Re: [IRCA] KXEL Petition

[Rene Tetro]

There is no reason whatsoever that KXEL needs to have their signal blasting 
into the east coast at night.  When I was working at WPTR in Albany, NY in the 
1970s (also on 1540) KXEL's came in so strongly at night that I could see our 
towers from 3 miles to the south in Guilderland and hear KXEL wiping us out.  
Our pattern was extremely tight to the south (protecting the Bahamas) and the 
west (protecting KXEL) that our signal in many local areas was useless, even 
with 50KW.  Of course, the other side of the coin was that you could hear WPTR 
throughout New England and eastern Canada at night - also a waste of RF.   The 
only solution to all of these problems is for MOST class A stations to power 
down at night.

It would make more sense overall to lower the power of the "big boys"  at night 
to improve local coverage of other stations on class A channels than to have 
everyone else boost power...which would only make things worse.  It would also 
make sense, however, to maintain a few high power class A's at night to provide 
wide area coverage - especially in emergencies.  Perhaps even allow them to go 
superpower, while moving other stations off of those frequencies.  Such 
stations as WBZ, WABC, KDKA, WLS, WLW, WSM, KOA, etc. could serve this purpose 
well.

René

René Tetro
WNTP-WFIL
Philadelphia

Original Message-
From: IRCA [mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of Russ Edmunds
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 2:38 PM
To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America 

Subject: Re: [IRCA] KXEL Petition

As a practical matter, that 'solution' wouldn't really help anybody because
it doesn't alter the facts of
propagation. Whatever new stations were added to the current 1_A
frequencies would - as many of their predecessors have - suffer significant
interference from the higher powered stations.

Russ Edmunds
15 mi NW Phila
Grid FN20id



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Re: [IRCA] Stations on 1710 KHz

[Rene Tetro]

Les,

I'm not sure if they are still on the air or have gone silent, but for a long 
time there was an Hasidic Jewish pirate on 1710 in Brooklyn that was on quite 
regularly.  Although I'm assuming the power quite low - under 100 watts - for a 
long time he could be heard via skip around the northeast.  The station was a 
regular here near Philly.  He was usually on the air on Saturday nights after 
Sundown following the end of the Sabbath.

Rene'
W2FIL
Lansdale, PA

> > >
> > > Please let me know what stations you hear regularly on 1710Khz, 
> > > legal
> or
> > > otherwise and your location. I’m eager to compare notes. Thanks..
> > >


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[IRCA] WLFP

[Rene Tetro]

Caught WLFP, 1550, Braddock, PA, 1KW, at 1800 EST mixing under WIGN
with ID in the clear during WIGN dead air.  First time I've ever
caught them in SE PA.

73, Rene Tetro, W2FIL 

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Re: [IRCA] Washington High Band station question

[Rene Tetro]

KRPI has a CP to run 50KW DA with 3 towers at night with a new pattern.  My
guess is that they are either running on that, or are running temporarily on
NonD while the antenna system is bring modified.  The new pattern is quite a
bit more loose than the old 10KW Night pattern.

73,
Rene'

Rene' Tetro
WFIL-WNTP
Philadelphia

>>Perhaps KRPI is just dropping power to 10 kW and not switching...


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[IRCA] Attn Hams: London Olympics Special Events Station

[Rene Tetro]

 

For you hams out there, I thought you might be interested in the
Special Events Station that is operating from the London Olympics.
Looks like they have a pretty elaborate setup.  Here is a link to
their webpage:

http://www.2o12l.com/index.php?page=operating

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro

W2FIL, Lansdale, PA

Director of Engineering, WFIL-WNTP, Philadelphia

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Re: [IRCA] [DX-tip] WFIL and WNTP Off air tonight

[Rene Tetro]

The work for tonight on WFIL and WNTP has been postponed so we won't be
signing off as planned.  I'll let you know when we reschedule the shut
downs.

 

73,

Rene'

 

From: dxtip-boun...@nrcdxas.org [mailto:dxtip-boun...@nrcdxas.org] On Behalf
Of Rene Tetro
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 9:21 AM
To: dx...@nrcdxas.org; a...@yahoogroups.com; 'Mailing list for the
International Radio Club of America'
Subject: [DX-tip] WFIL and WNTP Off air tonight

 

FYI..

 

WNTP, 990, Philadelphia will be signing off at 00:00 ET tonight for
maintenance.  The length of the outage is indefinite, but will probably last
at least 2 hours, but it could be most of the night depending on what we
find once we get into the project. 

 

Also, WFIL, 560, Philadelphia will be signing off at 02:00 ET tonight for
maintenance.  This outage will last about 90 minutes.

 

Both stations are replacing RF Contactors (switches) and other components
that were damaged or destroyed (some would say "fried") during a recent
lightning storm.

 

In any event, WNTP will return to the air no later than 05:00 ET, and WFIL
no later than 04:00 ET.

 

These planned outages may provide some DX opportunities on 560 and 990 in
the northeast tonight.

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro

Director of Engineering & IT

WNTP-WFIL

Philadelphia

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[IRCA] WFIL and WNTP Off air tonight

[Rene Tetro]

FYI..

 

WNTP, 990, Philadelphia will be signing off at 00:00 ET tonight for
maintenance.  The length of the outage is indefinite, but will
probably last at least 2 hours, but it could be most of the night
depending on what we find once we get into the project. 

 

Also, WFIL, 560, Philadelphia will be signing off at 02:00 ET
tonight for maintenance.  This outage will last about 90 minutes.

 

Both stations are replacing RF Contactors (switches) and other
components that were damaged or destroyed (some would say "fried")
during a recent lightning storm.

 

In any event, WNTP will return to the air no later than 05:00 ET,
and WFIL no later than 04:00 ET.

 

These planned outages may provide some DX opportunities on 560 and
990 in the northeast tonight.

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro

Director of Engineering & IT

WNTP-WFIL

Philadelphia

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Re: [IRCA] WPWT-870 Colonial Heights TN

[Rene Tetro]

WPWT and WHGG are diplexed on the same tower in Gray, TN.  They
have always had problems with the diplexing system because of the
closeness of the frequencies, and the shortness of the tower.  Not
only is the tower very short for both frequencies, it also uses -
get this - a three element ham radio HF beam (looks like a
Cushcraft) as a top hat. 

Both stations are using Harris DX10 transmitters with Kahn Power
Side.  At least they were a few of years ago when I was working at
Bristol Broadcasting (WXBQ/WEAZ/WTZR/WFHG(AM-FM).  A close friend
of mine was doing some contract work for WPWT/WHGG at the time and
had some real horror stories of their site.

73,
Rene'

Rene' Tetro
WFIL-WNTP
Philadelphia



-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com
[mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of Paul B. Walker,
Jr.
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:25 PM
To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America
Cc: a...@nrcdxas.org
Subject: Re: [IRCA] WPWT-870 Colonial Heights TN

WPWT 870 is owned by the same folks who have WHGG 1090 that was on
air at
night, at full power a few years ago.

