Michael

The importance of a shortwave antenna.

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Much comparison has been made of the various models available today, but relatively little attention has been paid to available antennas. After all, no matter how good the receiver is, without a good antenna, nothing will be heard. In simple terms, the longer the piece of wire you can connect to any receiver, the more you will hear,

On the MW (AM) band, the antenna function is provided by a coil wound on a ferrite rod inside the receiver casing. On the FM band, a telescopic whip is provided. For SW (shortwave) an external antenna will provide the best results.

The simplest external antenna is a simple piece of wire connected to the “external antenna” socket of a receiver.

There are various models available from a simple wire with a plug on a plastic bobbin, to a retractable length of wire several metres long. Whilst these might be very portable and easy to carry, but no attention has been paid to matching the antenna to the receiver.

The importance of a shortwave antenna.

The best shortwave antenna will always be a resonant wire outside the building housing the receiver. Such antennas are normally fed using coaxial cable which provides shielding from interference generated inside and gets the active antenna element away from such noise sources.

A matched end fed longwire antenna is one of the simplest external antennas available, and will provide a huge performance improvement over an untuned piece of wire.

This is normally achieved using a long piece of wire (10M or so) and an “unun”, in simple terms a matching device to ensure maximum signal is provided to the receiver, all enclosed in a weatherproof housing suitable for outdoor mounting.

An even better solution than this is the “tuned” antenna, such as a dipole, normally reserved for amateur radio operators. The antenna is tuned by adjusting the length of the wire elements to the desired frequency.

The antenna elements are matched to the coaxial cable feeder using a balun. For transmitting applications this is vitally important, if the antenna is matched to the transmitter all the energy will be transferred to the antenna, and conversely when receiving, all available signal will be fed to the receiver. In this version the wire elements have frequency markings and can be unwound from the bobbin for the correct length.

shortwave antennas

For those of us that wish to receive shortwave signals but don’t have the room for an external antenna, an active loop may be the solution. Normally 60cm-100cm in diameter, an amplified loop antenna is a wideband device that can be mounted near a window, or outside. The MLA-30+ antenna is one of these and many users have reported great results using these both indoors and outdoors as their circumstances permit. Powered by a standard USB source, this amplifier comprises a power injector and amplifier separated by a length of coaxial cable.

Coaxial cable antenna

Another fixed location antenna that can be used for shortwave, VHF and UHF is the discone. This antenna has a very wide bandwidth from 25-1300 Mhz and is hence very convenient to use on a wide range of radio bands.

In summary there is a wide range of economical antennas that can make a huge difference to shortwave reception.

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Michael

Have You Heard of Slow Morse Code? Here is all you need to know!

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slow morse code nets radio

We often invite our community to write in and let us know about any interesting events. We got a great email from Mark who runs a slow morse code net every week! 

We will share his details in next week’s newsletter. Stay tuned.

Some of the younger folk in the office said, slow morse code? what is that? So we thought it was high time we created a blog on this very topic.

So, what is Morse code? It is a communication system developed in the early 1800s, that involves creating messages, where each letter of a word is sent as a sequence of dots and dashes. This system is transmitted via sound or visual signals, typically with the help of devices like telegraphs, lamps, or radios. Slow Morse code, often referred to as “QRSS” (which stands for “QR” for “to receive slower,” and “SS” for “to send slower”), is a variant of traditional Morse code designed for low-speed communication and radio enthusiasts. Here’s how it works, how to access it, and why people enjoy this hobby:

How Slow Morse Code Works

  1. Encoding: Slow Morse code uses the same fundamental principles as traditional Morse code. Letters, numbers, and symbols are represented by combinations of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes).
  2. Speed Reduction: The primary difference is in the speed of transmission. While traditional Morse code can be relatively fast, slow Morse code is intentionally slowed down. Each character can be extended to several seconds, making it much more accessible for newcomers and hobbyists.
  3. Transmission: Slow Morse code is transmitted using radio waves or light signals. Radio enthusiasts often use specialized devices and software to encode and decode these signals.
  4. Decoding: The receiver uses a device, like the Tecsun Radios Australia SDR (Software-Defined Radio), to capture the radio signals and convert them into visual or audible Morse code.

