[BC] In search of Harris SX1

[Kevin Trueblood]

I realize that a lot of stations are running on a budget as sharp as a 
razor's edge right now, but the comments are right on the money.  The cost 
of a BE AM-1A or the Nautel J1000 may be tough to justify today.  However, I 
think if you look as close as 2 years at what the station spent in 
acquiring, retuning, tubes, and energy costs you'll find the cost of a new 
transmitter not so unreasonable.  Properly grounded facilities, whether tube 
or solid state, should see minimal effects of lightning damage.  You also 
can't get any smaller than the AM-1A or J1000.  You're talking about, what, 
10 rack units?  You could fit your transmitter, processor, mod monitor, and 
EAS all in the same rack!

In your defense, Paul, the comments made here about "If they can't afford to 
do this then they shouldn't be on the air" are tough to swallow and are a 
bit cold-hearted.  You're dealing with small operators trying to just make 
it day to day in a crappy economy.  I can't pretend to know the operator 
you're talking about, but I've dealt with and seen many just like them. 
They want it done as cheaply and quickly as possible.  Most are not opposed 
to reasonable logic and will spend a little more money of a good argument is 
made.  After all, you are dealing with one piece of equipment that is the 
end-all-be-all of the station.  You can run a station with few people, 
minimal equipment, and no promotional budget.  You can't run a station 
without a transmitter.

Kevin