Paul



On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 9:22 PM, Steve Francis 
wrote:

>
>
>
>
> 9:15pm EDT, daytimer on with trad country and IDs for 870 and
100.7,
> mixing with WWL and Cuban ticker.  Playlist is on
http://topgunradio.com
>
> 10,000 watts non-directional.
>
>
> Steve Francis
> Alcoa, Tennessee
>
>
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Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] 1550 WIGN Bristol TENNESSEE being heard in ONTARIOTonight..........

[Rene Tetro]

WIGN has a bad habit of not dropping their power at night.  Since I once
worked in the market and have some connections down there, I've spoken to
them twice about it.  It's kind of hard to make believe your on 6 watts,
when 35kw can be heard around the country.

What I've found is that this is not done on purpose.  The owners are
straight arrows.  They are sometimes just a bit sloppy at times when it
comes to technical ops.  It's your typical small operation:  understaffed,
no real technical presence except when they have an emergency.


-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com [mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Renfrew
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2012 10:46 PM
To: a...@nrcdxas.org; Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] 1550 WIGN Bristol TENNESSEE being heard in
ONTARIOTonight..

Hey, Rob, It's WITK, Pittston PA, not WIGN, with Dr. Asa.  Several IDs and 
local ads at 2245.  Hopefully that's a new one for you.  Jim




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[IRCA] WFIL-560 DX test Results

[Rene Tetro]

Hi all,

I have received many Reception Reports from the test we did on WFIL Saturday
night/Sunday morning.  I thank all of you so much for listening and sending
your reports in.  I will have QSLs sent out by the end of the week to all
who filed a formal report at our dxt...@wfil.com email address, or sent one
via snail mail.

Just for the record, I thought you might be interested in the locations from
tests were received.  By far, the Midwest (particularly the upper Midwest)
was the big winner in number of reported receptions.  Michigan had the
single biggest number of reports from any state.

Here is a list of the locations from which I received reports thus far.
They are in no particular order:
Carleton, MI
Tulsa, OK
South Omaha, NE
Mojave, CA
Western MI
Southwestern CT
Greensboro, NC
Alcoa, TN
Portneuf, QC
Holley, NY
Cocoa, FL
Albany, NY
Woodbury, MN
Burnt River, ON
Toronto, ON
Reston, VA
Methuen, MA
Baltimore, MD
Midland, MI
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Hudson, MA
Greenbush, MI
London, ON
45M SE of Detroit, MI
Manassas, VA
Oak Creek, WI
Sterling Heights, MI
State College, PA
Nashua, NH
Williamston, MI
Omaha, NE
Plymouth, MN
Old Fort, TN
Stratford, PEI
St. Albans, VT
Berea, OH

There were a few reports that did not give their locations.

73,
Rene'

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[IRCA] WFIL DX Test with Details

[Rene Tetro]

The WFIL DX Test will be conducted Sunday Morning from 12:00AM - 12:55AM
Eastern (0500-0555 UTC).  WFIL is licensed to Philadelphia, PA and will be
operating on our Daytime Directional Array at 5KW.  The end time has been
adjusted to 12:55AM, instead of 01:00AM.  This will afford listeners in our
region to possibly hear other stations on 560. We will turn off our carrier
from 12:55AM until 1:02AM, which will allow listeners to catch top of the
hour IDs.

 

Reception reports should be emailed to: dxt...@wfil.com   

 

If you still prefer snail mail, reports can also be sent to:

  DX Test

  WFIL Radio

  117 Ridge Pike

  Lafayette Hill, PA  19444-1901

 

Details of the test:

  Voice ID's will be given about every 5 minutes

  Morse Code ID's will be given four times

  Audio tones:  Sweeps, Warblers, Morse Code Letter "V" Repeated

  WFIL Jingles from the 60s and 70s

  Music:  Stars and Stripes Forever at aprox. :05 and :32

  I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) at aprox :16 and :43

  The test will begin at exactly 0001 EST (0501 UTC)

  The test will end at exactly 0056 EST (0556 UTC)

 

WFIL will turn off its carrier from 0056 - 0102 to allow people our region
to attempt It's of other stations on 560.  WFIL will resume normal
broadcasting on night pattern @ 5KW at 0102.

  

 

Good luck.  

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' F. Tetro, Director of Engineering and IT

Salem Communications - Philadelphia

 WFIL 560AM:  "Philadelphia's Christian Teaching & Talk Station"

 WNTP  990AM:  "Intelligent Conservative Talk"

117 Ridge Pike

Lafayette Hill, PA  19444

Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext: 41

Fax:  610-828-6725

Email:  rte...@pobox.com

 

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[IRCA] WFIL DX Test with Details

[Rene Tetro]

The WFIL DX Test will be conducted Sunday Morning from 12:00AM - 12:55AM
Eastern (0500-0555 UTC).  WFIL is licensed to Philadelphia, PA and will be
operating on our Daytime Directional Array at 5KW.  The end time has been
adjusted to 12:55AM, instead of 01:00AM.  This will afford listeners in our
region to possibly hear other stations on 560. We will turn off our carrier
from 12:55AM until 1:02AM, which will allow listeners to catch top of the
hour IDs.

 

Reception reports should be emailed to: dxt...@wfil.com   

 

If you still prefer snail mail, reports can also be sent to:

  DX Test

  WFIL Radio

  117 Ridge Pike

  Lafayette Hill, PA  19444-1901

 

Details of the test:

  Voice ID's will be given about every 5 minutes

  Morse Code ID's will be given four times

  Audio tones:  Sweeps, Warblers, Morse Code Letter "V" Repeated

  WFIL Jingles from the 60s and 70s

  Music:  Stars and Stripes Forever at aprox. :05 and :32

  I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) at aprox :16 and :43

  The test will begin at exactly 0001 EST (0501 UTC)

  The test will end at exactly 0056 EST (0556 UTC)

 

WFIL will turn off its carrier from 0056 - 0102 to allow people our region
to attempt It's of other stations on 560.  WFIL will resume normal
broadcasting on night pattern @ 5KW at 0102.

  

 

Good luck.  

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' F. Tetro, Director of Engineering and IT

Salem Communications - Philadelphia

 WFIL 560AM:  "Philadelphia's Christian Teaching & Talk Station"

 WNTP  990AM:  "Intelligent Conservative Talk"

117 Ridge Pike

Lafayette Hill, PA  19444

Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext: 41

Fax:  610-828-6725

Email:  rte...@pobox.com

 

 

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[IRCA] WXCT 990 Southington, CT

[Rene Tetro]

Just curious.  Is anyone in the NE hearing WXCT 990 in Southington, CT.
They have been known in the past to cheat, and it sure sounds like they have
been the last few nights.  They have been heard here in SE PA this week,
which shouldn't be if they are operating legally.  I've gotten several calls
about it.  Thanks.

