On the topic of power needed.... The licence is called HF Domestic for a reason. Don't get me started on how much power is wasted when using broadband designed TXers and aerials. Do not get the original purpose of these mixed up with international shortwave services. The frequencies David has were used by the ABC for thier NT skywarmer services. Intended for covering the remote parts of the NT. They did that job fairly well until maintenance on old TX ers became part of the problem. The ABC or more so the gov section in charge of funding the ABC never asked.... is thier better tech out there today? They just went with the norm. No one asked...... can we get new solid state txers that are more efficient.? Can we use better aerials because the freq doesn't change like international services do.? Can we power these from solar as power in the NT isn't cheap due to not being on the eastern energy grid or market.? No they just shut them down. It was a sad sad day. But good for us private blokes as 9 frequencies where (the work was done) became available and acma couldn't use thier excuse anymore. I'm totally stoked Dave contacted me and a deal was struck. I'm very happy to see the channels back in use. He's sparked quite a bit of interest. 73s all.
It's all good fun and educational listening on 4835 KHz and 2310 KHz. For a start we get to understand the time and propagation outcomes and we get to hear some interesting content from yesteryear. ABC Radio Australia or ABC Pacific as I've seen it called (re-named on Facebook) could be as successful as Radio New Zealand (RNZ Pacific as they call it now) if the ABC wanted it to be reinvented. The job would probably be simple - just copy what RNZ Pacific did with modern TX and modern antennas. Did you know that ABC Pacific news and current affairs is put to air a few times a day courtesy of RNZ Pacific ? Yep indeed - and that is a very well produced audio slot from ABC Pacific and is received with massive signal strengths in the target listening areas.
Ah, so easy to sit back and just be critical when you’re not in there having a go yourself! Everyone’s entitled to their opinion… I just don’t share mine with the views recorded here. I commend Dave for rolling up his sleeves and having a go, while he makes broadcasts I enjoy listening to! Well, ya can’t please everyone all of the time… and no matter what ya do, you’ll get those who like to tear down other’s achievements - just because they can. Keep up the good work Dave, and thanks. Peter VK3ACZ
Perhaps more "wow" factor is needed... Boatanchors and old retired gear might "work", but results will likely be disappointing unless things are in top condition. Push the technical limits. Use every advantage you can get to improve the signal quality and reach. Use digital signal processing and SDR methods. These allow better utilization of the available RF power and bandwidth. They allow better signal quality, and help to maximize the RF output power/modulation. And they don't need to be expensive. Use digitally generated (IQ) SSB. This will allow wider audio bandwidth and higher SNR. Perhaps use cheap solid state devices like switching MOSFETs to generate high RF power for low cost. Try to ensure a high quality signal that is stable, well processed, and has good content. Think about propagation and antenna radiation angles. Try to optimize the antenna being used for the propagation at the time of day. Have fun trying some new things. There are amazing possibilities if you use some imagination...
Lets be positive about Dave's endeavor. Dave, can you encourage signal reports on your transmission. Not content reports and program criticism but signal quality and readability, lets see how this shortwave station performs. Although its not on an Amateur Band, lets exercise the AMATEUR RADIO behavior, encouragement and some constructive advice. Not the wave of demeaning and negative criticism towards this activity that has seemed to loom its ugly head. Power levels, well 300kW was so the politics of the transmission country could spread the word to people in other countries who's SW receiver would have been a small transistor Japanese radio with a telescopic antenna. (In some countries possibly a hidden radio) Dave isn't politicking so doesn't need mega watts. Signal reports guys, lets see what you can receive on your bit of wet string or your proudly constructed HF aerial. Tom.. VK3DMK
