Receiving ARDS free-to-air Radio Service via Satellite

As well as being heard as an AM signal in Darwin and across north-east Arnhem Land on FM, the ARDS Community Development Radio Service (CDRS) is now available as a free-to-air signal on the Aurora satellite platform right across Australia.

Many radio and TV programs can now be received off a satellite through a dish mounted on the roof of your own home or building. The ARDS CDRS can now be received this way anywhere in Australia and played through a radio-cassette player or a stereo unit.

However many of these programs require you to purchase a ‘smart card’ to receive them. ARDS CDRS is a free-to-air service available at no cost. You do not even need to buy a ‘smart card’.

The ARDS signal is carried on the Optus C1 satellite by Imparja TV on the 12407 kHz service. It is the channel named ARDS in the radio service list on your domestic satellite receiver (see picture below).

You will need;

• the necessary installation permit or permits (speak to your local council),
• a 65 or 85cm satellite dish*, dish mount and LNB (about $150-200),
• a domestic satellite receiver (about $250-350).
• a suitably qualified technician and his cost for the installation.

*The size of the dish depends upon your location in Australia – your local technician can best advise you of the dish size required for your area.

Once installed, it will allow you to receive the ARDS CDRS and play it for your own listening enjoyment. Should you wish to retransmit the signal for others to hear, then a licence to do so must be obtained from the Australian Communications Authority at www.aca.gov.au or by contacting ARDS on 1800 899 769.