ABC NORTHERN TERRITORY SHORTWAVE SERVICE


ABC NORTHERN TERRITORY

SHORTWAVE SERVICE RETURNS!


 After two weeks absence, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Northern Territory service on shortwave returned to the air this morning (Sept 12). The three outlets of  4835 kHz VL8A Alice Springs, 4910 kHz VL8T Tennant Creek and 5025 kHz VL8K Katherine were switched back on at 2300 UTC. I noted them at Mount Evelyn around 2325. All were weak signals at that time, which was normal given that it was 9:25 am local time here. 4835 is the strongest here (as always). 

 Then tonight, I noted the scheduled switchover from daytime to nighttime frequencies. The service is timetabled to change daily at 0830 UTC. At 0829, the Tennant Creek switch was made from 4910 to 2325 kHz. At 0832, the Katherine switch from 5025 to 2485 kHz. Good reception was noted from both the 120mb outlets.

 How long this service continues remains to be seen. We can expect that the required ABC budget cuts may see this outback service come under increasing pressure to be abandoned. It is, however, still used by remote listeners within the interior of the country, and by travellers who tour through the outback. 

 73 and fingers crossed!!

 Rob Wagner VK3BVW

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