[BC] The KGO Towers

[Art Lebermann]

I found your recent comments on "Conductivity vs Skywave" of particular
interest, as I'm Transmitter Engineer for KGO Radio.  I must argue with
your statement that the 90 degree towers at KGO are an example of an
antenna system done "on the cheap".  The present KGO site was built in 1947
by ABC, shortly after the division of the "Red" and "Blue" networks.  This
facility was "first class", and featured one of the first installations of
an air-cooled 50,000 watt transmitter.  Looking back, it's easy to say that
that the towers are "too short" - but I seriously doubt that this choice
was made because of "budget considerations".  I have the original DA proof
(from 1947) in my files, but I have no documents discussing the DA design
goals.  Considering the environment for AM Broadcasting in 1947, and the
coverage which KGO desired, I'd make an "educated guess" that the higher
angle of radiation from a 90 degree tower was considered a "plus" for
extended skywave service.

Art Lebermann, CPBE
Transmitter Engineer
ABC Radio - KGO / KSFO / KMKY

Chairman, SBE Chapter 40
Amateur Radio - W6REQ




--- Art Lebermann
--- artleb at earthlink.net
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