October 17th-19th
- organized by:
The Organizing Committee is very happy to present the results of the NORDX-97 competition, bringing to an end almost one year of preparations and work. We hope that we have managed to provide a competition worthwhile of the time, money and effort which contestants have invested.
106 individuals enrolled for the competition, with 76 submitting logs. Consequently, a total of 925 logs has been examined by committee members, having first spent hours checking the content of all programmes to provide the best possible master logs in collaboration with our monitors.
As always seems to be the case, conditions on shortwave proved highly average during the Nordx weekend. However, MW conditions were outstanding, and we know many of you made some excellent MW catches during breaks in the Nordx schedule.
When compiling the listening schedule, there is always an element of risk that event the most diligent of research cannot eliminate. However, it is fair to say that we incurred more than our fair share of bad luck. We made mistakes, such as Angola and Globo, when we frankly should have known better, but there were also mishaps which were beyond our control - such as the transmitter breakdowns at Ecos del Torbes and R Jordan, and the VOA switching error.
As a consequence, as many as six stations had to be deleted. This contributed towards a very close race, with 18 contestants finishing on the same amount of station points. It is fair to say that although there was very little separating the top contestants, Gert Nilsson was a very worthy winner, whose accurate and detailed reporting was consistently impressive.
As organizers over the past few years have also commented, the Internet is a most useful tool in the context of working with Nordx. E-mail is a fast and efficient medium for communication with monitors, stations and sponsors, and web pages provide information about song titles, artists and other facts which are needed for the master logs.
However, the Internet is also becoming a threat to the very concept of DX-competitions such as Nordx. At the very last moment, several stations that were intended for inclusion in the contest schedule had to be omitted, because we discovered that live Real Audio-feeds were available through the ‘net. With more and more stations providing this kind of service, compiling an interesting and challenging selection of stations which cannot be picked up outside the SW bands, will become increasingly difficult.
We have appreciated reading your comments, which were mostly of a positive nature, and your views will be of value to future organizers. All protests concerning the contest have been carefully considered and discussed among committee members, and it is our hope that we have judged the contest as fairly as possible. As a consequence, the Organizing Committee regard all decisions connected with Nordx ‘97 as final. Further protests will not be considered at this stage, save for the possible occurrence of mathematical errors.
On several occasions, broadcasts from specially activated transmitters in hard-to-hear countries have featured in Nordx. However, not everyone within the DX-community is prepared to recognize such one-offs, which often use PTP-transmitters, as proper broadcast stations. Such an event also requires a lot of time and effort on behalf of the championship organizers. Initially, we did consider one or two options, but quickly decided to concentrate on making the contest schedule as interesting as possible within the framework of stations regularly on the air.
In early 1997, the shortwave facility at Fredrikstad was quietly closed down after operating for almost 50 years. When approached by DX-Listeners’ Club, Radio Norway International instantly agreed to give Fredrikstad a worthy farewell by producing a special broadcast to coincide with the Nordx weekend. Former employees at the transmitter worked in their spare time to bring the station back to life after it had been idle for almost nine months. The transmission was an unqualified success, resulting in almost 150 reception reports from all over the world in addition to the Nordx logs. It was also an emotional and special occasion for everyone who had been involved with the Fredrikstad transmitter over the years. A special QSL-card has been produced, which is enclosed with the Nordx results.
We also contacted VOA with a view to organizing something special, preferably a one-frequency transmission from one of their relay facilities outside the USA. After exploring several possibilities, we were eventually offered a special broadcast using a single transmitter at the Greenville site. The programme was to be a relay from digital satellite, a music programme with greetings to Nordx listeners which would not have been available through any other SW or MW outlets. Unfortunately, a switching error at the VOA control centre resulted in the regular "VOA Sunday" programme also going out on "our" frequency. QSLs for this broadcast are mailed directly from the USA.