Accessing Slow Morse Code

  1. Equipment: To access slow Morse code, you need a suitable radio receiver. Tecsun Radios Australia SDR is an example of a device that can be used for this purpose. It allows you to tune into specific frequency bands.
  2. Tuning In: With your SDR, you can select the frequency range where slow Morse code transmissions are taking place. Radio hobbyists often monitor certain bands allocated for amateur radio Morse code communication.
  3. Waterfall Display: The Tecsun Radios Australia SDR and similar devices often include a “waterfall display.” This display shows a visual representation of the spectrum over time, making it easier to identify and decode slow Morse code signals. Operators can visually follow the patterns of dots and dashes on the display.

Why People Enjoy Slow Morse Code as a Hobby

  1. Technical Challenge: Slow Morse code provides a technical challenge for enthusiasts. It requires understanding of radio equipment, propagation conditions, and signal decoding.
  2. Nostalgia: Many hobbyists are drawn to Morse code due to its historical significance in radio communication.
  3. Community: Slow Morse code has a dedicated community of enthusiasts who share information, tips, and participate in events Just like Mark’s local net we will share with you in next week’s Newsleter.
  4. Relaxation: The slow pace of Morse code can be calming for some people. It allows for a more relaxed and methodical approach to communication.
  5. Unique Skills: Learning Morse code is a unique skill, and many enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering it.

Slow Morse code is a variant of Morse code that is enjoyed by radio enthusiasts. The slow pace, technical aspects, and sense of community make it an attractive hobby for those interested in both history and modern radio technology. The ability to watch the whole band segment on a waterfall display aids in decoding the signals, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for enthusiasts.

/2 Comments/by
Michael

Exploring the Magic of Shortwave Radio: A Science Adventure for Kids!

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This blog is perfect to share with younger generations, be that grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends! We even have some fantastic dot to dot drawings printed in the back of our shortwave radio listener guides that come free with all radios purchased on our webstore. Perfect for the upcoming school holidays!!!

Hey there, curious minds! Are you ready to embark on a scientific adventure that combines learning, exploration, and a touch of magic? Today, we’re diving into the captivating world of shortwave radio and discovering how this fascinating technology can be an educational powerhouse for kids like you. So, buckle up, grab your lab coats, and let’s dive into the science of shortwave radio!

What is Shortwave Radio?

Shortwave radio is a form of radio communication that uses high-frequency signals to transmit messages over long distances. Unlike FM or AM radio, shortwave signals can bounce off the Earth’s atmosphere and travel across continents, making it possible to tune in to stations from around the world.

The Science Behind Shortwave Radio:

Shortwave radio operates on a principle called “skywave propagation.” It involves the reflection and refraction of radio waves in the Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of charged particles high in the atmosphere. When shortwave signals encounter the ionosphere, they can be refracted or bounced back to the Earth’s surface, allowing them to travel far beyond the transmitter’s line of sight.

Exploring Radio Wave Behavior:

Understanding the behavior of radio waves is like uncovering a secret code. With shortwave radio, you can experiment and observe how different factors affect signal strength and quality. For instance, you can build your own simple antennas using everyday materials to discover how their size, shape, and positioning affect reception. It’s a hands-on way to learn about physics, electromagnetism, and the importance of engineering in communication systems.

Language Learning and Cultural Exploration:

Shortwave radio provides a unique opportunity to explore different languages and cultures from the comfort of your own home. Tune in to stations broadcasting in various languages and experience the beauty and diversity of global communication. Immerse yourself in different accents, music, news, and stories, expanding your language skills and developing a global perspective.

Building Emergency Preparedness Skills:

Shortwave radio is not just about science and culture; it also plays a vital role in emergency communication. During emergencies or natural disasters, traditional communication networks may fail, but shortwave radio can remain operational. Learning how to use and listen to shortwave radios equips you with valuable emergency preparedness skills. It empowers you to stay informed, connect with others, and even assist in disseminating vital information during times of crisis.

