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KFFT's ANTENNA PROBLEMS

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OldChicago

They have already started a LIGHTNING CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER on their website. Two questions. Aren't stations/towers insured for things like this, and don't towers/antennas like that have elaborate systems to protect them against lightning?


Old Chicago
 
Insurance doesn't cover everything. And even though it's weather related, it may not be covered at all. After all, how many Ike claims are still pending?
 
Oh yes, I think everybody has some lightning protection on such equipment, if not a bunch of protection but simply put, it is not a failsafe. A direct or near direct hit can still destroy equipment. It was described to me sort of like bullet-proof glass. The glass might deflect the first round but you had better duck because the second round is coming through with the broken glass. In other words, lightning protection helps but anything close to a direct hit still gets through.

Insurance is fun. After months we got a tiny percentage of replacement cost after our primary transmitter took a lightning hit and simply had to be replaced. I think it was about 4 months after the new transmitter was installed that we got the check.
 
OldChicago said:
They have already started a LIGHTNING CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER on their website. Two questions. Aren't stations/towers insured for things like this, and don't towers/antennas like that have elaborate systems to protect them against lightning?


Old Chicago
Click to expand...

Yes, most stations are insured. That won't necessarily get you back on the air right away.

Yes, antennas have lightning suppression systems. Note the word suppression. You can try to minimize damage, but a direct lightning hit will do some serious damage no matter how well you build it and how much cash you put into it. Talking to an engineer at NAB familiar with the situation, they may need to replace the antenna and/or the transmission line. That's on top of what's wrong with the main transmitter, and what may be wrong with the backup.

About the only way to stay on the air after a lightning strike of this magnitude is a backup transmitter site, which KPFT does not have. If you care about returning the station to the air, write them a check. They need it.
 
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About the only way to stay on the air after a lightning strike of this magnitude is a backup transmitter site, which KPFT does not have. If you care about returning the station to the air, write them a check. They need it.
[/quote]

Even tho I am unemployed at the moment (laid off due to automation)
I have been considering sending them something. However you bring up a question. I know about KMJQ and their back up site in the Galleria area and a back up site for one the Spanish station on San Felipe, but what are the back-up sites for the other FM's in the area? Does anyone still use One Shell Plaza?


Old Chicago
 
OldChicago said:
However you bring up a question. I know about KMJQ and their back up site in the Galleria area and a back up site for one the Spanish station on San Felipe, but what are the back-up sites for the other FM's in the area? Does anyone still use One Shell Plaza?


Old Chicago
Click to expand...

I think most stations that moved to Missouri City have their aux on an adjacent stick at the farm. For example, you might have your main on the channel 8 or 26 tower and a backup on 13's tower.
 
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