 

73,

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro, W2FIL

Lansdale, PA

Director of Engineering & IT, WNTP-WFIL

Philadelphia

 

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Re: [IRCA] WHAT-1340

[Rene Tetro]

Russ, 

Their carrier has been on since Monday.  I noticed it Monday afternoon when
doing a bandscan on my way home from work.  Last night I sat in my driveway
in West Point and under WHAT's carrier you could still easily listen to
WMID.  

Another Spanish station is in our region's future (like we really need one.)

Rene'


-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com [mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com]
On Behalf Of Russ Edmunds
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 11:47 AM
To: AM WTFDA; NRC List; IRCA List; gy list
Subject: [IRCA] WHAT-1340

There's been an open carrier on 1340 since before 0700 this morning. WMID is
weakly audible underneath in between static crashes. It looks as if my
string of overnights with nothing local on 1340 is coming to an end. Once I
have a chance to review overnight recordings, I'll be able to approximate
when they turned it on.


Russ Edmunds
15 mi NNW of Philadelphia  
Grid FN20id

FM: Yamaha T-80 & Onkyo T-450RDS w/ APS9B @15'; Grundig G8
AM:  Modified Sony ICF 2010's barefoot

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Re: [IRCA] Tight AM Patterns

[Rene Tetro]

The old WDGY pattern was very problematic.  When I was working for WNEW I
was sent out there to do monitor point studies on them because they were
interfering with us.  A few years later I ended up making the same trip
after WNEW became WBBR.  From what I understand that array needed a lot of
TLC.  I don't know how the KFAN site is since I haven't worked for 1130 in
several years.

Rene'

Rene' Tetro
Lansdale, PA

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com [mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com]
On Behalf Of Todd
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 9:38 PM
To: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Subject: [IRCA] Tight AM Patterns

Lets not forget the old 1130 WDGY formally in Bloomington, MN. Almost all of
their night power went NNE. Even their current site(now KFAN) in Credit
River Township has a very deep null to the SE at night within plain sight-1
mile-of their 9 tower array to where I believe they use 6 of their towers at
night. The audio is garbled at best.
FTS 

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Re: [IRCA] noise issue update

[Rene Tetro]

Fluorescent lights have always been a source of RF pollution, however.  So
they probably made the situation worse by moving to them.  I have never
allowed fluorescent lighting in my houses for that very reason.
Unfortunately, the world is moving away from incandescent to fluorescent
because of the energy savings, with little thought to what they do to the RF
Spectrum.

73,
Rene'

>Is ironic that all the lighting there has been replaced
>with energy smart fluorescent tubes and the like but the
>noise level has gone from -121dbm (less than S1) to -63dbm (10db over S9)



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[IRCA] CKNX

[Rene Tetro]

CKNX  920 kHz  Wingham, ON, Canada

 

Dashboard DX last night (Sat, April 16) on New Jersey Turnpike in central
NJ.  Very strong and steady signal and loud audio between 2220 - 2235 EDT.
Country music, promo "CKNX Taking You Home" and spot for the "Cowboy Loft."
CKNX is supposed to be 1kw at night.  Wonder if they were on their 10kw day
antenna.  The signal was strong enough to stop the bandscan on my radio.

 

At first I thought it was WCHR in Trenton, just 20 or so miles away with a
change in format.

 

73,

 

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro

Lansdale, PA

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Re: [IRCA] WHP 580 IBOC

[Rene Tetro]

I am not intimately acquainted with the operation at WHP, so I will just
briefly comment on what I do know.

Our general manager at WFIL-WNTP was GM at WHP several years ago, and he
explained that WHP is fairly tightly blocked in at night by several
stations, both co-channel and adjacent.  Among the co-channels are WIBW 580
Topeka, KS, WELO 580 in Tupelo, MS, WGAC 580 in Augusta, GA, and WTAG in
Worcester, MA.  About the only direction that isn't limited at night is
Southeast, which is where the majority of their signal is aimed.

Adjacents are not a major headache, but there is one station that has an
impact:  WARM 590 in Scranton, PA.  The two protect each other both day and
night.  WMCA is not a factor, although a look at WHP's engineering data
shows that it was considered in the initial allocation study many years ago.

An interesting note about WHP's IBOC:
When they first turned it on, the lower sideband of the IBOC signal was
causing interference to WFIL.  As most of you know, the IBOC data is
transmitted from 8-15 kHz from the carrier.  The data in the upper range of
that signal (between 570 and 565 kHz) was creating a loud high pitched
whistle under WFIL within the western reaches of our 0.5 mV/m protected
contour.  We did a study through our consulting engineers who confirmed the
interference.   A complaint was filed with the FCC (the first IBOC complaint
filed with the commission, as far as I know).  The FCC acted as a mediator
between WFIL and WHP, and eventually they were asked to lower their IBOC
level, which they did.  Ultimately, they made some changes to their system
from what I was told, and were able to re-adjust their IBOC carrier back to
normal with no further interference.  The whistle no longer occurs within
our 0.5 mV/m contour.  It was an interesting experience for the commission
because it was the first time (at least for our local field office) that
they had to deal with fallout from the conflicting demands of the rules for
the NRSC-2 bandwidth mask (analog) and the NRSC-5 mask (IBOC).  

I'm not really sure what they are using for processing out there, but when I
listened yesterday it did seem to really be pushed on the analog signal.  

73,
Rene'



> Yes Patrick, WHP does use IBOC but only during the day when
> the station is nondirectional.  The program director told me
> it would be very expensive to modify the night time
> directional array for IBOC and I guess Clear Channel didn't
> think it was worth the cost.  If IBOC had become more popular
> the modifications might have been done.  I wonder if the
> station pays less for an IBOC license since it isn't on all
> the time.
>
> It's just a guess, but the night time pattern might even have
> had to been modified to protect WMCA 570 and possibly even
> someone on 590.  Maybe Rene can comment on this.
>
> Tom
>


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Re: [IRCA] DXers under the age of 30

[Rene Tetro]

You're right, Russ.  Even at my age (59), as one who cut his DX teeth and
listening habits in the 60s, I have to admit that unless I am specifically
listening for DX, I very rarely listen to terrestrial radio anymore,
especially AM.  I just get way too frustrated with the noise (IBOC hash,
static, etc).  

Most of my listening in the car is XM.  At home and at my work office at I
have internet radios and listen to them (even to local stations that
stream).  It just sounds better.  So, I can easily see how young people who
were not raised on AM (or even FM) to any extent see radio as an archaic
media form that does not meet their needs or interests.  Why listen to what
programmers want you to hear when you can get whatever you want through an
Ipod, Iphone, satellite radio, or other medium?

Rene'

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com [mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com]
On Behalf Of Russ Edmunds
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 12:00 PM
To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] DXers under the age of 30

Terrestrial radio is not relevant to most younger people because they can
get whatever content they are after via a mobile phone or a PC or a
Blackberry. There are more than ample computer/phone games to keep people
busy if they like competition.

