Kchibo JX-M14 review

Small Radio With Features

This is an attractive little package with good sensitivity as well as good sound, especially for voice reception. Along with AM (MW) and FM, it has 7 shortwave bands. All buttons are raised. Its heavy duty telescopic antenna pivots.

The easy-to-read LCD display is digital, but it has knob tuning. The frequency readout is accurate, according to several known stations I'd checked on several bands. Apparently the display is that of a true frequency counter.

It has a 12-hour a.m./p.m. clock with an alarm. Its three LEDs are for Tune, AM (MW and SW), and FM. On its back is a flip out easel and the serial number.

It has a jack for earphones. (Earbuds are not supplied.) Although the jack's audio output on FM is monaural, it is dual (split) in all modes. To make sure, I compared it with the stereo FM output of my eTraveller VII. I tuned both radios to one of my area's two classical FM stations. While a symphony was being played, I switched my stereo headphones between the two.

The power supply is two AA cells. It has a jack for an external 3 volt source. (AA cells and wall adapter are not supplied.)

There is enough extension past each end of the advertised SW bands to cover the daytime and some nighttime U.S. frequencies, but there is no coverage at all for some of the nighttime ones. Although there are slight differences for a given radio, the actual band stop-to-stop coverage of mine is:

Bands
SW1 5.84 --- 6.47 MHz
SW2 6.86 --- 7.56 MHz
SW3 9.29 - 10.30 MHz
SW4 11.38 - 12.50 MHz
SW5 13.34 - 14.35 MHz
SW6 14.78 - 15.84 MHz
SW7 17.11 - 18.33 MHz
AM 518 - 1723 kHz
FM 87.9 - 107.9 MHz

Shortcomings
There are a couple of little shortcomings. One is when two stations of unequal signal strength are within 15 to 20 kHz of each other, the stronger station wins. The reason is that the stronger station will "pull" the receiver's local oscillator. This is due to the lack of a tunable input where the real selectivity of a receiver begins. I learned of this when I tried to receive a good signal on 12.172 MHz. I'd tune in to it but a louder 12.160 signal would pull it off. (I settled for a good, clear simulcast on 9.330.)

This problem created a phenomenon, too. When I tuned in WWV's 10.00 MHz time signal, during when third world stations were transmitting on or just below that frequency, the display would read 10.01 MHz.

The other shortcoming is that I noticed the clock seemed to have lost about a minute within a week or two. I'll take another look at that. (This, of course, will affect its alarm clock feature, too.) My advice, if that happens in any unit, is to reset the time once a week, and set it ahead enough, so station
sign-ons won't be missed during the week.

One little nuisance is that it defaults to FM at turn on. That's not a problem, though, because it remembers the last FM, AM, or SW frequency selected. Just push the AM button to get back to your chosen SW frequency, for example.

This would make a fine, inexpensive gift for anyone who is really interested in knowing what's going on in the world, or to enlighten those who should -- or think they do. They should, though, also be given some SWL introductory material as well as help in identifying, even finding, major SW stations (guides, schedules, Web links, etc.)

The jWIN is about the size of a paperback book, but a little shorter. My bulky wallet is almost as big. When it's not in use, I keep it and its paperwork in a ZipLoc sandwich bag.

I purchased my jWIN from Johnson Smith Co. Click on Electronics and look for the Mini 9 Band Radio. This place has the best price. And its service is good. I've bought a variety of things from them.

Note: For my grandson and a girl next door, I ordered two jWINs, S/Ns 030404343 and 030404379. Their performance was like mine, i.e., as above.

WELCOME TO THE SECOND NATIONAL INDIAN DX MEETING

WELCOME TO THE SECOND NATIONAL INDIAN DX MEETING

The DX clubs of Tamil Nadu, India are pleased to welcome DXers from all over Tamil Nadu, the India and worldwide to the 2nd National DX
Meeting "All India Radio and International Radio Listeners Meet 2006," which will take place May 21 in the city of Jeyankondam, state of Tamil Nadu, India. Delegates from SLBC, Radio Veritas, Radio Vatican, China Radio International and All India Radio were also going to participate.

