MOUNT VERNON ANTENNA ARRAY

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

Was shutting back and forth to Bellingham the past few days and noticed in Mt. Vernon a tower array I hadn't seen before (4 newer towers next to one older one). The thing that caught my eye is wire that connects the TOP of the towers. Is this an antenna somewhat like the old KXA was in Seattle (when it was atop the old Rhodes/Penney's bldg on 2nd Ave?)

Also wondering if this was added after the recent sale/transfer of the Mt. Vernon station(s)?

 

[fybush]

That's KAPS 660, and it's been around for a while. It's called a "PARAN" antenna:

http://www.fybush.com/sites/2007/site-070518.html

(scroll down near the bottom for a description...)

 

[Bongwater]

The KAPS antenna (or "Radio Free Walmart", as the locals have begun calling it since the sprawling new Walmart Super Store opened next to it) has a pretty weak signal for what it should be. 10,000 watts that low on the dial should be BLASTING clear to North Seattle. But it's right about Lynnwood when the noise level rises and the signal starts to peter out. But as I understand it, the ground conductivity in the Mount Vernon area isn't so good and that might be why......

 

[cyberdad]

For the past few year's I've made the run from Seattle to Vancouver (BC) a couple of times each year on business trips. KAPS would always get swallowed up by CISL (650) a little north of Bellingham. I just assumed KAPS protecting CISL, but couldn't understand why they didn't do much with 10kw to work with going south towards Seattle.

Now I know. Thanks, Scott.

BTW....KAPS is a juggernaut compared to WXQW. WXQW is 10kw non-directional (daytime) on 660 in Fairhope, AL, (Mobile area). Ground conductivity there is so awful that they have a tough time just covering their own county! The signal is pretty much entirely gone by the time it reaches Pensacola...just over 40 miles from their stick.

 

[Randy Roadz]

For the past few year's I've made the run from Seattle to Vancouver (BC) a couple of times each year on business trips. KAPS would always get swallowed up by CISL (650) a little north of Bellingham. I just assumed KAPS protecting CISL, but couldn't understand why they didn't do much with 10kw to work with going south towards Seattle.

Now I know. Thanks, Scott.

BTW....KAPS is a juggernaut compared to WXQW. WXQW is 10kw non-directional (daytime) on 660 in Fairhope, AL, (Mobile area). Ground conductivity there is so awful that they have a tough time just covering their own county! The signal is pretty much entirely gone by the time it reaches Pensacola...just over 40 miles from their stick.

One word... no, two words. John DiMeo. PERIOD.


RR

 

[notalent]

Noticed IBOC on 1520 today, playing Def Leppard. Pad Data consisted of calls only... KKXA

 

[Dusty Dale Brooks]

When I think of stations with decent power and little punch I think of Randy's station there in Shelton (KMAS). That station should jump off the dial, especially in the south sound.

They do a good job there. Too bad.

 

[ssndradio]

When I think of stations with decent power and little punch I think of Randy's station there in Shelton (KMAS). That station should jump off the dial, especially in the south sound.

They do a good job there. Too bad.

I agree--1030 should be blasting. Randy & crew also recently launched an FM--great idea, except it's a 250 watt translator on 104.3 and is nothing but a garbled mix of KMNT and KMAS anywhere south of Shelton. Also too bad--I'm sure there are a number of Portland frequencies they could have picked that might have allowed better (non-directional) coverage into Olympia and the freeway where it's really needed--and without wiping out KMNT. I am sure there are some pretty pissed KMNT listeners north of exit 95--I used to get it great up here in Lakewood.

James