But, as has already been noted by myself and others, hobbies which are in
the collecting mode ( DX'ers collects stations heard and/or recordings
and/or veries ) as well as those which utilize what younger folks view as
obsolete and/or archaic technologies ( and there we are again ) are all in
the same boat - no growth, mostly shrinkage.

I'm afraid this is nothing more than the natural order of human interests.


Russ Edmunds
15 mi NNW of Philadelphia  
Grid FN20id

FM: Yamaha T-80 & Onkyo T-450RDS w/ APS9B @15'; Grundig G8
AM:  Modified Sony ICF 2010's barefoot




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Re: [IRCA] WFNY DX test

[Rene Tetro]

I tried.  That's about all I can say.

Our local WNPV on 1440 in Lansdale made this difficult.  I drove several
miles into one of their nulls in an attempt to receive the test, but it was
a no go.

73,
Rene'

Rene' Tetro
W2FIL
Lansdale, PA

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Re: [IRCA] [ABDX] 990 in the Northeast

[Rene Tetro]

Thanks to all who wrote back about 990 CKGM.  You're input was invaluable.
I am hoping that we have the situation resolved now following a couple of
conversations with the station.

 

73,

Rene'

 

  _  

From: a...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:a...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rene
Tetro
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2011 2:13 AM
To: a...@yahoogroups.com; 'International Radio Club of America'
Subject: [ABDX] 990 in the Northeast

 

  

Hi guys,

I'm wondering if I could impose on some of you guys in the northeast? I am
having interference problems on 990 WNTP here in Philadelphia, largely from
CKGM in Montreal. Their signal is so strong here at night that it
penetrates deeply within my licensed interference-free contour. It seems
unlikely that the signal I am seeing can be produced by their licensed night
pattern, which is (at least on paper) very restrictive into the US. On
paper they should boom their 50kw almost entirely to the north while
supposedly having deep nulls at night toward Philly, Providence, Rochester,
and Knoxville (as well as toward Winnipeg, MB and Corner Brook, NF). 

You can see their licensed night pattern on the FCC Database:
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/AM_DA_patterns/403523-27563.pdf

You can compare that with their much less restrictive licensed day pattern:
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/AM_DA_patterns/403523-27562.pdf

Now, here is what I would like to know: what signals seem to be predominant
in your area on 990 at night? Does CKGM come in more strongly that what you
would think their pattern should produce?

For those of you in areas with stations on 990, does CKGM present a problem
to your local station at night? 

Finally, if you are in an area south of Montreal, is it possible for you to
listen and detect if you can hear them change pattern from day to night? The
change toward the south should be significant. According to the information
provided by the FCC, they should be changing pattern at about 6:00PM EST in
March. 

Any information you can give me concerning any of the above questions would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

73,
Rene'

Rene' Tetro
Director of Engineering
WNTP-WFIL
Philadelphia

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[IRCA] MORE BAD NEWS FOR FM DXERS

[Rene Tetro]

>From All Access Website a few moments ago..

FCC APPROVES HD POWER INCREASE FOR FM

The   FCC Media Bureau
has adopted rules to allow FM stations to increase their digital
 IBOC signals' power up
to 10% of their analog power.  The rule change permits the power
increase on a voluntary basis, giving stations the ability to
increase digital power by 6 dB.  Stations already grandfathered as
"super-powered" facilities in excess of current class maximums will
be limited to protect against interference.

The new rules also establish application procedures for digital
power increases up to 10 dB, and create remediation procedures to
settle interference disputes within 90 days, and leave the issue of
digital power levels open for revisitation if the new signals
interfere with analog reception.

The new rules will be effective 30 days after publication in the
Federal Register.

 

 

 

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[IRCA] Here's an interesting sidebar to the Haiti Disaster

[Rene Tetro]

>From Tom Taylor's column on today's Radio-Info newsletter

 

 

Haiti's newest radio station is broadcasting from the skies. 

Thanks to a specially-equipped U.S. Air Force C-130 that's flying
very slowly above the Caribbean country, broadcasting an AM signal
in Creole. The programming is mostly Voice of America, though CNN
  says there are also
announcements from Haitian officials about the latest on the
earthquake emergency. The AM antenna is a 264-foot "long wire"
that's "dangling from [the plane's] belly like a plumb line." It's
kept vertical by a 500-pound lead weight - not exactly your usual
antenna setup on the ground. The plane also has four FM antennas,
mounted on the wings and fuselage of the workhorse aircraft. They
call the plane "Commando Solo" - and the CNN report is a great
reminder of radio's role during emergencies. Just to make sure the
target audience can hear the Commando Solo, the Department of
Defense has distributed thousands of solar and hand- crank-operated
radios. 

 

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[IRCA] 9-9-09

[Rene Tetro]

Happy NINE NINE o NINE!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsHYp4k7fFw

 

73,

Rene Tetro

 

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[IRCA] 9-9-09

[Rene Tetro]

Happy NINE NINE o NINE!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsHYp4k7fFw

 

73,

Rene Tetro

 

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Re: [IRCA] Sad News about "Passport to World Band Radio"

[Rene Tetro]

That's upsetting.  PWBR, along with WRTH and few other reference
works, are standard purchases for me each year.  I use it regularly
and have, I believe, almost all of the PWBR volumes except two or
three.

Rene'

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com
[mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of Bill Patalon
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 2:28 PM
To: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Cc: Bill Patalon
Subject: [IRCA] Sad News about "Passport to World Band Radio"


PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO IN LIMBO

 


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Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] KRKO TOWERS FALL

[Rene Tetro]

Oh, I can believe it, Patrick.  Look temper tantrums shown on both
sides of the health care debate at town hall meetings.  Sadly,
today knee-jerk and emotion rule reason.

73,
Rene'

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com
[mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Martin
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 12:59 PM
To: a...@nrcdxas.org
Cc: NRC; IRCA of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] KRKO TOWERS FALL

Here the KRKO signal is too weak during the day to tell if the IBOC
is
on. Tonight I will know. Interesting that some group is against the
station that much. Wow! 

Patrick 

Patrick Martin
KGED QSL Manager


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Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] KRKO TOWERS FALL

[Rene Tetro]

Oh, I can believe it, Patrick.  Look temper tantrums shown on both
sides of the health care debate at town hall meetings.  Sadly,
today knee-jerk and emotion rule reason.

73,
Rene'

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com
[mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Martin
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 12:59 PM
To: a...@nrcdxas.org
Cc: NRC; IRCA of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] KRKO TOWERS FALL

Here the KRKO signal is too weak during the day to tell if the IBOC
is
on. Tonight I will know. Interesting that some group is against the
station that much. Wow! 

Patrick 

Patrick Martin
KGED QSL Manager


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Re: [IRCA] HDTV hash solved! (whew...)

[Rene Tetro]

A couple of months back our radio station's production director
received a knock on his door about 8PM one night.  It was an FCC
inspector.  Now, of all the people at the station, I always assumed
it would be me who got the knock -- after all, I'm the one with all
the gadgetry.

