[BC] WLW--when it was 1200 kW

[Kevin Tekel]

Some interesting snippets found on the web.... I cannot vouch for the
accuracy of these reports, though:

"The 500 kw. transmitter of W8XO-WLW was established to determine the
feasibility of erecting a small network of superpower MW stations for
nationwide coverage over the entire United States. It was heard in
virtually every country of the world, and was on the air until the early
days of World War II.  Its slogan, 'The Nation's Station,' epitomized its
valuable role in pre-war broadcasting. Some years ago one of the station
engineers stated that the power output of this superpower 500 kw.
transmitter was increased at times until it was actually emitting
1,200 kw., or 1.2 megawatts."

and:

"'Experimental' W8XO actually did some serious work, greatly improving
RCA 1's power and reliability. By the end of World War II, the beast could
easily make a megawatt if it had to, and it loafed along at 600 kW. There
must have been some very interesting nights in Mason. The wartime
government liked this just fine, considering The Nation's Station an
important part of the nation's defense, ready to address the whole country
at once in an emergency. With this as a selling point, WLW filed for a
return to commercial super-power several more times, right up until the
1960s. It was always denied."

And from the FCC records for WLW / W8XO:

10/17/62  Application made for a C.P. for 700kc, 750kw, unlimited,
          and to make changes in transmitter.  Request waiver of
          Section 3.21(a)(1) and 1.354 of Rules.  Denied 11/21/62.




		
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