If you will be attending the Winter SWL Fest this weekend near Philadelphia, I look forward to seeing you there. Also a reminder about this very useful reference for new and experienced Shortwave Radiogram decoders: https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Shortwave_Radiogram_Gateway Videos of last weekend’s… Leer más ›
Digital Modes
Shortwave Radiogram, UTC 21-23 February 2020: A trilingual weekend
The Winter SWL Fest starts one week from today (Thursday). It will take place 27-28-29 February 2020 in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (suburban Philadelphia). I will speak after the Saturday evening banquet about “International Broadcasting in Interesting Times.” If you can… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 14-16 February 2020
Today (February 13) is UNESCO’s World Radio Day. The day is not so much for radio enthusiasts, but to promote the social goals of UNESCO by way of radio. Nevertheless, it’s good to have a day that acknowledges radio. So… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, UTC 7-9 February 2020
The Winter SWL Fest will be February 27-28-29 in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (suburban Philadelphia). Information at http://swlfest.com. I will be there to demonstrate Shortwave Radiogram, and they have invited me to be the banquet speaker (“International Broadcasting in Interesting Times”)…. Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, UTC 31 January-2 February 2020
During the past week, WRMI was reported in 11580 kHz, replacing 15770 kHz. I was ready to change the Shortwave Radiogram transmission schedule (below), when listeners informed me that WRMI was back on 15770. In response to my email, WRMI… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 24-26 January 2020: Hottest recorded digital modes
The Shortwave Radiogram transmission schedule included with the weekly email last week contained errors. Thanks to those of you who let me know, especially Marco in Italy, who found all the errors – some involving frequencies, some involving transmitter sites…. Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 17-19 January 2020: Fast radio bursts from our own galaxy
I was afraid that eventually I would lose track of Shortwave Radio program numbers. Well, It happened in last weekend’s email. I wrote that the weekend’s show number was 133, but it was, of course, 134. And this weekend it… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 10-12 January 2020
La nueva transmisión adicional de los sábados de radiograma a las 1330-1400 UTC ahora se confirma y se agrega al cronograma. Esta transmisión debería ser especialmente conveniente para los oyentes europeos.
Shortwave Radiogram, 2-5 January 2020
The holidays have come and gone. Rather quickly, it seems. In any case, I hope you enjoyed the festive season. Thanks for your support and friendship in 2019, and best wishes for 2020. Listeners have alerted me to a new… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 26-29 December 2019: Digital modes to close out 2019
I hope you have been enjoying this holiday week. Thank you for the decoded images from last weekend’s Holiday Spectacular. One of my favorites is from Al in the skip zone of Florida, 22 December 2019, during the 2330-2400 UTC… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 19-22 December 2019
By way of a holiday card, above is last weekend’s painting of the fir tree, received by Michael in the UK, 15 December 2019, 2330-2400 UTC, 7780 kHz from WRMI Florida. Thanks to all who sent reports last weekend, with… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 12-15 December 2019. Also a harbinger.
I hope you are enjoying the festive season. Above, from Georg in Germany, a very nice Christmas card in the form of his decode of the Capitol Christmas Tree, artistically enhanced by shortwave, during the 0800-0830 UTC broadcast, 8… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 5-8 December 2019
Seasonal propagation – nearing the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere – has resulted in interesting reception in many parts of the world. The Sunday 0800-0830 broadcast is now almost routinely received in Europe, more likely on 5850 kHz which… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 28 November-1 December 2019
To listeners in the USA, happy Thanksgiving! Last weekend’s experiment with Persian text was interesting and mostly successful. You can see a near perfect decode via an SDR in Kuwait (close to Iran) during the Sunday 2330-2400 UTC broadcast, 7780… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 21-24 November 2019
Thanks to those you who participated in last weekend’s test of the low-but-robust modes Olivia 32-2000 and MFSk16. There were some examples (see this example) of those two modes providing good decodes when the faster MFSK32 and MFSK64 showed errors…. Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 14-17 November 2019
En las últimas semanas, la recepción de Shortwave Radiogram ha sido un desafío durante algunas de las transmisiones en algunas partes del mundo.
