RSID: <<2025-08-14T23:31Z MFSK-32 @ 9265000+1500>>

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Welcome to program 413 of Shortwave Radiogram.

I'm Kim Andrew Elliott in Arlington, Virginia USA.

Here is the lineup for today's program, in MFSK modes as noted:

  1:42 MFSK32: Program preview (now)
  2:53 MFSK32: Tiny aircraft will study the mesosphere
  8:35 MFSK64: Print beats digital for learning to read
12:37 MFSK64: This week's images
28:31 MFSK32: Closing announcements

 

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

We're on Bluesky now: SWRadiogram.bsky.social

And X/Twitter: @SWRadiogram

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From Science News:

Sunlight is all that's needed to keep these tiny aircraft aloft

The devices could measure weather in Earth's neglected upper
atmosphere

By Emily Conover
August 13, 2025

Earth's mesosphere is a "no-fly zone." The air in this layer of
the upper atmosphere is too thin to support traditional aircraft.
But new, lightweight devices could defy that rule, requiring only
sunlight to keep them aloft on high.

The technology is based on photophoresis, the flow of gas
generated around an object when light shines on it. This effect
is particularly strong at low pressures, as in the mesosphere,
which sits 50 to 85 kilometers above Earth's surface. Aircraft
designed to harness this principle levitated in laboratory
conditions that mimicked the mesosphere, physicist Benjamin
Schafer and colleagues report in the Aug. 14 Nature. The
technique could help scientists unlock the secrets of the
mesosphere, which is so poorly understood it's known as the
"ignorosphere."

Just a centimeter wide, the fliers weigh less than a milligram.
Cradling one in your hand feels like holding nothing, says
Schafer, of Harvard University and Rarefied Technologies, a
startup in Albuquerque, N.M., developing the technology. An
errant sigh could send it sailing from your palm. "If you sneeze,
you might as well say goodbye."

The design consists of two thin layers of material stacked atop
one another, perforated by channels that allow gas flow — like
two slices of Swiss cheese. The top layer is transparent, while
the bottom layer absorbs sunlight. This produces a temperature
difference that sends gas streaming from the top of the device to
the bottom, generating an upward force.

Similar mesosphere surfers have been studied previously, but the
new devices generate the largest lift forces for their weight of
any tested so far, Schafer says. The researchers estimate that a
device with a 3-centimeter radius could hold a 10-milligram
payload that could make simple measurements and communicate with
the ground.

The devices could provide data on wind speeds, temperatures and
pressures in the mesosphere. Or the craft could explore an even
more challenging environment: the thin atmosphere of Mars.

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sunlight-lightweight-aircraft-mesosphere

See also:
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-sunlight-powered-window-earth-upper.html
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Image: Illustration of the lightweight aircraft in the mesosphere
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Sending Pic:204x141C;
 

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Shortwave Radiogram now changes to MFSK64 ...

 

RSID: <<2025-08-14T23:38Z MFSK-64 @ 9265000+1500>>
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This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK64

Please send your reception report to radiogram@verizon.net


From Futurity.org:

Print beats digital for preschoolers learning to read

A new study finds print wins over digital for preschoolers
learning to read.

Posted by Jack Harrison, Michigan State University
August 11, 2025

When it comes to teaching preschoolers their ABCs, sticking with
the basics might just be more effective. Despite the rise of
digital tools and educational games, learning to read still
begins with simple, hands-on work, such as writing letters and
spotting words in everyday life.

The new findings suggest that some popular approaches for
learning may not be as practical as parents think.

Preschoolers who played more literacy games scored lower on
reading assessments, while those engaged in print-focused
activities saw the most significant gains.

The home literacy environment represents an important but small
period when children in preschool learn literacy skills outside
the classroom. It often represents activities related to print
and shared book reading.

To understand how home routines shape early reading, the
researchers identified three common types of literacy activities:
print-focused activities, which includes direct work with letters
and words, such as writing names, pointing out print on signs, or
practicing letter sounds; shared book reading, including reading
picture books aloud, going to the library, or discussing stories;
and literacy games, which includes digital or analog games like
flashcards, apps, or alphabet videos.

