Reception Report #14: May 26. Germany (11580 from Miami, 9620 from Austria)

Dear Amanda,
dear Requiem for Radio team,

Many greetings from Leipzig in Germany. I read this past week some postings about the shortwave transmissions of your Radio for Requiem sound project which is, as I understand, in part honouring the former shortwave transmitters of Radio Canada International.

Though I would not call myself an insider to sound art, I have often listened to some projects when they are broadcast, for instance on Germany's nation-wide Deutschlandradio, or, when I was living in London, on the local Resonance FM.

Having been a shortwave listener in the past decades, including to Radio Canada International's services in English and, until the early 1990s, in German, I was curious to check if I could hear Requiem for Radio on shortwave. Monitoring shortwave signals has become increasingly difficult, as I live in an urban area where more and more electronical devices in the neighbours' households emit severe interfering noise.

But still ... I was thrilled to hear your project last night on two frequencies, 11580 kHz from Florida, and 9620 kHz from Austria. There was much noise on the radio bands, but I am pretty certain that it was indeed your sound project. When I was checking 11580 kHz at around 23:08 hours UTC, I heard "Kyrie eleison", while at other times, some morse code pips and recordings of 'numbers stations' were added to the spheric sounds.

Please find an MP3 file attached to this message. It contains two recordings:

Firstly, two minutes recorded on 11580 kHz from Florida, 23:16-23:18 hours UTC, on 26/05/2017.
Secondly, one minute recorded on 9620 kHz from Austria, 23:23-23:24 UTC, also on 26/05/2017.

Both takes were recorded with my 1999 mini disc recorder, and then transferred to the computer. I recorded from the loudspeakers of my ca. 1990 Grundig Satellit 700 world-band receiver that is only using an in-built telescopic antenna. So, no fancy equipment that would probably have given a better reception, but I was content with what I was able to achieve.

Thank you, and thanks to the broadcasting partners, for making this project possible. I will keep your website bookmarked to check if there might be a final report on the project some time in the future. -- If you find the time to confirm my reception report with your QSL, I will be greatful indeed.

All the very best and please keep up your exciting work.

Best regards from Germany,
Thomas

Reception Report #13: May 26. Italy (11580 from Miami, 9620 from Austria, 9690 from Germany)

Dear Amanda,

here is my reception report:

Date: May 26th, 2017
Time: 2300 – 0000 UTC (01:00 - 02:00 AM local time here in Italy)
Frequency: 11.580 kHz, 9.620 kHz, 9.690 kHz (the others were silent)

Location: Bra, north west of Italy

Receivers: Grundig WR 5410 (built in stylus), WEBSDR Twente University

SINPO with websdr Twente: 54555 for (11.580 kHz), 44444 (9.620 and 9.690)

SINPO with Grundig WR5401: 43343 (11.580 kHz), 23223 (9.620 and 9.690)

Reception notes

I got a glimpse of the 25th broadcast, so on the 26 I set up a websdr station with 5 istances, one on each station broadcasting.

To make things more SWL, I paired the websdr with my small Grundig WR5401.Fair reception expecially on 11.580.

That's for the reception report.

Now for the broadcast: thank you! Brava! Bravi tutti!

As I wrote on facebook, I was really fascinated by the overall artistic experience (I skipped three hours of sleep, with no regrets...).

That fluid, seamless texture of sounds, voices, noises, almost ipnotic.

Sometimes reminded me of Ligeti's works, but also of the evenings spent turning the tuning dial of a 1930 radio just for listening the sounds of radio waves.

And all of this not on a mere mp3 track but sent on 5 channels all over the ether, bouncing around the world though the air and then in my home (in a sense, all the metallic structures of the world, all the world, resonate of the Requiem...). A great experience, really.

I didn't know about your work until yesterday night (I got the news from SWLing blog) but I will look on you website.

Complimenti!

