89.1

[MsMusicRadio]

I wonder if WUSF has traditionally received more contributions from Sarasota rather than Tampa. Sarasota now has two major market NPR stations like many large metros. Tampa for all extents and purposes has one. Politics?

Also, I heard big band music on 89.3 yesterday. Turns out it was Christmas music. With all the religious frequencies in the non-com band, would it be too avant garde to even suggest one could try Adult Standards and see what happens? What are the usual age demos for religious broadcasters?

 

[rfrus]

According to the FCC database, the application to move 103.9 was accepted for filing on November 11, but has NOT yet been granted. If you read the application, they are asking for a lot of exceptions, waivers and black magic. I dont think its a guaranteed grant. It does change the primary station from WSMR to WUSF-HD2, so they can start construction and go on the air as soon as they get a CP, regardless of the status of 89.1

 

[drt]

As far as the translator on 103.9, the CP to move that (as well as increase the power from 99 watts to 250 watts as well as increase antenna height) was granted on the 7th of December. The FCC 60 dbu contour map shows that coverage being basically north of I-4 to the south, Dale Mabry to the west, U.S. 301 on the east and north the just north of the Hillsborough Pasco county line (somewhere around SR 56 ;not quite to Wesley Chapel).

On a previous FCC data base search I found a CP accepted by the FCC on the 7th of Dec, now I can't seem to find that date. Yes, they are asking for quite a few changes, increasing the power from 99 watts to 250 watts, a change in COL and an increase in the antenna height and also a slight null toward the antenna farm in Riverview (as in WFUS 103.5).

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?list=0&facid=139236


drt

 

[drt]

http://www.radio-locator.com/info/W280EA-FX

Guess the proposed null toward Riverview, is actually toward Ruskin; didn't realize the Joy FM had a repeater on 103.9 in Ruskin; I've never picked that up before.

As to the 89.1 reception, on a decent radio inside (i.e. Sangean PR-D5), WSMR's stereo reception is good here in s.e. St. Pete except during quiet passages, I can hear the slight "snowy" sound, but I really wasn't expecting much better considering the distance and height of the antenna with the 54,000 watts. I can see where western and northern Pinellas are going to be left out of the loop, unless there are plans and money for additional repeaters.

drt

 

[badjef]

http://www.radio-locator.com/info/W280EA-FX

Guess the proposed null toward Riverview, is actually toward Ruskin; didn't realize the Joy FM had a repeater on 103.9 in Ruskin; I've never picked that up before.

As to the 89.1 reception, on a decent radio inside (i.e. Sangean PR-D5), WSMR's stereo reception is good here in s.e. St. Pete except during quiet passages, I can hear the slight "snowy" sound, but I really wasn't expecting much better considering the distance and height of the antenna with the 54,000 watts. I can see where western and northern Pinellas are going to be left out of the loop, unless there are plans and money for additional repeaters.

drt

Northern Pinellas will be Continue to be a problem because of adjacent 88.9.

This is a massive undertaking from a political, safety, and technology standpoint.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[hdradioeng]

An update from the field, the new main antenna has been installed and is operational. The increased observed signal is basically 15 percent or so of tpo. There was a shipping malfunction in the material needed to insulate the top set of guy wires. This should be remedied in 2 weeks or less. For anyone who has driven by the tower lately you would see there has been work daily by the WSMR crew and they are working as fast as possible to get to full power. As always ymmv and warranty expires immediately but you should see this whole project completed shortly.

Man I can't see how anyone gets anything done typing on a iPhone! Happy new year!

 

[drt]

An update from the field, the new main antenna has been installed and is operational. The increased observed signal is basically 15 percent or so of tpo. There was a shipping malfunction in the material needed to insulate the top set of guy wires. This should be remedied in 2 weeks or less. For anyone who has driven by the tower lately you would see there has been work daily by the WSMR crew and they are working as fast as possible to get to full power. As always ymmv and warranty expires immediately but you should see this whole project completed shortly.

Man I can't see how anyone gets anything done typing on a iPhone! Happy new year!