CRI History Quiz 2006

China Radio International new Quiz Questions.
Last date 1 September 2006.

For more details visit http://www.chinaradionet.net/cri200605/quiz.aspx
Or
For anwers and details
www.dxersguide.blogspot.com

1. Who was the first radio broadcaster in the history of China's overseas broadcasts?
2. What was the station ID for China's overseas broadcasts in April, 1950?
3. How many foreign bureaus does CRI have around the world?
4. Question Number Two: How many languages does CRI broadcast worldwide?
5. The first question is : In which country did CRI launch its first overseas FM radio station?
6. What is the name of the website run by CRI?
7. Thus far, how many listeners' clubs does CRI have worldwide?
8. How many letters did CRI receive from its listeners in 2005?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For the answers read the following articles.

Part 1

Hello everyone, I'm Wang Jing. Today we will launch a listeners’ quiz called “Get to Know CRI”. The quiz consists of four parts about CRI’s history and current events. At the beginning of each part, we will present you with simple questions whose answers can be found in the program. All listeners are invited to join in, and the first-prize winner will win a 7-day trip to China at the end of this year. To take part, send us your answers via email at crieng@crifm.com or yinglian@cri.com.cn or log onto our website at www.crienglish.com. Today is the first part, and our first subject is the launch of China Radio International.

Before we start our program, here are the first two quiz questions. Listen carefully. The first question is: who was the first radio broadcaster in the history of China’s overseas broadcasts. And question number two: what was the station ID for China’s overseas broadcasts in April, 1950.

In the early 1940s, China was fighting against the Japanese invasion. CRI was founded on December 3, 1941 to call on people from home and abroad to join in the fight. At that time its station ID was XNCR, representing New China Radio.

Its first radio broadcaster was Hara Kiyoshi, a Japanese anti-war activist. She broadcast in her mother tongue, telling Japanese people the truth about the war.

When the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, the radio station moved to Beijing, the capital of China. On October 1st, 1949, the station broadcast the news of the founding of the People’s Republic of China to the whole world.

And then in April, 1950, China’s overseas broadcasts began to use the station ID - Radio Peking.

This music was a very popular song in China at the time: “The East is Red”.

Later, in order to promote friendship between China and other developing countries, China’s overseas broadcasts opened Farsi, Kiswahili, and Arabic services.

By the mid 1970s, CRI was broadcasting in 38 foreign languages as well as Mandarin and 4 Chinese dialects

Now I’ll repeat today’s questions: who was the first radio broadcaster in the history of China’s overseas broadcasts? and what was the station ID for China’s overseas broadcasts in April, 1950?

++++++++++++++++++++

Part 2

Hello and welcome to today’s “Get to Know CRI” quiz. I’m Wang Jing. In this edition, we will ask you two simple questions about China Radio International, their answers are right here in our program. One lucky winner will get a 7-day trip to China at the end of this year. To take part, send us your answers via email at crieng@crifm.com or log onto our website at www.crienglish.com. Today is the second part of the quiz, and our subject is CRI in Development.

Before we start our program, here are the two quiz questions. Listen carefully. The first question is: How many foreign bureaus does CRI have around the world? And Question Number Two: How many languages does CRI broadcast worldwide?

In 1980, CRI began to set up foreign bureaus to cover news events taking place abroad. The first two were in Tokyo and Belgrade.

So far CRI has 27 foreign bureaus all over the world. When any breaking news happens in the world, CRI correspondents can send back first-hand reports. And with the development of CRI’s broadcast service, it currently uses 43 languages every day to broadcast all over the world.

After China’s reform and opening up, more and more foreigners have come to China for work, study, travel or business. In order to provide them with a better understanding of China, in 1984 CRI began offering domestic service in English in Beijing.

