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KXPR 88.9 New Transmitter

R

radio11

This issue has been discussed on at least two other non-KXPR threads. I thought it better to start a new thread.

I received the following message from CapRadio today:

The new site is coming along nicely. I don’t have an exact date, but we hope to be able to turn it on in the next couple of weeks.

--Evan Matsler, CapRadio Senior Broadcast Technician
 
Interesting, their license to cover states the facility is up and running as the CP expires Monday 😉. From my location I can’t tell with much certainty whether they are at the new site yet. I’ll try to get out there this weekend to check it out.
 
The antenna site registration (13148270 for the new KXPR site at 1751 Eagle's Nest Road for a 335 ft tower still shows as granted not yet constructed.
 
Drove by the site today. The tower is up with a 4-bay antenna at top above a 2-bay (aux?). From the reception on my radio I could tell they weren’t transmitting from this site but rather Walnut Grove. Looks like they are really close though.
 
Big D said:
Drove by the site today. The tower is up with a 4-bay antenna at top above a 2-bay (aux?). From the reception on my radio I could tell they weren’t transmitting from this site but rather Walnut Grove. Looks like they are really close though.
Click to expand...
What's the reason or purpose of this move?
 
Back in the olden analog days, a station on the lower end of the dial (89.1 and below) that was in the same market as a channel 6 station was pretty much forced to co-locate on the same tower as the channel 6 to prevent interference to the TV audio by means of filtering.

Once digital became the only manner to broadcast TV, these requirements (even for stations still broadcasting on RF channel 6), became superfluous.

In the case of Walnut Grove, as Michael said, it’s a fantastic site for TV or even Family Radio/EMF because one can cover both Stockton and Sacramento well…with the sacrifice of a good signal in the foothill suburbs. KXPR doesn’t really need to stay there to cover points south as those are covered pretty well by KXSR. So they’re far better off losing coverage in places like Vacaville or Stockton in exchange for gaining coverage in Roseville/Rocklin/El Dorado Hills.

The curious question to me is why they built their own tower from scratch rather than locating at one of the other FM towers in the foothills. They’re losing 100’+ in height where they’re building to broadcast closer with no directional antenna
 
It seems this new tower has been a pita project for CPR over the past decade. I wonder if they looked at co-locating on KSTE, or KTKZ’s night site (both nearby)? This new facility isn’t a full Class B as the HAAT is only 97m, not 150. So even with 50kw they are marginally better than a B1.

I’m guessing this particular location and height were dictated by spacing issues and going from directional to ND. It just seems like a long and expensive project for a relatively marginal upgrade.

Also kinda surprised they are only using a 4-bay for 50kw. Seems you’d want a higher gain antenna and lower that power bill.

Ok, enough armchair qb for tonight.
 
Radio Locator has now dropped the old transmitter site info. The new site info indicates license granted 6/30/2023, with an expiration of 12/1/2023. There has been no announcement from Capradio, which seems odd.

I am relieved that my reception is still very good.
 
radio11 said:
Radio Locator has now dropped the old transmitter site info. The new site info indicates license granted 6/30/2023, with an expiration of 12/1/2023. There has been no announcement from Capradio, which seems odd.

I am relieved that my reception is still very good.
Click to expand...
I’m up here visiting and can hear the difference.
 
Big D said:
Also kinda surprised they are only using a 4-bay for 50kw. Seems you’d want a higher gain antenna and lower that power bill.
Click to expand...
Whenever possible, go for the fewest bays.

In the Andes at a bit over 13,000 feet, I used two bays, vertical only. It avoided a lot of multipath caused by the "serrated" pattern of too many bays.

If you are in Lost Hill, WY, you are not going to do a 100 kw FM with 4 bays or less because you sell spots for $5. But in larger markets, its a lot better to have fewer bays.
 
DavidEduardo said:
Whenever possible, go for the fewest bays.

In the Andes at a bit over 13,000 feet, I used two bays, vertical only. It avoided a lot of multipath caused by the "serrated" pattern of too many bays.

If you are in Lost Hill, WY, you are not going to do a 100 kw FM with 4 bays or less because you sell spots for $5. But in larger markets, its a lot better to have fewer bays.
Click to expand...

We have 8 bays for 50kw on 106.1 in another part of WY.. lol(i know, lost hill doesnt exist)
 
seattlesarchiebunker said:
In the case of Walnut Grove, as Michael said, it’s a fantastic site for TV or even Family Radio/EMF because one can cover both Stockton and Sacramento well…with the sacrifice of a good signal in the foothill suburbs. KXPR doesn’t really need to stay there to cover points south as those are covered pretty well by KXSR.
Click to expand...
But KXSR doesn't put a strong signal into Stockton, a significant population center. Yes, you can receive it there, but with a tower way northeast of Sonora, it's a rimshot. So, I don't quite see the net gain of moving KXPR's stick. Sure, you'll get somewhat better coverage of Sacramento. But you'll likely lose a lot of listeners in Stockton.
 
Signal Geek said:
But KXSR doesn't put a strong signal into Stockton, a significant population center. Yes, you can receive it there, but with a tower way northeast of Sonora, it's a rimshot. So, I don't quite see the net gain of moving KXPR's stick. Sure, you'll get somewhat better coverage of Sacramento. But you'll likely lose a lot of listeners in Stockton.
Click to expand...

I mean, its City of License is Sacramento, and Stockton is its own rated market (#81), where I don't believe CapRadio subscribes to Nielsen. So, yeah, cover Sacramento better.
 
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