Interesting antenna

[beachguy3b]

I was crusing through the area on my way to Connecticut, and I ran across a radio station just off I-87 that had two towers with what looked like a big spider web in the middle. I could tell it was a radio station, and I am guessing this was their antenna, but I couldn't tell who it was. I'm curious to the story of why they have such an antiquated antenna. This was in the country; don't recall exactly where, but it was not too long before I got to Allentown.

Anyone know the station I saw, and have the story?

 

[w9wi]

I was crusing through the area on my way to Connecticut, and I ran across a radio station just off I-87 that had two towers with what looked like a big spider web in the middle. I could tell it was a radio station, and I am guessing this was their antenna, but I couldn't tell who it was. I'm curious to the story of why they have such an antiquated antenna. This was in the country; don't recall exactly where, but it was not too long before I got to Allentown.

Anyone know the station I saw, and have the story?

It sounds like a shortwave station from here.

There are two authorized in Pennsylvania: WINB Red Lion (near York) and WMLK Bethel. (just south of I-78, 11 miles east of its junction with I-81) I'm figuring you saw the latter station.

See http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sand/neg/hf_web/WMLK.txt.

 

[rdcuffpa1]

It sounds like a shortwave station from here.

Yep - you saw the curtain antenna for shortwave station WMLK, which is operated by a religious community known as the Assemblies of Yahweh. WMLK is a member of the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters (NASB).

Website: http://www.assembliesofyahweh.com/

The engineering manger, Gary McAvin, regularly joins us at the Winter SWL Festival down in Kulpsville (at the Lansdale exit of the Northeast Extension). Shameless self promotion alert -- I'm the co-chair of the event. See http://swlfest.com .

Also - this group might be interested to note that the National Radio Club -- consisting of AM & FM & TV DX enthusiasts -- is holding their annual convention Labor Day weekend at the Rodeway Inn (formerly Days Inn Conference Center) at 309 & 22. See http://www.nrcdxas.org/ .

Richard in Allentown

 

[beachguy3b]

Cool! And yes, it was 78/81 not 87. Brain cramp from WAY too much driving lately.

Thanks!

 

[Interstate 78]

I know that goofy looking antenna very well as I live pretty close to there, thus my handle of I-78. ;D The first time I saw that antenna I was freaked out too. It looks quite bizarre. Then someone told me that shortwave antennas look like that. Not many folks realize that rural north-western Berks County is home to a shortwave station. Pretty interesting stuff.

As you were driving that stretch of 78, about another 10 miles up the road you also would have passed a nice large array of 5 towers on your left that you can see for miles approaching them on a clear day. That would be Reading, PA full-service/news/talk station WEEU. Interesting they have their sticks like 15 miles away from their studios. Those sticks have only been there about 10 years. Prior to that, they were down just outside of Reading but then they got approved for a frequency change and power upgrade.

 

[edarmsttrong]

Is WMLK even on the air?

They suffered some major damage to the 'goofy looking' antenna over a year ago...

Maybe some SWL on this board knows?

 

[rdcuffpa1]

Is WMLK even on the air?

They suffered some major damage to the 'goofy looking' antenna over a year ago...

Maybe some SWL on this board knows?

I'm an SWL...can't hear them up in Allentown regularly (they're too close, believe it or not) but I will check with the engineering manager to see what the status is.

They were replacing their transmitter as well...they'd purchased a used 250 kW transmitter and were rehabbing it.

Richard in Allentown

 

[rdcuffpa1]

As you were driving that stretch of 78, about another 10 miles up the road you also would have passed a nice large array of 5 towers on your left that you can see for miles approaching them on a clear day. That would be Reading, PA full-service/news/talk station WEEU. Interesting they have their sticks like 15 miles away from their studios. Those sticks have only been there about 10 years. Prior to that, they were down just outside of Reading but then they got approved for a frequency change and power upgrade.

I betcha they made a ton of $$ when they sold their land on Broadcasting Rd - it's where the Broadcasting Square shopping center now resides.

If you look at the signal contour for the station at radio-locator.com, it appears the station should be audible down in Philly pretty well.

The pattern is as directional as it is in order to protect 50 kW ND1 WCCO out of Minneapolis.

Richard

 

[rdcuffpa1]

I will check with the engineering manager to see what the status is.

Just heard back from the engineering manager. Still working on the antenna - they are in the process of replacing the antenna reflector grid wire - it's #8 Alumoweld, for what that's worth...

Richard

 

[amfmsw]

rdcuff....I can listen to 830Kc regulary all the way down at the South Jersey Shore, Somers Point. Amazing signal. But this Sunday listening to the Phillies, when I drove through Valley Forge and Conshohocken area, the signal was filled with what I think was IBOC hiss. Once in NJ, it cleared up. Much better audio on WEEU than on WPHT. Even WPAZ for that matter.

 

[amfmsw]

rdcuff....I can listen to 830Kc regulary all the way down at the South Jersey Shore, Somers Point. Amazing signal. But this Sunday listening to the Phillies, when I drove through Valley Forge and Conshohocken area, the signal was filled with what I think was IBOC hiss. Once in NJ, it cleared up. Much better audio on WEEU than on WPHT. Even WPAZ for that matter. WEEU was listenable but I switched to Phils on WMID. The WPHT audio gives me a headache.