5LC Leigh Creek SA 1602 kHz QSL

Google Earth Image of Leigh Creek SA, showing the location of the 5LC transmitter site. The town is situated on the edge of the desert, to the west of the Flinders Rangers. At an altitude of approximately 265 metres above sea level, Leigh Creek is one of the smaller towns in Australia with a population of around 630.

It was a pleasant surprise to hear and identify 5LC Leigh Creek on 1602 kHz this week. The 200 watt ABC station made it through to Fish Hoek over a remarkable distance of 10 465 km / 6 502 miles via the Sony SRF-M37V ultralight and 220 metre BOG.

I was fortunate to hear an ABC local id and a weather report during a signal peak on the 19th and 20th May respectively. Graham from ABC Master Control kindly verified my reception report via email this morning :

Hi Gary,

I am happy to confirm your reception on May 19, 2009 of 5LC Leigh Creek, 1602 kHz broadcasting with an ERP of 200 watts. Attached is a transmitter coverage map for your interest.

Congratulations on a rare catch!

Regards,

Graham

Google Street View of the 5LC 30 metre antenna tower, situated just south east of Leigh Creek, South Australia.

Google Earth Image showing the (great circle) take off bearing from Leigh Creek towards Fish Hoek. After take off above 459 km of land, the signal continued over the Indian Ocean, covering a total distance of 10 465 km /6 502 miles.