WKZQ is only 8,500 Watts?

[viper452]

I swear they use to advertise as being 50,000 watts in the early 90s. Why the drop in power?

 

[RobynWattsV2.0]

They've changed frequencies back in 2008.

 

[w00t]

If you do the height/power calculation they still are equivalent to 50kw.

In the eastern part of the Carolinas IMO a station is better off raising up even if it requires a reduction in power. The signals seem to get out a little further.

 

[viper452]

I dont know, they dont seem as strong with my portable walkman.

 

[rls97600]

At 101.7 WKZQ was 37,000 watts, transmitted from approximately 605 ft above sea level. At 96.1 they are 8,500 watts, from approximately 875 ft above sea level. They are not better off on 96.1. 37,000 watts is far better at penetrating barriers than 8,500.

I live 97.3 miles from their 101.7 tower, which was in central Horry County. I live 77.5 miles from their 96.1 tower, which is in Garden City. In my house, using an outdoor FM antenna, I got a substantially stronger WKZQ signal on 101.7 than I have since on 96.1. At night, on 101.7, I usually got a crystal-clear signal. On 96.1 it has always sounded quite weak, though that tower is 20 miles closer to me than the 101.7 tower.

Next Media switched WKZQ from 101.7 to 96.1 because the owner of WAVF in Charleston wanted WAVF to move to 101.7. They offered Next Media a big payment to move WKZQ off of 101.7 so WAVF could move there. Next Media was willing to permanently weaken WKZQ in exchange for that one-time payment.

 

[w00t]

The lower power/higher antenna combo is better for distance for in-car listening. But you're right, the lower antenna/higher power is a lot better at penetrating buildings.