DRM - worth it?

zilog_jones

I'm half thinking of getting some decent portable radio like a Sony ICF-SW7600GR and modding it for DRM use with my PC. But would it be worth the hassle? What stations are using it now? Are there any websites similar to like Lyngsat that'll show me what's available around here?

Are there any affordable portable DRM radios available yet? I know there's that Morphy Richards one, but it's not what I'd call affordable yet (if I was getting a 7600 it'd be second hand - I'm sure as hell not paying €220 for it!).

DMC

DRM is where DAB in the UK was around 2000, in need of a push from the industry.

The BBC are currently on DRM with the World Service and BBC Radio Devon.

I'd be almost certain that Radio 5 Live and Radio 4 LW will be DAB only once analogue switch-off occurs (later than 2012), so Ireland's long held tradition of getting both stations over the air will go, it will be satellite or nothing...

RTÉ have apparently prepped 252kHz in readiness.

I know I adopted a DAB radio 2 years before RTÉ set off, I won't be getting a DRM radio until, and if there is no prospect of 5 Live or Radio 4 LW, I won't be getting one either.

watty

R4LW -->DRM, not DAB?

Yes there are lists of HF stations on DRM.

There is a site which list radios successfully modded for DRM. Basically you need a 3rd IF. Ideally via wide filter, not Narrow AM or SSB. Then DReaM SW on PC (free) which has a station list update feature.

Some Mods published, I don't beleive work.

All LW, MW and HF stations will be going to DRM worldwide. Only a few countries will ever implement VHF DAB. It's obsolete.

RTE DRM tests have been received perfectly in London, so when R4LW goes DRM, I'll be looking for a DRM car radio.

The 2012 Analogue Switch off is only TV. AFAIK VHF-FM Radio continues and I haven't heard a date for a changeover to DRM. Due to bandwidth constraints you can't have the DTT scenario of a parallel service. So what is happening is first late night/overnigh services switching to DRM and AM during daytime/evening, then at some point when enough people have DRM sets changing 100% time to DRM.

DMC

watty wrote:

R4LW -->DRM, not DAB?

I don't believe there will be a R4LW equivalent on DRM, as it's programming is carried on DAB (Test Match Special on 5 Live Sports Extra, Daily Service is also there) LW is only useful, really, for the Shipping Forecast.

I've not seen any plans for R4LW on DRM, unless you have?

Thinking hypothetically, its quite feasible that the European DRM frequency of the World Service could host the Shipping Forecast, but with advances in technology, a forecast can be got on the internet, mobile devices, GPS and satellite at sea, will there be a need for a broadcast forecast?

Its a bit like the British National Rail Timetable. The final printed edition is now on sale. From December, you have to go to the website, rather than thumb through the 3 inch thick book. The information can be obtained more efficiently by other means nowadays, but the nostalgic charm is there.

Now how that will go down with the ex-pats in their chateaux in Brittany, is anyones guess. No more Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire a possibility?

lawhec

Thinking hypothetically, its quite feasible that the European DRM frequency of the World Service could host the Shipping Forecast, but with advances in technology, a forecast can be got on the internet, mobile devices, GPS and satellite at sea, will there be a need for a broadcast forecast?

Norwegian fishermen groups only a few years ago managed to get NRK to install a LW transmitter in the north of the country which can be heard several hundred miles out to sea, so I'd still say its a big comfort for many people especially if something goes wrong.

The main problem however with the possibility of converting 198kHz BBC Radio 4 to DRM is that at the transmitter there is a special transmitter that phase modulates the carrier to trigger Economny 7 timers in the UK. The shut down of 198 on analogue would then need to see a different system implemented.

There is a similar service in France for the 162kHz Allouis transmitter, though I believe that is used for radio controlled clocks.

watty

Well if the UK is vacating 198kHz, I'll put a bid in for it

Mayo Exile

Well if the UK is vacating 198kHz

Didn't the leafy utopia of Middle England almost erupt into a violent insurrection when the BBC hinted they were going to take R4 off LW several years ago?

rlogue

I bought the Coding Technologies DRM receiver a couple of years ago for €200 but I've hardly used it. It needs a strong AM signal to drive it and so far only occasional BBC WS transmissions and the old Radio Luxembourg DRM tests came through. As an analogue SW receiver it was OK but - the reception on the box is appalling on MW and LW. I could not even get R4 198 kHz on the box in analogue mode, let alone 252. I suspect I would need a pretty beefy antenna to get it to pick anything on LW or MW in DRM mode.

Even R5Live on 909 kHz here in London which came booming in on my crystal set was very weak on the Coding Technologies box. All in all a very disappointing buy to be honest.

zilog_jones

I forgot I even made this thread!
Thanks for the info. I don't think I'll bother making any modifications if I do get a good SW radio. Any recommendations for small enough yokes besides the 7600GR? There doesn't seem to be much on eBay these days...

watty

ICF2001D for old, good & transportable, or Yaesu VR500 for not as good but very small and more coverage. PM me if you want to talk more or see/hear both.

DMC

Mayo Exile wrote:

Didn't the leafy utopia of Middle England almost erupt into a violent insurrection when the BBC hinted they were going to take R4 off LW several years ago?

Ah yes... Gulf/Scud FM.....

And mild uproar when Test Match Special found its way onto LW too.

I don't think that they will vacate 198kHz, its just that all of Radio 4's programmes, on both frequencies, are broadcast on DAB.