Shortwave Radiogram, 7-10 November 2019
In the Northern Hemisphere, the shift back to winter time is complete. On our WRMI frequencies, Shortwave Radiogram stays at the same UTC times, so most of you will be tuning in those broadcasts one hour earlier by local time. On WINB’s… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 31 October-3 November 2019
I just realized that the first transmission of Shortwave Radiogram,today (Thursday) at 2330-2400 UTC, will compete with Halloween. Be careful out there, especially in eastern North America, where storms are expected. Time changes continue this weekend. Many clocks are turning… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 24-27 October 2019
Most of Europe moves its clocks forward this Sunday, 27 October. The WRMI transmissions will remain at their present UTC times, so they will be an hour earlier by local time in Europe. WINB usually keeps its analog 9265 kHz… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 17-20 October 2019
Que nos reportará el nuevo satélite de la NASA cuando nuestros modos digitales afecten a la ionosfera?
Shortwave Radiogram, 10-13 Octubre 2019
Thanks to Al in Florida, WD4AH, @WD4AK_Al , for moderating the @SWRadiogram Twitter account and helping with transmission tasks, 26 September-6 October, while my wife and I were in eastern Canada and Maine for a vacation. A video of program… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 26-29 September and 3-6 October 2019
This post will provide the preview for this weekend (26-29 September) and the following weekend (3-6 October 2019). Before that, however: Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 118) are provided by Scott in Ontario and (Sunday 0800 UTC on… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 19-22 September 2019
Last weekend’s “hidden message” in BPSK63F at 70 Hz was fairly successful. Several listeners reported successful decodes. It looks like 70 Hz will be our standard frequency for text that is mostly inaudible but usually decodable. There will be no hidden message… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 12-15 September 2019
Today I had difficulties uploading Shortwave Radiogram to WINB. We will find out at 2330 UTC if the correct program (number 117) is transmitted. Last weekend’s hidden message in Thor Micro at 70 Hz was mostly successful. This weekend, it… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 5-8 September 2019
We are happy to know that WRMI in Okeechobee, Florida, was spared a direct hit by Hurricane Dorian. The Shortwave Radiogram schedule should, therefore, proceed as normal. WRMI was not entirely unscathed, having experienced some internet disruptions. Good luck to… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 29 August-1 September 2019: Mini anniversary and mini mode for the hidden messages
Please note the new “winter” frequency, 5960 kHz, for The Mighty KBC. The schedule is below. Hurricane Dorian may be an issue this weekend. It is expected to hit somewhere in Florida on Monday. However, on Sunday, winds in the… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 22-25 August 2019
Our “hidden message” last week in the PSK125R mode was not as successful as the BPSK63F two weeks previously. Because the PSK125R is a wider mode, I had to put it as low as possible to prevent it from being… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 15-18 August 2019
Many thanks to Mike Agner, KA1JJZ, @MakeAgner, who has prepared two very good wikis on how to decode the modes on Shortwave Radiogram. This one deals with decoding on PCs … https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Decoding_the_SW_Radiogram_Broadcasts And this is for users of TIVAR on… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 8-11 August 2019: Digital modes from dead planets
Last weekend, Shortwave Radiogram included a brief “hidden message” during the closing music. It was in the BPSK63F mode, centered on 50 Hz. At that very low audio frequency, it was not audible. I did not publicize this message last… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 1-4 August 2019
There were not very many responses last week to my question about whether you prefer “natural” line wrapping versus the CR/LF that I usually put at column 65 (or less). But the answers I did get favored the line breaks… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 25-28 July 2019
Unless I am interrupted by some urgent task, this notice should be posted on time, i.e. before the first broadcast of Shortwave Radiogram Thursday at 2330 UTC. Which is an improvement over the late notices during the past two weeks…. Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 18-21 July 2019: Digital modes that don’t melt in the heat
I’m late again with this weekly preview. After producing Shortwave Radiogram on Thursday, I sometimes don’t have the time – or energy – to produce this email until the next day. I will try to get back on schedule next… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 11-14 July 2019