Ferruccio

Reception Report # 12 : May 25. Pensylvannia (11580 from Miami, 5130 from Monticello, 9620 from Austria, and 9690 from Germany)

I found this video on youtube... There is no name for the person, but there is a ham radio call sign: kb3ouk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMvs1JwrTJ4

Text on youtube reads:

Published on 25 May 2017

Listening to the Requiem for Radio broadcast on WBCQ 5130 khz, WRMI 11580 khz and Shortwaveservice 9620 khz and 9690 khz. Includes shots of all 4 stations tuned in at the same time, and then individually on the Grundig Satellit 800 to give an idea of how each station was coming in. This was about halfway through the broadcast, received in south central Pennsylvania.

In the comments under the youtube video, someone has actually decoded some of the morse code to reveal the latin text of the requiem...

Here is the comment from NikkiGurl:

Here are the CW code translations for the various parts in the video for those interested:
2:41 - LUX PERPETUA L
3:04 - LASTING LIGHT SHINE UP[on]
3:22 - [w]WITH THY SAINTS

Comments: The first message at 2:41 is Latin and is probably this: Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine Et lux perpetua luceat eis . This refers possibly to the Western Christian prayer called 'Eternal Rest' or 'Requiem aeternam' whose Latin text in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church is: ℣. Requiem æternam dona ei (eis), Domine
℟. Et lux perpetua luceat ei (eis):
℣. Requiescat (-ant) in pace.
℟. Amen.

The translation used by English speaking Roman Catholics is:
℣. Eternal rest, grant unto him/her (them), O LORD,
℟. And let perpetual light shine upon him/her (them).
℣. May he/she (they) rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Or as translated and used by English speaking Lutherans:
℣. Rest eternal grant him/her, O LORD;
℟. and let light perpetual shine upon him/her.
℣. May he/she rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Finally, as translated and used by English speaking Anglicans:
℣. Rest eternal grant unto them, O LORD:
℟. and let light perpetual shine upon them.
℣. May they rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Taking the clues at 2:41 and 3:04 , it is probably some derivative of the above. Not sure how the last part at 3:22 fits into the prayer; I'm not into religion so its anyone's guess. Mixed with the harmonic sounds of the radio towers, I find it all a little creepy but interesting none-the-less. Excellent work!
Nikki

Reception Report # 11: May 26. Pensylvania (11580 from Miami, 9690 from Germany, 9620 from Austria, 5130 from Monticello)

Dear Amanda,
 
It is with great pleasure that I report the reception of WRMI broadcasting from Okeechobee, FL in United States of America, and three other frequencies from different transmitters.
 
I heard your program on 26-May-2017 from 23:00 to 00:00 UTC on a frequency of 11580 simulcasting also on 5130, 9690, and 5130 MHz

Overall Reception Quality
The SINPO code that describes the overall reception quality of your broadcast is:
 

Remarks:       
 
Note: The Program Details section contains SINPO codes that describe the reception quality of your broadcast throughout the listening period.

Receiver, Antenna, and Accessory
The receiver, antenna, and accessory I used to monitor your broadcast were:

Receivers Used:  WR-G33DDC Excalibur Pro/Grundig Satellit 750/RF Space SDR-IQ/        CommRadio CR-1a
 
Antenna:        Wellbrook ALA 1530S + Imperium/ Wellbrook 1530LNPro/ PARS SWL Sloper, Winradio Long Wire Antenna.
 
Accessory:     GAP- HEAR IT In Line Audio Enhancer Module

Program Details
Your broadcast was in the English language.  The following list describes the programs I heard:

At 23:00 UTC, there was a brief WRMI Station ID followed by instrumental music with what sounded like Morse Code in music playing. At 23:01 UTC, I turned on several more receivers and tuned each one onto a different BC frequency- 9620 Moosbrunn, Austria, 5130 WBCQ Monticello, Maine, and 9690 Nauen, Germany.

At 23:02 UTC there was a male voice coming through on 9690 then it stopped with music still playing. WRMI ID calling Canada came on at 23:03 UTC. At 23:06 UTC, several female singers sang followed by a male singer and several females still singing.

At 23:07 UTC, a female speaker came on and gave numbers. A voice came on again at 23:11 UTC, giving out numbers while instrumental music was playing.

At 23:13 UTC, there were some techno sounds along with the Morse code and music playing.