Igniting a Lifelong Passion:

By exploring the science of shortwave radio at a young age, you may ignite a passion for science, technology, and communication that will last a lifetime. You could become an amateur radio operator, build your own radios, or even pursue a career in engineering, telecommunications, or physics. The possibilities are as vast as the airwaves themselves!

So, young adventurers, as you journey through the captivating world of shortwave radio, remember that science is all around you, waiting to be explored. By tinkering with antennas, observing radio wave behavior, embracing cultural diversity, and preparing for emergencies, you can become a true radio explorer. Unleash your curiosity, ask questions, and let the magic of shortwave radio inspire you to reach for the stars!

Are you ready to embark on this exciting scientific journey? Grab your headphones, tune in to the frequencies of knowledge, and let the science of shortwave radio whisk you away to places both near and far.

Happy exploring, young scientists!

/4 Comments/by
Michael

MAYHAM 2022

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Mayham 2022

 

The event will be held 1st of May, with a large portion of the event undercover.

Entry Ticket Presales Begin at 8:00 AM

General Entry Opens at 8:30 AM

Tecsun Radios Australia are proud to attend this event that features educational lectures, car boot sales, new product releases, opportunities to attain or extend or upgrade your radio licence, topics by keynote speakers include Collins T-195  transmitter restoration (100 watts output, 2-18 Mhz, 26 valves !), WINLINK HF email system, and Club Owned Remote Stations and integrating the Flex 6000 into such stations (Zoom presentation).

Tune in to the event broadcast while you find a bargain at the car boot sale.

As always, the Tecsun team will be there exhibiting our best sellers and will be available for a chat about all things shortwave. Pick up your free copy of our latest Shortwave Radio Listening Guide. Come and say hi!

One of the most exciting events as part of Mayham happens on the Saturday.

The FOX HUNT!

What is a Fox Hunt, you say?

                                                 Mayham 2022

Fox hunting is one of the many side quests of amateur radio. Fox Hunting or Amateur radio direction finding (ARDF) is an interactive amateur radio sport where individuals use the two meter amateur radio band whilst navigating through varying terrain and locations, searching for hidden radio transmitters. 

All competitors must carry equipment capable of receiving the signal being transmitted by multiple transmitters. You may see quite the array of specialised equipment, including a radio receiver, signal attenuator, and directional antenna. Most equipment designs integrate all three components into one handheld device.

For this year the CCARC is promising to really mix things up!! 

The details!!!

 There will be three hunts operating sequentially.

  1. Short Pedestrian of approximately 30 minutes
  2. Mobile / Pedestrian hunt of approximately 45mins – 1 hour
  3. Long Mobile hunt to last approx. 1½ hours

Participants will be required to assemble on the footpath Wyong Commuter Carpark, Located at Rose Street Wyong. This is due to current access restrictions to the site.

 

Proposed timeline of events: (Allow additional time for any changes and transitions between hunts)

12:45 – Pedestrian footpath, Rose Street, Wyong.

This is for initial gathering, registration, and discussion of rules

13:00 First Fox Transmitter activated on low power. Good luck!

13:45 First hunt to finish, regroup for start of the first Mobile / Pedestrian hunt.

This fox will be on High power for first 15-20 Minutes, then reverts to LOW POWER

14:45 Second hunt ends, reassemble for start of longer Mobile “hunt”

17:00 – End of Mayham Fox Hunt for 2022.

 

Important Information:

1st Prize winner will receive Deluxe hotspot kit and Clear acrylic case courtesy of VK Direct and VK4NGA Amateur Radio to the value of $200

2nd Prize winner will receive $100 Westfield gift card

3rd Prize winner will receive a $50 Westfield gift card.

 

For the full rules of the event and further information click here

 

There will be a great selection of food available on the day. To see the full menu click here.

General Entry Gate Opening Times

 

Entry via Rose Street

Pre-Sales begins at 8:00AM

Entry Gates open at 8:30AM

Cash and Eftpos Facilities available on the day

 

Address

 

69 – 73 Howarth St,

Wyong NSW 2259

Car park entry is located in Rose Street

By Rail

Only a short walk from Wyong Railway Station

For the full details on this event including information about the lectures click here

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Michael

Why you may not be receiving broadcasts on your shortwave radio

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troubleshooting your shortwave

You just got your new radio. You excitedly unbox it and put in your Tecsun batteries, you turn it on, and there’s the sweet sound of….. Silence 🙁

What could be wrong? Is my radio broken?

