Garry Cratt

Military Communications on HF–Why does it still exist ?

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Historically HF radio has been the backbone of military communications in all conflicts since WW2. Able to provide long distance communications via skywave or short range communications via ground wave, manpack transceivers have become the norm in most conflicts.

The advent of satellite communications has opened up real time broadband links from command centre to front line, provided there was sufficient space and power available. HF still rules where SATCOM is not viable, ie in jungle, polar regions, valleys and where a clear sky is not possible.

One important consideration of modern military communications is the vulnerability of satellites in space, which can be disabled or jammed. Countries of significant military capability have demonstrated the capability of destroying in orbit satellites and jamming spaceborne navigation networks.

In this scenario HF communications becomes a viable backup to SATCOM. It is for this reason that in addition to routine communications, Emergency Action Messages utilize HF. This may be of interest to shortwave listeners.

The term EAM refers to plain voice encoded messages sent on shortwave (HF) frequencies by the US military to communicate with nuclear capable assets. Such communications are normally used for training, but can be used to authenticate and authorize deployment of strategic nuclear weapons.

Frequency of EAMs can vary with current military threat levels and hold more importance during times of conflict.

The frequencies used are public knowledge and are used to routinely broadcast several times each day. They are intended to be heard and used by aircraft and nuclear silos to issue commands and to confuse enemy intelligence. These messages generally originate in the Northern hemisphere but shortwave propagation means they can be heard around the world at various times.

With the advent of a world wide network of online SDRs, listening has been made even easier.

The frequencies used are part of the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) and include 4724, 6712, 6739, 8992, 11175, 13200, and 15016 Khz. These transmissions are always in USB mode and form another interesting facet of shortwave listening.

Apart from EAMs, there are many country specific military HF communications networks that can prove interesting to shortwave listeners. Both the Australia and New Zealand military have HF networks. Information on these networks including voice frequencies are public knowledge.

Voice frequencies reportedly used in Australia include: 12172, 15962, 9047, 5878 and 22868 Khz.

5696 Khz has been reserved and allocated for military distress traffic.

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Garry Cratt

Introducing the Endfed 4 Band Antenna (Q5014)

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At Tecsun Radios Australia, we pride ourselves on offering gear that’s been selected and tested by a genuine radio enthusiast who understands what Australian operators actually need. The latest addition to our range is the Endfed 4 Band Antenna (Cat # Q5014)—a practical, efficient solution for amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners alike.

This antenna has been chosen for its simplicity, flexibility, and dependable performance across multiple HF bands, making it an excellent option whether you’re operating from home or heading out portable.

Multi-Band Capability Without the Complexity

The Endfed 4 Band Antenna is designed to resonate on four key amateur HF bands:

  • 40 metres
  • 20 metres
  • 15 metres 
  • 10 metres

Because these bands are harmonically related, the antenna achieves effective multi-band performance without requiring complex switching or tuning arrangements. This makes it especially appealing for operators who want to keep things straightforward while still enjoying broad band coverage.

Efficient Matching with a 49:1 Unun

A key feature of this antenna is the integrated 49:1 unun, which allows efficient impedance matching of the 20 metre wire radiator. In practical terms, this helps the antenna perform reliably across its intended bands, even when installed at modest heights.

Unlike many antennas that require significant elevation to work well, this design can operate effectively with the radiator positioned as low as one metre above ground level, giving you far more flexibility in how and where you deploy it.

Easy Installation in Real-World Conditions

One of the standout benefits of this antenna is just how easy it is to set up. It’s well suited to a wide range of installation scenarios, including:

  • Backyard setups with limited space
  • Portable or field operation
  • Irregular layouts where a straight run isn’t possible

The radiator wire can be routed around corners without significant performance loss, which is a major advantage in suburban environments or when working around natural obstacles.