At 23:18 UTC, there was more techno sounds along with a female voice speaking faintly in the background.

At 23:23 UTC, the Morse code started up again with spooky sounding music in the background.

Again at 23:28 UTC, the Morse code started again after becoming silent.

5130 WBCQ started to fade somewhat at 23:30 UTC, but the other three frequencies still came in strong.

23:31 UTC, Morse code and techno sounds playing, 23:34 UTC, techno music playing, no Morse code, 23:35 UTC, talking in background, Morse code again with a second code playing briefly at 23:39 UTC.

At 23:45 UTC, it sounded like talking again briefly or a techno sound? 

At 22:46 UTC, a male voice spoke along with the music, than a female voice came on.

At 23:48 UTC the female spoke German numbers with echo and reverb heard, along with helicopter sound.

At 23:52 UTC more techno sounds and music, 23:55 UTC, there was a tingling sound like glass being tapped. A whistling sound came on briefly at 23:57 UTC,

At23:59. 45 UTC,  a WRMI ID came on at 00:00 the program was over on all stations.

In Closing
I really enjoyed listening to the “Requiem for Radio” program broadcast this evening. This program was really amazing.  I have never before heard any type of music blended together on 4 different frequencies as this was. Several times I turned down the other three receivers and then one by one turned them up to blend in the music and sound effects. They all seemed to be in perfect synch with no lag time between the frequencies.  The longer I listened the more the music reminded me of “Pink Floyd head music,” from back in the day, very soothing.  I’m 65 years old.
 
If the information in this report matches your program log, I would greatly appreciate receiving a QSL (verification) card or letter from you.
 
Thank you very much for reading my report.  I hope you found it useful.  I look forward to hearing from you soon. Again, this was a very amazing program!
 
Good luck and 73,

Reception Report # 10: May 26. Austria (9690 from Germany)

Hi Amanda !

Last night I was able to hear 9690 kHz.

    Date: May 26th, 2017
    Time: 2300 – 2320 UTC
    Frequency: 9690 kHz (via Nauen, Germany)

    Signal Strength as received here in Leibnitz: fair
    Interference from other stations: moderate / slight
    The overall merit was: fair

I attached mp3-recording I made of my reception.

My receiver is a AOR AR7030 communications receiver and I am using an outdoor magnetic longwire antenna, which is 12.5 metres long.

A carrier was detectable on 5130 kHz, but too weak for any audio. I will do another try tonight ;-)

Reception Report #9: May 25. New Brunswick (11580 from Miami, 9690 from Germany, 9620 from Austria, and 5130 from Monticello)

Hi Amanda:

First of all: neat idea! A first in shortwave broadcasting, I think: a quintaphonic broadcast. Well, perhaps only quadraphonic last night. Couldn't hear the pirate broadcaster on 6850 kHz. Did anyone? Will try again tonight.

Yesterday (25 May) evening, I went outside with my Tecsun PL-880 portable receiver (protected in a plastic enclosure), close to 40 m away from the house to help minimize the effect of radio-frequency interference (RFI) being generated inside my house and used a Tecsun AN-03L 7-metre wire antenna strung to a nearby tree. The receiver was operated in AM mode with 5-kHz IF bandwidth. The audio was recorded mostly unattended using a Tecsun ICR-100 radio recorder / digital audio player with the mp3 files subsequently downloaded to my Mac Pro for later playback.

Reception was excellent on all four audible frequencies (WRMI: 11580 kHz; ShortwaveService, Nauen: 9690 kHz; ShortwaveService, Moosbrunn: 9620 kHz; WBCQ: 5130 kHz) from a quick check before the actual program started. Also checked towards the end of the program. Virtually no interference (QRM) and no atmospheric static (QRN) on any of the frequencies.

I recorded the whole program on 9690 kHz from Nauen. It was by far the strongest signal with full quieting when the carrier came on. All India Radio was also on the frequency but when the Nauen transmitter came on, it completely overpowered AIR giving a virtually interference-free signal. The full hour was transmitted.