In 1998, CRI began its online broadcasting service by setting up a multi-language website: CRI Online. The website has audio programs in 48 languages, including standard Chinese and four Chinese dialects, and has become quite famous at home and abroad.

Now I’ll repeat today’s questions: The first question is: How many foreign bureaus does CRI have around the world? And Question Number Two: How many languages does CRI broadcast worldwide?

++++++++++++++

Part 3

Hello and welcome to today’s “Get to Know CRI” quiz. I’m Wang Jing. In this edition, we will ask you two simple questions about China Radio International, and the answers are right here in our program! The first-prize winner will get a 7-day free trip to China at the end of this year. To take part in this activity, send us your answers via email at crieng@crifm.com or log onto our website at www.crienglish.com. Today is the third part of the quiz.

Before we start our program, here are the two quiz questions. Listen carefully. The first question is: In which country did CRI launch its first overseas FM radio station? Question number two: What is the name of the website run by CRI?

China Radio International, China's only radio station with international service, launched an FM radio station in Nairobi, Kenya on February 27th this year.

Kenya 91.9 FM radio station is the first overseas FM radio station set up by CRI.

Its programs cover China's economic, social and cultural development, as well as the country's friendly exchanges with African countries. Major international news events also get extensive coverage.

Listeners in Kenya can enjoy music from China, Africa and the rest of the world.

In the next five years, CRI plans to establish abroad 100 FM and MW radio stations so as to reach more audiences.

In addition, CRI has also launched its own website “CRI Online.” By logging onto the website, people can listen to our latest programs any time anywhere. Currently, CRI Online updates about 210 hours of audio programs every day, covering news, sports, life, music and many other interesting stories about China.

Meanwhile, CRI produces about 5 hours of TV programs on world news everyday, transmitting to over 300 local channels in the country by satellite.

Now I’ll repeat today’s questions: The first question is: In which country did CRI launch its first overseas FM radio station? And question number two: What is the name of the website run by CRI?

++++++++++++++++++++

Part 4

Hello and welcome to the final edition of our “Get to Know CRI” quiz. I’m Wang Jing. In this edition, we will ask you two simple questions about China Radio International, and the answers will be right here in our program! There will be prizes for correct answers, with one lucky listener winning a chance to visit China for free at the end of this year. To take part, send your answers to us by emailing crieng@crifm.com or you can log onto our website at www.crienglish.com. Today is the last part of the quiz, and the subject is CRI’s relationship with its listeners.

Before we start our program, here are the two quiz questions. Listen carefully. The first question is: Thus far, how many listeners' clubs does CRI have worldwide? And question number two: How many letters did CRI receive from its listeners in 2005?

Ever since its founding 65 years ago, the number of listeners of China Radio International continues to increase. So far, CRI has 3,600 listeners’ clubs all over the world. Every year, various activities are organized between CRI and its listeners’ clubs. In the year 2005, letters from listeners increased to over 2.17 million.

Many of CRI’s listeners have developed a deep affection for China through many years of listening to its programs. Indrananda Abeysekara from Sri Lanka is one of them.
Recently, he submitted an application to eventually donate his cornea to a Chinese person.

“I am a loyal listener of CRI. By listening to its programs, I got to understand China and develop an affection towards it.”

Due to efforts from this listener, Changsha, the capital city of central China’s Hunan province, and Kaludara, of Sri Lanka, have become friendly cities.

Now I'll repeat today's questions: The first question is: Thus far, how many listeners’ clubs does CRI have worldwide? And question number two: How many letters did CRI receive from its listeners in 2005?

Please send us your answers by emailing crieng@crifm.com or logging onto our website at www.crienglish.com. Thanks for listening!

BBC Tamilosai special coverage of Tamil Nadu election results

BBC Tamil service has planned extra transmissions on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 to provide extensive coverage of Tamil Nadu assembly election results.

The plans include a special 15 minute transmission between 06.30 and 06.45 GMT (12 noon to 12.15 Indian Standard Time) on Thursday, May 11. This special programme will be broadcast on shortwave frequencies 13685kHz (Meterband 22), 11825kHz (Meterband 25) and 17810kHz (Meterband 16).

