DX NOTES

New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 773, 14 May 1954, Page 26

DX NOTES

\V INTER is a good time for new DX-ers to start building a log of Australian stations, At the same time they will gain experience which will be valuable when they start chasing more elusive _ stations. Many Australian stations are heard at excellent strength as soon as it gets dark. They occupy every frequency not covered by a New Zealand station, except 1550 kilocycles. | The low-frequency end of the dial is covered by stations operated by the | Australian Broadcasting Commission, which has non-commercial programmes. Many transmitters broadcast the same programmes during the evening. Key stations at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart are relayed by several regional stations. Reports to the regionals should be sent to the key station in the State concerned. Regionals usually relay the main stations, but can be logged on their own news bulletins at 8.45 p.m. New Zealand time. Above ‘860 kilocycles most of the stations are pri-vately-owned commercials. Many have recently increased power and are pleased to get reports. New Zealand listeners will find many familiar serials and other features on the air from the Australian commercials. Half an hour’s report at least should be sent and should include announcements from the station’s studio. Details of network announcements are useless for verifying reports. After logging 100 or so. Australians, the going becomes tough. Several channels are occupied by two or three stations, some of which are seldom heard free of interference. South and Western Australian stations are best heard after 1.0 a.m., when most of the stations in the eastern time zone have closed. Most Commonwealth stations are good verifiers, but the DX-er will usually find that he can’t get a reply from a dozen or so. The only way to verify these is to get some Australian stamps from the Post Office and send a stamped, addressed envelope and a form ready to sign to the stations concerned. Verifying all Australia, is a satisfying achievement, which is limited to fewer than a dozen New Zealanders. When listening in the winter, a lookout should be kept for out-of-season North Americans. With many States on daylight saving time, many eastern United States Stations open at 10.0 p.m. New Zealand time or earlier. Check 1590 kilocycles at 9.30 p.m. If WAKR Akron, Ohio, is heard ing on top of the Australian 4SO Southport, it is probably a good night for reception from the U.S. However, this reception seldom lasts later than 11.0 p.m., when the Australians again take over the channels.