Mystery QRM signals in Australia

In Australia two very strong pulse signals are appearing on HF amateur bands and the hunt is on to determine the source of these intruders.

A radar-like pulse which peaks at 10dB over signal strength 9, and reported to be up 100 kHz wide is being heard regularly 7020-7080 kHz in the mornings local time and 3590-3800 kHz in the evenings. Reports from Australia and New Zealand point to it being north-west of Australia.

Japanese and US amateurs during contacts with Australia also say they can detect the signal but at a lower strength.

It’s an unwelcome reminder of the havoc caused by the over-the-horizon radar dubbed the Russian woodpecker that fired up in 1976 and lasted a decade. Hopefully this latest pulse signal is not another OTHR.

A repetitive cyclic sounding pulse signal is also being experienced in Australia on most amateur HF bands and often simultaneously on more than one band.

An inquiry by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) has received assurances that neither the Jundalee (JORN) over-the-horizon Defence radar in central Australia or a new SECAR system in the Torres Strait north of Queensland are to blame. The Surface wave Extended Coastal Area Radar (SECAR) has begun trials. It will enhance the monitoring ability for Defence and Customs to detect illegal fishing and immigration. It could also be developed to provide early storm warnings.

With JORN and SECAR being given alibis, the WIA’s Intruder Watch intruders@wia.org.au is now seeking reports from radio amateurs on the harmful interference. In particular it needs directional information and reported incidents of these intruders disrupting radio contacts and causing harmful interference. The WIA will then take the matter up with the Australian communications authorities for investigation.

Source: Radio Bulgaria

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