In addition to this special transmission, BBC Tamil is also extending the regular transmission to 45 minutes on May 11 and 12. These extended transmissions will be between 15.45 and 16.30 GMT (21.15 and 22.00 Indian Standard Time) on May 11 and 12 and will be on the regular shortwave frequencies of 31, 41 and 49.

The BBC Tamil service has been covering this election extensively through special reporting from its India-based correspondents, supplementing these with special interviews from its London-based team of producers. These packages are available on its website, bbctamil.com


For more information contact:

Thirumalai Manivannan, Head, BBC Tamil +44 (0) 20 7240 3456; thirumalai.manivannan@bbc.co.uk
Lala Najafova, International Publicist, BBC World Service +44(0)207 557 2944; lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk

Notes to Readers:

BBC Tamil service offers daily a daily programme of news, current affairs and features broadcast at 1545-1615 GMT (2115 - 2145 Indian Standard Time and Sri Lanka time). BBC Tamil provides an essential global insight to over 2.2 million listeners in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu in India, and across the world. BBC Tamil is broadcast across Sri Lanka on FM via partner station SLBC and via shortwave. BBC Tamil service’s popular website, bbctamil.com is accessed by Tamil-speakers across the world.

Wave Guide Feb-Mar 2006

WAVE GUIDE
Compiled by T.R.Rajeesh

Feb-Mar 2006 Vol. 2, No 2
For Private Circulation Only

Hello Dxers,

This is the second edition of Wave guide and am surprised by the inquiries about the availability of this publication from Dxers. Actually this is only a publication meant for private circulation, and compilation depends on the availability of my free time. As for printed copy postage and photocopying charges required in advance in the form of postage stamps.

This edition includes the new frequency schedules for A 06 period as well as feature article on Radio broadcasting in Greenland, Station profile of Radio Nepal and a review on the end of shortwave broadcasting by HCJB Ecuador.

Please let me know your opinion, suggestions and criticisms to improve the quality of this DX guide.

73

Rajeesh, VU3 PIK

DX News

Afghanistan: Radio Afghanistan Kabul reported to be testing with a new 100 KW shortwave transmitter supplied by India from Yakatut transmitter site. On Feb 22nd Dxer Mauno Ritollo in Finland heard they testing on 9345 kHz around 1130 UTC with “Good morning Afghanistan” programme.

Australia: ABC Tennant Creek is finally back on air again heard at 2240 UTC on 4910 kHz.

Denmark: Danish SW Clubs international is celebrating their 50th anniversary. Radio Japan will air first special broadcast with an interview by DSWCI Chairman Anker Petersen on their World Interactive programme broadcast on 6-8 May and a second special show on JSWC DX Segment on 27-29 May. DSWCI will issue special QSL for report on these broadcasts, but return postage is necessary in the form of 1 IRC or 1 US $. Address your reports to: Anker Petersen, Udbyvej 11, DK- 2740 Skovulnde, Denmark.

Ecuador: HCJB Ecuador, Voice of the Andes is approaching end of an era. HCJB started dismantling their shortwave transmitters located at pifo. Future of all their English transmissions including the ever-famous DX Partyline recorded at pifo studio is uncertain at the moment. HCJB announced no plans so far to continue the DX Partyline from Voice of the Great South Land in Australia.

Iceland: According to a press release issued by U.S deputy Secretary of State Mr. Nicholas Burns, U.S Air Force Units that have been on Keflavick Air Base since 1941,may leave Iceland by September this year. AFRTS shortwave Relay station located at Keflavick may also be dismantled by September. So don’t miss your chance to verify AFRTS Iceland before they go off the air.