Ready to Go Out of the Box

To make setup as simple as possible, the antenna comes supplied with:

    • 10 metres of RG-58 coaxial cable
    • 2 x PL-259 to BNC female adaptor
  • 1 x BNC to 3.5mm male adaptor

This means you can connect to a wide range of radios, including portable receivers and SDRs, without needing additional accessories. It’s a practical, all-in-one solution designed to get you on the air quickly.

Suitable for Transmit and Receive

Rated at 100 watts PEP, the Endfed 4 Band Antenna is suitable for most QRP and standard amateur radio transceivers. It provides reliable transmitting capability while also performing well on receive.

For shortwave listeners, this antenna offers an easy way to improve reception across multiple bands without the need for complicated antenna systems. It’s a great option if you’re exploring HF listening and want something effective yet straightforward.

Why We Recommend It

As with everything we stock, this antenna has been selected because it delivers where it counts. It offers:

  • Dependable multi-band performance
  • Simple setup with minimal tuning required
  • Flexible installation options
  • Compatibility with a wide range of equipment
  • Strong value for both new and experienced operators

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a reliable addition to your station, it’s a solution that balances performance with ease of use.

Pricing and Availability

  • Cat # Q5014
  • Price: $155.00 AUD

Available now through Tecsun Radios Australia.

Final Thoughts

The Endfed 4 Band Antenna is a practical, no-nonsense option for anyone wanting to get on the HF bands without dealing with complicated antenna systems. Its combination of multi-band coverage, flexible installation, and user-friendly design makes it a solid choice for Australian conditions.

As always, this is gear selected by someone who actually uses it—so you can be confident it’s been chosen with real-world performance in mind.

73 and happy listening.

 

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Garry Cratt

When is the Best Time to Listen to Shortwave Radio?

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If you’re new to shortwave listening—or even if you’ve been tuning the bands for years—you may have noticed that reception quality can change dramatically depending on the time of day.

While it’s true that shortwave signals can be received both day and night, there’s a special window that experienced listeners pay close attention to. It’s called the “grayline”, and it can make a remarkable difference to what you hear.

What is Grayline?

Grayline (also known as the terminator) is the moving line that separates day from night as the Earth rotates. During this transition—around sunrise and sunset—conditions in the ionosphere become especially favourable for long-distance radio propagation.

Why Does It Matter?

Shortwave signals rely on the ionosphere to travel long distances. During daylight hours, the Sun energises a layer of the ionosphere called the D layer (around 50–90 km above Earth). This layer tends to absorb radio signals, reducing how far they can travel.

However, as the Sun sets, the D layer quickly fades away. At the same time, the higher F layer (above 140 km) remains active for longer, allowing signals to bounce across vast distances with much less interference.

The result? Stronger, clearer signals—often from places you wouldn’t normally hear.

At sunrise, the opposite occurs. The F layer becomes active first, enabling long-distance reception before the D layer builds up again and begins absorbing signals.

So, When Should You Listen?

For the best results, aim to tune in:

  • 1–2 hours before sunrise
  • 1–2 hours after sunset

During these periods, grayline propagation can open up exciting listening opportunities across the globe.

Choosing the Right Frequency

Timing isn’t the only factor—frequency matters too:

  • Night-time (after sunset / before sunrise):
    Lower frequencies (below 15 MHz) tend to perform better.
  • Daytime:
    Higher frequencies (above 15 MHz) generally provide improved reception.

Final Thoughts

Understanding grayline propagation is one of the easiest ways to improve your shortwave listening experience. It’s also one of the most exciting—there’s nothing quite like picking up a distant station you’ve never heard before.

If you’re just getting started, experimenting with different times and frequencies can really help you learn how the bands behave.

Happy listening,
Garry
Tecsun Radios Australi

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Garry Cratt

Celebrating a Fantastic Customer Review

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You don’t just have to take our word for it — hear what our customers say.
 As fellow radio enthusiasts, we love nothing more than sharing real experiences from listeners across Australia. Recently, we received an incredibly detailed and thoughtful review of the newly released Tecsun S2200x (2024 release), and we knew we had to pass it on.