Chances are it is not broken, here are several things it may be.

The first one may be noise, yes noise!  Unfortunately, every single electrical item in your home emits a frequency, particularly modern items, especially if you live in a densely populated area. There may simply be too much noise dominating your area.

If you have a portable radio you could try troubleshooting it yourself. Simply walk around the home to find where you receive a signal and also where it is being interfered with. We had one customer just the other week who did this and realised the light dimmers were creating interference, light dimmers!! Sometimes it’s the microwave, sometimes it’s a power outlet.  Radio signals cannot penetrate the metal walls of your shed, nor the foil-lined roof of your house! Taking the radio outdoors to try and receive a signal is one way of eliminating the effects of interference. If this is successful, the next step is to investigate an external antenna.

The Tecsun Outdoor Shortwave and Medium Wave Antenna is one solution. This gets the receiving ‘element” further away from the noise source, it is then matched to the transmission line and the radio is then fed with a coaxial cable. Compared to a straight piece of wire of the same length, this antenna offers a huge improvement in received signal level. If you do not have room for an external antenna, an “active loop” antenna might be your solution. These can be erected on a balcony or even fixed tothe glass of  a window.

Another reason you may not be receiving shortwave is the time of day. Unless the specific broadcast is aimed at  Australia, most international shortwave broadcasts will occur during daylight hours for the listening audience.  So depending on the broadcaster, this might be in the middle of the night for us shortwave enthusiasts. Check some of the available shortwave radio schedules on the internet to see who is broadcasting when you are listening. In Australia, at this time of year there are many shortwave stations operating around 9Mhz most mornings,  by mid-afternoon, many have shifted to 13-18Mhz for the evening.

Time signals are one reliable signal source. They are on air constantly 24 hours a day. Their signals on 10.00Mhz and 15.00Mhz are easiest to hear, and this will confirm the correct operation of your receiver. These signals are also ideal for comparing reception results between antennas. It is also possible to check the signal of a shortwave broadcaster using the Tecsun Radios online SDR. Click here for access.

Perhaps during the time you are tuning there is a geomagnetic storm or a solar flare that may be causing a temporary weakened signal.

It may be that a setting on your radio needs changing. Many radios have a button for “local or DX”. If your switch is on local it may not receive weaker stations.

Experiencing issues setting up your shortwave radio ? Garry at Tecsun Radios Australia is here to help guide you through the troubleshooting process if needed.

It is all part of why we are different here at Tecsun Radios Australia.

In fact with every radio purchase from Tecsun Radios Australia, you receive a listeners guide which includes a very comprehensive and practical guide to locating sources of AM and HF interference! You can view this guide here

The main thing to remember is dont give up ! Shortwave listening is like fishing, you never know what you are going to catch! Equipping yourself with a good receiver and antenna, are the first steps towards being able to regularly enjoy shortwave listening, the only live and uncensored source of international news and events.

One of our most popular portable shortwave radios is the Tecsun PL880. It comes in both the original and the deluxe edition with a stylish and durable hard case to keep your radio safe, shockproof, and moisture-free in storage or whilst traveling.

The top features of the PL880 are digital signal processing on the HF band (in all modes), a quantum leap forward for the reception of weak signals. In addition, the Tecsun PL880 Radio offers 9 user-selectable IF bandwidth settings for communications enthusiasts, and a new long-life lithium-ion battery.

The receiver covers the entire shortwave range (100-29999KHz), Longwave, FM and AM broadcast bands. Receiver sensitivity on HF in the SSB mode is typically less than 1uV. Upper Side Band and Lower Side Band are individually selectable, and there are multiple user-selectable bandwidth settings available for each band.* The receiver is equipped with an external antenna socket to allow connection of an external antenna for the Shortwave bands for enhanced reception.

