Early Warnings database - FM Broadcast band???

[ADMIN]

Hi all

Mike, ZL3MF, has been working hard loading up the Early warnings database with Kiwi FM broadcast stations.
Before we go overboard with all of this, a quick poll.

1) What have VK VHF DXers listened to in the past as early warning across the Tasman?

2) What have ZLs listened for to indicate conditions within ZL?

3) What information would you like to see?

We have many low powered FM broadcast stations in the database <1kW... so,

4) are these really neccesary, and have they been of use in the past?

A lot of effort has already been spent, so we would welcome any feedback on this.
The aim is the be as comprehensive as possible, within reason, but "keeping it real" at the same time.

[VK3SIX]

As with the early warning F2 data base we started with little or no accurate information and now have 6 sig figs and locations of several useful tv outlets with which to predict when things might happen.
The speed of E layer and in fact F layer openings requires a quick and accurate method of knowing when and if to call. For example TV video from PN and ON grid fields.

[VK3SIX]

Hamilton 137.250 100,000 erp 600 foot tower on 1200 foot hill

88.9 MIXX FM 60000 eirp

[ZL1TN]

From the ZL side, we look for things like 46.172, 46.240 and even the Tamworth warbler on 46.260 for 6m propagation, followed by the like of the Gold Coast beacon on 50.057, VK4RGG, and the Newcastle beacon on 50.288.
FM broadcast wise, as long as we steer slear of locals on 100.6, 101.4, 102.2, 103.8, 104.6, 105.4 and 106.2, (Auckland) then the band has plently of opportunities to use as indicators, the Sydney and Gold Coast/Brisbane frequencies are good indicators.
Also, there's the pagers on frequencies like 148.2375, 148.5625, 148.6375 to name three that are easily audible when the band is open, even mobile on the car rig. Easily audible VK signals.

QRM on local TV channel 2 (55.25 MHz) is also a strong indicator of VK channel 1 propagation.

73, Tin, ZL1TN.

[ZL3MF]

Hi everyone would like to put my 2c in,
The New Zealand FM broadcast band list is now pretty much complete it incudes all FM stations above 50w and does not include LPFM stations, if we did the list including all stations it would have been well over 1000 entries.
Included in the list is the Chatham and Cook Islands.
When you look at the list say 5kw and below you will view all stations below 5kw but if you then click on >5kw, >10kw and >50kw the >5kw is NOT included in the list due to the size of the list. By clicking on "More" will give you map location etc just like the TV list. The other great feature is you can select "notes" Region" "QTH" "Grid" etc this will sort the list to what ever you want. I think this will be handy if say you receive a station on 92.1Mhz and they give the call sign of "More FM" look on the list and see More FM is in Christchurch then you could click on "region" "Grid" or QTH then the list will show all the Christchurch FM stations in one lot.
Feedback: Very interested in feedback, is this list going to be handy for Tropo, SP/E openings?
FM list from Australia.....would be VERY interested in someone doing a simular list for Australia. I have often had 2m open here in Christchurch via SP/E FM broadcast band WIDE open but no CH5A.
I know doing a list for Australia will be WAY bigger than the NZ list but how about say a VK7 does a complete list for his local area VK3 does his area etc etc ??
Mike ZL3MF