The situation with WPYTs “WAMO100” 99 watt FM simulcast repeater signal coverage, is as such that their antenna being above ground at 172 meters and 588 meters mean sea level, at that height in order to reach the effective radiated power of 99 watts they are probably transmitting around a range anywhere from 400 to 410 watts to achieve 99 watts effective radiated power at the antenna. With FM being line of sight even if they are using some type of 2 bay ½ wave length antenna which will achieve signal coverage pattern around the city. Without higher wattage and or the use of microwave, with Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain there is a limitation of operating at 99 watts of power. Abiding with in the FCC modulation guidelines “WAMO100s” is probably pumping out as much signal modulation, and getting their audio processing as loud as they can to achieve as much signal output as they can to eliminate stereo flub, multipath interference, patchy signal fade and also WCLGs signal doing a multipath over top of “WAMO100’s” signal. Unfortunately operating 99 watts in our hilly terrain and trying to achieving and receiving a good signal coverage in Pittsburgh at 99 watts it is like trying to pump 99 gallons of water trough a 3-inch funnel to fill up a 1 acre pond, just not enough water or output to cover the pond, just in areas, some areas more than others. Regardless they are just getting started, maybe they will be able to land a LMA or catch and purchase one of the Frogs down the road.