India: All India Radio Chennai now airs the worlds first Tamil DX Program “Vanoli Ulagaam”{Radio World) on Sundays 1135 UTC on 17810,15770,15050,13710,1053 kHz. The program host Mr T. Jaisakthi Vel informs that they will issue the worlds smallest QSL Card for reception reports on their broadcast. Reports shall be mailed with Rs.10 postage stamp/1 IRC to: Vanoli Ulagaam, Thirukadal Kadannu Varum Tamizah Natham,All India Radio Chennai, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai-600004, INDIA.

Kirgizstan: Kirghiz Radio with English news broadcast can be heard from 0110-0120 UTC on 4010,4795 kHz. Full data Verification letters caqn be obtained fromKirghiz Radio, 59 Jash Gvardiya Boulevard, Bishkek 10, Kirghiztan. E-mail reports may be sent to: snbckr@hotmail.com, hofnung.lena@mail.ru .

Yemen: Radio Sana’a is noted on a frequency 6005 kHz from 2000-2200 UTC parallel to 9780 kHz.

QSL Corner

Brazil: Radio Cancoa Nova, 9675 kHz verified with a full data hand written QSL Card and letter in portugese for a printed reception report and 1 IRC in 197 days. I also received interesting Radio cancanova Folder and Car Sticker with nice Brasilian stamps on the large envelope. V/S Alem Frointeiras

Diego Garcia: AFRTS Diego Garcia confirmed my e-mail report with an E-QSL by Bennet G. Marshall, Chief Technician IC (2), stating the listened frequency 4319.

Guam: AWR, 12065 kHz, verified with a full data QSL fro USA office by Adrian Petersen in 30 days.

Japan: Radio Nikkei, 3925 kHz, verified with a full data drawing card in 24 days for a printed repot.

Tanzania: Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam, 5050 kHz, full data verification card in 32 days for 1 IRC and 10 Rs as return postage. My earlier 4 reports to Radio Tanzania had gone unanswered. V/S Ndaro Nyamwocha

Radio Nepal

Introduction

The Kingdom of Nepal is a land-locked Asian country in the Himalayan Mountain range. It is bounded on the north by Tibet, on the east and west by India. Nepal is one of the poorest countries with very low per capita income and GDP.The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu and their official currency is Nepalese Rupee. Nepal is also the world’s only county with Hinduism as its official religion. The democracy in this little Himalayan country has always been in threat due to internal violence.

Radio Broadcasting

Radio broadcasting is the cheapest and quickest means of mass communications in Nepal. In a mountainous country like Nepal, radio broadcasting has proved to be a very effective medium in disseminating information, educating people and entertaining the masses. It has been providing various programmes aimed at creating mass awareness. The people in the hilly areas and many of the remote villages have no access to motorable roads or to any communication and entertainment facilities. Illiteracy being a common feature among the people, little use is made of the newspapers, which have very limited and delayed circulation. Therefore, Radio has been the most suitable means of disseminating information and providing entertainment to masses in Nepal.

Radio Nepal was established on 1 April 1951. Initially the transmission covered duration of 4.5 hours through a 250-watt transmitter. Over the years, Radio Nepal has strengthened its institutional capacity and diversified itself in terms of programme format, technical efficiency and nationwide coverage.

Studio Facilities

Radio Nepal has its own studios for programme production, music recording, talk shows and news broadcasts. A music library at its premises in Singh Durbar has a collection of about 15,000 songs. Foreign broadcasting Stations also make use of their Studio facilities and transmitters for live and other broadcasts on a rental basis.

The Broadcasting Headquarters at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu has two broad casting houses consisting of one drama studio, two music studios, one reporting studio, three continuity studios, the news studio, seven programme production studios. One of the music studios is equipped with sophisticated 24 track recording facility. This studio is open for hiring purposes for anyone desirous of recording music digitally whether solo track or for albums after payment of studio charges that are very reasonable compared to other private studios. The complex also has one open air live concert facility for functions and musical performances. Like other transmitting stations, the Head quarters also has a 100kva stand by diesel generator.

