What (if Anything) is LW Used for in Southern Africa?

[Old Sparky]

Having spent a most enjoyable week in Mpumalanga, South Africa, earlier this year, and, whilst there, checking what radio stations were available in the Kiepersol/Hazyview area, I found that there were very few MW stations audible, and none at all on LW. The latter didn't surprise me, since I know that the nearest LW stations are thousands of miles to the north, but later I began to wonder to what use the frequencies concerned are put. Does anyone know?


(mods. I wasn't certain where to post this topic. If in the wrong section, please move it.)

[Skywave]

To the best of my knowledge, L.W. has always been almost exclusive to Europe. Outside of Europe, L.W. freqs. are mainly used for navigational beacons and similar. Not sure about S.A., though.

Al.

[Tedzed1]

I have to agree with Lawrence, LW has almost been used exclusively in europe,
indeed there is no LW facilities in southern africa, the nearest being the Nador
transmitting site, and that is in Morocco.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nador_transmitter

SW used to be quite popular in southern africa, but not to such an extent nowadays.

[Old Sparky]

Thanks, Paul & Al. Basically I knew that the use of LW for broadcasting was mainly(entirely?) within the 'European' Broadcasting Area, though I didn't know there was an independent station in Morocco. Other African LW transmitters are, as most will know, in Algeria. I was merely curious as to what use was/is made of 150-300kHz in southern Africa. Didn't expect to receive anything on LW in S.A. on my little Brandt RS902 multi-band portable. I could only get about 5 or 6 FM stations in what used to be eastern Transvaal. Bit different from the crowded airwaves here in the U.K!

[Skywave]

Radio broadcasting in S.A.

You might find this useful:
http://www.oldradio.com/archives/interna...frica.html

Al.

[Old Sparky]

Radio broadcasting in S.A.

You might find this useful:
http://www.oldradio.com/archives/interna...frica.html

Al.

Interesting, indeed, Al, if only academically now. I was in the Kiepersol/Hazyview area for a week back in February, mainly for two trips into Kruger National Park. Hope to go back to S.A. sometime, though!

[Skywave]

Just for completeness: L.W. broadcasting generally:
http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Longwave.htm

Al.

[Old Sparky]

Just for completeness: L.W. broadcasting generally:
http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Longwave.htm

Al.

I was surprised to see 'Musicmann 279' on that list, Al. Did it ever get on the air? I've certainly never heard it. Danmarks Radio on 243kHz has, AFAIK, been inactive for some time.