What Is WTFDA? | What Is WTFDA? |
|
|
|
| Written by Tim McVey | |
| Monday, 03 September 2007 | |
|
What is WTFDA?
The Worldwide TV-FM DX Association is dedicated to the observation, study, and enjoyment of long distance propagation of television, FM broadcast, and other signals in the VHF-UHF range. The WTFDA was formed in 1967 by survivors of two disbanded VHF clubs, one of them being the AIPA (American Ionospheric Propagation Association.) As a niche radio hobby, TV-FM DX'ing ties into many other interests, such as amateur radio, pirate operations, TV & radio nostalgia, aircheck & promotional item collecting, geography, and probably many others. Some of our members are already in the broadcast industry or are engineering professionals. DX'ing is an intense form of entertainment. DX'ers inherently develop expertise that greatly expands their range of available stations. For example, you can't find a station on the dial that plays the kind of music you want to hear? The techniques that make for successful DX'ing can bring an exciting station within your reach. Plus, you learn about other places and get news and sports not available locally. You were probably the first on your block who was ready for Digital TV broadcasts. You'll notice that DX'ing serves you well even when Nature is not providing "DX." Is DX'ing relevant in an era of satellite broadcasting and the Internet? Yes! In fact, the new digital TV (aka HDTV) and radio (aka "HD Radio") broadcasts require an entire generation to re-learn antennas and equipment selection. Our interests cover a broad swath of spectrum from 50-800 MHz. Across this range, there's a variety of ways a signal can travel to distant, unintended receivers: reflection from ionized layers, meteors, aurorae, even lightning; refraction through the troposphere associated with the weather; waveguide modes; scatter. This makes the hobby even more intriguing. Our monthly bulletin, the VHF-UHF Digest, contains DX loggings, TV and FM news (including actions of the FCC and CRTC), changes in station ownership and network affiliatio, technical articles, club news, equipment news, and other items of interest to the TV/FM DX'er. One thing that makes the VUD special is its emphasis on individual reception reports and anecdotes. Readers of our reports learn what equipment works for DX'ing, gain an appreciation of the effects of Earth on radio, and develop expectations of how far things really can be heard. Those outside the broadcast industry can gain some insight as to how it works, and pick up some of the jargon. There is an annual convention, and groups of DX'ers host local social events. We invite you to join WTFDA! This is a one-of-a-kind club that will literally expand your horizons.
DUES: $24 (USD) per year for the hard (Paper) VUD or $26(USD) to Canadian addresses. $10 per year for the electronic VUD, known as the eVUD, anywhere in the world. Checks or money orders can be made payable to WTFDA and mailed to WTFDA, P.O. Box 501, Somersville, CT 06072.
If you'd like to join or renew using Paypal, go here .
If you want a membership form to mail with your dues, find one here . If you are confused and need help, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it us.
WHAT CAN THE WTFDA OFFER YOU? WTFDA Club Benefits:
What Types of Stations Do We Look For?
THE VHF-UHF DIGEST PRINT EDITION
Click here to read the September, 2007 eVUD (1.2MB PDF), using only electrons to get to your screen!
|
|
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 July 2010 ) |