One month prior to the Nordx weekend, a new station started testing on shortwave from the West-African country of Liberia. Operated by the US-backed "Fondation Hirondelle" in Switzerland, its aim is to provide independent and impartial news to the population of this war-torn country. Being a low-power all-talk service, reporting this station in Europe was always going to be difficult. We decided to try and improve chances by requesting a special one-off music programme for Nordx listeners at 22.00, two hours after normal sign-off. However, when bad fuel created problems for their generator, this had to be cancelled at the last moment. Instead, Star Radio agreed to stay on the air for ten extra minutes at 20:00, inserting a reggae record between the end of normal programming and the Liberian national anthem. Alas, because conditions were less than favourable amid Italian pirate broadcasts, we received no convincing logs.
| Prizes | Sponsored by | |
| 1-3 | Coat (windbreaker) with NRK logo | |
| 4 | WRTH 1998 | DX-Köp |
| 5 | WRTH 1998 | BBV-kjøp |
| 6 | One year's subscription to Eter Aktuellt | Sveriges DX-Förbund |
| 7 | One year's subscripton to Shortwave News | DSWCI |
| 8 | One year's subscription to Distance | UKVK |
| 9-11 | One year's subscription to DX-News | DXLC |
| 12-14 | Amazing AM | DXLC |
| 15 | Nietzche CX-201 Coaxial switch | VHF Communication |
| 16 | MFJ 105B World Clock | Multi Com |
| 17-20 | 1997 Shortwave Frequency List | Klingenfuss Publications |
| 21 | 1998 Tropical Bands Survey | DSWCI |
| 22 | 1998 Clandestine List | DSWCI |
| 23-26 | Umbrella | NRK |
| 27 | Bag | Radio Austria Int. |
| 28-29 | T-shirt | World Music Radio |
| 30-31 | T-shirt | Radio Nederland |
| 32 | T-shirt | Radio Austria Int. |
| 33-35 | Radio-TV Håndbogen | Hartvig Media |
| 36-38 | T-shirt | NRK P3 |
| 39-42 | CD | Radio Nederland |
| 43-45 | T-shirt | Multi Com |
One prize, also a coat with NRK logo, has been drawn from among all contestants, irrrespective of the final standings. This prize has been awarded to Sven-Erik Hjelt of Oulu, Finland.
All contestants receive a special Nordx/Radio Nacional pennant as a souvenir. A special king-size edition of this pennant has been awarded to the winner, as well as the highest-placed contestants from Finland, Denmark, Norway and "the rest of the world".
It was our experience that sponsoring the Nordic DX Championships is no longer a very lucrative proposition among retailers of radio equipment etc, but in the end we managed to compile a reasonably interesting list of prizes. Our warm thanks to everyone who contributed, especially the Nordic DX clubs. The main prizes were bought from a clearance sale at the NRK, using what was left over from entrance fees after all other expenses were covered. We hope that the current Nordic Champion and the runners-up will look dapper in their new stylish men’s wear!
R Uganda 20:30-20:55 4976 kHz
There was lots of QRM on this frequency, but listeners with sharp receivers have coped well with this. Station points: 28. Max. number of programme points: 5. Number of logs submitted: 60.
R Globo 21:00-21:25 6030 or 11805 kHz - station deleted
Originally, we had intended this station for the same time segment on the Saturday night. When a number of stations had to be removed from the schedule at the last moment, we decided to move Globo to the Friday to help piece the Nordx puzzle together. However, as everyone interested in Brazilian stations knows, this is the time when "A Voz do Brasil" is relayed by all stations on weekdays. A bad mistake on our part, which in itself probably would have forced us to delete the station. As it happened, Globo made matters certain when there was a transmitter breakdown on both channels just three minutes into the listening period...
Christian Voice 21:30-21:55 3330 kHz
Quite often, this station is well heard, but on this occasion it proved quite tricky. The programme consisted of inspirational songs with short announcements by a male announcer. As we were unable to obtain accurate details of song titles and performers, no programme points will be awarded for this station, only station points. Station points: 56. Number of logs submitted: 43
Ghana BC 22:10-22:35 3366 kHz
One of the most pleasant listening experiences, with plenty of well-known music. Station points: 26. Max. number of programme points: 5. Number of logs submitted: 57.
R Corporation of Singapore 22:40-23:00 7170 kHz - station deleted
When we monitored this frequency in the weeks leading up to the championship, Singapore could be quite well heard with its Tamil broadcast from 22:00. On Nordx Friday, however, the station did not appear with its interval signal until just before 23:00. Presumably, this was caused by a change from daylight saving time in Singapore that we had not been aware of. Station deleted.
