We're pleased to be mentioned on an all-DRM edition of the mailbox show on Radio New Zealand International.

Chris Mackerell reports recent DRM developments and plays comparative audio samples of DRM broadcasts from REE Spain, Voice of Russia and other stations. Just after 13 minutes into the program, he mentions 26MHz.us and its objectives.

Where we would respectfully take issue with Mr. Mackerell is in his characterization of 26 MHz local DRM broadcasting:

"One of the potential problems that DRM may face in the 26 MHz band is unexpectedly good propagation, especially as the solar cycle increases. Even at the current bottom of the solar cycle, these signals can travel much farther than intended, unless special antenna systems are used."

To demonstrate the phenomenon, he plays an audio clip from an 80 W Deutsche Welle DRM transmitter in Rwanda on 25.74 MHz, received in Switzerland.

We question whether this is an accurate example of anything but long-distance shortwave reception. It is well established that low-power 26 MHz signals can sometimes propagate long distances.

A more pertinent illustration would attempt to receive a local DRM broadcast exposed to the distant signal.

Simply put, the recent theoretical work presented on this website indicates that the local DRM signal will dominate the receiver even under good HF propagation conditions.

Moreover, long-distance propagation in the 26 MHz band is not considered reliable enough for either broadcasters or receiver manufacturers to widely invest in.

Reviews of HF coordination schedules show little or no regular use of 26 MHz for broadcasting. A likely large percentage of consumer shortwave radios -- such as our Grundig Mini 300 -- do not include 26 MHz. This band is therefore a unique...

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