A Spring Surprise awaits for many of us. A suggestion or two might save you time and frustration over the next few months.  As the Winter yields to Spring, transmitter sites all over place start sprouting all sorts of greenery and other things that are not exactly conducive to site operations or maintenance, […]

Because the public at large is often frightened by scaremongers regarding the effects of RF radiation, broadcasters need to be aware of those areas at transmission sites where RF radiation can be an issue. The OSHA and the FCC have, in recent years, focused more attention on the measurement and signage for public […]

Transmitter and site maintenance has become more difficult to accomplish in recent years for a number of reasons: Consolidation, reduction in technical staffs, management refusal to pay for maintenance at aging sites that need attention, etc. There are many excuses, but still, looking at what some sites have become can be a bit […]

Circuit breakers are there for protection. Like fuses before them, circuit breakers react to current in excess of the rating printed on the toggle by tripping and cutting the power off. Once a system is set up, with due attention to the load on the power feed and circuit box, it normally will […]

Site security is always a concern, especially these days with the copper theft issues, etc. But, of all the possibilities, here is one time, that “Do Not Enter!” might literally be “loud and clear.” It used to be “de rigor” for broadcast engineers to visit transmitter sites on a weekly basis, to check […]

When you get called out to help a station that is off-air, there is always a certain level of anxiety, if not concern, as to what you will find on-site. In this case, the station FM had sent picture showing a red light next to “Power Amplifier” on the transmitter. So, it was […]

Broadcasters depend upon generators to come on line and pick up the slack when the local utility power goes out. Careful maintenance is essential. Not only do you need to make sure a generator is ready when needed, but you need to avoid personal injury. Terry Baun shared this picture, from a generator […]

When starting a job at a new station, it is always wise to survey the entire site – but especially the critical program to transmitter path. Sometimes something left behind from a previous engineer’s efforts can prove to be a trap for the new guy. It is a reminder never to leave a […]