Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] DX Test Material

[Chernos Saul <sauldx@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I concur with Les' observations about what works best as content in a DX test. I wowuld add that I still think there should be music and other of the usual content - or unusual content. It's more interesting when tests vary in content, and also there's some element of challenge. I look forward to going through my recording to see if I've caught any of the music or any voice announcements, because catching this more difficult content would be neat in and of itself. I think it's awesome the test made it to Europe. This is a perfect example of a test done perfectly. Lots of lead notice time. It came off exactly as planned. And the content was meticulously and thoughtfully put together. Paul Walker and Bob Souza get an A++ IMO.

The only thing that sent a very slight jitter down my spine was that it seemed to start a couple of minutes late. That's when I went online to the webstream, and when I heard music my heart sank for a second. But within a moment or two the sweeps were happening. In retrospect, I really like this - I don't think a test should completely come off as expected or predicted by DXers. Each should have its own unique fingerprint, because it's more fun and challenging that way and because it makes it more QSLable and verifiable. So the late start by a couple minutes was IMP a strong positive. Yeah, I know any one of us can tune in on the web and hear it, if there's a live stream. But it's harder for the tiny few in our midst who report what they haven't legitimately heard to falsify an actual distant recording (though of course I can think of multiple ways it can be done by someone so determined).

I'm still reeling from how far this one got out...

Saul Chernos
Burnt River ON

> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:46:49 -0500
> From: les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: am@xxxxxxxxxxx; irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; abdx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [NRC-AM] DX Test Material
> 
> Last night's very successful KCKM test only reinforces the importance of 
> using the proper test material programming. In the early 2000's, we need 
> a double blind experiment to determine what material worked the best in 
> cutting through the noise of a cluttered channel at various signal levels.
> 
> Hands down, the clear winner were the sweep tones used in last night's 
> KCKM test. These were followed by the "Off-Hook telephone sound", "slide 
> whistle", and finally Morse Code at around 900-1000 Hz. This was true at 
> all signal levels, but especially at the weakest levels.
> 
> Some material that did not test well:
> 
> 1.) Christmas Music
> 2.) Voice announcements with either male or female voice.
> 3.) Marching Band Music
> 4.) Classical Music
> 5.) Sound effects like roosters, bells, etc.
> 
> One musical source that scored higher than any other were TV show theme 
> songs. I think this is due to the fact that they stand out from other 
> clutter, and are recognizable patterns to our brains. Some stations just 
> are not willing to run only "Sweeps & Codes" for extended times, and TV 
> theme songs make a good alternative. But to the extent possible, a 
> scientific test and lots of on-air experience proves that nothing beats 
> sweep tones if a station wants to be heard.
> 
> While I've retired from CPC duties for now, I'm happy to provide the 
> material for DX Tests. In fact you can download them yourself at:
> 
> http://www.highnoonfilmclient.com/AMCPC/
> 
> The sweep tones and other sound effects are in a ZIP file, and the 
> WinMorse software (Freeware) is also mirrored here. It makes it easy to 
> convert text files into Morse Code .WAV files. Follow Paul Walker's 
> example, and ask your local station about doing a test today.
> -- 
> 73,
> 
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> Maylene, AL
> EM63
> 
> Member NRC, IRCA, & Medium Wave DX Circle
> Former CPC Chairman for NRC/IRCA
> 
> Perseus SDR, SDR-IQ,Funcube Pro, Wellbrooke ALA-1530+ loop, LF 
> Engineering Active Whips,
> Quantum Phaser, Kiwa Loop, Palstar MW Pre-Selector

 		 	   		  
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