Cosmos Club Abhayapuri Golden Jubilee Celebration

 

B24 Monitoring Updates First Week First Report

Welcome to my monitroing updates for the first time on this B24 season(October 27,2024-March 29,2025) with special monitoring observations.

RIG used  :Yaesu FT 891 on battery ,long random wire as antenna

Place Of Monitoring:Abhayapuri(Assam)(India)

Let's check some monitored schedule informations for B24 season  along with some observations.

Radio Thailand World Service English

0000-0029utc 13750kHz

0200-0229utc 13750kHz ex 15590kHz

0500-0529utc  17640kHz

Here is the link to the audio file link recorded by me of Radio Thailand English on 17640kHz around 0500utc on October 30th.

https://app.box.com/s/fu2qj27926mnealdt2c8lbty73cikks5

Radio Philipinas WorldWide English 

0200-0330utc 17820kHz 15640kHz

Voice Of Turkey Urdu

1300utc onwards for 50 minutes or so on 15390kHz

Good Signal,Interval signal plus Station Idd announcement in Urdu can be heard from 1255utc onwards.But the audio was rough and sometimes difficult to understand atleast for me. Here is the audio file link recorded around 1300utc of VOT Urdu on November 3rd:

https://app.box.com/s/1hx1y83v5gywzo4s5yvrzjpi0koctipv

BBC World Service English during morning hours from October 28th as per the following schedule

0000-0059utc 5980kHz 

0000-0200utc 6035kHz via Tashkent 

0059-0159utc 7430kHz

In the evening it can be well heard from 1200utc onwards on 12030kHz.

Here is the audio file link...the audio recorded around 1228utc on 12030kHz of BBCWS on October 27th:

https://app.box.com/s/or2zxe5prjcuvsu9svhpjeoin4gkko6r

I will try to compile a monitoring observations  further for its evening transmissions later.

Akashvani External Service's Nepali Service 

0145-0315utc 15410kHz via SPT Bengaluru

Good signal strength but sometimes rough audio still there

0900-1030utc 15410kHz via SPT Bengaluru

as same mentioned earlier 

but other parallel frequencies viz 9795kHz & 118865kHz both via Delhi has been poor here in my location.

Station KNLS Alaska English via Madagascar World Voice(MWV)

monitored schedule same as in the summer.

on 13760kHz 

from 0200-258utc & repeat  from 0300-0358utc.

But it was off the air on October 28th during both time slots,but on the following day i.e. from October 29th, it has come back on air.On October 28th,I did check KNLS's parent organisation World Christan Broadcasting website on my mobile I did not find this part of their schedule.Later a DXER from Hyderbad who checked the website on his PC found out the schedule was there.In mobile, this part of their schedule was hidden or could not seen properly.That's why I miss it.I thought KNLS English to India was deleted.

Like summer, the first transmission slot is giving better reception than the second repeat transmission.

Radio New Zealand(RNZ)Pacific English is well heard here during 1100-1258utc on 13755kHz.Here is the audio file link recorded around 1200utc on October 27th:

https://app.box.com/s/yre2m7h44r2uk10wmkjdhz1palyno0ip

And another audio file recorded around 1204utc on the same evening.

https://app.box.com/s/p3o7jhc2vw5obqdy0q8d2xqwelumnejq

Adventist World Radio:

AWR Assamese via KSDA Guam was heard with  strong signal on 17735kHz as per the skd announced from 1330utc.

But no English transmission of AWR via KSDA Guam  was there in their B24 schedule as reported earlier in the  and no fresh uodate of schedule information has been posted so far.So, no Wavescan,the Global DX Program from AWR via KSDA Guam is there.I heard last two sundays's edition (October 27th & November 3rd) of the program via live streaming on WRMI website.And here a recording link a portion of the host Jeff White  regarding AWR & Wavescan:

https://app.box.com/s/yi3g3hi79dugczhyvls269oqqsx8356x

But no fresh podcast available from October 27th edition onwards  on Wavescan in the AWR website so far.Meanwhile, it has been reported among other things related to Wavescan-recenet developments in AWR in the Glen Hauser's World Of Radio IO Groups as posted by Ray Robinson that Wavescan will be available on a new podcast form at https://wavescan.podomatic.com

and will be available on shortwave via  WRMI, WWCR, VOH-Africa and IRRS as before.And they are also in touch with some other shortwave stations which are broadcasting to Asia to air Wavescan.

I like to thank specially  to OM Jose Jacob,VU2JOS of Hyderabad for his updates related B24 schedules ,recent changes in AWR & related to Wavescan and WRMI live streaming schedule of Wavescan etc.