Sorry that I am late with this week’s notice. The first broadcast (Thursday, 11 July 2019, 2330 UTC) has already been transmitted. You can see some results below. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 107) are provided by Scott… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, del 4 a 7 Julio 2019
We had a good week last weekend, with reception that was at least adequate for most listeners, and many great reception reports. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 106) are provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC), Ralf… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 27-30 Junio 2019
Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions and assistance as I prepare a new guide to decoding the modes, especially making the audio connection between the radio and the computer or Android device. If I have not responded directly… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 20-23 Junio 2019
A prospective Shortwave Radiogram listener sent an email asking about the basic equipment needed to receive and decode the modes. This reminded me of the need to revisit the How to Decode the Modes of the Shortwave Radiogram website. It would seem all… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 13-16 de Junio 2019
This weekend our modes will again be MFSK32 and MFSK64. These modes work very well in shortwave broadcast conditions, with MFSK32 more successful, although slower, if reception is somewhat difficult. Now we need a simple, receive-only, decode-only software for PCs,… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 6-9 Junio 2019
This reminder that listeners’ results from last weekend and every weekend are available at the Twitter account @SWRadiogram. If you are not on Twitter, visit https://twitter.com/swradiogram – and scroll down. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 102) are provided… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 30 Mayo-2 Junio 2019
The only mishap last week was the absence of 5850 kHz Sunday at 0800-0830 UTC. During that half hour, the other frequency from WRMI Florida, 7730 kHz, did transmit. Also this reminder of the new first transmission of the “weekend,”… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 23-26 de Mayo 2019
Thank you to everyone who tuned in and decoded last weekend’s program 100 of Shortwave Radiogram. And thanks for the kind wishes. The next benchmark is two years, sometime in June, but I can’t recall the exact date, so it… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 16-19 May 2019: Celebrating 100 shows
Last week’s ASCII art was largely successful, with several examples of a crisp SHORTWAVE RADIOGRAM even in difficult reception conditions. You can see examples below. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 99) are provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 9-12 Mayo 2019
WINB in Pennsylvania has added a new transmission time for Shortwave Radiogram: Thursday at 2330-2400 UTC on 9265 kHz (analog). Previously, I was finishing up the production of Shortwave Radiogram at about this time on Thursday. I’ve moved production ahead… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 3-5 May 2019
Last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram was a reminder of the ability of MFSK16 to provide a correct decode even in difficult shortwave conditions. Thank you for your reception reports, especially listeners in Japan who decoded, or attempted to decode, the excerpt… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 26-28 April 2019
Last weekend’s Japanese text was decoded in Japan, in some cases partially, and in others 100%. This weekend, we will try another brief excerpt of Japanese text, but this time in MFSK16, which is slower and more robust than our… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 19-21 April 2019
Too late for last weekend’s email, I was informed that the Friday 2030-2100 UTC broadcast of Shortwave Radiogram was replaced in the WRMI by a religious program. WRMI has provided this replacement time slot: Friday at 1300-1330 UTC on 15770… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram,12-14 April 2019
Last week was a difficult week for Shortwave Radiogram. The transmission from Bulgaria on 9400 kHz Saturday at 1400 UTC was canceled too late for me to notify you in the weekly email. It is uncertain whether a Shortwave Radiogram… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 5-7 April 2019: Digital modes with complete transparency
Apologies for the missing transmission last weekend on 9400 kHz. I hope the Saturday’s 1400 UTC broadcast is heard this without mishap. During the broadcasts that were heard, our experiment with simultaneous English and Spanish text, using side-by-side MFSK32 streams,… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 29-31 March 2019