The study included more than 1,000 children between the ages of 3
and 6, with a diverse sample of families from across one
Midwestern state. About 800 of the children had typical
development, while over 200 had speech and/or language
impairments.

Lori Skibbe and Ryan Bowles of the human development and family
studies department at Michigan State University's College of
Social Science assessed children's literacy development using
three foundational skills: letter-name knowledge, recognizing and
naming letters; letter-sound knowledge, identifying the sounds
letters make; and phonological awareness, or understanding how
words break down into sounds, such as rhyming or segmenting
syllables.

Parents completed surveys about how often they engaged in various
literacy-related activities at home, including writing letters,
reading books, and using educational games or apps.

There were several key findings. Print-focused activities
consistently predicted stronger early literacy skills in all
children studied. Children who spent more time on literacy games
scored lower on reading assessments across both groups. So
heavier use of games was associated with worse literacy outcomes,
regardless of a child's developmental background.

But for the variable of shared book reading, it was only a
significant predictor for children without speech and/or language
impairments. So while the structure of the home literacy
environment is similar for all children, there should be special
attention when it comes to shared reading for those with
disabilities.

The research challenges the assumption that more exposure to
learning tools automatically means better results. Instead, it
highlights the need for intentional, hands-on approaches. This
doesn't mean digital learning tools should be avoided; rather,
they should be used more for supplemental learning rather than as
a primary tool.

There are a few possible reasons why some games may not be
helping. For example, certain games prioritize entertainment over
education, employing flashy visuals and sounds that distract from
the development of key skills.

For other games, even if high-quality, they lack personal,
hands-on instruction, such as practicing writing or identifying
real-world print—skills that are especially critical for children
with speech and/or language challenges.

Teaching children early reading skills does not require expensive
tools or programs. Everyday interactions with print learning
opportunities are the most important. There are specific tips and
actions that parents can take to encourage learning:

Spot letters together by finding letters on street signs,
food packaging, or menus.

Encourage writing and have your child write their name, draw
letters, or label pictures.

Make reading interactive by pointing to words, talking about
letter sounds and asking questions while reading books.

Parents should be mindful of introducing games when children
might be struggling. Thoughtfully integrate digital learning
tools for supplemental learning.

Print-focused routines are especially important for children
with learning impairments.

The study appears in the Journal of Research in Reading.

Funding came from the US Department of Education and the National
Institutes of Health.

https://www.futurity.org/print-digital-preschoolers-learning-to-read-3290212/
 

Kim's note: There are references above to "your child." For most of us, it
would be "your grandchild."
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This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK64

Please send your reception report to radiogram@verizon.net
 

This week's images ...
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An alley in Chefchaouen, Morocco, with smoke from a wildfire in
the background, August 12. tinyurl.com/2ygskxeo ...

Sending Pic:147x198C;


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Company housing in the former mining town of Haydenville, Ohio.
Rent was deducted from the miners' pay. tinyurl.com/22zd7v3t ...

Sending Pic:198x146C;


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The "moon window" stained glass at Washington National Cathedral
in Washington DC. tinyurl.com/25turrwh ...

Sending Pic:145x200C;


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Sunset through the fog on the Oregon Coast at Ecola State Park.
tinyurl.com/26qvfqcj ...

Sending Pic:203x126C;
 

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A Potomac Water Taxi in Washington DC. Georgetown University is
visible in the background. tinyurl.com/27p55jwa ...

Sending Pic:151x197C;
 

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Kilowatt Brewing in Oceanside, California. tinyurl.com/2y6e3mvq
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Sending Pic:154x201C;
 

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The full Sturgeon Moon rising behind the Capital Wheel at
National Harbor near Washington DC, August 9.
tinyurl.com/2b58zvyt ...

Sending Pic:152x198C;


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A Rhododendron Leafhopper, Graphocephala fennahi, at the
Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol, England. tinyurl.com/25td959y
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Sending Pic:203x129C;


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Our painting of the week is "View of Collioure" (1905) by Andre
Derain. tinyurl.com/2bthcn74 ...

