To many FM translators in Austin

[jras20]

Austin has a lot of translators now. Its getting harder and harder to DX to San antonio now with all of the translators. Does Austin have more translators than most cities?

 

[amisdead]

Because Austin was a late-bloomer and is so close to a larger market that was large when the early allocations were made (San Antonio), it has fewer full-market signals than comparable markets. These spacing issues have allowed for more translators and pretty good translators at that. While I am sorry you lose some DX opportunities, those San Antonio stations aren't guaranteed coverage in fringe areas like Austin.

 

[fredcantu]

The changes in FCC rules have made the translators more financially viable. Most of the ones in Austin are actually mini local FM stations originating their own programming instead of relaying a distant station. They're able to do this by claiming a local HD2 station as their originating station. But we know the analog translator has all the listeners. 97.1, 102.7 and 106.5 are programmed this way.
95.1 and 99.7 repeat a local AM station.
89.1 repeats CSN Radio from Twin Falls, ID
99.9 Dripping Springs and 106.7 Georgetown are non-comm LPFMs.
90.1 is a pirate.

 

[Iused2nothat]

Its getting harder and harder to DX to San antonio now with all of the translators.

When I was first interested in DX, it was in the AM band. I recall building large loop antennas just for the purpose of being able to pick out the particular station I wanted to hear. Perhaps an outdoor yagi with a rotor would allow you to hear the SA 100kw stations without hearing the Austin <100 watt translators. Remember, the idea is to null the interfering signal, not maximize the desired station.

BTW, isn't Mega on 102.7 some of your most requested programming?

 

[jras20]

Its getting harder and harder to DX to San antonio now with all of the translators.

When I was first interested in DX, it was in the AM band. I recall building large loop antennas just for the purpose of being able to pick out the particular station I wanted to hear. Perhaps an outdoor yagi with a rotor would allow you to hear the SA 100kw stations without hearing the Austin <100 watt translators. Remember, the idea is to null the interfering signal, not maximize the desired station.

BTW, isn't Mega on 102.7 some of your most requested programming?

I got a HD radio for home, when I enable it I'll listen to Mega, JackFM comes in over 102.7. 98.5 really over powers KBBT out of most of the translators in Austin. I would sometimes tune in the dance channel on Direct TV.