Inside my RFI-infested house, I also operated a second receiver: an Eton Grundig Field BT receiver with just its whip antenna, tuned to the WRMI signal on 11580 kHz. Still pretty good reception. Recorded using a Zoom H2n Handy Recorder. The last minute or so of the program was cut with the transition to the next program.

I could probably have operated more receivers at my house (just outside Fredericton) but I only had the two audio recorders (without getting fancy with my iPhone, computers, etc.).

To get one more recording, I used the University of Twente Web-interfaced SDR receiver to record the Moosbrunn signal on 9620 kHz.

I might try to record the WBCQ signal tonight and check if the pirate station is on the air. Might just get all five stations recorded eventually. And then I could play back (if I get them synchronized) all five "voices" for my personal quintaphonic show! ;-)

Attaching a bit of the Nauen broadcast from last night. I particularly liked the call out to RCI from ShortwaveService. Is that Christian Milling's voice?

Reception Report #8: May 25. Germany (11580 from Miami, 9620 from Austria, and 9690 from Germany)

Requiem for Radio - Reception report from Germany

Dear Amanda,
dear all at Requiem for Radio,

last night I was able to listen to your special broadcast on shortwave here in Germany. I heard about your project a few weeks ago and received an email with a reminder about the transmission from a friend and so I tuned in. I used my software defined radio, which means it is a box connected via USB to my laptop (and to the antenna outside of course) which makes it really easy to tune to different stations and to analyse the signal. Please find attached a screenshot of my decoding software which shows the transmission on 9620 and 9680 kHz. It is nice to see the signals from to different transmitting stations broadcasting content that is nearly similar. Furthermore, I could listen to the frequency used by WRMI. For more details, see my reception report below. I am also attaching a short MP3 clip, recorded on 9620 kHz.

I will try to tune in tonight again, using my 1960's SIEMENS receiver – without any digital features.
I have to admit that I don't know that much about audio art projects like yours but have to say it felt really cool to tune in to a different frequency, transmitted by a station on the other side of the Atlantic and listening to some instruments that were playing to the music transmitted from a station here in Germany. A really nice experience! Even the fading and interference by other stations felt arty! :-) I hope that your shows and whole project is working well and many listeners embark on that kind of shortwave adventure! By the way, I am a 25-year-old radio-fan and shortwave-listener, and I am always happy to discover interesting projects and radio-stations. A few years ago, German public broadcaster DRadio did some kind of similar project. They were broadcasting a short audio-clip at night on their AM frequencies and asked listeners to record it and send it to them. Then, they were broadcasting the listener's recordings – which were recorded and emailed to the station by the listeners again and so the sound was changing after some time again and again. I know it was completely different, but somehow your project reminded me of that too.
Please find my reception report below. I'd be really happy to receive one of your QSL cards in case my report is interesting for you.

All the best,
Daniel

RECEPTION REPORT

Date: 25-05-2017
Time: 2300-2320 UTC

Frequencies and reception quality:

11580 kHz (via WRMI): SIO 454 (good signal, no interference, no noise, slight fading, good reception!)
9690 kHz (via Nauen): SIO 333 (mediocre signal, interference by All India Radio, no noise, slight fading, mediocre reception)
9620 kHz (via Moosbrunn): SIO 444 (good signal, slight interference possibly by China, slight noise, some fading, good reception)

no signal on my location on the two other frequencies
Details:

sound mix of morse signals, numbers stations and music
Receiver & Antenna:

ELAD FDM-S1 with Miniwhip antenna (outside)

Reception Report #7: May 25. Austria (11580 from Miami, 9620 from Austria)

Reception of Reqiuem for Radio
on 11580 kHz (via WRMI) and 9620 kHz (via Moosbrunn) in Austria

Hello,

As my hobby is listening to remote radio stations, I was very pleased to hear your programme Requiem for Radio.

