TEST MATERIAL UPDATE- WCGA 1100 kHz “May Day” Maintenance DX Test — Sunday, May 1 Midnight to 2 AM EDT (0400-0600 UTC).
The test will consist of lots of the usual sweep tones, off-hook telephone signals, iPhone ringer, etc as well as Morse Code ID’s at 12 WPM and 20 WPM. The Morse Code will be at 800 Hz and 1,000 Hz. There will also be long-duration 1,000 Hz tones that should be easily visible in the waterfall displays of an SDR. 

There is more “voice” content to this test than most previous tests. Without saying too much, I can say that some of it will be unusual—unprecedented in my tenure as CPC Chairman. For those fortunate enough to copy the vocal audio, it will be a real treat. For those more distant, it might be worthwhile to listen to the test with a remote SDR located nearby to the station. 

The station’s owner, Wesley Cox is the real deal. A station owner who is in love with the medium of radio, and someone who values the role of WCGA in his community. Once Jim Renfrew explained to him how passionate hobbyists were about hearing the station, he not only agreed—he embraced his role in the test. 

Having an owner willing to print QSL cards, and handle verifications personally is beyond rare these days. It really shows that the CPC alone can’t do it—it takes each DX’er being a good ambassador to broadcasters. Treating each one with respect. Understanding that this is their business, their livelihood, we have a much greater chance of success. 

Both of the most recent tests are proof of this. The CPC doesn’t need the credit—DX’ers like Jim and Harry Dence rightfully should be in the spotlight. 

Despite the time of year and recent solar conditions, WCGA has a healthy signal—a coastal location and 1100 kHz isn’t terrible at night. It should provide a real shot for Europe, Scandinavia, and the West Coast. 

Les Rayburn, N1LF to mwcircle iog (2022-04-28)

Re. WCGA 1100 kHz “May Day” Maintenance DX Test.
In my haste to rush out this announcement last night, I forgot to give all the credit where it is due. This test was the brainchild of Hall of Fame DX’er Jim Renfrew of Clarendon, NY. Jim QSL’ed daytimer WCGA earlier this year, and received a personal note from owner Wesley Cox. 
Instead of simply worrying about his personal accomplishment and framing the verification, Jim went the extra mile and followed up with Mr. Cox, informing him a bit about the hobby of distant listening and making polite inquires about any planned maintenance to the station. Once Jim learned that maintenance was planned for the near future, he quickly contacted the CPC—and let us run with the ball from there. 
But all credit goes to Jim for arranging this test, being a great ambassador for the hobby, and thinking of the rest of us instead of just himself. 
We owe you one, Jim! 

Les Rayburn to mwcircle iog (2022-04-28)

Short notice test announcement for a DX Test this Sunday, May 1st for WCGA 1100 in Woodbine, GA. They’ll be doing a two-hour long test this Saturday starting at Midnight until 2 AM Eastern Daylight Time (0400-O600 UTC) 
WCGA is a true “daytimer” that normally broadcasts only during daylight hour, making reception in many areas difficult or impossible. This is a great chance for those on the West Coast, Europe, and elsewhere to log the test. 
They’ll be broadcasting at full daytime power of 10,000 watts into their normal array. Not only that but owner Wesley Cox has insisted on having the station administer the QSLs directly. The station even had special cards printed up for the test. 

QSL INFORMATION
WCGA is actively soliciting reports from DX’ers on their signal. They’re interested in hearing about frequency stability, audio quality, and overall performance. The station will accept both hard copy reports via USPS mail and email reports. They would love to receive audio recordings in either .WAV or.MP3 and videos in .MP4 video. 

Reception reports should go to: 
Wesley Cox
Owner/General Manager
News/Talk 1100 WCGA
714 Narrow Way
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
wcganews@yahoo.com
 Physical QSL card senders will receive a physical QSL. Email QSLs will receive email QSL.

Best audio narrative recording and received via email in MP3 or MP4 about themselves and their passion for radio that includes their reception of WCGA and the who, what, when, where, why and how of that event taking place will receive a special prize from the station. DX’ers who submit recordings must grant permission to broadcast their recordings. The decision of WCGA staff on the winner is final.

A huge thank you to the staff of WCGA and their owner Wesley Cox for agreeing to provide notification of this maintenance test to DX’ers, and soliciting our reports. 
Please cross-post and circulate news of this test widely to Facebook Groups, Twitter accounts, reflectors, etc. 

Les Rayburn to mwcircle iog (2022-04-28)

Another 473-475 kHz test tonight.
Transmissions will begin about 0030 UTC and concluding about 0200 UTC, from Zeeland MI.
Start time is subject to setup but will be not later than 0100 UTC with shutdown not earlier than 0200 UTC.
Transmitter frequency will be between 473 and 475 kHz with a continuously looped CW message sent at 18 WPM.

Monday morning’s test was heard in Green Bay Wisconsin with a 569 RST signal report from a ham that just happened to be tuning across the signal as he was monitoring the band. (Groundwave distance of 152 miles)

QSL to:
Paul Dobosz – K8PD
pjdobosz@gmail.com
317-750-8437 (cell) (immediate text confirmations appreciated)
Snail Mail @
6444 Hidden Hollow Ln
Holland MI 49423-7901

Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts, Inc.
PO Box 72 || mare(dot)radio(dot)tripod(dot)com
Owosso, MI || a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization
USA 48867 || devoted to promoting *all* radio hobbies (2022-04-27 – 02:25:31 PM GMT)