SEARCHERS OF THE ETHER

Evening Star, Issue 22542, 9 January 1937, Page 4

SEARCHERS OF THE ETHER

WHAT THE DX-ERS HEAR Due probably to recent unsettled weather conditions, reception of the overseas stations forming the backbone of the hobby of DX-ing has not been up to the usual standard. This, coupled with the usual static and power interference, makes DX-ing very discouraging. The early morning Americans, who are, by the way, practically the only worthwhile DX at this time of the year, have fallen off slightly in volume, hut with a little patience and much “ fishing ” among the Australians, new loggings can be made. The Pacific Coast stations can be heard the clearest, as, by the time they open, the dial is practically clear of the Australians. However, it is quite surprising what a 1,000-watt Central Standard Time American can do to a Commonwealth station on the same frequency. " As can only be expected at this time, the transtasman stations are only fair, but as the longest day is a fair way behind us, an improvement in the volume of these stations should be noticeable before very long. Since the new regional station, 6WA, located at Minding, 'Western Australia, commenced operations a few weeks ago, only one further new station has been heard. This is the 2,000-watt relay station of 3DB, Melbourne, which operates on 1,090 kc under the call sign or 3LK, Lubeck, Victoria. This station provides one of the best transtasman signals, and should provide little difficulty in location even in the worst of localities.

VKs, the low-powered Australian amateurs found on the broadcast band between the frequencies of 1,095 kc and 1,500 kc, are almost non-existent. Any or "these stations that are on the air are blotted out by static and power interference. A« the winter months are the best for reception of the stations in the Eastern zone, it has been quite a surprise to hear them in the middle of our summer. While not up to the winter strength signals, nevertheless they have eeen good. No new ones, of course, have been heard. It is to be hoped that this is the forerunner of a very good season next winter from this quarter.