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WLKO Interference Upstate SC

T

tylerSC

Here we go again. More interference from a newly launched low power signal blocking distant signals from Charlotte in Upstate SC. This time, WGTK-HD2, blocking WLKO on 102.9. Don't know if this interference extends into Spartanburg, but it effectively blocks a former decent signal from 102.9 the Lake in Greenville. I used to get perfectly clear reception with rabbit ears on my home receiver, including the HD. But no more. Here again the FCC is allowing legal spacing too close, and failing to protect clear reception from full power signals within their coverage contour. The FCC maps indicate the fringe coverage contour from WLKO extends into Greenville County. So move WGTK-HD2 down to Anderson and protect WLKO. And ironically, WGTK-HD2 broadcasts a tired "Lite 102.9" format, which previously had failed on 102.9 from Charlotte. And although Upstate SC is not the target Charlotte market, many areas are close enough to receive clear reception if not for this localized interference. Fortunately, I adjusted an attic antenna, amplifier, and FM trap to overcome WGTK-HD2, and pull in WLKO, including the HD. But the average listener won't know to do this, and it certainly won't work in the car. But I suppose they could always listen to the live stream, but I am just an advocate of OTA antenna reception and protecting the traditional broadcast airwaves. Enough low power interference. Just a disservice to both stations and the listener loses.
 
Driving around town in Greenville, the analog from WGTK-HD2 comes in pretty clear on 102.9, with some occaisonal interference from WLKO coming in from Charlotte. Then for a good bit, the HD from WLKO will lock on strong. Then back to WGTK analog. Should not be 2 stations fighting for the same frequency. It seems the WGTK translator is just a bit too close to the contour for WLKO. Which includes Greenville County. And I can still get WLKO good on my home receiver, including the HD, with some adjustments to the rabbit ears to null out one station for the other.
 
102.9 Wasted Signal in Spartanburg

This WGTK-HD2 signal on 102.9 is a big disservice to Spartanburg, as there is now bad interference from both WGTK and WLKO on this frequency. Making this a wasted channel, as it is hard to get a clear signal now from either station on this 102.9 frequency in Spartanburg. In some areas the WLKO-HD signal will still lock on, but it is no longer reliable and consistent like it was before.

The WGTK-HD2 signal is only clear in the Greenville area, whereas before WLKO would come in decently on my car radio and reliably clear on my home receiver, including the HD. Now it is problematic to get the HD to lock on, and the analog is blocked out in Greenville. But regretably, WGTK ruins the 102.9 signal in many areas of Spartanburg, where neither WGTK nor WLKO are consistent or clear. Whereas previously WLKO had a strong, clear signal in Spartanburg. Sad these full power stations are no longer protected by the FCC in the fringe contour.
 
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