WBZI is testing their recently-acquired FM translator on 100.3 today. I thought they might have borrowed the STL gear to test since the AM sounds like it's on a POTS dial-up, and caught the FM on the air. Not sure if the FM will stay up past AM sign-off time -- the rules say a daytimer can run programming on a translator even after dark when the primary signs off.
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
WBZI testing on 100.3 FM
- Thread starter techie2
- Start date
Most AMs with the exception of WLW are eligible for FM translators. However you must aquire
one that is already licensed or granted a CP. Finding one that can be bought may be a problem.
Both AMs in Springfield could use FM translators.
The FCC will open another filing window for new translators. But, this window will open after
the next LPFM filing window. Congress has passed new LPFM rules with the condition that the
FCC do a study to determine LPFMs impact on small commercial broadcasters. So, I suspect this
will delay the LPFM window by about one year. The next translator filing window is 2 or 3 years
away.
It's a good thing that WBZI is now on FM.
one that is already licensed or granted a CP. Finding one that can be bought may be a problem.
Both AMs in Springfield could use FM translators.
The FCC will open another filing window for new translators. But, this window will open after
the next LPFM filing window. Congress has passed new LPFM rules with the condition that the
FCC do a study to determine LPFMs impact on small commercial broadcasters. So, I suspect this
will delay the LPFM window by about one year. The next translator filing window is 2 or 3 years
away.
It's a good thing that WBZI is now on FM.
gr8oldies said:Great signal on West Second. Dead carrier late last night, programming today. Time for them to do XHS sports. Are there other AMs eligible for translators?
I'm not sure if there are any currently licensed translators or CP's around or near Wilmington or Eaton that they could get to go with the other AM's. The one they just turned on was moved from outside Wilmington to Xenia. Agree that they could probably bring in some good money running Xenia area high school sports. Roy does a good job calling the Wilmington College games.
Are they on the Wilmington translator - the one with the CP to increase power.
radioboymark said:Are they on the Wilmington translator - the one with the CP to increase power.
Reading through the flurry of filings I would say yes. The most recent shows the signal overlap plot for WBZI, not WKFI and the transmitter location is in Xenia. Joe is in the process of purchasing the permit and equipment from the original filer.
This should become a cottage industry as the way the rules are AM stations have to take over an existing or permitted translator. I foresee, once another window opens, of people applying for translators just to be sold or LMAed to existing AM stations. I would really like to see a local station here acquire one as their 17 watt nighttime power is hard to pick up even though I am less than 2 miles from the tower.
Has the FCC committed to allowing AM use of 'new' translators that are granted during that future filing window?Flying-Dutchman said:The FCC will open another filing window for new translators. But, this window will open after
the next LPFM filing window. Congress has passed new LPFM rules with the condition that the
FCC do a study to determine LPFMs impact on small commercial broadcasters. So, I suspect this
will delay the LPFM window by about one year. The next translator filing window is 2 or 3 years
away.
gr8oldies said:100.3 was just running dead air at 6, so no nighttime ops on the translator so far. Would have been a big help at WULM. In fact, had they thought about it years ago, FM translators would have been a better option than flea power on AM.
That would make more sense than 3 frequencies worth of K-Love in Springfield. Nothing like having translators for what is essentially a full power translator...
I've heard no mention of the FM so far on WBZI, so they are probably waiting for all the paperwork to go through before making an "official" launch. The only time I heard it run after the AM signed off was on the first day I noticed it on the air.
Limp73 said:Since WCVG is off the air (currently on an STA?) would it make sense to just buy that station instead?
Actually FM translators solve a lot of problems in that they can provide clear reception in high noise areas like commercial establishments. Also for daytime only stations they are a better solution than flea power after sun down as pointed out by gr8oldies.
Interestingly enough in the early WBLY days WBLY-FM was essentially a class A translator. They went on the air with 1KW ERP at 103.9 using an antenna on a small tower attached to the back of the old Chamber of Commerce Building at Spring and High. The FM remained on after AM sign off at sunset with "The Olan Mills Show" until midnight. With such low power and a low antenna height they barely made it out to Lawrenceville where I lived back then. Later they applied for a full power FM at 102.9 but had to use lower power than 50KW due to short spacing to WSAI. That may have also been why they used the AM tower in the valley on West First Street rather than seeking a higher transmitting location.
I noticed on Sunday that the IDs on the Web Stream were for WBZI-AM1500 and Also FM 100.3. Today the web site announces 24 hour programming on FM and Streaming at myclassiccountry.com.
It is just too bad that Joe did not purchase Springfield's WBLY before it got destroyed. With the impending move of WKSW to Enon, Springfield will no longer have any kind of local radio voice. I grew up there and it hurts to see this happen. :'(
It is just too bad that Joe did not purchase Springfield's WBLY before it got destroyed. With the impending move of WKSW to Enon, Springfield will no longer have any kind of local radio voice. I grew up there and it hurts to see this happen. :'(
- Status
- This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.