Speaking of External antennas. To improve your reception we highly recommend the Tecsun shortwave and AM outdoor antenna.

The Tecsun Shortwave and AM Outdoor Antenna significantly enhances the reception of signals in the medium wave (AM) and shortwave antenna bands covering 0.5-30 MHz. The Tecsun Shortwave and AM Outdoor Antenna is based on a 10 metre longwire antenna design but provides significantly improved reception over a basic longwire because it utilises a matching transformer that acts as a balun with a ratio of 9:1. This provides an optimal match between the 500 ohm impedance of the antenna and the 50 ohm impedance of the receiver, greatly increasing the amount of signal provided to the tuner. 

shortwave antenna

The MLA-30+ The MLA-30+ Shortwave Loop Antenna is an affordable active loop antenna that allows people without the luxury of a large backyard, to use an external antenna to boost the performance of their Shortwave Radio radio and increase the number of radio stations and broadcasts that can be received. The MLA-30+ Shortwave Loop Antenna can be mounted indoors on any non-conductive rod or tube, such as PVC conduit or fibreglass rod (not metal). The loop element of the MLA-30+ Shortwave Loop Antenna has a diameter of 60cm and is connected to the active amplifier housing by two stainless steel wing nuts. For portable operation, the MLA-30+ Shortwave Loop Antenna can be powered by a standard USB powerbank.

shortwave radio antenna

 

/2 Comments/by
Michael

RIG REVIEW- XIEGU G90 Transceiver review by Alan McPhail, VK2AMC

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Xiegu G90 transceiver

Xiegu G90 HF portable transceiver by Alan McPhail, VK2AMC 

We were delighted to receive this fantastic  “Rig Review” from fellow radio enthusiast Alan McPhail. His story starts below!!

In 1951, as a four-year-old, I first became aware of amateur radio. My father had been transferred to Townsville by the Department of Civil Aviation and, while sitting in the rear of my parents 1934 Continental Beacon, I saw an HF quad antenna mounted on a tower.

My father explained to me that the antenna was at the home of a radio amateur and it allowed him to talk with people around Australia and the world by radio. This was the beginning of my interest in amateur radio. I have been licensed since 1978, but because of an interesting career, I did not become active on the bands until 2011 and then only occasionally.

After a lightning strike at home in 2015 along with the subsequent fire that burnt through the roof space, the house was severely damaged, contents written off and I lost most of my equipment.

The rebuild of the house took 13 months to complete and the subsequent time to resettle limited my amateur radio pursuits. Our home is on a corner block and the backyard garden is unsuitable for setting up a permanent antenna. I have experimented with dipoles but most often I used a home-built Buddistick antenna (www.buddipole.com).

When I was asked to review the G90 I was reticent to accept the task, not because of my extensive electrical and communications engineering background but because I did not have enough experience as an operator on the amateur bands. I note that in-depth reviews have been done by the RSGB, the ARRL, and on YouTube. The G90 has an active and supportive user group. It was suggested that I should share my user experience of the G90 for Amateur Radio readers.

Xiegu G90

I needed to do some preparatory work to power the G90 and choose an antenna. I fitted Anderson Powerpole connectors to my 4200 mAh LiFePo4 battery and to the battery end of the G90 power cable. I connected the G90 to the battery and a short inside wire antenna. This was sufficient to check that the G90 was working on receive and to become familiar with the basic controls. Initially, I tuned to the ABC frequencies in the broadcast band and experimented with the filter control width and position. The operation manual was easy to follow, and others have improved versions available. Initial observations The colour display is approximately 4.5 cm (1.8”), but it displays a large amount of information very effectively, making the front panel appear larger than it is. On the air Every Friday between 09:00 and 10:00 hours, the Hornsby and District Amateur Radio Club (HADARC) conducts a 40 m net on 7.106 MHz. I thought this would be an ideal occasion to test the G90 on-air. I used a 10 metre length of coaxial cable to connect the transceiver to the antenna. My home-built Buddistick antenna was assembled and slid into the lower three sections of a 7 m-tall telescopic fiberglass mast, increasing the overall height of the antenna by 2.9 m. After installing the antenna counterpoise, I switched on the power to the G90 and tuned to a vacant frequency on 40 m, switched to the AM mode, and pressed the transmit key. The SWR was very high and I checked the antenna connections. Normally, I would adjust the counterpoise length to try to reduce the SWR. However, as I had read good reports about the auto tuner, I decided to activate it. 

