[BC] Formatics

[SHAFFER, RANDY L]

Bob Orban wrote - (snip)

>That was the station that relied on a broom handle for pattern 
>changes. I think I've posted this story before on the list, but 
>anyway...the engineer had to balance the broom handle on the top of 
>the console and aim it at the day/night phasor toggle switch, which 
>was mounted in a rack close to the console. While holding the 
>opposite end of the broom handle, the engineer went over to the TX, 
>dropped carrier with a switch, hit the phasor toggle switch with the 
>end of the broom handle, and then brought the TX back up. With a 
>little skill, there was only about 3 second of dead air.

I thought we originated that concept in York. When our pattern switch
relay failed, we used this method for several weeks at 1350, WZIX.
The pattern change relay was on top of the Harris MW-5a. You got the
broom handle into position, dropped carrier, shoved hard on the broom
handle to throw the switch and then plates back on. It was probably
2-3sec. Except for the morning I was leaning on the broom handle waiting
for the clock to hit 7:15. I fell asleep standing with my back against
the phasor and leaning on the broom handle. Pattern change was a little
late that day.


Randy Shaffer
Newport Television
Harrisburg, PA