WNTP/WFIL Philly Special

Rene Tetro has agreed to another test of stations WNTP/WFIL, this time with West Coast DX’ers in mind. Instead of the usual Midnight to 2 AM tests of the past, this one will take place much later at night (0500AM local, making it 2:00AM on the West Coast). Having a 50KW test this late at night should really give some folks out West the chance to put this one in the log book. Ditto for the lower powered WFIL. Details below, and our sincere thanks to Rene Tetro!

WNTP 990khz Philadelphia, PA DX Test
WFIL 560 Philadelphia, PA DX Test

Date(s): Sunday Morning December 10th, 2006
Time: 0500-0600 Eastern Time. One hour test.
Modes of Operation: Transmitter Testing to check on improvements to the new audio chain.
Programming: Morse Code ID's, Sweep Tones, Voice ID.

Notes: Transmitter audio chain testing. With WNTP running daytime power for ½ hour (50KW) this should present a real opportunity for DX’ers on the West Coast to log this station/state.

WNTP:
0500-0530 50kw Day Directional Pattern
05530-0600 5kw Non-Directional

WFIL:
0500-0530 5kw Day Directional Pattern
0530-0600 2.5kw Non-Directional

Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and postal mail. Due to the high volume of QSL requests, we will only accept Postal reports as a last resort. No DX’er with e-mail capability will be allowed to submit a Postal QSL request. Station would prefer to receive recordings of the test (MP3, CD, or cassette). Submit reports to: les @ highnoonfilm.com and please put "WFIL/WNTP DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to:

Les Rayburn
High Noon Film
100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
Birmingham, AL 35216

Please include a SASE for reply.

Our thanks to Rene Tetro for this “Third Annual Test”. Seriously, Rene always thinks about the DX community when conducting transmitter maintenance, and manages to include test tones, Morse Code, etc. for our benefit. We’re all very grateful.

WMRO 1560 Gallatin, TN DX Test

Date(s): October 30'th until further notice.
Time: Midnight until 4 AM Central Time
Modes of Operation: “Inventory Insert” 60 Second Long Test. 0.003kw Non-Directional. (One night may include a brief full daytime power test)
Programming: Morse Code ID's, Sweep Tones, 60 Second Long “Inventory Insert” running approx. :05 minutes after the hour, right after CNN News..

Notes: Transmitter audio chain testing. Exact times of the inserted spots will be given closer to the test time period. In general, look for the test to run near the Top of the Hour (TOH) The extreme low power of this station at night should make this one a nice challenge!

Please note the following change in QSL information: The station now desires to receive reports directly and only via regular Postal Mail. No telephone calls or e-mails, please! Scott Bailey is dealing with a family medical situation, so responses may take several weeks. Be patient and do not make this too much of a chore for him. Send Postal reports and/or recordings to:

Scott Bailey, President & General Manager
WMRO Radio, Magic 1560
P.O. Box 1445
Gallatin, TN 37066

Please include a SASE for reply.

Our thanks Scott Bailey of WMRO, who’s always been very DX Friendly! And also to Paul Walker, who helped to arrange yet another test for all of us.

Update: News from Scott Bailey at WMRO today. The "Inventory Insert" DX test is now running each night from Midnight until 4AM Central Time. It runs at approximately :05 minutes after the hour, right after CNN news.

They're running only their legal nighttime power of 0.003kw non-directional, so this one is going to be tough. Despite that, I heard them with ease from Birmingham last night, including their normal, legal voice ID at the TOH. Sweep Tones and Morse Code were easy copy.

According to Scott, the test will likely continue to run for months. At some point, if they have maintenance, we may be able to get a limited test at daytime power levels.

On a personal note, Scott's father has been seriously ill lately. Please keep him
in your thoughts and prayers.

--Les

Radio St. Helena Day: the party on the shortwaves

Even though not quite mediumwave DX test related, this is a unique opportunity all DX'ers should not pass up! Here is the official information about the "Radio St. Helena Revival" broadcasts from Radio St. Helena.

RSH will transmit on 11092.5 KHz in Upper Side Band mode on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at:

1800 - 1930 UTC to New Zealand (via short path)
2000 - 2130 UTC to JAPAN (via short path)
2200 - 2330 UTC to Europe
2330 (Sat.) - 0100 (Sunday) UTC to North America

There will be a new and interesting QSL card for this "Revival" broadcast. It will take several months to process the reception reports, so please be patient. Only reception reports sent by regular mail will be accepted. Email-reports will NOT be accepted. Return postage is absolutely required and is "at least" three IRC's or "Greenstamps". The address is:

Radio St Helena,
Jamestown,
St. Helena
South Atlantic Ocean

"At least" means that RSH welcomes donations at any time and in any amount. All reports should be addressed to the Station Manager of RSH. The RSH station manager is a lady: Ms. Laura Lawrence.

The four RSD Revival broadcasts are being regarded as special programmes in connection with the 50th anniversary of the DSWCI on 18 Nov 2006. The DSWCI will verify correct reception reports on these programmes with its special DSWCI QSL-card, if return postage (1 IRC, 1 U.S. Dollar or 1 Euro) is enclosed. Please send reports to:

DSWCI,
Tavleager 31,
DK-2670 Greve, Denmark

Please consider posting your results to our comments section!