Slow Scan Radio has been transmitting two streams of text simultaneously. We have tried this a few times on VOA/Shortwave Radiogram, and will try it again this weekend. Near the end the half hour will be a simultaneous transmission of… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 22-24 March 2019
Last week’s Shortwave Radiogram was very colorful, except for the two gray-scale (also known as grey-scale) images, which were very “blackandwhiteful”. See one example below and many more at https://twitter.com/swradiogram or @SWRadiogram on Twitter. However, apologies for the malfunction last… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 15-17 March 2019
Last weekend’s moving forward of the clocks in most of North America brings about some changes in Shortwave Radiogram broadcast times effective today and tomorrow. The WINB DRM transmitter on 13755 stays with UTC, so the Friday 1500 UTC DRM… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 8-10 March 2019: The wireless power of the digital modes
In most of North America, clocks will move forward one hour on Sunday, 10 March. The WRMI schedule on frequencies used for Shortwave Radiogram stays with UTC, so the local time of the show will be one hour later. The… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 1-3 March 2019: Digital modes from zero satellites
The Saturday 1830-1900 UTC broadcast of Shortwave Radiogram from WINB, 9265 kHz analog, is discontinued. The updated schedule is below. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program ) are provided by Ralf in Germany (Saturday 1400 UTC) and Scott in… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 22-24 February 2019
Last call for the Winter SWL Fest, 28 February to 2 March in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia). I will be there, weather permitting. And see information below about “This is a Music Show,” on WRMI, which includes some MFSK…. Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 15-17 February 2019: Digital modes that survive dust storms
The International Space Station is transmitting SSTV again this weekend, until Sunday at 1725 UTC, on the usual 145.8 MHz (FM). From your reports, I learned that last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram segment of Olivia 64-2000 succeeded when the MFSK32 and… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 8-10 February 2019: Digital modes with your choice of manual or automatic
A reminder that the Winter SWL Fest will be 28 February-2 March at Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia). Information at swlfest.com. I will be there to demonstrate Shortwave Radiogram. SSTV will be transmitted this weekend from the International Space Station,… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 1-3 February 2019
There will be a special edition of Shortwave Radiogram today (Friday), on the WINB (Pennsylvania) DRM transmission only, at 1500-1530 UTC on 13690 kHz. See details below. All the other transmissions (analog) of Shortwave Radiogram this weekend will be the… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 25-27 January 2019
Last weekend was our second week of Shortwave Radiogram transmitted by DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) from WINB in Pennsylvania. I was able to receive almost the entire half hour, and all of the images, using an SDR in Italy. DRM… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 18-20 January 2019
Last weekend’s first transmission of Shortwave Radiogram in DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) via WINB in Pennsylvania actually worked, at least via a few receivers. I decoded it using a receiver in Spain, and Hans (or WINB) was able to decode… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 11-13 January 2019
Sorry about the late start of the 1400-1430 UTC show last Saturday. Let’s hope the transmitter in Bulgaria on 9400 kHz gives us the full half hour this weekend. New this weekend is transmissions of Shortwave Radiogram from WINB in… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 4-6 January 2018: Extremely clever digital modes bring you extremely interesting news about extremely low frequencies
Thanks for many good reports to Shortwave Radiogram last weekend to close out 2018. Some submitted images are below. Other results can be seen at our Twitter account @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram . Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program )… Leer más ›
Shortwave Radiogram, 28-30 December 2018: Digital modes to see in the new year
The humble municipal Christmas decorations featured in last weekend’s program resulted in many nice shortwave-enhanced MFSK64 images, submitted by listeners via email and Twitter (@SWRadiogram). Some examples are below. Videos of last weekend’s Shortwave Radiogram (program 79) are provided by… Leer más ›