He was going from house-to-house in that block looking for someone
with equipment that was putting out a strong signal right on the
frequency of Philadelphia International Airport's localizer.  It
turned out to be our production director's next door neighbor whose
HDTV converter box was emitting a spur through the TV antenna.  

Ya gotta wonder how some of these things are built..

-Original Message-
From: irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com
[mailto:irca-boun...@hard-core-dx.com] On Behalf Of
sa...@sounddsl.com
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 1:18 PM
To: irca@hard-core-dx.com; ultraligh...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [IRCA] HDTV hash solved! (whew...)

Hi all:

Thanks to the many suggestions and ideas.  I tried 'em all, and the
one
that worked was to minimize the length of coax between the little
UHF
circular antenna and the converter box.  The converter box itself
gives
off a little RF but only up close, similar to most modern
electronic gear.
 However, when you hook up an external antenna, the digital
converter
apparently radiates the noise over the antenna feed cable.  I had
an
elaborate switching network for when I utilized more than one
antenna, and
bypassing all that got rid of the noise.

Hope this helps someone else faced with this problem!  "Hash" is a
gentle
descriptor - it was more like a solid high-pitch whine/buzz which
precluded DX on the lower band.  Fortunately, peaceful coexistence
has
been restored between my DXing and the girls' TV viewing (in fact,
the
signal on the TV is a little better!).

Thanks again - Kevin S
Bainbridge Island, WA


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Re: [IRCA] Vertical antenna position

[Rene Tetro]

It's definitely worth a shot
73,
Rene'
 
>However, there is a downspout not that far away.  I'll see what
>happens when I move it away from that.  I may move it to the attic
>where there isn't any significant metal or wiring nearby.

>Craig Healy
>Providence, RI



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Re: [IRCA] Vertical antenna position

[Rene Tetro]

Craig,

I wonder if your home has aluminum studs rather than wood?  That
could have a major effect on directionality, as could nearby water
pipes and electrical wiring.

Rene'
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM  /  WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  rte...@pobox.com 
 

 
"Excelsior, you fathead!" - Jean Shepherd



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Re: [IRCA] LW-MW Interference

[Rene Tetro]

Thanks all, for your suggestions concerning my LW-MW Interference
problem.  I was able to talk briefly to my neighbor (with whom I
have a good relationship and want to keep it that way).  She turned
it off and the noise went away, so that gives me double
confirmation, along with my field strength readings, that the dog
fence is the culprit.  She says she will turn it off when the dog
is not outside, and gave me the info on the dealer who sold and
installed it.

He and I are going to have a nice little chat in the next few days
:-) about the problem.  I saw the info on the fence and it is
supposed to operate on 21.5 khz. But, its broadband splatter leads
me to believe something is definitely not right with the unit.

I am also going to bring a spectrum analyzer home from work and
take some pictures of the interference to prove my case to the
dealer in case he gets testy.

Thanks again for your input, guys.

73,
Rene'
 


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Re: [IRCA] LW-MW Interference

[Rene Tetro]

Humorous reply:
Good idea. Perhaps I should watch for the dog to be outside and
then fire up my 1.5kw linear on 160 meters, modulate it to 100% on
LSB, and then watch what happens :-)

>
>However, if the dog wears the collar all the time, maybe you could
>set up a higher powered transmitter to zap it every minute or two.
>Set it to detect when the outside perimeter unit is running.  If
>the dog goes nuts in the house with that thing running, I'd bet it
>will be shut down and uninstalled quickly.
>


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[IRCA] LW-MW Interference

[Rene Tetro]

Hi all,

I’ve been going crazy the past few weeks trying to figure out where a loud 
buzzing sound is coming from whenever I try to listen to certain LW and MW 
frequencies.   Well, this morning I went out with my field strength meter and 
found the culprit.  It turns out that the offending device is one of those 
fenceless dog perimeter units that my next door neighbor had installed a few 
weeks back.  He leaves it on 24/7 even when the dog is not outside “just in 
case he gets out.”  

In so far as I can tell the thing runs at around 110 khz, but has a broad noisy 
spectrum that extends up to about 300 khz, and then again appears in the AM 
band between 550-700 khz and 1000-1120 khz.  

Short of cutting the guy’s buried radiating wire ☺, I’m at a little bit of a 
loss in trying to get rid of this interference.  I've tried various filters to 
no avail.  The only ones that work well, of course, also attenuate the 
frequencies I'm interested in.

Have any of you come across this problem and found a way to resolve it?

73,
Rene'
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM  /  WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  rte...@pobox.com 
 
"Excelsior, you fathead!" - Jean Shepherd



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[IRCA] Apex 303-WA2

[Rene Tetro]

Has anyone had any experience with the Apex 303-WA2 passive receive
whip.  I purchased two of these to use with my Quantum Phaser as an
experiment.  (Normally I use two Dressler ARA-60's with the phaser
and that configuration works well.)  

 

I just took them out of the box and they look like they are well
manufactured - solid yet light weight.  I haven't seen any formal
specs on this antenna but assume that there is a loading coil of
some sort in the base.  It claims coverage from 30khz to 30mhz, but
I presume that because of its size it is low gain.

 

Rene'

 

Rene' F. Tetro

W2FIL, WPXG816, WPXU288, PG0216913

Lansdale, PA, USA

Coordinates: N40-12-30.9  W75-18-20.6

Grid: FN20if

Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Websites:  www.veronicafm.org, www.maggie-radio.org;
www.exalt1700.org, www.classiccountry1630.org,
www.westpointcommunityradio.org

 

 

 

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Re: [IRCA] [ABDX] Antenna for LW

[Rene Tetro]

Another suggestion would be a "PK Loop" antenna.  I've been using
one of these for about six months inside my house with great
results.  They are manufactured in Australia and do a fantastic
job.  URL is
http://users.bigpond.net.au/CygnusX3/Longwave_Antennas.htm .

 

Rene'

 

Rene' F. Tetro

W2FIL, WPXG816, WPXU288, PG0216913

Lansdale, PA, USA

Coordinates: N40-12-30.9  W75-18-20.6

Grid: FN20if

Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Websites:  www.veronicafm.org, www.maggie-radio.org;
www.exalt1700.org, www.classiccountry1630.org,
www.westpointcommunityradio.org

 

 

 

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[IRCA] Test

[Rene Tetro]

test


Rene' F. Tetro
W2FIL, WPXG816, WPXU288, PG0216913
Lansdale, PA, USA
Coordinates: N40-12-30.9  W75-18-20.6
Grid: FN20if
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Websites:  www.veronicafm.org, www.maggie-radio.org;
www.exalt1700.org, www.classiccountry1630.org,
www.westpointcommunityradio.org
 


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[IRCA] Test

[Rene Tetro]

Test

Rene'
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM  /  WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 
Test
 


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[IRCA] FW: EWE Up and running in Carlisle UK! (off topic)

[Rene Tetro]

Barry,

Are you getting the "sush" across the band?  Sounds you're your
describing atmospherics or (dare I say it) cross-Atlantic IBOC
hash.

