Identifying S.W. Stations

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 35, 13 March 1931, Page 29

Identifying S.W. Stations

Some Helpful Hints HH latest issue to hand of the magazine published by the International Short-wave Club contains 4a valuable article on the identification of short-wave stations. This we reproduce below. "Identifying shortwave broadcast stations is a task, due to stations being irregular and experimental in nature

eines senate and to the fact that: many different languages may be heard. Reception is world wide, and it is quite natural to expect stations to broadcast and announce in their native languages. To Identify every station heard, a listener must first become quite familiar with shortwave tuning. "The first requirement is. an taccurate list of shortwave stations, free from false and discontinued stations. Following this is a calibrated receiver, or at least an idea as to where certain wave-lengths fall on the dials. Then by simple comparison of the wavelength. and the scheduled stations in the list and the-time of reception, a great many stations may be properly and easily fixed. . "However, the handicap of different languages still presents a problem. By becoming familiar with certain phrases and radio terms used in radio one may, perhaps, learn what language is being used. Five languages are in most common use, namely, -Dnglish, German, French, Spanish,.and .Dutch. We. will dismiss English, as it is easily understood by our readers.

"The opening German announcement Is .generally "Actung, Actung," meaning "Attention." Other easily learned words are’ "Kurswellendsender" (shortwave station) -and "Rundfunksender" (broadcaster). The French-almost always announce ‘Hilo, Hilo, ici--which meats, ‘Hello, Hello, this is--.’ Other words are ‘Radiotelephonique’ (radio telephone station), and ‘Bmission’ (broadcast). Spanish stations are accustomed to opening an’ announcement as ‘La Ustacion’ (the station) and common words, easily understood, are "T'ransmisores’ (transmitter). ‘Telefonia’ (telephone), Senor and Senorita (Mr. and Miss). Dutch stations are often herd saying ‘Dames and Herrn (ladies and gentlemen). "Telephone stations are oftimes identified by the cities or stations which they call. For example, Holland stations will call ‘Hello, Bandoeng,’. when working one of the Javanese stations. FIN in France,. calls LSG. Buenos Aires, Hilo, Hilo, Buenos Aires ici Paree.’ _ Other identifications are, HRB

~-UUCKOO Call Lifee times peLrore announcing. F310D-Striking of gong and calls, ‘Hello, here is Siagon. PCJ -~Ticking of clock between selections. Also uses English... Rabat-60 beats on a2 metronome per minute. LSGCalls, "Hilo, Paree, ici Monte Grande.’ Pnglish phones-Uses chopper modulation cutting up voice. KA1IXR-An-nounces ‘KZRM broadcasting from atop of Manila Hotel" Javanese phonesCalls "Hello, Kootwijk . hier is Bandoeng.’ Zeesen-announces ‘Here is der Kurzewellensender at Koenigswursterhausen.? KIO announces ‘CocoHead ealling" I2RO-Lady announcer says ‘Raddio Romana. Tripoli,’ El Pradio-Announces ‘Estacion Hl Prado, Riobamba, TFEucador.’ HS1PJ-Six notes on a piano or musical instrument. American shortwave stations may be identified by the stations which they : relay."