I am 40 years old and I have been interested in remote radio stations for 27 years.
I hope that this report will also be of interest to you. I can give you the following date about my listening to your station:

    Date: May 25th, 2017
    Time: 2300 – 2330 UTC
    Frequency: 11580 kHz (via WRMI Ockeechobee, USA)

    Signal Strength as received here in Leibnitz: good
    Interference from other stations: nil
    The overall merit was: good

Here are the details of my reception report:
    2300 UTC: Identification of WRMI
    2300 UTC: Instrumental music with morse signals

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Date: May 25th, 2017
    Time: 2330 – 0000 UTC
    Frequency: 9620 kHz (via Moosbrunn, Austria)

    Signal Strength as received here in Leibnitz: fair
    Interference from other stations: slight
    The overall merit was: fair

Here are the details of my reception report:
    2330 UTC: Instrumental music
    0000 UTC: Sign off

I attached mp3-recordings I made of my reception from both frequencies.

My receiver is a AOR AR7030 communications receiver and I am using an outdoor magnetic longwire antenna, which is 12.5 metres long.

I would be very glad, if you could send me a verification that I really heard your station.

Thanking you in advance for your reply,
                    Yours Sincerely,

Patrick

Reception Report #6: May 25. Central New York (11580 from Miami, 9690 from Germany, 9620 from Austria, and 5130 from Monticello)

Requiem for Radio Reception report

I received part of the 5-station simulcast for "Requiem for Radio" at 2300 UTC on May 25, 2017. I listened for 16 minutes, during which time I heard the tones making up the music as well as some voices from shortwave radio, CW signals, and a woman from a "numbers station" transmission. I was tuned primarily to 11580 kHz (via WRMI), but also tuned around and was able to hear three of the other four frequencies (9690 kHz, 9620 kHz, and 5130 kHz), but was not able to pick up the transmission from Boston Pirate Radio at 6850 kHz.

Primary reception at 11580 kHz was excellent, with no noise or fading (SIO = 555), as was reception at 9690 kHz. Reception at 9620 kHz was a bit weaker but still high quality (SIO = 455). Reception at 5130 kHz was weaker and had some minimal noise (SIO = 344). All transmissions were received on an ICOM R75 communications receiver and a 50 foot wire antenna in my attic.

Would it be possible to receive a QSL verifying reception?

Reception Report #5: May 25. Western Michigan

I'm curious about what date this one was... it notes some portions audio on 6850 Pirate Radio Boston at 06:15... however... Pirate Radio Boston was only transmitting on May 27.... so I'm assuming this was May 27?  Either that... or he was picking up something else on 6850 that wasn't us... I'll have to listen to his recording more closely....

======================================

Reception report

Location:
42°46'40.68" N
86°03'48.70" W
Elevation:  Approx. 212m ASL

Conditions:  approx. 22 deg. Celsius, light wind with mostly sunny sky.

Receiver:  Tecsun PL-660PLL synthesized receiver, 1711-29999kHz
Antenna:   10m wire, strung horizontally ~1.5m above ground, oriented NW to SE

Reception notes

5130 WBCQ:      
Very faint signal detected (02:38 in recording).  Gave up on this frequency pretty quickly.

6850 Boston:
Mostly static, although the vocal portions came through amid the static (06:15 in the audio recording)

9620 Moosebrunn:  
Signal not as strong as Nauen or Miami, but still could hear the program pretty well

9690 Nauen and 11580 WRMI
These frequencies gave the best results.  Some fading in and out, but overall the stability of the signal was good.

Here's a chronology of the frequency switches during the 11-minute recording

Time
MM:SS       Freq.
======================
00:00       11580 WRMI (Station ID)
00:30       11580 WRMI
02:25        5130 WBCQ
02:36        9690 Nauen
02:38        5130 WBCQ
03:01        9690 Nauen
05:01        9620 Moosebrunn
06:15        6850 Boston
06:38       11580 WRMI
07:09        9690 Nauen
07:40        9620 Moosebrunn
07:49        9690 Nauen
08:07        5130 WBCQ
08:22       11580 WRMI
08:48        (Unsure...)
08:58       11580 WRMI
09:36        9620 Moosebrunn
10:06        9690 Nauen
10:37       11580 WRMI
11:00       -- END --

Reception Report #4: May 25. Germany (11580 from Miami, 9620 from Austria, 9690 from Germany)

this one was forwarded to me from Christian Milling at German Shortwave Service.

