MHz UTC ITU Program + Location Details Remarks km 89.70 0302 G BBC Radio 2, Tacolneston (EN-NFK) autologged PS: BB_R2_, PI: C202 299km 91.90 0438 G BBC Radio 3, Tacolneston (EN-NFK) autologged PS: BBC_R3_, PI: C203 299km 93.40 0734 D BAYERN 3, Pfaffenberg (bay) 341km Map
MHz Block UTC ITU Ensemble + Location Details Remarks km TII 190.64 7B 0653 D hr Radio, Hardberg (hes) 333km 0616 190.64 7B 0657 D hr Radio, Rimberg (hes) 333km 0614 190.64 7B 0723 D hr Radio, Habichtswald (hes) 325km 0615 190.64 7B 0745 D hr Radio, Hoherodskopf (Vogelsberg) (hes) 322km 0602 Map
MHz Block UTC ITU Ensemble + Location Details Remarks km TII 220.35 11C 1704 F Amiens-Local, Amiens/Dury Towercast (80) over 11C DAB+ HOL 214km 3010 229.07 12D 2101 G Peterborough, Peterborough (EN-CAM) 387km 3001 Map
MHz UTC ITU Program + Location Details Remarks km 89.10 2026 G BBC Radio 2, Wrotham (EN-KNT) autologged PS: BBC_?, PI: C202 311km 91.30 2028 G BBC Radio 3, Wrotham (EN-KNT) 311km 93.50 2029 G BBC Radio 4, Wrotham (EN-KNT) 311km 94.30 2029 G BBC Radio 4, Wenvoe (WA-VGL) 559km 94.50 2029 G BBC Radio 4, Peterborough (EN-CAM) 387km 93.00 2031 G BBC Radio 4, Bow Brickhill (EN-BKS) 389km 91.50 2036 G BBC Radio 3, Holme Moss (EN-WYK) autologged PS: BBC_R3_, PI: C203 529km 100.90 2043 G Classic FM, Wrotham (EN-KNT) 311km 89.30 2047 G BBC Radio 2, Holme Moss (EN-WYK) 529km 91.50 2048 G BBC Radio 3, Holme Moss (EN-WYK) PI logged: C203 PS logged: BBC_R3__ 529km 94.90 2103 G BBC Radio London, London/Crystal Palace (EN-GTL) Many IDs 337km Map
Petr Kopecký recently released AbracaDABra v3.99.1 (4.0.0 beta 2) on his releases Github page. The update includes several improvements, with a focus on the new APK: AbracaDABra-v3.99.1-arm64-v8a.apk.
This version facilitates DAB DX operations and TII code verification on the move, making portable testing more practical. Rather than relying on a laptop, which can be cumbersome, I prefer using a tablet—specifically, my Lenovo Tab Plus 11.5″ with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage—paired with the TEF Logger App for FM scans.
I installed the APK on my tablet, Pixel 7A smartphone, and an older Nokia 8.1 smartphone, whose smaller screens (6.1″ and 6.18″) present some navigation challenges within the app. Nonetheless, this setup proves efficient for field DAB operations.
First thing to do: run a *.uff or *.raw generated by the desktop AbracaDABra. The file initially did not execute due to an unexpected issue: when transferred to a tablet or phone, the operating system automatically changed the extension to .uff.xml or .raw.xml.
Recognising this, simply correcting the file extension restored functionality, allowing the files to run smoothly without issues.
Connecting the RTLSDR to a tablet or phone.
Attach the RTLSDR and antenna to your tablet or smartphone.
Ensure you use a short OTG cable or connector – such as this or this – to facilitate proper recognition.
Finding a suitable OTG cable may require some effort; a short, high-quality connector is essential for reliable connection.
Extending the antenna with some pigtails is not a good idea either.
Once the RTLSDR is recognised, setup and operation are identical to configuring AbracaDABra on Windows or Linux systems. Properly set up with a good OTG connection the AbracaDABra ran smoothly on the three devices mentioned above.
This is an excellent tool developed by Petr Kopecký.
I asked Wrizzle AI Essay writer to write about World Radio Day 2026 and negative impact of AI on radio making. Interesting reading.
World Radio Day, celebrated annually on February 13, serves as a pivotal reminder of the importance of radio in promoting freedom of expression, fostering global communication, and enhancing cultural diversity. As we look toward World Radio Day 2026, it is crucial to recognize the challenges that the radio industry faces, particularly from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers numerous advantages in terms of efficiency and data processing, its negative impact on radio making cannot be overlooked.
One significant concern is the potential loss of creativity and human touch in radio programming. AI algorithms excel at analyzing listener preferences and generating playlists or content based on data-driven insights. However, this mechanized approach risks overshadowing the unique storytelling and personal connection that human radio hosts provide. The warmth of a voice sharing personal anecdotes or engaging in spontaneous dialogue is irreplaceable by automated systems. As AI becomes more prevalent, listeners may find themselves tuning into stations that lack the authenticity and relatability offered by traditional radio.
Furthermore, the implementation of AI in radio making could lead to a homogenization of content. With algorithms favoring popular trends and mass appeal, niche programs that cater to specific audiences may face challenges in visibility and support. This shift could diminish the diversity of viewpoints and cultures represented on air, reducing the role of radio as a platform for marginalized voices and innovative ideas.