Here’s what this customer shared:

“GREAT Radio – This shortwave radio replaces the Tecsun S2000… Released on the 28th August 2024… I placed my order on the day of release and it arrived on 3rd September… No great change in appearance but apparently a lot of changes inside… Operation of this radio is very good… There’s no muting when turning through bands… MW band is great… Airband works very well… I have to give the team at Tecsun Australia a high five — Garry sent me the proper adaptors and I received them the next day, unreal!… Reception increased… I’m pleased with all other functions, appearance is great. Thank you Tecsun…”

We absolutely love receiving reviews like this — honest, detailed, and written from the perspective of someone who truly understands radio.

As many of our customers know, every Tecsun radio we sell is brought to you by a fellow enthusiast. We test, listen, compare, and use these radios ourselves, which is why we’re proud to supply them to Aussie listeners who want performance, reliability, and the joy of true shortwave exploration.

And of course, as always, your radio comes with our Comprehensive Listener’s Guide, plus ongoing hints, tips, and updates on our website — including new blog articles covering shortwave news, antenna tricks, and band conditions.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your setup, this review is a great reminder of why the S2200x (2024 release) is such an exciting new addition to the Tecsun line-up.

Clcik this link to read more about this great radio or read more reviews https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/tecsun-s2200x-shortwave-receiver/

 

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Garry Cratt

Shortwave in 2025 — The Airwaves Are Alive Again

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Shortwave is far from silent.

From new transmitters humming to life in the Pacific, to hobbyists catching signals from the other side of the world, there’s been plenty happening lately on the bands. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting updates.

New Voices on the Airwaves: Shortwave Australia

Over the past few weeks, a station identifying itself as Shortwave Australia has been heard broadcasting on 2310 kHz and 4835 kHz. Reports from listeners across the country describe strong signals and a program of nostalgic, old-time music drifting across the dial — a refreshing discovery for anyone who enjoys exploring the lower shortwave bands.

While official details are limited, a growing number of hobbyists have confirmed regular activity on these two frequencies. The station’s broadcasts have been logged during afternoons and evenings (local time), with 4835 kHz often producing the strongest results in daylight hours before fading around dusk. At night, 2310 kHz seems to take over, offering surprisingly consistent reception when conditions are right.

Programming so far appears to focus on music and general entertainment, with minimal announcements or station IDs — a style that gives the broadcasts a distinctly nostalgic feel. Listeners have described the experience as “like tuning into a forgotten corner of the radio world.”

Online, discussions about the station have started to appear on hobby forums and monitoring blogs, where enthusiasts are sharing signal reports, audio clips, and reception logs. Some have uploaded recordings to YouTube and SDR platforms, while others are tracking the station on sites like Shortwave.Live, which lists it as active on both frequencies around the clock (though actual transmission times vary).

Want to Try Your Luck Tuning In?

🎧 When to listen: Afternoon or early evening — that’s when most recent reports have been logged.
📻 Frequencies to check: Start with 4835 kHz, then try 2310 kHz later in the night.
🔌 Reception tip: Use a loop or long-wire antenna placed well away from household noise sources.
🌐 Online option: Explore KiwiSDR receivers around Australia to see how the signal propagates in different regions.

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you caught Shortwave Australia on the dial? What times, signal strengths, or music have you logged?

If you’ve captured a short audio clip or screenshot, share it with us — we may include listener reports in a future blog post to help map out the station’s reach and schedule.

Shortwave lives on through discoveries like this, and with help from the listening community, we can keep these new voices heard far and wide.

China Goes Digital

China has formally adopted DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) as its national standard for shortwave and mediumwave broadcasting. The move could transform the listening experience, offering FM-quality sound and data broadcasting across vast distances.

Pacific Coverage Expanding

RNZ Pacific has completed a major transmitter upgrade near Taupō, New Zealand, installing a new 100 kW Ampegon TSW-2100 unit supporting both analog and DRM signals.

At the same time, Papua New Guinea has announced plans to reintroduce shortwave broadcasts to improve coverage for its remote communities — an encouraging reminder that shortwave still matters, especially where the internet can’t reach.