Rene'
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM  /  WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 


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[IRCA] WFIL & WNTP Downtime

[Rene Tetro]

Hi all,

 

Hope your summer is going well.

 

I just wanted to let all of you know that both WFIL 560 and WNTP
990 will be off the air tonight (Sunday night-Monday morning)
between 12AM and 4AM for equipment maintenance.  Sorry about the
short notice but this was a quick decision based on some recent
lightning damage to the WFIL night directional antenna.  FYI.for
the past week or so we've been operating WFIL at night at 3.3kw on
the damaged night pattern to maintain monitor points within limits.
Tonight will be a time to make base current impedance measurements
and replace a bad capacitor.  The tower in question (WFIL Tower 3)
is diplexed with WNTP, which is why we are taking both stations
down.

 

73 to all,

 

Rene'

 

Rene' Tetro

Chief Engineer

WFIL-WNTP

Philadelphia, PA

 

 

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Re: [IRCA] WNTP DX Test 2

[Rene Tetro]

The new day pattern is still generally southeast, as it was in the
past, but with about 1/3 more signal to the northeast and to the
west.  Signal to the NW is about the same as in the past.

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen S. Howe
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:16 AM
To: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Subject: [IRCA] WNTP DX Test 2

WNTP-990 Morse code IDs, march music, and voice ID finally coming
through
WLGZ 0010-0013 EDT.  50 kW signal still not a powerhouse.  What is
the
direction of the major lobe in the new daytime pattern?

Steve Howe
Saint Albans, VT
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[IRCA] More on the SRF-59

[Rene Tetro]

After all of the discussion and generally positive comments on the various
DX groups about the SRF-59, I ordered one.  I figured for about $16 from
Amazon you can't go wrong.  Well, I got mine yesterday, and last night put
it through some "unscientific" listening tests.  Like many of you, I have to
say that I am very impressed at what the AM section of this little radio can
do for its size and cost.  A lot of its positives have already been
mentioned, so I'll confine my comments to one specific striking aspect of
the radio.

The selectivity and signal nulling capability is way beyond anything I've
seen in a radio this inexpensive and small.  First let me discuss the
antenna nulling.  Whether or not this is by design, when the radio is
rotated while listening to a very strong station, the radio's AM internal
antenna is capable of quite deep nulling of the station's signal.  For
example, I live about eight miles from KYW's 50kw IBOC-ridden transmitter.
I have measured their signal at about 95 mV/m at my house -- a mighty strong
signal, indeed. While tuning to 1060 and rotating the radio, the antenna
quite easily nulled KYW until the signal was almost unlistenable.  This is a
pretty remarkable feat given the station's signal strength at my location.  

I then tuned down 10khz to 1050 to see what would happen with KYW's IBOC
hash.  Again, because of the nulling capability, combined with the SRF-59's
decent selectivity, I was able to FULLY null the IBOC hash and listen to an
unid'ed Spanish station on 1050.  The Spanish station's signal was fully
listenable with no sign of KYW's IBOC.  A similar test was conducted at
1070.  Although no station was clearly discernable on 1070, as with 1050
there was no evidence of KYW's IBOC hash -- just normal weak background
nighttime carriers.  I tried the same test against WPEN's 950 nighttime IBOC
transmitter, which is also quite strong at my location (somewhere in the
order 25 mV/m).  The results were the same on both the main channel and
adjacent channels.  

This morning I conducted the nulling test on other strong stations (none of
whom have IBOC):  WFIL 560, WNTP 990, and WNPV 1440.  I wanted to see if I
got similar nulling capabilities across the band.  In each case I was able
to null the station's carrier to pretty much nothing.  As far as the
adjacents are concerned, I got the following results.  With WFIL nulled, I
was ale to listen to WMCA on 570.  With WNTP nulled I was able to listen to
WILK on 980. And with WNPV nulled I was able to pick out WILM on 1450 and
WNSW on 1430 (albeit both were very faint).

Overall, it's a pretty incredible little AM radio.  

My only complaint about the AM operation, as some others have expressed, is
the analog tuning.  It's been a long time since I had to mentally count
channels and listen for the channel changes as I tuned up and down the dial.
It did bring back memories, though, of lying in bed at night as a teenager
in the 60's and searching for a station by counting channels from a known
dial position.  "OK...that's WOWO on 1190, WOAI on 1200, WCAU on 1210, WGAR
on 1220.  Here's 1230!  Let's see what I can get on the graveyard."  

I also found that the FM is not all that sensitive.  Listening to some
locals with weaker signals at my location (like WXPN, WRTI, WBMR, and WPPZ
was difficult, if not impossible.  All the local full class B FM's, however,
were clear with full quieting.  But, since I did not buy the radio for it's
FM, this is not an issue for me.

Bottom line:  it's probably about the best $16 I've ever spent on a radio. 

73,
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WFIL-AM / WNTP-FM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]



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Re: [IRCA] The beginning of the end - of IBOC

[Rene Tetro]

On another note.
KYW here in Philly never turned on their IBOC at night, even though it's the
same pattern day and night, and the other CBS O&W, WPHT, is running there's
at night.  I wonder why?

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Scott Fybush
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 4:11 PM
To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] The beginning of the end - of IBOC

Joe Miller, KJ8O wrote:

> 1) The e-mail did not state whether it was all IBOC or
> nighttime IBOC. I checked WJR at 2:30 this afternoon,
> and it was still going. Will check again after dark.

Nighttime only. IBOC will remain on the AM stations during daylight hours.

> 2) Citadel has 177 FM and 66 AM stations in their
> system. A visit at the corporate website did not
> mention anything ( www.citadelradio.com ) about IBOC,
> period. Nothing about having it, not having it, had
> it, etc. But then corporate websites (in general) very
> rarely talk about their failures.

There are really two Citadels right now - the "little Citadel" that was 
the original company, and the former ABC stations that came into the 
fold a few months ago. The interference issues have been with the former 
ABC stations - KGO, KABC, WLS, WABC, WJR, etc.

> We'll just have to wait it out for the oversized
> soprano.

That we will. This is another step in the process...too soon to say if 
this is the beginning of something bigger or not. We'll see how it all 
plays out.

s
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[IRCA] WNTP Sign Off

[Rene Tetro]

FYI.
WNTP, 990, Philadelphia, will shutdown tonight at  Eastern
for the better part of the night.  This will probably be the
last time we shutdown during the current antenna project.
 
Rene'
 
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610.828.6965  Ext: 41
Fax:  610.828.8879
Email:    [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the
children of GodBlessed are the merciful, for they shall
obtain mercy."   (Matthew 5)
 
 
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[IRCA] WNTP Downtime

[Rene Tetro]

Hi all,
 
Once again WNTP, 990, Philadelphia will be signing off
at  Eastern tonight to continue the daytime antenna
modifications.  I'm not sure how long we will be down,
but you can figure a good portion of the night.  S,
if you're normally within ear shot of our night signal,
fire up those receivers and Total Recorders to see what
you can DX while we're off.
 
