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, Yolngu Radio 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. Yolngu Radio 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. Yolngu Radio 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 received on radio channel 28 on a standard 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 the 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 Yolngu Radio 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 08 8987 3910.