RNZI moves to a one-transmitter operation

Sad news, but we may notice little change to their DRM service. RNZI has been a DRM mainstay for the Pacific and much of CONUS via their "feeder" system for the Pacific Islands.

"The move to a one-transmitter operation will result in a reduced service to current individual short-wave listeners in the region. RNZI will still broadcast in analogue short-wave for extensive periods of each day, but there won't be a 24 hour service as there has been. This is likely to be most felt during breakfast hours when we will need to broadcast a digital signal for relaying stations, rather than an analogue one."

More info RNZI's use of DRM may be found in an interview we did with Adrian Sainsbury in 2012.

More shortwave casualties in the Pacific (and around the world)

Bad news comes in threes. Radio Australia is about to be impacted by huge reductions which will leave Pacific islands without regional content. Here is an interesting article which lays out the cuts.

A week or so ago, I noted that Radio New Zealand schedule shows that they are reducing their DRM broadcasts that serve as feeders for local FMs on these same islands.

Why is it that none of the "smartest people" in the developed world are able to understand that they remain the privileged around the globe? Just over one-third of the population of our "big blue marble" has Internet connectivity. The US government just made this same mistake with HR 4490 whereby IBB/BBG will be reducing shortwave.

I'm too small and too close to shortwave (a hobbyist) to be of any use to these wonks. Why isn't there outrage from on high? You'd think the old-time hawks in the US government would recognize these cuts for what they are - weakening our ability to spread the "gospel" of democracy and freedom. In addition, the cuts to services by our English speaking friends "down under" weaken their impact to Pacific island neighbors.

Ugh!

Kiwis...more than just RNZI!

Check out the new blog of our friend Ralph ZL2TV in NZ land. This guy is serious about DRM! Witness the spine-tingling use of florescent tubes in his own RF lightsaber battle, spreading the joys of DRM throughout the ether! The anaglyph 3D glasses can't hurt either.

Ralph has been "lighting up the night" with DRM signals using some fine surplus gear and proving that DRM can be an everyman's proposition. This kind of work renews my spirit in DRM, ham radio, electronics and mankind in general. Let's hear it for DIY and experimentation!

Adrian Sainsbury of RNZI

Recently I asked Adrian Sainsbury to tell DRMNA about his experience with DRM:

Would you please explain the history and current status of RNZI's use of DRM in the Pacific?

"For many years RNZI has provided Pacific News and current affairs programmes to radio stations in Pacific Islands. Back in 1989 Government funding was provided for one 100kw analogue short-wave transmitter. Pacific stations used HF receivers to relay RNZI news bulletins. Satellite distribution was not an option due to costly distribution.

Voice of Russia DRM transmitting with two audio streams

(UPDATED 20111022 with image from Alokesh at bottom of post)

Glenn Hauser's DX Listening Digest (also Glenn's World of Radio) featured a report from Giampiero Bernardini in Milan, Italy. He mentioned hearing Voice of Russia on 9850 kHz at 0820z on the 7th of October broadcasting in DRM with 2 audio streams. I have always thought that this is a great and innovative use of DRM. I certainly wish I had more information, but it was described as in English and Russian "DRM RUVR 1A" & "DRM RUVR 1B"

If my knowledge of DRM is correct, this could be done in CELP or HVXC using two 8 kHz or similar audio streams. This would be near the robusteness of what we are used to with RNZI broadcasting one stream of 15.48 kHz AAC+.

Radio New Zealand International B11 sked

One of our "sure bet" DRM broadcasters here out West just published their B11 schedule. I really enjoy listening to them in the evening. RNZI is Mostly talk and news, but we often get a taste of NZ Rock and great Pacific Islands music. I still hope for an interview with their "frequency man" Adrian Sainsbury soon! (UPDATED: 20111020 new video at bottom of post)

"Digital Radio and the Future of Shortwave"

Here is a short article from RadioWorld with nice quotes from some of our Shortwave enthusiast friends. I'd say it is an honest look at the current situation...

(Link courtesy of Alokesh via the drmna yg)

By the way, did anyone else catch Kim Andrew Elliott advocating DRM for BBC Longwave? See the last line of his article (in italics).

An Open Letter to Canada

I was sent the following email by a DRMNA reader. What do you think guys?

"I am an Australian who has a great interest in digital radio. Australian regulators have ruled out any HDradio due to poor performance. This is what happens when you compromise.