📡 RAF VOLMET on 5450 kHz: A QSL from the Skies

Weather for the Forces: Logging RAF Volmet

Shortwave listening can sometimes feel like eavesdropping on the pulse of the world—and once in a while, you catch something that’s not meant for the usual civilian audience. That’s exactly what happened on March 26, 2025, when I tuned into RAF VOLMET on 5450 kHz USB and logged one of their weather broadcasts.

For those unfamiliar, RAF VOLMET is a military weather information service operated by the UK Ministry of Defence. It transmits automated meteorological reports for Royal Air Force and allied aircraft flying across various regions. The voice you hear is synthesised, but the data it carries is essential: wind speed, cloud cover, visibility, temperatures, pressure levels—all tailored for pilots in the sky.

Reception Snapshot

• Date: March 26, 2025
• Time: 1940–1950 UTC
• Frequency: 5450 kHz USB
• Mode: Upper Sideband
• SINPO: 45444
• Location: Received online from Kolkata, India
• Receiver: WebSDR Twente

At 1940 UTC, the familiar female synthesized voice came through clearly, reading out met reports for locations coded in ICAO-style identifiers (like Foxtrot Tango Tango Juliet or Sierra Uniform Mike Uniform). Around 1945 UTC, I caught a clean station ID: “This is Military I Volmet Information Broadcast”, and again at 1946 and 1949 UTC.

Reception was stable overall, with light fading and static, but no co-channel interference. The transmission was steady throughout the 10-minute logging window.

For those interested in listening to the reception, I've preserved a 3-minute audio snippet that captures the essence of this broadcast: http://sndup.net/zcdrw

Acknowledgement from the MOD

Following my report, I received an official confirmation and QSL letter from the UK Ministry of Defence. It acknowledged my reception of the 5450 kHz transmission from “Military 1,” making this one of those rare but satisfying logs that combines technical interest with a touch of official recognition.

A Brief History of RAF VOLMET

RAF VOLMET has long been a behind-the-scenes player in military aviation, offering continuous weather updates for in-flight operations. The service forms part of the UK’s broader military communications infrastructure and helps aircraft navigate safely in varied and often unpredictable weather conditions. You can learn more via the UK Ministry of Defence official site.

Final Thoughts

Catching a VOLMET transmission might not be the most dramatic DX log, but it’s deeply rewarding. It connects you to real-world operations happening in the skies above, quietly supporting aviation safety. If you’re scanning the bands and hear a robotic weather briefing, don’t skip it—you might just be tuned into RAF VOLMET.

73s and happy monitoring!

QSL from The Voice of the Martyrs Korea: Tuning Into a Clandestine Signal

Logging a Broadcast with a Mission Behind It

Shortwave listening continues to surprise me. On March 26, 2025, while scanning the 31-meter band, I tuned into something unexpected—The Voice of the Martyrs Korea on 7625 kHz at 2100 UTC. It’s not just another international broadcaster. It’s a clandestine station, aimed at reaching listeners inside North Korea, where access to outside information, especially religious, is tightly restricted.

The station uses shortwave radio to share Christian messages and the Gospel with North Koreans, bypassing the state-controlled media wall. Despite jamming attempts, these broadcasts go out regularly, supported by balloon drops carrying Bibles and literature across the border. It’s a mix of old-school DX intrigue and underground communications.

What I Heard That Day 

• Date: March 26, 2025
• Time: 2100–2130 UTC
• Frequency: 7625 kHz
• Language: Chinese
• Transmitter: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Reception Method: Remote via WebSDR
• SINPO: 54544

The broadcast began with a station ID, followed by a lengthy talk in Chinese by a female speaker—likely a report or sermon. At 2122 UTC, the speech ended and transitioned into a melodic Chinese song by a female vocalist. The program closed with another station ID and ended abruptly at 2130 UTC.

Reception quality was solid—just light fading and static, but no co-channel interference. For a clandestine station, the clarity was impressive.

A QSL That Tells a Story

I submitted a reception report shortly after and received a kind confirmation and QSL from Pastor Tim Dillmuth at VOM Korea. The QSL wasn’t just a card—it was a glimpse into a broadcast effort that mixes risk, faith, and radio in a way few others do today.

A Note on VOM Korea

The Voice of the Martyrs Korea is part of a larger international network working to support persecuted Christians. Their focus in Korea is on outreach to the North, using radio and other unconventional means. While their mission is spiritual, the way they use radio makes them an interesting subject for DXers, regardless of belief.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a station logged and logged out. It was a reminder of how shortwave still plays a role where few other media can reach. Whether you're in it for the QSLs, the tech, or the stories, this one ticked all the boxes.

Until next time, 73s and good DX!