I stumbled upon the WSTT website today and the headline reads "25,000 watts." I would think I should know this because I travel to Tallahassee frequently and the old 5,000 watt signal was insufficient. Google can't tell me anything. Radio-info and Wiki say WSTT is still 5kw. FCC at least has an app for 25kw, but I can't get access for some reason. Anyone in Tallahassee know what's on the air and if it's 25kw, how long has it been up?
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WSTT Thomasville-Tallahassee 25,000 watts???
- Thread starter Poledo
- Start date
That is very interesting. I can find nothing on the FCC website that an application has been accepted for filing let alone granted for a 25kw daytime power increase. It may be that the engineering has been completed and perhaps an application has been filed but the FCC public website has not been updated. This was the case with a few stations in Florida. However, if 25,000 watts is granted and facilitated on AM 730, especially if it is ND, it will blow everything away in North Florida with the best AM signal for miles. Right now I'd say WFRF-AM 1070 has the best Tallahassee AM signal with its ND 10kw-D.
They had a CP to go to 25kw, bought one of the BE AM transmitters that all got factory recalled, it blew up about 5 times over a month, then they realized they had let their CP lapse without filing a license to cover...so they lost that opportunity to upgrade. Not sure what happened to the TX...they may have just kept it and used it to run 5kw...which it probably would do OK.
I'm sure they can get another CP for 25kw since I doubt any other stations have upgraded or made antenna pattern changes that would prevent WSTT from operating with 25,000 watts. Was the 25,000 watt pattern non-directional? If they should file for a new CP and should it be granted, hopefully the licensee will remember to file for a license to cover this time before the CP expires.
Even with an upgrade, what could they do that would get listeners to the AM dial in Tallahassee? Religion of all varieties has been covered. 2 FM talkers, too. Every AM except 1450 has an FM simulcast. Also, don't forget that they are a daytimer, which means limited mornings and drive time half the year.
With the upgrade they could have put up a nice 250 watt translator on a TV tower in Tallahassee. Possibly 3 translators spread between Tally and Thomasville. As is, I think Tally is outside the range of the local WSTT signal.
Otherwise, I'm still looking at Tally as a test market for shutting down local AMs after moving them to low power FMs. The Tally AMs are probably already at the point that they have tens of listeners (or less) to the OTA AM signals.
Otherwise, I'm still looking at Tally as a test market for shutting down local AMs after moving them to low power FMs. The Tally AMs are probably already at the point that they have tens of listeners (or less) to the OTA AM signals.
I heard a very strange station ID on WSTT yesterday.
It started off normal IDing 730 WSTT Thomasville then took a turn. North Florida, South West Georgia and South East Alambama's gospel leader. This was followed by them sending shoutouts to listeners in Valdosta and Blakey, GA, Pt. St. Joe, Panama City and Blountstown, FL followed by Dothan and Eufaula, AL and maybe a dozen more small towns in this general area.
Some of these towns are a good 100 miles outside the fringe of WSTT's 5000 watt signal. I was about 25 miles from the transmitter and the signal was already weak.
Their website still boasts 25,000 watts, while all information says they never upgraded and only broadcast 5,000 watts. Are they trying to convince people they really have the coverage? Anyone from Tally or Thomasville have a story? Alan?
It started off normal IDing 730 WSTT Thomasville then took a turn. North Florida, South West Georgia and South East Alambama's gospel leader. This was followed by them sending shoutouts to listeners in Valdosta and Blakey, GA, Pt. St. Joe, Panama City and Blountstown, FL followed by Dothan and Eufaula, AL and maybe a dozen more small towns in this general area.
Some of these towns are a good 100 miles outside the fringe of WSTT's 5000 watt signal. I was about 25 miles from the transmitter and the signal was already weak.
Their website still boasts 25,000 watts, while all information says they never upgraded and only broadcast 5,000 watts. Are they trying to convince people they really have the coverage? Anyone from Tally or Thomasville have a story? Alan?
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The WSTT owner has a few other stations...but none in Alabama or Florida.
http://fccinfo.com/CMDProFacLookup.php?tabSearchType=Lice&sLicensee=MARION R. WILLIAMS
They may be running 25,000 watts, despite not having a license to do so. Wouldn't surprise me.
http://fccinfo.com/CMDProFacLookup.php?tabSearchType=Lice&sLicensee=MARION R. WILLIAMS
They may be running 25,000 watts, despite not having a license to do so. Wouldn't surprise me.
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