2024 McMurdo Area Radio Noise Measurements and Analysis

Robert J. Achatz , Adam C. Hicks , Sarah L. Vasel, and Ryan S. McCullough

Abstract:

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) performed high frequency (HF) band (3-30 MHz) radio noise power measurements at six locations in the McMurdo Station (MS), Antarctica (AQ), area and one location at the Black Island Telecommunication Facility (BITF) 32 km (20 mi) from MS. The primary purpose of the measurements is to compare MS and BITF radio noise powers so that HF radio system designers can assess the feasibility of relocating BITF air traffic control (ATC) and field party communication HF antennas and receivers to MS. Measurements were performed with portable rod (PR) and fixed conical monopole (CM) antennas. Twenty-four–hour spectrum occupancy plots show most signals below 15 MHz at BITF and MS. Differences in signal populations between locations were observed. Taking into account the location variability endemic to radio noise, noise at the ATC channel frequencies was found to be generally higher at MS than at BITF. BITF noise was similar to what would be expected of a quiet rural noise environment. MS noise was similar to what would be expected of a rural or residential noise environment although noise at 9 MHz was comparable to that of an urban setting.

Keywords: HF; high-frequency radio; Antarctica; spectrum occupancy; radio noise; man-made radio noise; active rod antenna; air traffic control communications; McMurdo Station; Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone

(TR-25-579.pdf)

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