After a few clicks of changing relays, the SWR dropped to 1:1 and I tuned to the net frequency and joined the net. I spent an hour with the group whose reports on my signal were very encouraging. I could hear most of the participants and received “5 and 9” from several of the participants. Being able to join the group net so quickly on the fi rst setup is a demonstration of how easy the G90 is to operate. The 20 W power output also helped in successfully communicating with more participants than I have previously achieved with my 5 W transceiver. Being able to see the power supply voltage on the display was useful in monitoring my new battery. When switched off, the G90 saves the frequency and mode settings as the start-up values for the next time the rig is turned on. I joined the HADARC Net on a second occasion and I found the controls to be tactile and the panel layout convenient. The receiver audio was of good quality while the ±24 kHz bandwidth spectrum display and SWR scanner were very useful and easy-to-use features. A feature for the hearing impaired in CW mode is the yellow LED that indicates when a signal is being received if there is good reception. The controls There are four pushbutton switches on the top horizontal portion of the front panel, a pair to step up or down the bands, and a pair to cycle through the modes: LSB, USB, CW, CWR and AM. The three front-panel knobs are: • Volume control; a short press will toggle to and from the headphones; • Multi-function Adjustment default steps at 100 kHz and a short press enters the receive mode filter allowing adjustment of the bandwidth and position of the filter. The default operation of the knob can be changed with a long press to change other parameters;

In summary:

The Xiegu G90 is a capable HF QRP transceiver that has easy-to-use – controls with an information-rich colour display. The 20 W output power, adjustable from 1 W, would be appealing to QRP and DX operators, particularly for SOTA and POTA. The standing wave scanner and automatic antenna tuner would also be useful in the field. Above all, I found the Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver was fun to operate.

Read the full article which includes additional tips, information, and even information about the Xiegu G90s portability, click here

The team here at Tecsun Radios Australia are serious about amateur radio and have found the G90 to be fantastic value for a receiver with this power and capabilities on the market.

Thank you the Wireless Institute of Australia for this information.

Get your G90 here 

Transceiver radio

/0 Comments/by
Michael

DRM Is Growing In Popularity And There Are Now Many More Stations To Receive Than At Any Time In The Past.

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DRM radio

After many years of stagnation, DRM is emerging as a perfect fit for shortwave broadcasters seeking to increase their audience, and at the same time reducing their energy consumption.

DRM is an open source, non proprietary standard for terrestrial broadcasting, promoted by the DRM Consortium, a group of transmission equipment and receiver manufacturers as well as international broadcasters.

Over 30 broadcasters from around the world now carry DRM broadcasts. The latest schedule can be found here: http://www.hfcc.org/drm/

To receive DRM broadcasts a suitable receiver is required. The GR216 receiver, https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/tecsun-drm-radio/, promoted by Tecsun Radios Australia is a high-performance receiver, both on DRM and analogue shortwave. It is a self-contained unit, with provision for the connection of external antennas for shortwave and FM.

The receiver includes a self contained linear power supply which eliminates interference caused in  receivers powered by switch mode power supplies.

drm radio australia

 

We recommend an external antenna for good DRM reception and our MW/SW Outdoor Antenna  https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/tecsun-shortwave-outdoor-antenna/ is most suitable. This antenna incorporates a 9:1 balun to provide the correct impedance for most shortwave receivers with an external antenna socket.

antenna shortwave drm

The typical improvement over the same length of wire without the matching components is between 10 and 15dB in signal level.

A word about antennas:

Directional characteristics of random wire and long wire shortwave receiving antennas are dependent upon the antenna length, height above ground, received frequency and directional orientation of the antenna wire. The four elements are interactive.