Moreover, the reliance on AI-driven analytics could result in programming that prioritizes commercial gain over public interest. The nuances of community needs and cultural heritage might be lost when decisions are made solely based on viewer metrics, undermining the foundational purpose of radio as a democratic medium.
In conclusion, while AI presents opportunities for enhancing the efficiency of radio production, its adverse effects on creativity, content diversity, and public engagement pose significant challenges for the future of radio. As we approach World Radio Day 2026, it is essential to advocate for a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of the human elements that make radio an invaluable medium.
Yesterday evening Petr Kopecký released AbracaDABra v3.99.0 (4.0.0 beta 1). It can be downloaded here.
I installed this version in a different folder than 3.3.2 and ensured that I created a backup of C:\Users*\AppData\Local\AbracaDABra and certainly C:\Users*\AppData\Roaming\AbracaDABra where all settings are stored. Version 3.99.0 may modify the settings of 3.3.2, particularly disabling the Expert mode UI. If you wish to revert to 3.3.2, it is crucial to save and restore the previous settings. Nevertheless, my old settings were preserved in 3.99.0, which proved to be quite beneficial, and I do intend to retain the pre-release.
What’s new in this pre-release 3.99.0 or 4.0.0 beta 1?
° The new User Interface is the first aspect that will capture your attention. After utilizing version 3.99.0, I discovered that the updated UI is more intuitive and user-friendly, largely due to the newly implemented navigation bar on the left.
° The Expert mode UI setting is no longer available, as the new version is designed to be straightforward for both experts and non-experts.
° All elements are now displayed within the primary widget. However, by utilizing the arrow located at the top right of each widget, with the exception of ‘Service’, along with the three dots, you can adjust the size of the widget. Additionally, employing Ctrl+Click will launch the widget outside of the main 3.99.0 widget, just as it functioned in version 3.3.2.
° Data storage (audio, TII, scans) is now consolidated into a single folder, which can be adjusted by the user in the Others tab of the Settings. AbracaDABra 4.0.0 will generate the required sub-folders. Users are advised NOT to make modifications to this in the ini file.
The pre-release version 4.0.0 beta 1 of AbracaDABra focuses primarily on the User Interface rather than introducing new features. Nonetheless, after using it for several hours, I have found this version to be quite stable. In my view, the new UI is also significantly more user-friendly. It is important to note that this is still a beta pre-release version.
Qt-DAB-6.10 has been in the works for a few weeks, but a few days ago Jan Van Katwijk released a stable Qt-DAB-6.10 on his Github releases page. Do have a look at the manual on this page. Comments and feedback are appreciated on Qt-DAB Github issues page.
New with 6.10 is the separate map-viewer. It installs in the same folder as Qt-DAB and the installer is on the same releases page. What’s this map-viewer.exe all about? When having the map (http on) ‘record’ (the dots) all received locations, it might be nice to view this map at a later moment in time.
Let’s have a look at the main widget.
Qt-DAB-6.10
To record what’s on the map (as an .xml file) make sure the mapview is on (1) and do start http (2) before running a scan. The scanning switch time (3) van be set in the main widget but NEW the duration to scan a mux is set in the scan widget (4).
Map-viewer
The .xml generated by the map is usually found in C:\Users\***\Qt-DAB-files. You can load the file using the ‘reload’ button (1). Don’t forget to check your home location (2). It’s taken from the main widget. With ‘showAll’ (3) all recorded location are shown on the map, but you can also prefer to show all locations from a certain country, channel or ensemble (4).
MHz UTC ITU Program + Location Details Remarks km 87.60 0932 E SER, Cuevas de Almanzora (AND-AL) PI logged: E239 1602km 91.00 0942 E Radio María, Murcia/Sierra Carrascoy (MUR-MU) autologged PS: R_Maria_, PI: E1CC 1525km 89.20 0946 E COPE, Águilas (MUR-MU) PI logged: E2CA PS logged: COPE LORCA_ 1582km 90.10 0946 E Canal Fiesta Radio, Mojácar (AND-AL) PI logged: E331 1627km 89.60 0947 E Onda Cero, Melilla (MEL-ML) PI logged: E2EE PS logged: CERO____ MELILLA_ 1850km 87.60 0948 E COPE, Córdoba/Lagar de la Cruz (AND-CO) Presumed location 1634km 89.20 0948 MRC SNRT Radio Al Hoceïma, Zaio (2) PI logged: 1B01 1880km 91.50 0951 E Onda Cero, Moratalla/Pico del Buitre (MUR-MU) PI logged: E2EE PS logged: ONDACERO 1520km 87.70 0953 E Europa FM, Albacete-Norte (CAM-AB) PI logged: E2ED PS logged: EUROPAFM 1426km 89.80 101 E COPE, Mijas/Sierra Mijas-Pico Mijas (AND-MA) PI logged: E2CA PS logged: COPE____ 1763km 89.30 1010 E Radiolé, Linares/Ctra. Baños de la Encina (AND-J) PI logged: E238 1576km 91.60 1010 E Radio Andalucía Información, Mijas/Sierra Mijas-Pico Mijas (AND-MA) PI logged: E333 PS logged: R.A.I. 1763km 87.80 1011 E Fractal FM, Mijas/Sierra Mijas-Pico Mijas (AND-MA) PI logged: 0E77 PS logged: —-TA-_ 1763km
Onda Cero, MelillaRadio María, Murcia/Sierra Carrascoy
