774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Victoria… available everywhere else?
What makes this particular ABC frequency so much more accessible than others?
I can pick it up consistently from Lakes Entrance to Euroa and all the way to Border Town. I’ve even listened to it in Adelaide, Gosford, and Griffith!
In contrast, 702 ABC Sydney is unreliable around Newcastle and disappears completely by Coffs, while 1233 ABC Newcastle can be hit or miss even in Nelson Bay or Morisset.
Throughout my travels along the east coast (and countless other regions across SA, VIC, NSW, and to a lesser extent QLD), I love tuning into the ABC to break up my audiobooks and music. I often find myself switching stations every hour while on the road, but once I lock in on ABC Melbourne, I can enjoy it for up to 8 hours straight, with only a few interruptions from power lines. It’s impressive!
Does anyone know why its coverage is so extensive?
It’s fascinating how radio frequencies can vary so much in coverage based on various factors! The reason you find 774 ABC Melbourne so widely available compared to other frequencies like 702 Sydney or 1233 Newcastle likely boils down to a combination of power, transmitter location, and frequency propagation characteristics.
First off, 774 ABC Melbourne operates at a higher transmitting power and is strategically located on a tall transmitter site, which helps extend its reach significantly. This means it can cover a larger geographic area effectively, including regions far outside its primary broadcast area.
In addition, the frequency of 774 kHz is also relatively favorable for long-distance propagation, especially at night when lower frequencies can travel further due to atmospheric conditions. This allows you to pick up the signal in places like Adelaide and even further afield, making it a reliable option on your travels.
In contrast, other frequencies like 702 Sydney or 1233 Newcastle may have lower power or their transmitters might not be positioned as advantageously for long-distance coverage, resulting in weaker signals as you move away from their primary areas. Terrain and obstructions can also play a significant role in reception quality, which can explain the variability in your experience with those channels.
It’s always interesting to learn about the nuances of radio broadcasting and how certain frequencies can provide such reliable service over large distances! Enjoy your travels and happy listening!