[HCDX]: Radio Australia

[Bob Padula <BPadula@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

*** This is an extract from the ELECTRONIC DX PRESS, of Sep-19:

AUSTRALIA.   

- Recent reports of the Darwin site having been heard with "test
transmissions" are speculative and somewhat misleading.

At this point, the Australian Government has NOT authorized the
reactivation of the Darwin station, and I am advised that NO on-air "test
transmissions" have been, or are being made. Antenna/transmitter/system
checks are made regularly into dummy loads, designed to minimise any
external radiation; the output of these technical tests would not be
detectable beyond the immediate vicinity of the complex, if at all,
assuming correct operating procedures are used. 

Spurious radiations continue to be observed from the Shepparton site,
particularly on 6 MHz, due to local mixing as result of antenna/feedline
standing wave problems. This is specially apparent here in Melbourne, some
200 km away, where back lobe radiation is very strong.
- The recently introduced relays from Taiwan are NOT intended for primary
reception in East Timor, but for augmenting coverage into Central and
Western Indonesia. This is to provide an enhanced service into those
regions, in implementing Australian Government policy for the duration of
the East Timor crisis. These operations compliment regular broadcasts from
Shepparton, which are NOT targeted on Western or Central Indonesia. 

East Timor is adequately serviced by the existing 100 kW Shepparton
transmitters, antenna azimuth of 329 degrees. Shepparton to Dili is
actually 320 degrees, 3400 km. The transmitter on 15415 2130-0000 in
Indonesian in fact uses a rhombic antenna, with a major lobe at 353 degrees
and a minor lobe approximately 300 degrees, with the desired target 301
degrees.

- The possible use of Darwin for broadcasts into Indonesia poses technical
difficulties, due to skip effects.

- Singapore relay. At this stage, I am advised that the Kranji facility is
not being used for RA transmissions, but this may change. 

(Bob Padula, Broadcast Engineering Consultant, Melbourne)
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