Thank you for chiming in on this, hdradioeng; I was hoping you would. WUSF's website was last updated 22 Dec, so it doesn't mention anything about the current situation.

So, if I understand, the signal will get better when this undertaking is completed?!? If so, then in this location near the Bayboro Campus of USF, that would mean a relatively decent signal for me. Other locations much further north or west in Pinellas county will have to strain to hear WSMR and as pointed out the northern part of Pinellas (roughly from East and West Bay Dr and poinrts north) will suffer interference from 88.9 in Tarpon Springs. (or Ulmerton Rd and north for radios with bad selectivity)


HAPPY 2011 to all!

drt,
st. petersburg,fl

 

[badjef]

Don't expect too much more as WUFT will continue to be a problem at the USF campus...and north.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[drt]

Don't expect too much more as WUFT will continue to be a problem at the USF campus...and north.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

Actually where I am, the signal is relatively decent now, but of course any however slight improvement would be appreciated.

By USF campus, if you're referring to the main USF campus in north Tampa, that area will eventually have the repeater which will cover a good portion of north central Tampa; that area will not be left out of the loop, unlike northern and western Pinellas, Polk and nearly all of Pasco counties. Hernando county won't have a chance of receiving either the repeater or the main signal.

I was testing the signal from where I am this morning and there was some slight fading in and out of WUFT, but by just slightly adjusting the antenna on my Grundig, that took care of that; whereas before yesterday it would not have.

drt
st. pete

 

[hdradioeng]

The bigger issue is desired to undesired signal, all you need is an antenna with a little front to back ratio and bingo no more WUFT or WYFE. The thing that puzzles me is there is 3 ways to pick up the station 103.9 analog, 89.7-2 Digital and 89.1 analog it seems that the only issue is educating listeners to what is best for their location and what mode of reception.

Now it will be tricky in Bayonet Point near the WYFE transmitter (if you want to try to listen to Sarasota) but I wouldn't think that there is a large number of persons in the "demo" but I will leave that to programmers to chime in on, and with 103.9 or 89.7-2 why try

so DRT it looks good for your future reception!

 

[drt]

/thanks for the additional info, hdradioeng. I like most types of music, I'm glad in my location I can clearly receive WCTQ and WSRZ as well. WSMR is my chilling and/or headache music!

As far as WSMR goes, maybe "Dr" Harold Camping might be willing to sell Family Radio in St. Pete (91.7) at a much reduced price, since he swears the earth will end in May of 2011. (I believe this is his 2nd or 3rd prediction of the End of the World----not to be confused with the Skeeter Davis song).

Back to reception issues being a dx'er, I'm always curious as to how a new tower location, new antenna height etc will effect reception.

drt

 

[badjef]

My comment was specifically directed toward the 89.1 signal. On Fowler and north, and north around 88.9's antenna and north, it will be a challenge to not "picket fence" with WUFT.

I am not convinced of HD-2's coverage. And 103.9 depends on the location and height.

I haven't gotten into demo-talk, either.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[badjef]

/thanks for the additional info, hdradioeng. I like most types of music, I'm glad in my location I can clearly receive WCTQ and WSRZ as well. WSMR is my chilling and/or headache music!

As far as WSMR goes, maybe "Dr" Harold Camping might be willing to sell Family Radio in St. Pete (91.7) at a much reduced price, since he swears the earth will end in May of 2011. (I believe this is his 2nd or 3rd prediction of the End of the World----not to be confused with the Skeeter Davis song).

Back to reception issues being a dx'er, I'm always curious as to how a new tower location, new antenna height etc will effect reception.

drt

There is a silent death watch on Brother Camping...

All ( pardon the expression ) Hell's going to break lose with the valuable radio properties involved when he turns in his lifetime guarantees.

Scott Fybush (www.fybush.com)will have fun with that one.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[rfrus]

badjef

I dont understand your reluctance to listen to HD-2. I get Tampa HD-2 stations to down south of Sarasota. Not to mention all of the HD-2 stations out of Sarasota. In fact I listen to HD-2 stations most of the time.

