[BC] Franklin Antenna - KTTO (ex-KREM)

[Bill Harms]

\Peter wrote:
>
> A "Franklin" is a sectionalized radiator with a 180 degree top section 
> and a 180 degree bottom section (KFBK x 2).
>
yes, that is my understanding of what is a Franklin antenna.
> Although this radiator is 370 degrees tall (a Franklin would be 360 
> degrees tall), it is not performing like a Franklin as its field is 
> only 431.79 mV/meter/kW at 1 km, whereas a Franklin would be 510 
> mV/meter/kW at 1 km. Nor is it performing like a 225 degree, which 
> would be 440 mV/meter/kW at 1 km.
>
> However, I'm sure the original owner was pleased as 431.79 mV/meter/kW 
> at 1 km with 5,000 watts in is equivalent to 11,750 watts.
>
Yes, it was known to be an efficient emitter. I heard that it was the 
same as a 10,000 watt station at that frequency.

I just re-read the FCC docs. The FCC restricted the power of the station 
by using the full height, shorting the insulator at the 487 foot level, 
and placing a 0.0001 microfarad capacitor across the the 305 foot 
insulator. I am not sure how the tower is fed, or what would the above 
accomplish electronically, but that is what the FCC said. I also wonder 
if they are still doing this.

Bill Harms
Radio Station Historian