AM and FM DX

Don’t forget the ABC has to move its RN Crookwell service from 107.7 to 104.5 before 2GN can convert to FM. From what I can gather on the ABC Reception page set to Crookwell, that hasn’t happened yet.

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That’s on hold due to the current inquiry, 2EC and ABC on AM is expected to get a mention as to the value of AM broadcasting during natural disasters.

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It depends where the AM transmitter. I wonder if Sydney ABC local radio got converted to FM… Then 702 AM can be redeployed to the south coast? Given Sydney FM transmitters are easily accessible. It will need a “restack” of the FM band to squeeze in ABC Local Radio.

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When 2EC converts to FM, that will leave 765 free, so no need to move/redeploy 702 ?

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Maybe it won’t get to the same reach as 702 ? Although being further south it could cause problems with 3aw on 693 AM.

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I personally can’t see 702AM being switched off anytime in the foreseeable future.

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also remember that 702khz can’t just be used willy nilly - you have to factor in harmonics that could cause interference to other services - or eg the LW beacons or even HF services (not necessarily radio stations but 2 way comms & radar or data TXers on HF).

Plus there is the additive effect of 702 + 810khz could also cause issues

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I wonder if the current bushfire Royal Commission will lead 2EC and 2ST to keep their legacy AM services and simulcast on FM? A precedent has been set with 7SD Scottsdale (and I think 5AU Port Augusta is doing the same?)

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5AU will not keep their 1242 AM service, but will keep their 1044 AM service. 5RM & 5CC will also keep their AM service on top of broadcasting on FM.

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So it backfired on the canny Scotsmen aka the Cameron family?

They saw FM conversion as a way to save money, close AM infrastructure yet have been forced to retain three AM sites in SA alone.

The greatest sadness for me is the loss of 5MU, wonderful TX site, huge coverage.

Can only hope submissions made to the inquiry see it retained too.

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There have been complaints about a lack coverage up around Swan Reach, where they can’t receive 98.7 Power FM, but can get 5MU on 1125

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Correct @Radiohead and many other locations the FM service doesn’t cover to the LAP boundary that weren’t submitted,

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Thanks for that; couldn’t remember which of the SA stations were keeping their AM on.

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had to go to Fyshwick (Canberra) this morning -

noted 2SBS Sydney 97.7 mixed with Snow FM (can’t hear this Sydney outlet from home :slight_smile:
Bathurst 99.3 & 100.9
Griffith 99.7 & 100.5
Katoomba The Edge 96.1
88.0 CRI in Canberra was just carrier

Could hear Albury / Wodonga 104.1 quite clear on the bridge near the Numeralla River (near Bredbo)

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It’s been o/c all year. 87.8 still has the test loop of ‘Canberra Visitor Radio’ which mixes heavily with UCFM. I only hear a weak UCFM here in Bungendore. The CRI carrier can only be heard on the hilltops.

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maybe its government censorship against the CCP :joy:

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Had a bit of enhancement this morning in Newcastle (at Braye Park Lookout).

88.9 FM Tamworth
96.7 ABC Classic Mt Dowe
All ABC FMs from Armidale (101.1, 101.9, 102.7 and 103.5)
103.9 2WAY Port Macquarie
105.5 Classic FM and 106.3 News Radio from Central West Slopes
106.7 Triple M Kempsey

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DXnerd & myself out on the Maffra RD (between Cooma & Dalgety) to our good DX site & received these two good catches

102.5 Deniliquin - https://youtu.be/3Wd1W3rZB_M

96.7 Gippsland - https://youtu.be/1hKcDZscyzI

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Triple J 94.9 Casterton in Renmark (bit of background static), Hit 99.5 Mildura nice and clear too.
EDIT: Ace Radio Horsham 101.3 too, pretty weak though.

  • Power FM 98.7 as well
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You can thank the latest monster high pressure system for those catches in Renmark. There may be a bit of inland tropo for centres further east as this languid high moves across.

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