190 metres, medium wave: Welcome to RNI!
Frequently-Asked Questions
Over the course of the months since the RNI in 1999 project was first announced, and especially since we've been on-air, we have been pleased to receive very many emails on a variety of topics.Of course, some of the questions repeat earlier ones, so it is worth giving the answers here - just in case you wondered!
The FAQ:
1: What is the range (distance) of RNI?
A: The signal is strong in the Clacton area and covers the area known as 'The
Tendring Hundred' very well. We have received DX (long distance) reception reports
from:
Belgium (thanks Herman, and Marc in Ichtegem)
The Netherlands (thanks to the following: Ge in Haarlem, Ronald in Zaandam,
Piet in Leiden, Rein in Sneek)
Germany (thanks Hartmut, and Martin in Wolfsburg)
West Essex (thanks Phil)
Southend & Canterbury (thanks Richard)
Haverhill (thanks Nick)
Aylesbury (thanks Dave)
Keighley (thanks Paul)
Bedford (thanks Dave)
Stansted & Braintree (thanks Colin)
Manningtree & Stansted (thanks Angelika)
Saxmundham (thanks Nigel)
Margate (thanks Steve)
Brentwood (thanks Robin)
Ramsgate (thanks Arthur)
Rochford (thanks Dave)
Colchester (thanks Colin)
Jakobstad, Finland (thanks Per-Ole)
Helston in Cornwall, at eclipse time, (thanks Nicholas)
Canterbury (thanks Liz)
Whitstable (thanks Bradley)
Voorburg, Netherlands (thanks Chris)
2: What is the power of the transmitter?
A: Not a simple one, this. The licence conditions state that a maximum
ERP (effective radiated power) of one Watt may be used. Simple, short, aerial
systems are notoriously inefficient so to make sure the OUTPUT power of one
Watt is reached we have 100 Watts in reserve, available at the transmitter.
3: Can we visit the RadioShip?
A: Yes! Taylor's Boat Yard in Jaywick have run many trips out to the 'Mebo 3'
but of course very much at the mercy of the weather.
4: Can you play such-and-such a record?
A: We welcome requests, but please bear in mind that this special broadcast
is a celebration of RNI from exactly 29 years ago so records later than this
cannot be broadcast on this occasion.
Please email any requests to rni@btinternet.com or telephone 01255 672531 or write to:
RNI Requests,
73B Connaught Avenue,
Frinton On Sea, Essex,
CO13 9DD
5: Is RNI audible on the Internet? How about Short-wave?
A: I'm afraid not - we had a quote for £12,000 to carry RNI as live-streaming
audio and that would have severely limited the proceeds we will be able to
give to the RNLI. But if anyone knows of an ISP in the Clacton area who
would be willing to carry us we would arrange for the signal to be picked up
with a suitable tuner. And if so, we have the offer of a short-wave re-broadcast
from the Internet signal! In the meantime, there are a couple of 'air-check'
audio samples on the RNI site.