As for 91.7, the world may be ending, but they just bought a new transmitter. Does that make sence?

 

[drt]

My comment was specifically directed toward the 89.1 signal. On Fowler and north, and north around 88.9's antenna and north, it will be a challenge to not "picket fence" with WUFT.

I am not convinced of HD-2's coverage. And 103.9 depends on the location and height.

I haven't gotten into demo-talk, either.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

As for the CP I'll have to see if I can find the link for the CP that I thought I had posted (maybe not); but at any rate the CP calls for a COL from Brandon to Tampa, the 60 dbu contour map(Google) shows the antenna on the USF Tampa main campus. Also the CP mentions a power increase from 99 watts to 250 watts and height is just above 300 feet; something like 101 meters; also a directional pattern with a slight null toward Ruskin to protect the JOY FM's repeater in Ruskin that is also on 103.9.

drt
st. petersburg,fl

 

[badjef]

badjef

I dont understand your reluctance to listen to HD-2. I get Tampa HD-2 stations to down south of Sarasota. Not to mention all of the HD-2 stations out of Sarasota. In fact I listen to HD-2 stations most of the time.

I have no reluctence to HD. I had 4 HD radios, until one was stolen. One at home and two in the car, now. I have done my own real world tests. I am not impressed as it stands. Maybe if they go for synchronized low power transmitters to target the market they are trying to serve, I might feel differently. To treat it as conventional AM or FM, won't sell.

As for 91.7, the world may be ending, but they just bought a new transmitter. Does that make sense?

It does to add value to existing properties.
Nevertheless, I have seen Brother Camping, he and Zig Zigler are shells of themselves. I am going to Ft. Myers in January to the Peter Lowe Seminar because it might be the last time I see "The Zig".

"The times, they are a changin'."

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[azumanga]

As far as WSMR goes, maybe "Dr" Harold Camping might be willing to sell Family Radio in St. Pete (91.7) at a much reduced price, since he swears the earth will end in May of 2011. (I believe this is his 2nd or 3rd prediction of the End of the World----not to be confused with the Skeeter Davis song).

Knowing Dr. Camping, I believe this won't be his last "End of the World" prediction, either. And as long as he's alive, he probably will be reluctant to sell.

 

[badjef]

As far as WSMR goes, maybe "Dr" Harold Camping might be willing to sell Family Radio in St. Pete (91.7) at a much reduced price, since he swears the earth will end in May of 2011. (I believe this is his 2nd or 3rd prediction of the End of the World----not to be confused with the Skeeter Davis song).

Knowing Dr. Camping, I believe this won't be his last "End of the World" prediction, either. And as long as he's alive, he probably will be reluctant to sell.

I never met Dr./Brother Camping. I have been listening to him for over 30 years. When I talk about him, I speak with the highest respect for the man, even though it sounds tongue in cheek. He is one of those people I'd always wanted to meet. He is not looking healthy. I pray for him.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[drt]

Knowing Dr. Camping, I believe this won't be his last "End of the World" prediction, either. And as long as he's alive, he probably will be reluctant to sell.

I never met Dr./Brother Camping. I have been listening to him for over 30 years. When I talk about him, I speak with the highest respect for the man, even though it sounds tongue in cheek. He is one of those people I'd always wanted to meet. He is not looking healthy. I pray for him.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

Thank you for sharing................ and For people, that don't have a clue as to what we're talking about (since I am guilty of taking this off topic); here is a link to the Wikipedia biography of Harlold E Camping:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Camping (link also includes link to Family Radio site)

and like many things, there is a Florida connection; Family Radio's shortwave transmissions are out of Okeechobee. (GMO)

drt,
st. petersburg

 

[daw]

I keep hearing over and over again that WSMR transmitter is ready to go and yet they keep running tests on it..Is their current signal, as scratchy as it is the best we will get in Pinellas County...I thought they were going to use a repeater signal 103.9 in Hillsborough County when the 89.1 transmitter was ready to go....Funny how they tell people just go to the internet and listen there and they don't even mention HD2 or use HD1 on their station id's...Maybe it will be ready by the summer......