[BC] Re: Smallest AM Radiator/TIS

[Patrick Griffith, N0NNK / WPE9HVW]

Per the QSL cards issued in early 1997 by DFW Communications Coordinator
Joe Blair (N5WB) to verify reception of these stations, the transmitters
were 60 watt LPBs. There was no mention of them running at lower power
levels. The antennas were identified as two Valcom model V147CL2-FT-TH
which he stated were 44 feet in height. The card stated "the antenna
ground plane is a 40 foot copper rod sunk vertically in the ground at
the antenna base." 

When I toured the site (summer of 1998) I observed that the two antennas
were located about 200 feet apart separated by the paved parking lot for
the DFW admin building. You could park 10 feet away from either antenna
and walk right up and touch it if you wanted. There was no protective
fencing requirement. The personnel reconfirmed to me during my visit
that there was no ground plane other than a ground rod at each tower
base. They also stated that they had received reception reports from
virtually everywhere on the planet.

The 1680 license is still in the database and show 60 watts power output
and 60 watts ERP. The 1640 license is long gone. I wonder if the 1640
equipment was removed or if it is still in place?

Incidentally, some may recall that there was apparently some kind of
licensing error and these stations originally went on the air with the
3x3 call sign WQO767. They were issued the current 4x3 call sign
(WPLR660) several months later in December 1997.

Patrick Griffith, N0NNK
CBT CBNT CRO
Westminster CO
-------
IIRC, and some of my brain still works, the DFW system was 2 LPB
AM-60TIS units, one at 34w and one at 36w IIRC... When it first went on
the air they received DX reports from Asia... Both were running into
Valcom 49' antennas with substantial grounding.