[BC] A Class B AM that runs less than 250W at night

[Dan Strassberg]

WLIE 540 Islip NY is one example of a Class B AM that runs less than 250W at
night yet is (currently) a Class B because its night-pattern RMS of 156.2
mV/m @ 1 km using 220W into two towers is well over the 140.85 mV/m @ 1 km
limit for Class Ds. WLIE used to be a Class D that ran ND-U, also with
somewhat less 250W at night. The night RMS was just below the 140.85 magic
number. However, WLIE has gone through a series of daytime power increases
(from 250W ND to 1100W DA-D to the current 2500W-D/220W-N DA-2). In the most
recent upgrade, WLIE opted to go directional at night, increase its night
RMS, and become a Class B. The day and night patterns use the same two
towers, the taller of which is 96.2 degrees (487' at 540) and the shorter of
which is 62.3 degrees (315'). The two patterns are quite different, however.
The day pattern is a fairly conventional modified cardioid aimed north over
Long Island with deeply suppressed radiation to the south to protect a
co-channel station on the DelMarVa peninsula. The night pattern is a very
mild figure eight with slightly suppressed radiation to the north to protect
an unused Canadian allocation in (I believe) Ottawa.

Because of its low dial position and proximity to the Atlantic, WLIE has a
legendary signal in most of New Jersey and even in southeastern PA. In fact,
when the station ran 250W ND days, the daytime signal in those areas was
probably better than it is now. However, the daytime signal both in New
Jersey and north of Islip is now amazing. Even though the signal has to get
across the abysmal conductivity of Long Island, I have heard WLIE loud and
clear over 100 miles north, where the Mass Turnpike crisses into New York
State. I then followed the signal east and further north through Albany!

WLIE's brief days as a Class B are scheduled to end soon, however. The
station holds a CP to upgrade its day power yet again. This time to 4.3 kW.
This new upgrade will require relocating one tower. The spacing between the
towers will increase to 142 degres from the current 90 and the day pattern
will widen and rotate by a few degrees. I believe the station is currently
in bankruptcy, though still on the air. Whether it is the financial
situation or whether fussing with the night pattern just doesn't seem worth
the effort, WLIE is going back to ND operation at night and will revert to
Class D status, this time with just 175W-N. That power is lower than under
the old ND-night Class D operation. The lower power may result from using a
taller tower at night than was used previously, or it may be the result of
the FCC's ratchet rule, which requires AMs to reduce interference to other
stations when they upgrade their facilities.

--
Dan Strassberg, dan.strassberg at att.net
eFax 707-215-6367