Vanuatu: Back on the Bands

VBTC has announced new shortwave frequencies of 2485, 3945, 5040, 7260, and 9960 kHz.
The 9960 kHz signal has been heard regularly along the east coast of Australia, with a transmitter power of 10 kW.

Technology Meets Tradition

Researchers have even turned to AI, developing systems that can automatically classify hundreds of shortwave signal types using deep learning.

Meanwhile, mysterious stations like UVB-76 (“The Buzzer”) continue to intrigue listeners and keep the global shortwave conversation alive.

Explore, Learn, and Listen

If you’re new to the hobby or looking to go deeper, check out our range of free downloadable guides at TecsunRadios.com.au — including our Shortwave Explained booklet and Listener’s Guide (Version 15).

Whether you’re rediscovering radio after decades or tuning in for the first time, one thing’s for sure: the airwaves have never been more alive.

 

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Garry Cratt

Australia’s Love Affair with Vintage Radios

Long before smartphones and streaming services, Australians gathered around the radio—an elegant box of valves and wires that brought the world into their living rooms. This Throwback Thursday, we’re tuning into the golden age of vintage radios and the role they played in shaping Aussie culture.

When Radios Ruled the Nation

From the 1930s to the 1960s, radios were the heartbeat of Australian homes. Whether it was catching the latest cricket scores, listening to the Queen’s speech, or enjoying a live bush ballad, radio was the nation’s storyteller. In outback towns and coastal cities alike, it connected Australians across vast distances.

Stations like 3LO in Melbourne, 2BL in Sydney, and 4QG in Brisbane were pioneers of the airwaves. Families would huddle around their sets for news, drama serials, and music—often with a cuppa in hand and the dog curled up nearby.

Design That Endures

Vintage radios weren’t just functional—they were works of art. Crafted from rich timber, Bakelite, and gleaming chrome, they reflected the design trends of their time. Brands like Astor, AWA, Healing, and Kriesler became household names, and their radios are now treasured by collectors and retro lovers alike.

Some enthusiasts are even giving these beauties a modern twist—converting them into Bluetooth speakers while preserving their classic charm.

Preserving the Past

Across Australia, museums and collectors are keeping radio history alive. The National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra holds a treasure trove of broadcasting history, while local antique shops and vintage fairs often feature lovingly restored sets.

Whether you’re in Perth, Hobart, Darwin or anywhere in between, chances are you’ve seen one of these timeless pieces—or maybe even own one.

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Garry Cratt

On the Airwaves: Honouring History in the 2025 Remembrance Day Radio Contest

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Each year, thousands of Australian amateur radio operators power up their rigs in mid-August—not just for the thrill of making contacts, but to honour a legacy.

This year’s Remembrance Day Contest will be held over the weekend of August 16–17, bringing together radio amateurs across VK, ZL and P29 call areas for one of the most meaningful events in the amateur radio calendar.

A contest with purpose

The Remembrance Day (RD) Contest is more than just a weekend of callsigns and contacts. It was first introduced in 1948 by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) as a way to commemorate amateur radio operators who lost their lives during World War II.

The timing is symbolic—it takes place on the weekend closest to August 15, the date on which hostilities ceased in the Southwest Pacific in 1945. Each year, the contest brings the amateur radio community together to remember, reflect, and enjoy a spirit of friendly on-air competition.

How the contest works

The aim is simple: make contact with as many stations in VK, ZL and P29 as possible, on all amateur bands excluding the WARC bands (10, 18 & 24 MHz), and using traditional modes such as:

  • PHONE

  • CW (Morse Code)

  • RTTY (Radio Teletype)

Operators can use MF (160 metres), HF, and VHF & above. Whether you’re chasing contacts or logging them as a Shortwave Listener, it’s a great weekend to hone your operating or listening skills.