Generally the antenna should be aimed so that the transmission source is at 90 degrees to the antenna. So if the transmission source is to the West, run the antenna on a North South direction if possible. This works best on antennas that are less than a quarter wavelength in length and mounted a quarter wavelength above the ground (such as the antenna mentioned above).

In the case of a simple longwire without matching, the length of the wire cut for one quarter wavelength at popular DRM frequencies is as follows:

13Mhz: 6 metres in length, 15Mhz: 5 metres in length, 7 Mhz: 10 metres in length

A simple long wire antenna will work better at greater elevation above the ground, ie the higher the better. Multistrand insulated wire will work better and for longer that solid copper wire, which will weaken with repeated movement.

In practical terms, a DRM receiver with an external antenna will be able to hear most current DRM broadcasts from 13-18Mhz. Check the broadcasting schedule for the appropriate times.

Remember that all times are given in GMT and that means AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) is 10 hours ahead of GMT. Hence (for example) the BBC Relay from Singapore on 15620Khz will appear between 2pm and 8pm AEST.

One more factor that can influence the success of your reception is the direction in which the signal is being beamed.

This information is also available on the DRM HF schedule site. If you are in the target area you will have a much better chance of sucessfully receiving DRM broadcasts.

Target areas can be seen here: https://www.drm.org/what-can-i-hear/broadcast-schedule-2/

There are many stations that can be received if suitable attention is paid to antenna orientation, and broadcasting schedules, with more stations being added to the schedule every month.

Good Listening !

/0 Comments/by
Michael

Yesterday’s Mass Power Outage: A Reminder That Emergency Events Can Occur Any Time, Anywhere. Are You Prepared?

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How to be prepared for a power cut

                                                                                                                          image via Image via https://www.abc.net.au/news/

At 2 pm on Tues 25th May 2021, a fire broke out in a turbine at the Callide power station in Central QLD causing three generators to be shut down. The scenario of a hydrogen-filled generator exploding or failing mechanically causing hydrogen leaks and then also oil leaks, is probably the worst-case scenario in a coal-fired power station, according to Union representatives.

A further domino effect followed, tripping plants further down the network and causing an electricity outage of almost 500,000 homes from northern New South Wales up to far north Queensland. 

 Chaos ensued with a black-out affecting hundreds of thousands of homes, the Brisbane city traffic lights, shopping centers, sewage treatment plants, and even Gold Coast trams.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) requested consumers in Queensland temporarily reduce their energy usage where safe to do so

Thankfully nobody was injured by this incident however, this is a stark reminder that significant power events, similarly, significant weather events ( the two are often related) can occur anywhere at any time.

Is your home prepared for such events?

How to prepare yourself for a power outage.

A severe power outage can last for days, so its a good idea to set aside a day once a year to spend 10 minutes making sure you are prepared if the sudden event of a power outage occurs.

Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

Make sure you have an emergency radio that can be hand-cranked or solar powered so that you can receive essential emergency broadcasts and instructions when other forms of communications are down. Many top emergency radios feature additional safety features including a flashlight, emergency alarm to attract attention and USB charging. 

How to protect yourself during a power outage.

  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
  • Use a generator if you have one, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows to minimise exposure to carbon monoxide.
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed and have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
  • Tune into your local radio emergency broadcast for updates and directions if you are in an effected area
  • Grab your emergency kit and keep it close.

Thank you to ready.gov for these tips.

Emergency kits are essential in every household, because you don’t need them till you do.

Do you have an emergency kit prepared at home? Click here to see the full list of what essential items you will need to have packed and ready to go. What is in an emergency kit.

Don’t have an emergency radio yet?

We recommend the Best Emergency Radio which is our highest performance AM/FM/SW Solar Powered Radio with inbuilt Solar Panel and Hand Crank Dynamo Charging. Additional features much needed during an emergency are a LED torch and personal alarm, a siren to gain the attention of emergency services and an inbuilt USB charger.

We recommend the DE13 Emergency AM/FM/SW Solar Radio which is an economy model, featuring a torch, personal alarm, inbuilt Solar Panel, and Dynamo hand crank charger that allows you to recharge the internal battery or charge any device by USB or mini USB including your mobile phone. This is the perfect radio to keep for any emergencies.

