The 4KZ transmitter is located in Innisfail, Australia

(Source: Southgate ARC)

Australian broadcaster celebrating on shortwave

As part of 50th celebrations, radio broadcaster 4KZ in Northern Queensland is now on 5055 kHz and already getting signal reports including from North America and New Zealand.

General Manager of NQ Radio (4KZ, 4AM, 4AY, KIK FM & KOOL FM), Al Kirton announced the decision to SWLing Post in May, and now confirms the transmission began on December 20.

He told the WIA: “Unfortunately we are on half power for a couple of weeks until one of the RF boards can be repaired, then we will go up to I kW.”

The shortwave broadcast is from a site at east Innisfail in Tropical North Queensland. Mr Kirton said the USA-made 1.2 kW transmitter being used is feeding an Inverted V antenna at about 14 metres high at the peak.

The program is from the 4KZ and 4AY AM band transmitters and designed to cover the Cape York area and the northern outback. However the 60m band signal has been heard further away.

He said: “I have had many reception reports, many with audio clips”, some from Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria, as well as from “Monterey USA, Alberta Canada and New Zealand.”

The transmission hours are about 0500 to 2300 hours UTC. All confirmed reception reports will receive a 4KZ shortwave QSL card. No return postage is required.

Reports by email to Al Kirton ([email protected]) or to Radio 4KZ, PO Box 19, Innisfail Queensland 4860 Australia.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stopped its shortwave services to the northern outback in January 2017.

Jim Linton VK3PC