Tips for shortwave listeners

SWLs can join in the fun by tuning into these frequencies during the contest:

160m: 1843–1875 kHz
80m: 3535–3570 kHz and 3600–3700 kHz
40m: 7080–7300 kHz
20m: 14112–14300 kHz
15m: 21150–21450 kHz
10m: 28300–29100 kHz

It’s the perfect opportunity to test your antennas, refine your logging, and experience the buzz of a live contest weekend.

Gear to get you contest-ready

Thinking of participating or improving your reception over the RD weekend? We recommend checking out some of our top gear for both operators and listeners:

Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver

  • 20W SDR-based radio

  • Built-in antenna tuner

  • 0.5–30 MHz coverage

  • Real-time panadapter display

  • Compact, rugged and contest-friendly

HF Portable Dipole Antenna
Perfect for setting up in the field or at home, with coverage for the most-used HF bands.

10 Metre Amateur Transceiver & Base Station Antennas
Great options for working the 10m band, especially when band conditions open up.

Why this contest still matters

In a hobby that blends modern digital modes with century-old traditions, the Remembrance Day Contest stands out as a way to pause, reflect and connect—literally and figuratively. It’s a reminder that radio, even in its most technical form, carries with it real human stories.

Ready to join in?

Whether you’re operating, logging or just listening in, this is your weekend to tune in and pay tribute. Dust off the rig, check your antennas, and be part of this proud annual tradition.

For official contest rules, scoring, logging templates and more, head to the WIA website.
Need new gear? Explore our contest-ready range at tecsunradios.com.au

The Tecsun Radios Australia Team

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Garry Cratt

Shortwave in the Sunburnt Land

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How Australians Continue to Make This Hobby Their Own

In a country as vast and varied as Australia, shortwave radio has long played a quiet but powerful role. It’s more than a hobby—it’s been a lifeline, a companion, and a source of connection for countless Australians, from remote stations in the outback to coastal towns and suburbs.

To celebrate that spirit, we’re sharing a short poem that reflects on what shortwave means in our wide, open landscape:

Shortwave in the Sunburnt Land

Across the bush and coastal shore,
 Shortwave signals start to roar.
 From foreign news to Aussie call,
 It travels freely, reaching all.

We built our kits, we tuned each dial,
 And found a voice from every mile.
 With country vast and towns so wide,
 Radio stayed right by our side.

No apps required, no cables neat—
 Just radios humming to their beat.
 And every net and every wave,
 Connects the hearts of those who crave.

A Tradition That Endures

While technology continues to race forward, the reliability and simplicity of shortwave radio still hold strong appeal. It’s independent, it’s global, and it works where nothing else does. For many Australians, especially those living outside major cities, that matters.

Shortwave has also stayed relevant by evolving with the times. DSP receivers, digital demodulation, compact antennas and more have made it easier than ever to get started—and to keep improving.

Long Weekends on the Bands

The recent King’s Birthday long weekend was a perfect example. Across the country, enthusiasts set up antennas. Radio nets buzzed with activity. Whether chatting with mates or scanning for distant broadcasts, operators made the most of the extra time and quiet air.

There’s something especially rewarding about going portable, tuning in from under the gum trees, or checking in with your regular net from somewhere off-grid. The experience is both peaceful and powerful.

What Did You Get Up To?

Were you on the air over the long weekend? Did you try out a new antenna or tick off a DX station you’ve been chasing?

We’d love to hear your stories. Share a photo, leave a comment, or tag us online with your setup or logbook highlights.

Shortwave in Australia isn’t going anywhere—and with every new voice on the dial, it continues to grow.

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Garry Cratt

The Perfect Pairing: The Xiegu G90 and VG4 Antenna

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If you’re an amateur radio enthusiast looking to elevate your setup, there’s one combination that stands out: the Xiegu G90 HF SDR Transceiver and the Xiegu VG4 4-Band Ground Plane Antenna. Whether you’re chasing DX contacts or simply enjoying the art of radio communication, these two pieces of gear together offer an outstanding balance of performance, versatility, and sheer fun.