More observations/radio news/monitoring reports etc from time to time.

73

Gautam Kumar Sharma(GK)(VU3WTI)

(Abhayapuri)(Assam)(India)

From Home With Flowers

 

With Best Wishes

Gautam Kumar Sharma(GK)(VU3WTI)

(Abhayapuri)(Assam)(India)

Monitoring My Two 7s..7145 & 7070kHz

 New Horizon Amateur Radio Bulletin Board (Special Warm Up Edition)

(WTI/NH/ARBB/SP/A24/02/25-10-24)

For all monitoring observations

RIG used:Yaesu FT 891 on battery ,long random wire as external antenna

Place Of Monitoring:Abhayapuri(Assam)(India)

Grid Square:NL56hi

Monitored Mode:J3E Class of emission

Special Notes,symbols etc used for this report:

All time mentioned  in Indian Standard Time(ist) 

> indicating onwards ,amateur station's location mentioned as per info available in first bracket after callsign as far as possible followed by Signal Report in RST scale as per S meter reading of the RIG unless mentioned otherwise.

Monitor's special notes (Khas Tippany HI HI)have been highlighted.

Frequency:7145kHz lsb

Date:October 15,2024

WX:Cloudy

Noise Level S2

0816ist> VU3LGT (Asansol) 55,VU2OWB(Khaspur-Nadia)  57

0821ist>VU2DBE(Kolkata) 56-57VU3LGT 55

0827ist>VU3TKC(Kolkata) 55-56, VU3LGT 55,VU2DBE 57

from 0831ist onwards Noise Level S1

0835ist>VU2DBE 57-55,VU2TKC 57-59, VU3LGT 55 with QSB

0842ist>VU2DBE 56-54,VU3LGT 55

0846ist>VU2OWB 53,VU3LGT 55,VU2DBE 57 around 0849ist

Date:October 20,2024

0735ist>S21HA (Bangladesh) with 30W 58-56, VU3LGT 57,S21RW(Dhaka?) 59

0739ist>VU2OWB QRP 54-55,VU3LGT 57,S21HA 57,S21RW 57,

0742ist>VU2OWB 54-53,VU3LGT 55-57

Noise Level S1-S2

0749ist>VU3LGT 57-55, S21RW 56-58

0753ist>VU3LGT 57,S21RW 58-55

0800ist>Noise Level S1,S21RW 57,VU3LGT 56 to 53

Date:October 23,2024

Noise Level S1

0744ist>VU3LGT( 58 VU2OWB 55

0747ist S21HA(Bangladesh) breaking call heard 57

0748ist>S21HA 59 to 57,VU2OWB 55,VU3LGT 57

0755ist>VU2OWB 54,VU3LGT 56 to 57

Date:October 24,2024

0749ist :VU2TKC 59 giving directional call to VU3LGT 

No response

Later I heard  VU2OWB 54 VU3ICT(Kolkata) 57
I am sorry I could not note down the exact time either between 0811-0819ist or 0841-0849ist.I am sorry for my lapse.

And now for the frequency of..

7070kHz lsb

Date:October 20,2024

0905-0908ist: VU3OKB(Guwahati) 56-57, VU3ZRI 54 QSB

Date:October 17,2024

0855ist>VU2YBP(Guwahati) 58-55,VU3OKB(Guwahati) weak

0856-0900ist:VU3OKB on QRO 57 VU2YPB 58
Noise Level S1-S2

Monitor's Note:

Besides all the stations mentioned in the report,there might be a few stations,I forgot to mention & also a few stations I could not copy at all,all these logs were a rough diary of what I heard.There might be some errors here and there.

More reports/observations plus more amateur radio related news etc soon.

73 For the time being..

DE VU3WTI (Gautam Kumar Sharma)(GK) 

Abhayapuri(Assam)(India)

B24 Season Preview & Schedule Updates

 B24 season (winter Season) of international radio broadcasting is fast approaching.It will be effective from October 27th of 2024 to March 29th of 2025.Many international radio broadcasters and transmitter operators have already posted their B24 schedules.

A few disappointing developments may be awaiting for us for B24 season.

First related to Adventist World Radio(AWR):

It is now final though no formal announcement(press release etc) observed by me but information circulating in social media platforms plus B24 schedules ,AWR is going to end its all transmissions on shortwave via leased transmitter sites and will only continue its shortwave transmissions from its own transmitter site KSDA,Guam.

