Hey guys,
Timtron and I just spent a couple of months converting a Harris FM-25K to single-phase power (don't try this at home) and are using it at partial power from the new WFMX transmitter site in Fairfield.
Sometime in the next few days, the new electric service will be energized and we'll be able to throw the transmitter to full power (insert "Dr. Evil" laugh here).
For comparison, WFMX has been licensed for 6 kilowatts effective radiated power (ERP) from Bigelow Hill in Skowhegan since it first fired up as WHQO. The new site is licensed for 22 kilowatts ERP. The new site is also 10 miles southeast of the original, and half the height above average terrain, so it will be interesting to see the difference in coverage.
In fact, when I hung the microwave dish feeding the new site from the old one, I had to point it down a bit, which is a first.
For the moment, we're getting about 4.25 kilowatts out of the transmitter, which figures out to around 8 kilowatts ERP. It will stay this way until the big-boy electric service is lit. We will probably switch back and forth from the Fairfield to Skowhegan transmitters several times over the next few days while we put the finishing touches on the Harris. Once that's done, and the site is up to full power, you should be hearing them like never before.
I for one will be very curious to hear signal reports. Even at partial power, I was able to drive the signal to Bangor with only slight flutter on Hammond St until I crossed Union St and started down the hill into downtown. Yes, Chuck... I even waved to you on the way by.
Augusta/Waterville are the target metros, but any signal reports from anyone familiar with 107.9's signal (and I recognize a few of you guys on here) would sure be handy to have. Feel free to email trounds at audiophools dot net with any observations.
That's it... have a happy Holiday-of-Your-Choice!
--Thom Rounds
p.s. For sale - one near-death 4CX20,000 - guaranteed for two miles or two minutes, whichever comes first!
Timtron and I just spent a couple of months converting a Harris FM-25K to single-phase power (don't try this at home) and are using it at partial power from the new WFMX transmitter site in Fairfield.
Sometime in the next few days, the new electric service will be energized and we'll be able to throw the transmitter to full power (insert "Dr. Evil" laugh here).
For comparison, WFMX has been licensed for 6 kilowatts effective radiated power (ERP) from Bigelow Hill in Skowhegan since it first fired up as WHQO. The new site is licensed for 22 kilowatts ERP. The new site is also 10 miles southeast of the original, and half the height above average terrain, so it will be interesting to see the difference in coverage.
In fact, when I hung the microwave dish feeding the new site from the old one, I had to point it down a bit, which is a first.
For the moment, we're getting about 4.25 kilowatts out of the transmitter, which figures out to around 8 kilowatts ERP. It will stay this way until the big-boy electric service is lit. We will probably switch back and forth from the Fairfield to Skowhegan transmitters several times over the next few days while we put the finishing touches on the Harris. Once that's done, and the site is up to full power, you should be hearing them like never before.
I for one will be very curious to hear signal reports. Even at partial power, I was able to drive the signal to Bangor with only slight flutter on Hammond St until I crossed Union St and started down the hill into downtown. Yes, Chuck... I even waved to you on the way by.
Augusta/Waterville are the target metros, but any signal reports from anyone familiar with 107.9's signal (and I recognize a few of you guys on here) would sure be handy to have. Feel free to email trounds at audiophools dot net with any observations.
That's it... have a happy Holiday-of-Your-Choice!
--Thom Rounds
p.s. For sale - one near-death 4CX20,000 - guaranteed for two miles or two minutes, whichever comes first!