Why the Xiegu G90 is a Must-Have

The Xiegu G90 is an HF Software-Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver that has earned a stellar reputation among amateur radio operators. With 20 watts of output power, a built-in antenna tuner, and an adjustable 1.8-30 MHz frequency range, this compact rig punches well above its weight.

But don’t just take our word for it—one seasoned operator had this to say in a recent review:

“This review comes from experience. It started over nine years ago with the purchase of the Xiegu X1M 5-watt transceiver—well, it still goes well and it just spells fun! I’ve had quite a few contacts with this X1M Pro using portable antennas. Over time, I’ve built a collection of HF transceivers, and after extensive research, I decided to add the Xiegu G90 to my setup. What a bit of kit this thing is! It just blew me away with its lovely RX and TX audio.

Okay, it’s 20 watts—but so far, I’ve reached Japan, the USA, and ZL stations on 40m. It has put real fun back into DXing with a simple dipole! The performance is incredible. As an SWL (shortwave listener), it’s also just the ant’s pants in AM.”

It’s clear the G90 is a powerhouse, but to truly unlock its potential, you need the right antenna.

Enter the Xiegu VG4: The Ideal Match

The Xiegu VG4 4-Band Ground Plane Antenna is designed for 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m amateur bands, making it an excellent match for the G90’s capabilities. Here’s why they’re a perfect pair:

 Optimized Efficiency – The VG4’s parallel resonators ensure maximum vertical element efficiency, allowing for clear and strong transmissions. 

Compact Yet Powerful – Despite its sub-8-metre length, this antenna packs a punch with 150 kHz bandwidth on 40m, 450 kHz on 20m, 800 kHz on 15m, and 1000 kHz on 10m. 

Built to Last – With 304-grade stainless steel clamps, an anti-oxidation coating, and a design that withstands 35m/s winds, this antenna is as tough as they come. 

Handles Serious Power – Rated at 1000 watts PEP (400W CW), it provides excellent power-handling capabilities for any serious operator.

A Classic Hobby, but better.

For many radio enthusiasts, amateur radio is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. If you remember watching your dad carefully tuning his rig and catching distant signals, you’ll appreciate how today’s technology has kept the magic alive while improving performance.

By pairing the Xiegu G90 with the VG4 antenna, you’re ensuring crystal-clear reception and transmission, letting you reach far beyond what you thought possible. Whether you’re reminiscing about your first DX contact or making new ones across the globe, this combination is guaranteed to deliver the best possible experience.

Ready to Upgrade Your Setup?

If you’re serious about amateur radio, don’t settle for second best. Pair your Xiegu G90 with the VG4 4-Band Ground Plane Antenna and experience the hobby like never before.

[Explore the Xiegu G90 & VG4 Today!] https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/xiegu-g90-transceiver/

https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/xiegu-vg4-hf-vertical-amateur-bands-antenna

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Garry Cratt

RNZ Pacific Cyclone Watch Service

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We recently mentioned in our newsletter this fantastic service from RNZ. We recently came across an update on the RNZ website about their Cyclone Watch Service for the 2024-2025 cyclone season. RNZ Pacific has updated its on-air frequencies for the South Pacific tropical cyclone season, which runs from November 2024 until the end of April 2025.

When cyclone alerts are issued, RNZ Pacific will broadcast hourly updates—either just before or immediately after the top of each hour—whenever the situation changes. This service uses information from the Fiji Meteorological Service and the New Zealand MetService, as well as weather bulletins from the meteorological offices of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, and Tokelau.

A striking example of the service’s impact comes from Chief Ben Lovo of Bongkil Village on Erromango, Vanuatu. He credited RNZ’s shortwave broadcasts during Cyclone Pam with allowing him to warn four villages and save lives. This serves as a reminder that, even in our modern world, shortwave radio remains a vital tool for communication during emergencies, especially in isolated communities.

For more updates, you can follow RNZ Pacific on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook at @RNZPacific. Whether you’re tuning in via radio or checking online, it’s good to know that reliable information is available when you need it most.

The Tecsun Radios Australia team.

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