National coverage using DRM

Interesting discussion of Nationwide broadcasting using DRM. Many European countries could easily shift to DRM for their broadcasting needs now that the CML DRM1000 chip is available for receivers. In North America, national broadcasting services such as NPR could shift to DRM for signal delivery - if only DRM was permitted on AM/MW and FM.

Radio Free Asia tests DRM to China

 

@MohanNataraja16 on Twitter (X) received Radio Free Asia (RFA) DRM test broadcast in Mandarin on 11700 khz in London, UK on June 11, 2024 at 2100 UTC.

No further information is known about the test and it is unknown from where it was broadcast. RFA is operated by the US government and "...provide(s) independent, uncensored and accurate local news to a weekly audience of nearly 60 million who lack access to a free press or live in media environments vulnerable to authoritarian disinformation."

@atake on Twitter (X) has also confirmed this broadcast received in Nagoya, Japan.

Based on KiwiSDR reception, it is likely originating from Kuwait. Before sign-on Arabic music was being played as well.

@alokeshgupta says RFA DRM tests towards China are scheduled from 11 to 16 June 2024 at 2100-2200 UTC on 11700 kHz. Reception reports to qsl@rfa.org

New CNR DRM test schedule

Original Chinese language post here. 

From 0900 (BTC) on May 31, 2024, the DRM shortwave digital radio trial broadcast will be changed as follows: 6030 kHz, 7360 kHz, 9420 kHz, 9870 kHz and 11695 kHz will be discontinued.

At the same time, dynamic testing is carried out (irregularly), the specific information is as follows:

Frequency: 6180 kHz
Time: 1800 to 2400 (BTC), 1000 to 1600 (UTC) every day
Program: Voice of China
Main service area: North China

Frequency: 15760 kHz
Time: 0500 to 0100 (BTC), 2100 to 1700 (UTC) everyday
Program: Voice of China
Main service area: Southwest

Frequency: 21530 kHz
Time: 0600 to 0100 (BTC), 2200 to 1700 (UTC) every day
Program: Voice of China
Main service area: Northwest, Southwest

CML Micro & Cambridge Consultants DRM1000 chip

The newest press release here (the older press release is here). This is the chip Gospell is using in its new portable, the GR-221 (available soon). This looks to be a real game-changer due to it being an all-in-one solution,  having low power consumption (30+ hours on 3 AA batteries, including the possibility of a solar powered and cranked models) and its affordable cost (<$20 USD). It should yield a whole new crop of receivers that will be ideal for the burgeoning Asian DRM markets of China, India and Pakistan. Now all we need to do is to convince the North American shortwave broadcasters that the time has come for regular DRM broadcasting. Mouser plans to stock the chip soon. This novel DRM solution debuted at BES in February of this year.

Starwaves W2401 available soon?

A DRMNA reader recently received this update from Starwaves regarding their W2401 receiver. Perhaps we will see one soon? Interested parties should email Starwaves directly. Email Starwaves.