Yeah I think a fair amount of fibing goes on within the LPON industry…
Perhaps new or a reactivation?
I had a look at the ACMA database for 87.8 Canberra Tourist Radio, the TX is located on Red Hill so that explains the reception in the south of Canberra - nice location & height.
I reckon CVR is operating near the legal limit then as it doesn’t cause overload on Red Hill at all. In some parts of Canberra it’s a real mess of UC and CVR; a poor allocation even by LPON standards.
What’s CVR? You mean CTR (Canberra Tourist Radio on 87.8)?
They ID as Canberra Visitor Radio, not Canberra Tourist Radio.
Thanks, yes. I should have first read my notes.
CVR is another 100m higher in elevation at Red Hill compared to UC & the majority of flatter terrain so no need operate outside their licence spec or raise unwanted attention. Pity 88.0 is effectively wasted spectrum (and electricity) that ‘could’ be put to better use by either CVR or UC.
Faith FM is doing similar in Adelaide. They have a tx on Mt Lofty that broadcasts for a radius of over 20km (rather than the 2km they’re allowed) but have licences at sites in North Adelaide and Glenelg that don’t actually have any tx equipment …
Use it or loose it.
Why is 88.0 wasted spectrum? Isn’t there a narrowcast station on that frequency for dance music enthusiasts?
Not sure why the question aimed at me.
Fairly sure Raw FM in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is there still on 88.0MHz
I’ll attempt to do a survey of the RAW FM sites in Canberra over the next little while. Google Street View indicates that while most sites have a mast, there are some that are missing from Street View, so I will check them.
I’m pretty sure Raw FM is just using the one transmitter in Canberra at some ridiculous ERP. I reckon they are using Mount Jerrabomberra as the coverage is better on the east side of town and it’s reasonably strong here in Bungendore.
Faith FM does the same in Adelaide … broadcasts from Mt Lofty and covers a radius of at least 25km on 88MHz … one of the UCB stations closer to the coast has upped its own signal to compete and the result is legitimate operators have difficulty in getting heard … but because the ACMA LPON rules provide no guarantee against interference it’s very difficult to get them to take any notice …
Last time I was in Canberra the coverage of RAW was as good as the commercials.
A better thread for this news, since Vintage FM and My88 are Narrowcast stations rather than fully fledged community stations:
The logo/uniform looks more smart than some commercial stations out there. I surprise SEN Track don’t gobble up these frequencies.
LOL, don’t give them any ideas!
Mind you, I wouldn’t put it past SEN to eventually buy some FM narrowcast frequencies in/around Sydney (or other markets) for SENTrack.
Starter FM is coming to 88.0 FM!
Because ACMA hasn’t come to a decision about our application for 89.9FM we where forced to look else where to get on FM.
Starter FM will be making our debut to FM this New Year Eve on 88.0 Kurrajong with signal range to Richmond and across the Hawkesbury.
If all goes to plan, test transmissions will commence on the 30th and feedback about the signal and audio quality would be appreciated.
I will be away out of Sydney until the 5th Jan so won’t have a chance to have a listen.
What are the specs for the broadcast on 88.0?
Are you sharing the same site as 87.6 The River? Will you be in stereo?
88.0 Penrith is very strong in Stanhope Gardens so hopefully Starter can get over the top of it. With my setup I get the river in stereo quite well so hopefully this is the case.
Is 88.0 Kurrajong Heights a permanent licence for you guys?
Will give it a listen when I am back in range.
I have done some digging around on the ACMA Registry, 87.6 The River is now licensed to the mast at the Grass Ski Centre on Bells Line of Roads, and it looks like 88.0 Starter fm will be licensed to 12 Rain Ridge Rd Kurrajong Heights at 1.64W. This site was the former site of The River.
I have noticed recently The River’s reception has dramatically improved at my location in Stanhope Gardens so they must have changed sites just recently. @TheChase can you confirm if these details are correct?
Yessss!