Another possible disappointing news...latest updated B24 schedule of AWR  to be effective from October 27th via KSDA-Guam issued from AWR Frequency Management Office in Germany, there is no mention of English transmission.And it is indicating that Wavescan,the Global DX Program from AWR on sundays is no longer be aired via KSDA-Guam.As until now Wavescan is on air as a part of English Service Program schedule of AWR.We thought there would be an announcement regarding this on the last edition of the Wavescan in A24 season on sunday October 20th regarding this,but no such announcement was made and no information was given on its upcoming B24 season schedule too.Several radio stations air Wavescan- the Global DX Program "Researched and written in Indianapolis by Adrian Peterson and Ray Robinson in Los Angeles, produced in studios of shortwave WRMI.Besides AWR's own KSDA-Guam and  AWR relays in various locations, WRMI in Florida,WWCR in Tennessee ,IRRS Italy & Voice Of Hope Africa in Zambia airs Wavecan weekly.Now let us wait for any fresh  update from AWR on the issue.

Second related to Radio Romania International(RRI)-English:

Another disappointing update-

As per the B24 schedule posted by RRI-English on their website, there is no analog transmission for our region.

The two transmissions in English are in DRM mode only to India.

06.30 – 07.00utc 21.470kHz 

04.00 – 05.00utc 15.250kHz  

I guess for a few seasons, RRI English is only on DRM to India during 0400-0500utc.And it is on air on analog mode on only one frequency to India during 0530-0600utc in A24 season.And in B24 season,there will not be any analog RRI English transmission for India.

 Now A Few  B24 Schedule Updates Info:

AWR Assamese 

(Effective October 27,2024 to March 29,2025)

On 17735kHz during 1330-1400utc 

via KSDA,Agat-Guam(100kW)

(Sunday & Wednessday)

KBS World Radio English To India

effective October 27th

1400-1600utc on 9630kHz in place of present 9785kHz( as per post on their website)

Radio Japan NHK World 

(For South West Asia region)

effective October 27th

Bengali  1500-1520utc   11610kHz 

Hindi      1530-1550utc    11610kHz

Urdu       1600-1620utc    9440kHz

              1700-1720utc    1251kHz*(via Tajakistan)

*All transmissions on shortwave are from Yamata,Japan.

English For South East Asia

On 11815kHz Via Yamata,Japan

Monday to Friday  1400-1425utc 

Saturday-Sunday   1400-1430utc 

BBC World Service English 

For South Asia perhaps

0000-0100utc 5980kHz (250kW,Oman)

0000-0200utc 6035kHz(100kW,Tashkent)

0100-0200utc 7430kHz((250kW,Oman)

I will check on air the other frequencies on different time period during the first week of B24 season from October 27th and then post a detail schedule and update you on which frequencies BBC English audible here in my location.

More observations/monitoring reports plus more B24 updates etc from time to time.

73

Gautam Kumar Sharma(GK)(VU3WTI)

(Abhayapuri)(Assam)(India)

BCDX Notes From Abhayapuri

I was not monitoring  both the Broadcasting Bands as well as  Amateur Bands as such for a few months from March, 2024. But from September,2024 ,I have begun my radio monitoring sessions.I have already posted a few posts.Here is a few latest specific and  general obserations of the broadcasting bands.

For all monitoring observations,

Rig used  :Yaesu FT 891 on battery ,long random wire as antenna

Place Of Monitoring:Abhayapuri(Assam)(India)

RNZ Pacific English on 13690kHz:

Radio New Zealand (RNZ)Pacific in English was heard with good signal nowadays  on 13690kHz during its 1100-1300utc transmission here.A few weeks back,I heard RNZ Pacific  on 13690kHz during 1151-1204utc.The Music, then news from 1200utc was heard.This was on sunday on October 6th.Here is the link to the audio file which I recorded on October 6th around 1159utc of RNZ Pacific English on 13690kHz:

https://app.box.com/s/rjzb2fuw8e701xfdyz65n49qei6vpr7r

Radio Philipinas WorldWide English:

Nowadays, Radio Philipinas WorldWide English is audible on 17820kHz,15640kHz & 12010kHz during 0200-0330utc.The reception is not satisfactory plus reilable on 12010kHz.The reception quality is satisfactory on 17820 & 15640kHz.

SLBC External Hindi:

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation(SLBC)'s External Service's Hindi Program is still not air on 11905kHz during 0200-0230utc for several weeks now.The transmitter parts fault and  non availbility of spare parts of the transmitter might be the cause of this.

Radio Thailand World Service English:

Radio Thailand World Service English is monitored by me on two frequencies as follows.

