Sorry to be a bit off-topic, but perhaps some of you would be interested in my FM observations here on Rarotonga:
FM Bandscan from the Cook Islands Having spent a bit of time on MW and SW, I decided to play a bit with FM and see what was available on the islands. I monitored things on Dec 10th, both from our location in the south-west corner of the island, and later in the day from Hospital hill, a lovely location south of the airport at the north end of the island. Clearly, the transmitters heard are flea powered, as much of what was heard a few km to the south was not heard at hospital hill, and vice-versa. Technically, it was also difficult to be sure of the frequency using a pretty basic tiny Eton portable with only it’s very short whip antenna. For what’s it’s worth, here’s a listing of what was heard. I’ll indicate my location as SW, while Hospital hill will be marked N: 87.50 (SW). Id’d as “88 FM” at 00:02 UTC in FM stereo. 88.0 (N) FM stereo. ?same station 88.8 (N) Radio Cook Islands here, but only heard in the Avarua town area, and fades out quickly. ID is for 630. No mention of FM. Mono transmission and well heard. 88.85 (SW) a weak ? religious station 91.9 (SW) Matariki FM FM stereo and very well heard. Seems primarily a religious broadcaster. Still poor to fair at (N). 92.15 (N) I can hear a beacon here as dit-dah-dit dah-dah-dit. Must be connected to the airport, but why am I hearing it on the FM band? 93.0 (SW) poor reception with Radio Australia programming. Same relay programming at very good level at (N) in mono. 94.7 (SW) a mystery station. FM station, heard at very good level before 00:00 UTC, but gone completely when rechecked 3 minutes later. That’s only 2:00 PM local. FM stereo too. 96.7 (SW) Matariki FM at poor level, but very good at (N) in FM stereo, and best on 96.75 99.85 (SW) Not sure what this was. Seemingly an open carrier only. That’s all there is to hear on the FM dial. Precious little, really! 73, Walt Salmaniw, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