Programmes
Radio Nepal transmits 15 hours everyday, which includes 2 hours of regional broadcasts 0415 hrs to 0545 hrs UTC in the morning and 1250 hrs to 1315 hrs UTC in the evening. However on public holidays, there is an additional 2 hours, extending the total duration to 17 hours.

Radio Nepal broadcasts news bulletins in Nepali at regular intervals (hourly) from 0115 hrs until the close of the transmission. News bulletins in English are broadcast at 0215, 0815 and 1415 hrs UTC everyday. In additional to the news in Nepali and English, there are bulletins in other languages at various timings.

Radio Nepal attempts to provide prompt and accurate coverage of all national and international news including political, economic and social highlights in an unbiased and objective manner. It attempts to safeguard the basic principle of public interest as the prime public broadcaster of the country. The station also has stringer reporters in several districts for coverage of news and information indifferent regions of the country.

Transmission Facilities
Radio Nepal broadcast programs on Short wave, Medium wave and FM. They have a number of 100 KW and 10 KW medium wave transmitters located at various parts of the country. An FM-Channel covering Kathmandu valley and adjoining areas was started in 1995.
Short Wave: Three transmitters of 100 KW each enable transmission on two frequencies simultaneously. The Khumaltar transmitting station has three 100 KW transmitters as well as a 250 kva diesel generator to cope with power cuts. The Katmandu Transmitting Station at Sainbu, Bhaisepati has one 100 KW main transmitter in addition to a 10 KW stand by transmitter. There is also a provision for at 100-kva-diesel generator.

Broadcast Frequencies: 5005 kHz, 7165 kHz-now inactive (Winter) 3230 kHz (Summer)

Verifications
Radio Nepal broadcasts news in English at 0215, 0815 and 1415 UTC and it can be logged easily through out Asia. DX Reception is also possible in distant locations since they use 100 kW SW transmitters.

Radio Nepal doesn’t have an external service however they verifies reception reports on an irregular basis with colourful QSLs. Dxers consider them as very precious and exotic. Most Radio Nepal verification cards depict beautiful Himalayan Peaks or Sceneries. As Radio Nepal is in a very difficult financial situation return postage is necessary for verifications and the listener should be patient for years to receive a reply! Reception Reports could be mailed to: Mr.R.S.Kharki, Chief Engineer, Radio Nepal, P.O.Box-634, Kathmandu, Nepal.


IBB BOTSWANA

History
The station in Botswana began its operation in 1981, with 50kW transmitter in Selebi-Phikwe that was later handed over to R Botswana. Our station presently operates a 500kW transmitter which is fixed at 909kHz AM, and four 100kW short wave transmitters to transmit in English, Amharic, Swahili, Portuguese, Hausa, Shona, Ndebele and French. All VOA programs originate from studios in Washington D.C., and are delivered to the station for broadcast via satellite.

Facilities
Our SW site can be identified by six towers from the main road. The complex consists of the Admin Office, a Transmitter Building and Facilities Offices. Additionally, the station’s satellite terminal equipment is located here. The medium wave site can be identified by four towers from the main road and consists of a Transmitter Plant building and Facilities. Both stations are equipped with emergency generators capable of maintaining operations incase of commercial power failure.

Staffing
The station is managed by two American Foreign Service Officers (Manager – Mr. William Martin and Transmitter Plant Supervisor – Mr. Thomas Powell). There are currently 25 fulltime local employees, who fall under three units: Administration, Transmitter Plant and Facilities. There is also a contract staff of approximately 22 employees, who provide daily support of gardening, janitorial, chauffeur, and facilities maintenance service. Address: International Broadcasting Bureau, Private Bag 0038, Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana. E-mail: manager_Botswana@bot.ibb.gov

Editorial Information-------------------------
Contact:T.R.Rajeesh,Thandiakkal House, Chevoor-P.O, Thrissur-680027, Kerala, INDIA
E-mail: rajeeshdxer@yahoo.co.in

Courtesy to: Alokesh Gupta, Swopan Chakroborty and World DX Club.