La Voz del Llano 23:05-23:30 6115 kHz.
This station was heard on 6115.1 kHz, with Radio Unión interfering from 6115.3! The musical programme "El cartero preguntón" was heard with greetings to listeners and loads of adverts and public service announcements. Station points: 53 Max. number of programme points: 21. Number of logs submitted: 44.
R Clube Paranaense 23:35-00:00 6040, 9725, 11935 kHz.
One of the trickiest stations on offer, heard on 6040 only (reported by many as slightly off frequency). A religious programme in English was heard on 9725 kHz. Station points: 60. Maximum number of programme points: 13. Number of logs submitted: 31.
Sri Lanka BC 14:30-14:55 9730, 11800, 15425 kHz
11800 was not in use, while both 9730 and 15425 gave reception. 9730 was preferred by most contestants. Stronger and more easily reported music was heard one hour earlier. Country & western fans were able to enjoy a half-hour non-stop concert featuring Tammy Wynette. However, surprisingly few of you recognised her or any of her songs. Station points: 30. Max. number of programme points: 9. Number of logs submitted: 57.
AIR Jaipur 15:00-15:25 3345 kHz
This was a very difficult programme to report. First half consisted of Hindi devotional songs, followed by Hindi national news. After reviewing the reports, the jury has drawn the conclusion that no programme-points will be awarded. Station points: 37. Number of logs submitted: 51.
RRI Padang 15:25-15:55 4003 kHz - station deleted
One thing is certain - Padang was NOT broadcasting on 4003 kHz. However, some participants have reported a station just below 4000 kHz, which may have well been Padang operating on an alternative frequency, although 4000 kHz is also used by RRI Kendari. As none of our monitors re-tuned to this channel, we did not obtain sufficient details for judging your reports, and we were forced to delete this station.
R Jordan 16:00-16:25 11690 kHz - station deleted
We had intended some "easy listening" just prior to Fredrikstad, as this station normally puts in a powerhouse signal with pop music at this time. On this particular occasion, however, the station was off the air. One contestant mentions storms and heavy flooding in the western part of Jordan, and this may well have been the reason for the transmitter failure.
R Norway Int 16:30-17:00 11680 kHz
This official last broadcast from the Fredrikstad site was beamed towards North America (247 degrees), but it was also widely heard elsewhere, with non-Nordx reports coming in from such far-away places as Australia and Siberia. Station points are given for names and sufficient description of topics, a maximum of 17 points. Station points: 4. Number of logs submitted: 73.
VoFree Nigeria 19:20-19:45 11680 kHz
VoFN provided a reasonably strong signal, but the combination of ruffled audio and African accents presented contestants with challenges. Station points: 24. Max. number of programme points: 3. Number of logs submitted: 59.
R Rwanda 20:15-20:35 6055 kHz
This station was heard with fairly strong signal throughout, although there was some QRM from BBC after 20:27. The program was a request show with greetings to listeners. The DJ, speaking in French with a strong African accent, constantly talked over the records and made life difficult for contestants and monitors alike. Station points: 34. Max. number of programme points: 4. Number of logs submitted: 59.
Star Radio 19:50-20:10 3400 kHz
It was disappointing that nobody actually submitted accurate logs of this station. Star Radio were kind enough to play a special record for us at 20:00, but the reggae rhythms of Alpha Blondy did not reach Nordic shores on a night of poor conditions and heavy QRM. Station: points: 101
R Nac Angola 20:40-21:00 3375, 4950, 7245 kHz - station deleted
Just prior to Nordx, an English service was introduced on 3375 and 7245 kHz, which had earlier been parallel with Portuguese on 4950. Although this channel was blocked by VOA, some contestants managed to obtain a few details, but most people opted for 3375, which provided fair reception. Unfortunately, our monitors only supplied us with details from 4950, forcing us to delete this station.
