What is with 101.1's signal?

[bobdavcav]

Like most stations it is terrible east of Spokane, but what's the deal west of town? When I was over there this last summer, we got on 90 at exit 257 and carried 101.1 for only a couple miles before it went to static. Meanwhile, 98.1 came in for about an hours drive further west.

 

[crainbebo]

I've heard KEYF in the Yakima area. KISC is also heard faintly. Not sure what the problem is right now with 101.1, but I've had success with that signal before in Central WA.

-crainbebo

 

[bobdavcav]

Maybe it's one of those signals that goes to static really quickly but is heard faintly forever? Radio signals do some weird things, like the one time we were listening to KEEH several years ago when without warning it suddenly dissappeared.

 

[Bongwater]

The big FM stations like 92.9, 98.1 and 105.7 get out quite a ways. I've heard them from the outskirts of Lewiston to Moses Lake.

99.9's translator on 103.9 in Ephrata is strange because I could NEVER pick them up that far. I didn't drive up that hill where the tower was on (I'm assuming it's private property and I didn't want to cause any static with anybody.) Can they really be picked up off the air up there? Or are they fed by something else?

 

[bobdavcav]

I also don't get why they have that translator in Montana? How do they feed that one? Another thing I don't quite understand about the Spokane market is the weather stations seem to cover a huge area. Why are they warning us about something going on over in western Montana? That would be like the National Weather Service in Portland issuing a severe thunder storm warning for Portland and Vancouver and hearing it on the Seattle weather station, and why use the EAS for that? When I was over there this summer, there was one day when there was lots of thunder storm activity and CC and Morgan Murphy were using the EAS a lot. The last alert I heard was for a warning in Montana, but why did they air that when the warning is well out of the listening area?

 

[chokesman-review]

Some of the Spokane stations having translators really far out (FM and TV) is a remnant of when the dial was less crowded, so Spokane stretched out to provide service to distant communities. I know in the case of Montana it didn't have its NBC affiliation in western part of the state widespread until the 1980s. KHQ historically maintained a translator in Missoula until the local affiliate was well established, then 'Q pulled out. KXLY TV continues to be available over the air in Libby via K24KJ-D, they also are seen in Kalispell over the air as well. Ditto on KAYU in Kalispell. Thus, that explains the EAS broadcasts. KSPS similiarly is availible via translator even as far as Missoula.

The big Spokane TV signals as recently as the 1980s were translated out as far as Missoula. So, it appears the inclusion of Montana is a historical remnant of extended coverage rather than any real effort at distant coverage.

I also don't get why they have that translator in Montana? How do they feed that one? Another thing I don't quite understand about the Spokane market is the weather stations seem to cover a huge area. Why are they warning us about something going on over in western Montana? That would be like the National Weather Service in Portland issuing a severe thunder storm warning for Portland and Vancouver and hearing it on the Seattle weather station, and why use the EAS for that? When I was over there this summer, there was one day when there was lots of thunder storm activity and CC and Morgan Murphy were using the EAS a lot. The last alert I heard was for a warning in Montana, but why did they air that when the warning is well out of the listening area?

 

[chokesman-review]

*delete* goofed up and created a double post on accident!

 

[chokesman-review]

*double delete* This is becoming comical. My prowess of hitting the wrong button is becoming legendary.