---------- Ursprüngliche Nachricht ----------
Von: Michael Lindner
Datum: 26. Mai 2017 um 15:57
Betreff: REQUIEM FOR RADIO

REQUIEM FOR RADIO
 
 
Lieber Christian Milling!
 
Zuerst einmal herzliche Grüße aus Gera in Thüringen im "Grünen Herzen" Deutschlands!
Habe mir die gestrige Nacht teilweise um die Ohren geschlagen,um die Spezialsendung "Requiem for Radio" zu empfangen. Es hat sich gelohnt,konnte folgende Stationen empfangen:
 
WRMI-Florida
Shortwaveservice Moosbrunn
Shortwaveservice Nauen
 
Die Ausstrahlungen via Radio WBCQ und Boston Pirat Radio brachten leider keinen Empfangserfolg.
 
Hier nun die Details vom 25.05.2017:
 
Das Programm der klassischen Klangkomposition konnte ich ab 23.00 UTC empfangen. Die Musikaufnahmen im Anhang entstanden jeweils für zwei Minuten wie folgt:
11580 KHz um 23.14 UTC
9620 KHz   um 23.18 UTC
9690 KHz   um 23.31 UTC

Die akustischen Anhänge verraten dir die technische Qualität,wie ich das alles mit meinem Tecsun PL-660er mit Teleskopantenne hier in Gera empfangen konnte.

Auf 9690 KHz (Nauen) dominierte leider das englische Programm von All India Radio. Aber deutlich im Hintergrund ist die Ausstrahlung aus Nauen zu erkennen. Auch Störungen am Anfang der Ausstrahlungen durch einen Zahlensender bemerkte ich auf den beiden anderen Frequenzen. Die Aufnahmen habe ich mit meinem Handy aufgenommen.

Für mich war das ehrlich eine etwas seltene Ausstrahlung,deren Sinn ich nicht so richtig verstehe.Trotzdem würde ich mich freuen,wenn ich dir mit meinen Empfangsbeobachtungen eine kleine Freude bzw. Hilfe bereiten kann.
Über eine spezielle QSL-Karte,falls es eine gibt,würde ich mich riesig freuen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus dem Osten,

Reception Report #3: May 26. Germany (9620 from Austria)

Date: May 26, 2017
From: Joachim Thiel
Subject: Reception report - 9620 kc/s

Hello from Germany,

I heard about your special art transmission on shortwave and want to send a short report about reception over here in Germany.
Best frequency was 9620 kc/s from Austria, so I listenedd on this channel and add a short mp3-file below.
Your production was a little bit strange to me, but I found it very interesting.

Here some details about my reception:

Date: May 25th, 2017
Frequency 9620 kc/s
Time: 23.00 - 24.00 UTC
Receiver: Sony ICF 7600 D
Antenna: built in telescopiy antenna
SINPO: 55454

Very strong signal, no interference at all, a very little atmospheric noise and nearly no fading

Is it possible finding out some more informations about your art project?
Please verify with so called qsl please.

Thank you very much for your reponse and all the best to you for future projects

Reception Report #2: May 25. Brasil (9690 from Germany)

this is not a complete reception report.
It is a comment that was posted underneath Marco van laarhoven's youtube video.
I am hoping to receive a reception report... the QSL card is filled out and ready to mail.

YouTube Comment from:  jtownshend

Very good! I was able to tune 9690kHz here in southern Brasil.

Reception Report #1: May 25. Netherlands. (9620 from Austria)

1st reception report came from someone who posted a youtube video titled: 
"Creepy music with numbers stations - unknown source, possibly pirate"
somehow, he found my website and sent me this email with a link to his video.

I replied to his email, and also commented on the youtube thread... I hope he sends me his address so I can mail him a QSL card... I filled out the card for him... but no response yet...

Name: Marco van laarhoven
Email Address: ..............
Subject: Recieved
Date: May 25, 2017

Message: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TBwYhsl7gNs&feature=youtu.be

Hard this Transmission. ist that yours ?
greetings Form the netherlands