World-class ACMA Monitoring Facility helps eliminate interference

Some great work recently between the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) in Brisbane and Hobart saw the world-class Quoin Ridge High Frequency (HF) Monitoring and Investigation facility successfully identify and eliminate severe interference to Queensland's
State Emergency Service (SES) flood co-ordination frequency of 14.745MHz.

Quoin Ridge is about thirty-five kilometres north of Hobart, Tasmania and is one of only three ITU HF monitoring stations. The others are in Baldock in the UK and Maryland in the USA, making it a key linchpin internationally for
tracking HF interference.

In the majority of HF interference complaints, the
investigation process will involve the use of the Quoin Ridge HF Monitoring and Investigation facility to help identify, locate and ultimately eliminate the interfering signal.

ACMA field staff were able to monitor, measure and decode the interfering signal and trace its source of to an emission originating in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan.

The ACMA contacted the Japanese Administration advising the details of the harmful interference and asking for their assistance in eliminating its source. Within just a few days and with further assistance from the Quoin Ridge facility, the Japanese Administration had located and eliminated the source of the interfering signal.

Justin, VK7TW

Wireless Institute of Australia