Frank writes:
Hello Thomas,
This afternoon I came across ‘Bureau Met’ on 5960 [kHz]. I have been listening since 0800Z today, 24th Feb. SNR is a constant 19/20dB (RNZI peaks at about 17 on a good day. ). Content is a speech by Martin Luther King, ‘ one small step for mankind’, a speech by Churchill, more Apollo mission, Bill Clinton apologizing to the nation, and similar stuff repeating about every 40 minutes..
I suspect this is a Radio Australia test tx from their Canberra transmitter.
No station ID on the hour.
Cheers
Frank
Thanks, Frank! Has anyone else caught this DRM broadcast?
Apologies Jonathan for mis-spelling.
I also meant to add
3. “…WASTE of Energy Resources.!!!. ” => at the ~1 kW mean level I don’t think so.
My point was that there have been hours of DRM transmissions broadcast to “test” the technology and they haven’t led to the system being adopted as a replacement for analogue HF. That has failed. As a back-up system for satellite distribution (or to replace it in certain areas) , the way RNZI uses DRM, seems an excellent use of resources. Bureau Met sounds more like a B-to-B service. So curious to know what is being tested. I remember a conversation in Melbourne when we discussed the challenges of propagation in the outback, especially during extreme heat, and how DRM could be a robust communications medium.
Steady on Jonathon & Dall – garner some facts before having a dump.
1. It’s not a Radio Australia broadcast or even an ABC broadcast. Doesn’t “Bureau Met” give everyone a clue?
2. In this instance it is a solution to problem, but not an international broadcast problem.
Standby for further information.
We in India are investing a lot in DRM transmission/trials.But where are the receivers available,if any?
Vimal, you have a point. It is a “cart before the horse” situation. I love the idea of DRM–something akin to satellite radio without satellites. However, only computer/receiver combos have proven effective so far at decoding DRM for many of us. I use the RadioJet.
With the number of DRM transmitters you’ll have in India, perhaps it will be quite easy. Until we have a small, effective and inexpensive DRM radio, the mode stands no chance of adoption amongst listeners. It’s hard to believe it’s been out there over a decade (more or less) on the broadcasting side, yet only now portables are showing up. It takes optimistic broadcasters to invest in the technology, at least used over the shortwaves.
I agree with Jonathan a WASTE of Energy Resources.!!!. If it works why fix it.
what a waste of energy resources. I was involved with the first DRM tests in 1996. Hasn’t the medium been tested enough? It works, The only problem is that it is a solution to a problem that no longer exists. When will they get the memo?