0000-0029utc on 13750kHz

0200-0229utc on 15590kHz

 The reception overall is good on both these frequencies.

During my random monitoring, in the 0000-0029utc transmission National News of Thailand,International news plus Business News are aired with promos etc and in the 2nd transmission, music-songs etc can be heard too.I am yet to hear it entire transmission.

Another Radio Thailand English transmission on 17640kHz during 0500-0529utc beam to North America(?) well heard here at Abhayapuri.Its a all season frequency for it for a long time like BBC World Service's English all season nearly round the clock frequencies 15310kHz & 17790kHz several years back.

Station KNLS Alaska on 13760kHz via MWV:

Station KNLS Alaska English Programs are now on 13760kHz via Madagascar World Voice (MWV) both during 0200--0258utc and 0300-0358utc.I understand the 2nd transmission is the repeat of the first transmission of the day.

More observations/monitoring reports etc from time to time.

73

Gautam Kumar Sharma(GK)(VU3WTI)

(Abhayapuri)(Assam)(India)

Cosmos Club(777/80-81) Turns 50 My Memories From Distance Part I

The Cosmos Club of Abhayapuri is going to celebrate its 50th year of  foundation  in November this year with various programmes.I had seen the club functioning from its previous location in a hut in front of Abhayapuri College Point , by the side of a hotel (Oasis Hotel perhaps on the MG Road side) in early 1980s.And I had seen also how the club shifted to its present permanent location  near our locality (present Lachit Nagar area of the town) in mid 1980s.

The club was established in 1975.The club is bearing a registration number  777/80-81.The suffix suggests that it was registered with concerned department of Govt Of Assam in 1980-81.I heard somewhere that  initially  the club  might have been known as Sankar Sangha and within two years ,the club changed its name to Cosmos Club.I thought it might be due to the suggestion of a few club members coinciding with the visit of Cosmos Club of New York with Pele  to then Calcutta to play a friendly football match(as per their tour to Asia) at Eden Garden against Mohan Bagan in 1977.
But one of the senior most member of the club,Mr.Pradip Kumar Das clarified ,"We wanted to be big,therefore Cosmos(the Universe) was selected as it's name".
It was almost 50 years back memories fade..I hope there will be extensive information on  the  Cosmos Club's history , it's past and present achievements and its vision for future   in black and white in the club's souvenir/other printed materials to be published on the occasion of its 50th year celebration.
Our family has a sentimental attachment with that club.So naturally, I have developed a keen interest on its activities right from my school days .But it was the cricket team of Cosmos Club in1980s that had attracted me the most.We know well that 1983 is a historic year for the country as far as one day international cricket is concerned.And  the cricket team of Cosmos Club in 1983 too won the Goalpara Cricket League Championship at Goalpara. What A coincidence!!! Plus A Historic Milestone for Cosmos Club!!!

Courtesy:Utpal Nath & Gopal Medhi of Cosmos Club

I will certainly write  about the cricket players of Cosmos Club in the second part of this series in detail.

 I could not watch them playing in big matches as I was away at Rangjuli with my parents and studying in school there in 1980s as my father was posted there as In charge  Senior Medical & Health Officer  of then Rangjuli Primary Health Centre.At Rangjuli, I enjoyed watching Rangjuli's cricket team playing with visiting teams from near by places viz Goalpara,Darangiri,Dhupdhara etc.An Interesting fact I like to mention here. A cricketer of Cosmos Club  who was then studying in Goalpara College, went to Rangjuli to play for a Goalpara cricket team against Rangjuli ( in 1980-81 season).He is none other than my uncle Mr.Dibakar Dev Sarma, now one of the senior most member of Cosmos Club. 

But whenever during winter after our annual examination, I came to Abhayapuri for a visit to our ancestral home, I used to watch Cosmos Club playing friendly practice matches amongst themselves at Abhayapuri College ground.And I could remember Late Sachin Dev Barman, Pradip Kumar Das, Golap Medhi, Rakesh Tiwari, Rajesh Tiwari, Dhajen Das, Ratan Ray(the wicket keeper), Late Pranab Das, Alok Das, Biswajit Das, Late Samir Das, Mahesh Sandak, Hironmoi Deka,Anup Kumar Das, Dhajen Das, Late Dibyendu Banerjee,Manohar Roy & others were playing.I could still remember......

With Best Wishes
VIVE LA COSMOS CLUB,ABHAYAPURI

Gautam Kumar Sharma(GK)(VU3WTI)

(Abhayapuri)(Assam)(India)