R Ecos del Torbes 22:30-23:00 4980 or 9640 kHz - station deleted
Once again, due to extreme weather conditions in San Cristóbal, the transmitter on 4980 kHz had a technical failure shortly before our listening period. Some contestants submitted logs on 9640 kHz, but we have been informed that this frequency is not used at this time (always closes at 20:00). The programme "Recordando a gozar muchachos" was scheduled, celebrating the station’s 50th anniversary with tunes from the forties and fifties performed by Billo’s Caracas Boys.
Colmundo Bogotá 23:15-23:40 6064.5 kHz.
The programme on this station was "Noches para el recuerdo" hosted by Arturo de la Rosa, consisting of music from all over Latin America - Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru. The programme included greetings to Nordx-competitors, and parts of the Nordx schedule was even read out. Station points: 65. Max. number of programme points: 7. Logs submitted: 32.
R Satélite 03:10-03:35 6725.65 kHz.
The programme was "Así canta mi Perú", featuring on-air timechecks which were three minutes off! Station points: 40. Max. number of programme points: 6. Logs submitted: 49.
R dif Nacional de Colombia 03:10-03:35 4955 kHz
This station prepared themselves for the participation in Nordx-97 by taking the transmitter off the air until 15 minutes before the listening period started, adjusting the transmitter to provide the best possible signal on their 20 kW transmitter. Nevertheless, the signal was somewhat distorted. The programme was specially prepared for us, containing frequent mentions of "DX-ismos Internacional". 52 logs submitted. Station points: 37. Maximum number of programme points: 10.
R Quito 03:40-04:05 4919 kHz.
Fairly good reception, but unannounced music made reporting difficult. 53 logs submitted. Station points: 40. Maximum number of programme points: 10.
VOA Greenville 04:10-04:35 5890 kHz
A switching error at the VOA control centre deprived us of the jazz programme from VOA’s digital satellite package which should have been aired, complete with greetings to Nordx participants. Instead, we got the same ordinary programme as other SW listeners at that time. Some interference noted from Tirana. 62 logs submitted. Station points: 21. Maximum number of programme points: 21.
AWR Alajuela 04:40-05:00 5030, 6150, 7375 or 9725 kHz.
Received on all frequencies, the best choice varied among the participants, but 5030 and 9725 were mostly favoured. Reported to be slightly off frequency on 5030.1, 7374.9 and 9724.9 The 31mb frequency obviously closed down at 0459, while the rest continued. The station had been notified of their involvement in our contest, and the music played the final ten minutes was probably selected with Nordic listeners in mind. 50 logs submitted. Station points: 34. Max. number of programme points: 6.
Final results of Nordx-97. The table should be self explaining. Grey fields are not accepted reports.
| Club ranking: | Nation ranking: | |||||||||
| 1 | Norrköpings Distanslyssnare | S | 5+7+9 | = | 21 | 1 | Sweden | 1+3+4+5+6 | = | 19 |
| 2 | Umeå Kortvågsklubb | S | 3+21+23 | = | 47 | 2 | Finland | 2+12+13+14+16 | = | 57 |
| 3 | Malmö Kortvågsklubb | S | 10+18+26 | = | 54 | 3 | Norway | 19+40+54+59+61 | = | 233 |
| 4 | Volvo DX Klub | S | 31+34+36 | = | 101 | 4 | Denmark | only 4 contestants | ||
| 5 | DSWCI | DK | 27+32+46 | = | 105 | |||||
The Nordx Organizing Committee: Bernt Erfjord, Olav Nordli, Jan Alvestad, Svein Olav Pedersen, Ole Forr and Arild Skalmeraas.
Monitors - without whom Nordx wouldn’t be possible: Gabriel Ivan Barrera, Henrik Klemetz, G.Victor A. Goonetilleke, David Norrie, Francois Steyn, Levi P Iversen, Horacio A. Nigro, C.K.Raman. Thanks also to Stig Hartvig Nielsen.
Fredrikstad: Egil Larsen, Joubert Kristoffersen, Olav Mo Grimdalen, Einar Lie, Andrew Glasse and everyone at Radio Norway International.
Thanks also to: Kim Andrew Elliott (VOA), Adrian Peterson and Karl E. Thompson (AWR), Dario Baroni and Tomas Miglierina (Star R), Anders Brandborg, Tom Hägg, Lars Bygdén.