KCBS AM 740 SF

[radiohistory]

First time I heard XERF-1570 was in December 1967 on a clock radio I got for Christmas, and I would guess it was 250 kw then or at least 100 kw!! Very strong. Seemed quite weak when I heard it later in the early-1980s. I too recall how easy many of the Bay Area stations came in at night, thought KABC-790 interfered with KGO-810.

I suppose I should clarify an earlier remark. I was a casual DXer in the '60s and '70s, mostly just tuning to powerful clears like KOA-850, KSL-1160, etc. I was very serious about DXing from 1980-'85, using a more expensive radio and antenna, and now I just do it when I have time, mostly on my car radio, though on my Sony, I can still hear the 500 kw JOAK on 774 khz. from Japan every so often between 2-6 am Pacific Time. Someone mentioned WBZ-1030. I only heard that one once, when KTWO was off, but it was not easy. Never got WSM-650 except at 29 Palms, CA using a long Beverage antenna, where lots of eastern clears came in loud, like the old WNBC-660, WCBS-880, etc. Seems like I got WSB-750 fairly often too at home in Anaheim.

Not to get off the topic, but I noticed another thread about 740 on Catalina/Avalon. How did that thing ever get on the air in 1952, with KCBS-740? Also, I thought their calls K-BIG was because of their BIG 10 kw directional signal over salt water to the mainland. If they move to the L.A. basin with a new xmtr, it won't be as good as the previous 10 kw signal, will it? I do recall around 1984-'85 or '86 when the FCC let many daytimers stay on after dark with low post-sunset power. Seems like KBRT-740 tried it for a while with low power, but after so much interference from KCBS, they went back to a sunrise to sunset operation.

Jim Hilliker

 

[ocer]

I was shocked to see an article on Fybush reporting the shut down of two of Canada's biggest 50kw AMs for financial reasons. Its hard to believe AM is slowly dying off. But as it does I guess its possible DX will get easier again.

If there's anything left worth listening to. Unfortunately things are changing.

DXing of the future (and present) will be online, esp. with expanded wifi and 3G coverage. I know the older folks here hate me for saying it but the technology is already being used quite extensively by younger people (and not just rich ones).

 

[K6JHU]

If you want the program, then use the Internet. But there is something to be said for the art of listening with nothing between you and the station but air. There is still some magic to that.

 

[LKellerIII]

If you want the program, then use the Internet. But there is something to be said for the art of listening with nothing between you and the station but air. There is still some magic to that.

There certainly was - back when AM radio dominated. As a kid, I didn't need much sleep, so I'd stay up late tuning in far away radio stations. My parents didn't like traveling much - the occasional trip to San Diego or Ensenada was about as exotic as it got. So I'd listen to out of town stations, pay attention to the differences - not just between radio formats, but the cultural differences between various cities across the west...most of it inaccurate, probably - but I had a great time doing it.

 

[Lopaka]

About the first thing I bought myself when I started making my own money as a kid was a shortwave set. I remember the bird call show on CBC, "Moscow Mailbag" aimed right at Ames, Iowa ("yes, a Russian did invent the lightbulb long before Thomas Edison, but a capitalist stole the idea!"), Radio Peiking, Radio Brazzaville, and of course HCJB from Quito. Unquestionably reception is better on a computer, given that the internets is working, but there remains a real thrill to pulling an actual signal out of the ionosphere. I can't help myself on long drives at night, from pulling off the road at some high point and seeing what is on the air. It is a little disheartening now that so very much programming is syndicated. A big hurricane hit New Orleans when I was a kid, I listened to live coverage on WWL, about 2000 miles away. Oh well. Times change. I am glad I got in on the radio era at one of its more interesting phases.