73,
Rene'
 
Rene'
 
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610.828.6965  Ext: 41
Fax:  610.828.8879
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
the children of GodBlessed are the merciful, for
they shall obtain mercy."   (Matthew 5)
 
 
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Re: [IRCA] WPHT off air at 0300

[Rene Tetro]

As long as we're on the subject of being off..
WNTP, 990, Philadelphia, is currently off the air to
continue making changes to its daytime directional
array.  We are making final adjustments to the phasing
and tuning networks and should be back up around 4am.
This will, hopefully, be the last night we are down
during the project.

Rene'
 
 
Rene' F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Voice:  610.828.6965  Ext: 41
Fax:  610.828.8879
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
the children of GodBlessed are the merciful, for
they shall obtain mercy."   (Matthew 5)
 
#-Original Message-
#From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:irca-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of willis
#Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 1:55 AM
#To: Neil Kazaross; Mailing list for the International
#Radio Club of America
#Subject: Re: [IRCA] WPHT off air at 0300
#
#
#
#
#> I hope you managed to ID the other stn as SD's KOKK
#!!
#
#Neil-
#No, shortly after posting that note I went to bed. I
#have IDed KOKK in the
#past and did not need them.
#
#I am getting to old for these all nighters.
#
#Willis
#
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#necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its
#editors, publishing staff, or officers
#
#For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org
#
#To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
#


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Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] 1020 kHz tone continues

[Rene Tetro]

Jim,

Yes, this look fine.  As you suspected, I subtracted instead of added.  It 
was a late night Friday night due to problems at the radio station.  When I 
got up at 12:30PM to check on the tone, I was still have asleep.  Hence, my 
math faux pas.  Thanks for thinking ahead and catching it.

As has been noted by others, the tone is now gone from 1020 (12/4 0930EST). 
I haven't heard anything yet on 590, but I am keeping my ears open.  I 
understand that is supposed to begin again tomorrow.

73.
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers." (Mat. 5)
- Original Message - 
From: "Jim Tonne" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "AMDX WTFDA List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "DX Hub List" 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "International Radio Club of America" 
; "MWC List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 2:02 PM
Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] 1020 kHz tone continues


>
> Rene:
>
> You gave the apparent azimuth as 107 which goes out into the
> Atlantic . . .
>
> And you said it was 25 degrees south of (meaning, I suspect,
> clockwise from) WIBG.   Since WIBG is 154 degrees from you,
> I added 25 onto that number to get 179.  So I then used 179 for
> the azimuth.[ Bet you meant 177, not 107 ]
>
> Does this:
> http://tonnesoftware.com/1020c.gif
> look right to you?   Note the use of 1020"C" for the name.
> If it looks OK to you I'll delete the C and we'll have the latest
> and greatest.
>
> - JimT

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Re: [IRCA] Antenna repairs

[Rene Tetro]

I hear ya, Patrick.  We had a major rain and wind storm blow through here 
tonight which damaged our utility power feed coming.  So we've been running 
on the new generator (installed just four weeks ago) since 9:45PM EST.  The 
storm broke a cut-out on a power pole coming into the radio station.  The 
power company wouldn't touch it because apparently it is on our side of the 
system.  So..here I sit in my office, listening to the 1020 khz tone and 
waiting for the electrical contractors to show up and fix things.  I've got 
both stations running at 1KW to conserve fuel.

Don'cha just hate bad weather?

73,
Rene

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers." (Mat. 5)
- Original Message - 
From: "Patrick Martin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 2:25 AM
Subject: [IRCA] Antenna repairs


> Hi everyone,
>
> Well, it has been a Fall/Winter of antenna repairs. First I lost the
> beverage & SW EWE with a tree falling across them. I got them up and
> going the next day. Now tonight my WNW EWE died, as there is a break
> somewhere in the coax. I just came in after checking both ends with a
> VOM and the coax in open somewhere. So I will have to pull it up out of
> the ground tomorrow. I have a idea either a bad connector or the inter
> connector broke somewhere. Oh well, such is like on the coast. It isn't
> the first time that has happened and I am sure it wont be the last. At
> least the other three antennas are working fine.
>
> 73,
>
> Patrick
>
> Patrick Martin
> KAVT Reception Manager
>
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>
> 

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Re: [IRCA] 1610 the tone in so CA also!

[Rene Tetro]

I was thinking.  Some companies build facilities for the military that are
mobile and can operate anywhere in the broadcast band.  Perhaps the
government is testing a new unit.

For a look see, check out the following link:
http://www.kintronic.com/site/systems/milant.asp

I've known the guys at Kintronics for years and they have sold hundreds of
these mobile broadcast facilities to various countries...including the US
Military and other agencies.  They are marvelous units.


73,
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers." (Mat. 5)
- Original Message - 
From: "Bob Wien" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 12:01 PM
Subject: [IRCA] 1610 the tone in so CA also!


> The 1610 tone is also heard albeit weak down here in Fontana, CA, loop
> bearing is approximately 70 degrees, so coupled with Victoria's 85 degree
> loop bearing, maybe we can figure out where this thing is!  Heard with
> Superadio and Select-A-Tenna last night about 3:15 AM, PST (6:15 AM, EST),
> faded up and down some but clear on the peaks.
>
> _
> Fixing up the home? Live Search can help
> http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmemailtaglinenov06&FORM=WLMTAG
>
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Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] 590 khz and 1020 khz mystery signals

[Rene Tetro]

I was thinking.  Some companies build facilities for the military that are
mobile and can operate anywhere in the broadcast band.  Perhaps the
government is testing a new unit.

For a look see, check out the following link:
http://www.kintronic.com/site/systems/milant.asp

I've known the guys at Kintronics for years and they have sold hundreds of
these mobile broadcast facilities to various countries...including the US
Military and other agencies.  They are marvelous units.


73,
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers." (Mat. 5)
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Re: [IRCA] 1610 map as of 11 PM Thursday

[Rene Tetro]

 am not hearing the 1610 mystery station this morning in SE PA. Tried at
home and in the car.   Last night before I went to bed I was pulling it in
on my R75 with a Terk AM Advantage Loop at about an S5.  The direction of
the loop was the same as my earlier tests with the field strength meter --
195 Degrees True North.

73,
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

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Re: [IRCA] [dxhub] 1610

[Rene Tetro]

The 1610 tone station is on the air again today with a fairly good signal here 
in SE PA.  Must be somebody testing.  I took my field strength meter from work 
and did a quick measurement, and it appears to be coming from a south to 
southwestern direction.  According to the FCC database there are only two 
stations currently operating on 1610 in North America either licensed, CHHA, 
Toronto, 1KW NDA and CFOS, Colingwood, ON, 1KW NDA.  One is also plannted: a 
new station in Montreal, also 1KW NDA, whose calls have yet to be assigned.  
One thing I don't get is that they list CFOS in Colingwood, ON as being on 
1610, but they are actually on 570.  (I know because they sometimes forget to 
change pattern and reduce power at night, screwing with WFIL's signal.)  Do 
they simulcast?  Are they moving dial positions?   The FCC database is unclear 
on this.

