DRM Decoder Android app

Holy crap! I have not tried this yet, but one of our intrepid readers may figure it out. FREE from here. If you have success, let us know on the DRMNA Yahoo Group.

Developers...Start your engines!

Not DRM but an incredible opportunity to make a difference using International Shortwave!
Here is the BBG RFP to develop end-user mobile software to decode and display VOA Radiogram.
VOA Radiogram (presented by Dr. Kim Andrew Elliott) has more than proven itself as a way to get text and images into all corners of the globe, using conventional AM shortwave transmitters.

Now it is your turn to develop mobile software, to see VOA Radiogram received on typical, off the shelf mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. See the RFP here and recognize the short turn-around time to apply. Let's see a DRMNAer "go for the gold" and earn the monetary prize behind this awesome initiative! Hurry, there is no time to lose.

Michael Feilen on DRM and Spark

For Christmas, I'm bringing you another DRMNA exclusive! Michael Feilen is the designer of Spark DRM modulator software. If you are a DRM experimenter, I recommend you contact Michael via his site for a demo/trial copy of Spark. It is great fun for testing your DRM receiver setup!

I asked Michael a few questions and in response, Michael lays out not only the history of Spark but great insight into the history of of DRM development. Merry Christmas and enjoy!

Radio Exterior de España [REE] on 9630kHz

Here is a brief video of my DRM reception of REE on 20111108 at 00:30z. They are a bit overkill on the bitrate, but it sounds good.

Bootable DRM Receiver?

What about a very simple "Bootable Linux" version of DReaM on a USB drive hidden inside a radio? It would be a great way to jump-start some people into DRM reception!

There once was talk of a cheap Chinese set like this. The added piece would be the tiny flash drive (512M are about $3 US retail currently). The only other problem is what it would take to get permission from Fraunhofer for the AAC+ rights (can anyone pull some strings here? The Consortium?) We have made some headway this year by getting compiled DReaM executables out there!

The radio was the Kchibo KK-DRM 01. I can't tell if it is around any more (or if it ever really was!) A single unit did get out and received some attention in 2005-2006. I'd hope that production costs have improved and it would be even cheaper now.

Reports were less than ideal but perhaps simple improvements would suffice. I'd guess it could retail at sub $30 US. Certainly a cheaper alternative to the current standalone offerings. Post your thoughts to the Yahoo Group! Is it just me, or does it look like this might be the same/similar radio?

UPDATE 20111107: Digger from DRMRX forum is an owner of the original KK-DRM 01 set. I quote from his email: "It is useless for DRM above 9 MHz, probably due to instability in the PLL or lots of jitter or noise from it."

Radio New Zealand International B11 sked

One of our "sure bet" DRM broadcasters here out West just published their B11 schedule. I really enjoy listening to them in the evening. RNZI is Mostly talk and news, but we often get a taste of NZ Rock and great Pacific Islands music. I still hope for an interview with their "frequency man" Adrian Sainsbury soon! (UPDATED: 20111020 new video at bottom of post)

More Mobile Adventures

Just a quick post about my newest mobile fun! I went out and bought a 102" steel CB whip (this will keep me out of the garage and the drive-thru!) I had to secure the magnetic mount base with a piece of nylon cord since the wind load is quite high.

OFF TOPIC WARNING!

Off Topic but a nice weather satellite image I captured using Pappradio and MultiPSK. 8682 kHz from Pt. Reyes CA.

As you can see, when there is no DRM to copy, I'm enjoying utility and analog BC monitoring on Pappradio!

Fun with Pappradio - Mobile DRM

Here is a repost since my first "fun with Pappradio" got eaten somehow!

Today I loaded my Asus Eee PC 901A, Pappradio and C. Crane FM modulator into my Honda and went for a drive. Disco Palace and TDP Radio were on so I knew I'd have nice signals to work with. I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

DReaM Binaries at Sourceforge

http://sourceforge.net/projects/drm/files/drm/

You will still need to locate Hamlib and AAC decoders elswhere, but this is some kind of progress!

Alexander Zink answers some questions

Alexander is Vice President of the DRM Association and Fraunhofer Institute vice group leader for the work group 'Broadcast Applications'. He answers a few of my questions from the DRM webinar:

Interview with Rafael Diniz of DRM-Brasil

I asked Rafael to tell us about himself, his work and the current status of DRM in Brazil. DRMNA.info is pleased to once again offer an English language exclusive! Although Brazil is not exactly NORTH America, Rafael's work is a testimony to what can happen in the Americas!