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K-zap

Yeah - I'm also curious as to what it'll sound like. There is lots of good new music out there that never gets played locally on the airwaves. There's an article in the Sac-Bee about it here:

http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article23790508.html

I think maybe they're a bit optimistic on the coverage estimate, given their frequency of 93.3 (there will be lots of HD interference from KFBK at 93.1). Plus, the comment about operating without a studio technically violates FCC rules for LPFM, right? Not sure if I would have made that statement in a newspaper article.

Dave B.
 
KZAP had a great vibe & heritage. It's been gone so long, nobody under
35 probably remembers it.

Glad to hear a new KZAP is being launched.
Radio badly needs new quality rock formats...
 
I've seen the new tower on Richards Blvd. It's mounted on the roof of a business (the type of business is definitely in line with the old KZAP!). My guess is that the main studio is located at the non-profit, which is within the main studio rules as far as distance is concerned. The comment about "virtual studios" was somewhat out of context I think. I think the speaker meant that the DJs would send audio to the main studio.

But, we shall see....
 
They are doing transmitter testing right now. Not sure if they are up to full 42 watt power, but signal seems really weak in east county area. KDEE/97.5 has a stronger signal with a whopping 57 watts. The bigger issue with KZHP will be fighting against co-channel 93.3 in the Bay Area - esp. during summer thermal inversion periods. The FM band is so crowded right now with translators, and now LPFMs.

Technical issues aside - I love the idea of the format! I just wish it was on a better stick.
 
I've been listening in Elk Grove this weekend over the air. I'm using a roof mounted tv antenna pointed north and reception i s good . Car radios won't pick it up at all here. The station sounds polished for an LP.
 
jhimbo said:
I've been listening in Elk Grove this weekend over the air. I'm using a roof mounted tv antenna pointed north and reception i s good . Car radios won't pick it up at all here. The station sounds polished for an LP.
Click to expand...

Agree. I was in the foothills this weekend and had a clear shot. Audio sounded GREAT. Kudos to whatever engineer setup that station. Sounds better than a lot of the commercial stations in town. :)
 
I really like the music selection - great to hear classics mixed with new rock that doesn't get much airplay elsewhere. I notice they are broadcasting OTA in mono. I can understand why. The signal is tough to get in Folsom, where I am. It's barely listenable in the car, and that's spotty at best around town. Too bad they couldn't get on one of these new super translators!

Oh well, thankfully the online stream is in stereo and SOUNDS GREAT! Hands down the best station in town right now...and they even brought the cat back!! Just awesome.
 
Big D said:
I really like the music selection - great to hear classics mixed with new rock that doesn't get much airplay elsewhere. I notice they are broadcasting OTA in mono. I can understand why. The signal is tough to get in Folsom, where I am. It's barely listenable in the car, and that's spotty at best around town. Too bad they couldn't get on one of these new super translators!

Oh well, thankfully the online stream is in stereo and SOUNDS GREAT! Hands down the best station in town right now...and they even brought the cat back!! Just awesome.
Click to expand...

Funny you mention "super translators", I was thinking the same thing. They could lease space on someone's HD-2 and then apply for a super translator license. However I don't know what open frequencies are left in Sacramento.
 
Big D said:
KDEE/97.5 has a stronger signal with a whopping 57 watts.
Click to expand...

Do you think so? I've wondered whether KDEE is exceeding its licensed 57W ERP. I've seen the tower and know the parameters. I've driven all over Sacramento and that station's signal is strong in many areas where I wouldn't expect it to be, including well beyond its fringe. It remains strong even in areas where there should be signal fade from obstructions. 96.5 and the new 93.3 coverages are what I would expect.
 
P=IE said:
Do you think so? I've wondered whether KDEE is exceeding its licensed 57W ERP. I've seen the tower and know the parameters. I've driven all over Sacramento and that station's signal is strong in many areas where I wouldn't expect it to be, including well beyond its fringe. It remains strong even in areas where there should be signal fade from obstructions. 96.5 and the new 93.3 coverages are what I would expect.
Click to expand...

I think the difference with KDEE is the fact they have no co-channel to fight with out of SF. 93.3 has KRZZ and 96.5 has KOIT, the latter being very strong at times into Sacramento, esp during summer. If that wasn't enough, 93.3 also has to deal with IBOC hash from 93.1. The dial simply is getting too crowded with translators, Class A, and now LPs.

KDEE, to my knowledge, was the first LPFM in the market and nabbed the best open frequency. Their signal is very good for LP, however, I do think they are operating at the authorized power.
 
Thanks, you make good points. It is true about the lack of co-channel interference and IBOC issues. The co-channel issue is one of the reasons it changed frequencies from 97.7 to 97.5, IIRC. It doesn't explain its strong signal from West Sac to Cameron Park and Elk Grove to Roseville with very little signal fade. It just doesn't make sense with the listed ERP, HAAT, and tower location. I guess it is possible, but I'm somewhat suspicious. Perhaps if I have time one day, I could quit gabbing and use my field strength meter to satisfy my own curiousity.

Thanks Big D for the input. I'm new here, but I've read many of your comments which are always insightful and well-reasoned .
 
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The sound quality online is very good. I hope they keep the playlist fresh
and avoid the typical Classic Rock formula. A nice AAA style with a mix
of classy new and heritage artists would be great.

I applaud them for even attempting this venture...
 
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