recorder.

THE EARSHAVE IT!

The R8 is a highlysophisticated receiver. We'dcall it professional grade, or

about as close to it as receiversget these days. y

Staff Review -Popular Communications

The R8 is like a breath offresh air, with its ground -upengineering and up-to-date

digital control from thefrontpanel. I am very pleased to

see a quality HF receiver ofAmerican manufacture thatshould successfully compete

one world market. >

Bill Clarke -73 Amateur Radio Today

Overall, the Drake R8 issimply the best radio we haveevertested for quality listening

to programs ... There'snothinglike it. 5 5

Lawrence Magne -Monitoring Times

g g The best of the best forhigh -quality listening to

news, music andentertainment from afar.

Superb for reception offaint,tough signals too.

Editor's Choice -Passport to World BandRadio Tabletop Receivers

for 1992.

When Drake introduced the American made R8E WorldbandCommunications Receiver, they knew it would be judged bysome very discerning ears, experts accustomed to the finest inshort-wave listening equipment from around the world.

After listening to the world on the Drake R8E loud and clear,they have delivered a decisive verdict.

They appreciated the R8E's sensitivity, clarity and simplicityso much that many of them declared the R8E simply the best ofits class. High praise, indeed, from very well -travelled ears.

The Drake R8E has been designed as a "complete package" -infact, the only peripherals you may wish to add are a VHFconverter, an external speaker or computer control through theRS232 serial interface.

But why take the word of mere experts, put the DrakeR8E to the test yourself. Our UK distributors, NevadaCommunications, will be pleased to demonstrate the radio ordirect you to your nearest Drake stockist.

We are confident that once you have listened to the Drake R8Eyour ears will hear of nothing else.

PRICE £995 including VAT

DRAKER.L. DRAKE Co., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, USA

Available from selected Drake dealers throughout the UK or:UK Distributors:

NEVADA COMMUNICATIONS189 London Road, Portsmouth, P02 9AE Order Direct Line 0705 613900

HF-Europa "Best DX receiver 1992"HF-150 "Most Innovative Receiver Design" LOWE

HF-225 "Receiver of the Year"All across the world, users and reviewers are singing the praises of the Lowe Short Wave

receivers. You can join the happy band by calling in at any of our branches to try them out.Remember - you are buying direct from the manufacturer, and not some importer.

LOWE ELECTRONICS LTD. Chesterfield Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5LETelephone 0629 580800 Fax 0629 580020

London 0753 545255 .0. Newcastle 0661 860418 .0. Cumbernauld 0236 721004 4 Bristol 0272 315263Cambridge 0223 311230 4 Bournemouth 0202 577760 4 Plymouth 0752 607284 4 Leeds 0532 452657

MARINE - World Radio History

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Transcript of MARINE - World Radio History