Sending Pic:200x158C;
 

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Shortwave Radiogram returns to MFSK32 ...


 

RSID: <<2025-08-14T23:58Z MFSK-32 @ 9265000+1500>>
 

This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK32 ...


Transmission of Shortwave Radiogram is provided by:

WRMI, Radio Miami International, http://wrmi.net

and

WINB Shortwave, http://winb.com


Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

http://swradiogram.bsky.social

X/Twitter (for now): @SWRadiogram

I'm Kim Elliott. Please join us for the next Shortwave
Radiogram.
 

RSID: <<2025-08-15T11:30Z MFSK-64 @ 15770000+1500>>

♫
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Sylvie Vartan was born on August 15, 1944.
 

Sending Pic:173x250;

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https://www.sylvie-vartan.com/
 

Please report your decode to themightykbc@gmail.com.

 

2025_08_15_1150z_DX_headlines_15770kHz_WRMI.html

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1b13vc4xtoymajepmv8v0/2025_08_15_1150z_DX_headlines_15770kHz_WRMI.html?rlkey=tcghtxfjaxeava4goyoie16d6&dl=0

2025_08_15_1150z_DX_headlines_15770kHz_WRMI.flac

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/b17p1f7z0khmeuvjnrh0t/2025_08_15_1150z_DX_headlines_15770kHz_WRMI.flac?rlkey=4nt391xxqcvz1oda17ire080t&dl=0

This is Peter John with the DX Headlines.
What comprises a good receiver for listening to DX broadcasts? Well, a high performance short wave receive for broadcast listening and DX work must combine several key properties, each contributing to its ability to extract weak or distant signals in challenging conditions. For example, sensitivity is fundamental. The receiver should have a minimum discernible signal, MDS, ensuring that extremely weak signals are detectable without adding excessive internal noise. However, raw sensitivity alone is insufficient. The front end must be designed to preserve weak signals even in the presence of much stronger ones. And also, on the lower bands, sensitivity is less important because of natural background noise being higher there. Selectivity determines how well the receiver can separate a desired signal from nearby interference. Steep filter squares with minimal passband ripple are essential, whether implemented through mechanical, crystal, or high-quality DSP IF filters. Proper filter bandwidth choices prevent adjacent channel splatter from degrading readability while maintaining acceptable audio quality. Phase noise performance of the local oscillator is critical, particularly for DX. Low phase noise minimizes reciprocal mixing with strong off-frequency signals, raise the noise floor, and mask weak stations. Receivers with clean oscillators remain usable even when strong broadcasts operate within a few kilohertz of the target signal. Dynamic range defines the receiver's ability to handle strong and weak signals simultaneously. A high third order intercept point, ideally plus 20 DBM or higher, indicates resilience against intermodulation distortion. Strong signal handling also requires good blocking performance so that nearby powerful signals do not overload the front ends. Frequency stability is vital for extended listening, especially with digital modes. A temperature compensated crystal oscillator or GPS disciplined reference keeps drift negligible. Synchronous detection is another valuable capability, reducing distortion from selective fading and improving the readability of marginal signals. Other desirable features include passband tuning, also including notch filters, which allow shifting the IF's position to avoid interference without changing the tuned frequency, noise blanking for pulse type interference, and a flexible AGC system with adjustable time constants to suit voice, music, or data. Image rejection should be excellent and spurious responses should be minimal to avoid confusion with real signals. Well, finally, ergonomics and operating precision matter. Smooth, accurate tuning; clear and stable readouts; logical control placement; and well-considered user interfaces all contribute to effective DX operation. While specifications quantify a receiver's potential, real-world DX-ing often expose weaknesses that are not obvious on paper. So this, in a nutshell, is what is important in a receiver.


(beeping)
MFSK64 @ 1500 Hz:

Important in a receiver for broadcast DX is:
Sensitivity
Good strong signal behaviour
Sensitivity on the lower bands is less important because of background noise.
Frequency stability
Good filtering
Oscillator noise and reciprocal mixing
Dynamic range
Passband tuning and notch
AGC
No spurious
And ergonomics

de k

This was Peter John for the DX Headlines on the Mighty KBC.