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Author
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Topic: Time signal broadcasts — updates
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David Burch
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posted October 04, 2011 06:13 PM
We have just received a nice note from Gunnar Isaksson in Sweden pointing out that much of the information we have on radio time signals is out of date (Table on page 118). we have some notes in the course about this, but it is worth stressing again.
Remember that even though we do now most likely get our UTC from GPS, we should be prepared to do it the proper way using these international time signal broadcasts.
He noted that: "To the best of my knowledge, the following stations are decommissioned on shortwave: ATA, JJY, MSF, OLB5, DAO VNG, VWC, Y3S and ZAO.
JJY and MSF are still transmitting on longwave (AM) so a multi-band radio clock can still use JJY and MSF for updates.
The station YVTO has moved to 5 MHz.
RWM transmits on 4996, 9996 and 14996 kHz as they have always done. (we have an error here and list them incorrectly as 5,10,15). This is the strongest station here in Sweden
You have missed the Chinese station transmitting from Xiang. Call sign BPM on 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 MHz. I hear them now and then here in Sweden.
Another issue is that Canadian CHU changed the frequency 7335 kHz to the new frequency 7850 kHz a few years ago due to interference problems.
For a worldwide coverage of time signals. You should at least list the following stations: WWV, WWVH, CHU (with corrected 7850),YVTO, LOL1, RWM and BPM
The station BPM will fill important voids in the Indian ocean and western Pacific.
Please research this matter and issue a PDF file with the updated information. One website with recent information is http://www.dxinfocentre.com/time.htm
There are more sites but many have not been updated in many years. If in doubt check if the frequency 7850 kHz is listed for CHU and then you will know if it is recent or old.
Thank you Gunnar. We will update our notes on the next printing and do the research you suggest.
From: Starpath, Seattle, WA
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