Click here to shop these products in our online store.

 

/0 Comments/by
Michael

Upcoming Amateur Radio Field Days.

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Tecsun Radios Australia are proud sponsors of the two upcoming field day events.

The CCARC Wyong Field Day “MayHam”2021 on SUNDAY, 30 MAY 2021

And the ORARC 2021 Field Day on Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th of June 2021 during the Queens Birthday Long Weekend.

mayham field day central coast

MAYHAM at Wyong will feature car boot sales, new product releases, opportunities to attain or extend or upgrade your radio licenses as well as a fantastic range of lectures on a variety of topics including noise reduction, operational amplifiers, and tube radio.

Tune in while you find a bargain at the car boot sale.

fox hunt radio comp

Have you heard about the fox hunt? 

Radio direction finding (Fox Hunting) is used to find sources of interference to any form of wireless electronic communications, including broadcast and two-way radio. Amateurs use RDF for a variety of reasons, but more often, they use it just for fun. Hidden transmitter hunting has been done by amateurs for many years. Using ‘hide-and-seek” procedures, amateur radio operators (“Hounds”) take up the task of finding hidden transmitters (the “Fox”). Numerous cunning tricks are played by those hiding a Fox as they seek to elude the Hounds. In Australia, Foxhunting includes travel in a car, and DFing a hidden transmitter on the move, whilst following all current road rules. Then the Hounds, become pedestrians to discover the hiding spot of the transmitter, the “Fox”. Foxhunts can also be held over relatively short courses requiring Hounds to do all of their DFing on foot. Sometimes the”Fox” may be disguised to make the hunt more difficult, so watch out for “Wolves” when you are hunting too. Whatever the case, it is a fun activity!

Fox Hunt Purpose:

  1. a) Provide practice and enhance skill in radio direction finding for and by radio amateurs.
  2. b) Promote teamwork within the amateur community.
  3. c) To help newcomers and old-timers alike in the skills of radio direction finding.

But most of all:

  1. d) To have fun!

Tecsun Radios Australia is offering free tickets to this event, simply send an email to hello@tecsunradios.com.au with the subject line FREE TICKETS and we will have your name added to the door list.

 

The Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club annual Field Day will be held at the Wauchope Showground hall with all the usual field day activities on Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th of June 2021 during the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend.  The Field Day dinner will be held at the Port Macquarie Golf Club on the Saturday night.  Mark your calendar now.  The Wauchope Showground permits camping so it is possible to stay on site in your own motor home, caravan or tent with power and amenities.

Tecsun Radios Australia have contributed a PL-330 receiver to the ORARC 2021 Field day raffle that will be held during the event.

 

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Michael

How To Set Up Your Radio Shack

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As the weather begins to cool, it is a great time to set up and organise your radio shack.
Crucial for wireless communication, the first radio shacks were aboard ships in the 1900s, several radio units were housed above the bridge in wooden structures.
Similar to a man cave the radio shack is essential for every shortwave listener, it is your place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

image via qsl.net

Many radio shacks are set up in basements, garages, or spare rooms.
Some important factors to consider are.

Location: Ensure your radio shack is as close to the ground as possible with accessibility for routing wires in and out of your space.
Comfort: Get yourself a large desk that can accommodate lots of radios and a comfortable chair so that the time you spend in your shack is enjoyable. Get yourself a good set of headphones that can plug right into your radio, preferably like our Tecsun communication headphones that feature an extra-long cord so it can reach even the higher up radios in your radio shack.
Ease of use. We mentioned the large desk earlier, it is important to have your units within close reach, at least within arm’s length. Buying some shelving for vertical storage is both a great use of space and helps accessibility.
The Extras, just for fun! Get yourself a big clock that shows Zulu or UTC time so you can always see what time it is overseas, plus these look pretty cool!
Get yourself a corkboard that you can pin your QSL cards, decoded images, and other notes.

For those of you who have a radio shack we would love to see your photos. Take a photo and either email it through to hello@tecsunradios.com.au or post your photo and tag us @TecsunAU and #TecsunAU.

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