My best guess at this point, without additional information, is that it is a 
TIS station that is testing.  The FCC database show that there is a station 
south of here that is "pending" -- WBQV479 in Tarboro, NC.  It may, of course, 
be something much closer that has been relocated, or is returning to the air.

This is a bit of a puzzler, for sure.

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610- 828-6965  Extension 41
Fax:  610-828-6725
Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers." (Mat. 5)
  - Original Message - 
  From: Russ Edmunds 
  To: IRCA List ; AM WTFDA ; NRC List ; dxhub 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 5:37 PM
  Subject: [dxhub] 1610



  Heard at high noon here in SEPA but mostly weaker than the local TIS at
  Valley Forge N P.

  Heard again 1630+ in car mostly overpowering the TIS and subsequently
  an unID with slow-tempo male vocal group.

  Very steady tone however as my trip home moves directly away from the
  TIS, but the tone became stronger the farther I went from the TIS.

  This strongly suggests a modulated carrier on 1610 rather than hets.
  The tone was clearly on the same frequency as the music.

  In my mind this doesn't preclude the possibility that others may be
  hearing hets in other locations.

  Rough bearing is 180-200 degrees, which could include Ft. Meade,
  Frederick, Tidewater VA, DC, Ft. Belvoir etc. Too bad this wasn't
  happening a few days ago when I passed by Ft. Meade and DC proper and
  was on base at Belvoir.

  Haven't yet had a chance tonight to check on the Hammarlund or even the
  2010, and may not as I have other committments tonight.

  Russ Edmunds
  Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL )
  [15 mi NNW of Philadelphia]
  40:08:45N; 75:16:04W, Grid FN20id
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  FM: Yamaha T-80 & Onkyo T-450RDS w/ APS9B @15'
  AM: Hammarlund HQ-150 & 4' FET air core loop

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[IRCA] The Increase of AM Noise

[Rene Tetro]

Fellow Hams and DXers,

The following is the text of a message that I sent to our company's engineering 
email list concerning the increase of electrical noise on the AM band.  I 
thought you might find it interesting.  We hams and dxers are not the only ones 
who are concerned about the trend of increased electrical noise.  Broadcasters 
are, as well, and have a lot at stake in doing something to see the situation 
is improved.

73,
Rene'
W2FIL,
Lansdale, PA

---


There's been a lot of discussion recently on various engineering sites and 
publications, and among radio dxers, about the deteriorating state of AM 
coverage.  I would obviously concur with this (who couldn't?).  The situation 
is evident to anyone who listens to AM radio, and it seems to be getting worse 
as time goes by.

Laying IBOC and BPL aside for a moment, which have their own set of interfering 
dynamics, there are other issues that are becoming more predominant on the AM 
band.  Most notably there has been a dramatic increase in electrical noise on 
the band in recent years.  This is getting worse and is having the effect of 
dramatically reducing coverage in many cases.  All of the latest electronic 
gadgetry seems to be the major cause of "dirty power lines" and other noise.  
Among the devices that seem to be most culpable are medical devices, computers, 
light dimmers, and - one of the biggest offenders - newly designed electronic, 
SCR controlled, traffic signals.  There are so many other devices, they become 
too numerous to mention.

What concerns me as an engineer is the effect this is having on listenership, 
as well as the practicality of continuing to use the 0.5 mV/m contour as an 
indication of normal daytime coverage.  From listening to our stations and many 
others, it appears that a more realistic figure would be 2.0 mV/m or even 
higher in extremely bad situations - as much as 5 or more millivolts.  

I have had discussions with our general manager and many others over the past 
few years, including sales people, listeners, and others concerning this 
phenomenon.  I get calls regularly from listeners who complain that they have 
great difficulty in hearing the stations because of "static."  Be they 
managers, sales people, listeners, or others, they all say the same thing:  
"The station's coverage just isn't what it use to be!"  And I have to agree 
with them.  WNTP, for instance, does not have nearly the daytime coverage it 
had when I worked here in the early 80s...even with one less tower and an 
loosened directional pattern.

As far management and sales are concerned, and therefore from the standpoint of 
those who are largely non-technical, the first thing to come under suspicion is 
a change in the transmission system (either transmitter, or antenna, or both).  
When one performs a quickie proof on the antenna system, and checks the 
power/impedance/etc, all is found to be normal.  On WNTP, for instance, our 
Inverse Distance Fields on all radials are pretty much exactly what they were 
in 1986 when the system was built; but, electrical noise has reduced usable 
coverage by at least 1/3.  

I know that we are not the only stations who are experiencing such problems.  
And it is not just broadcasters.  The problem also exists for hams and other 
users of the radio spectrum.  It is evident across the nation.  In a large 
market such as Philadelphia, the electrical noise can be incredible.  For 
instance, attempting to listen anywhere near the electrified 25,000 Volt, 25 Hz 
powered commuter rail lines is next to impossible.  This is especially evident 
on the Amtrak Pennsylvania main line near Downingtown and Thorndale, along 
which Business Route 30 runs for several miles.  When such lines extend for 
great distances along heavily used roads, it becomes a major issue.  Another 
example is a traffic light located about a mile from both our transmitter site 
and the site of KYW.  Since new circuitry was installed a while ago, it is 
impossible to listen to either WNTP or KYW (both of which are 50kw) or WFIL 
(which is 5kw).  The buzz from the light circuit creates a loud hum !
 that overpowers the audio of these and other stations.  "Buzzes" from other 
traffic lights are just as bad.

I fear that all of this does not bode well for the future of AM radio.  
Electrical noise is reaching a point of being such a concern that IBOC and BPL, 
as issues, pale by comparison.

I say all of this to ask a simple question:  is there some way broadcasters can 
combat the encroachment of noise on AM?  I the answer to that question.  We, as 
a society, are too dependent on these new technologies to expect a turn-about.  
Will greater regulation on electrical devices solve the problem?  Perhaps as a 
long-term solution; but in the short term I only see the situation getting 
worse.  It seems to me that broadcasters, either through the NAB, SBE, or other 
organizations, (perhaps in cooperation w

[IRCA] Stations Heard Last Night

[Rene Tetro]

526  ZLS Beacon, Bahamas.  Very Strong, Steady.  Morse ID.  1845.

740  WNYH, Huntington, NY.  Good signal with Music into Legal ID with CHWO 
nulled.  1900.  (Cheating?  They should have been on 43 watts at that time).  

Equipment:  Icom R-75 (with Kiwa Mods) and Terk AM Advantage Loop.
Location:  Lansdale, PA

73,
Rene'

Rene F. Tetro
Chief Engineer
Salem Communications - Philadelphia
WNTP-AM / WFIL-AM
117 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA  19444
Phone:  610-828-6965  Ext. 41
Fax:  610-828-8879
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."  
(Matthew 5)
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