[BC] Smallest AM Radiator

[Gary Peterson]

" While in the greater Custer metro (hehe) a couple of years ago, had a
chance to peak into the studio windows of that station in Custer...saw
some vintage audio equipment that I hadn't seen in years.
IIRC, the building they were in must have been a bank or credit union
at one time as I remember it having a drive-window on the side.
I can't imagine making big dollars on that facility in that market...
dan in lansing "

Dan,

When I measured their tower impedance, the studio was in an old trailer
house nearby.  The TX was an old MW-1 (not MW-1A) and it was in the trailer,
too.  I heard that the studio moved into town when they added an FM.  I have
never visited the in-town studios.  I have heard some real interesting
stories about their FM (KAWK, IIRC), though.

They have a sister AM/FM in Hot Springs.  A few months ago, someone called
me from the Hot Springs AM (KZMX, IIRC).  Their transmitter would trip off
if they attempted to run anywhere near licensed power.  I asked them a few
questions and found out that it had been that way for many months.  I was
told that when the problem began, a big, thick white "insulator" had burned
up in the box next to the tower.  Something that looked like tar leaked out
of it.  They found another one that looked the same and put it in.

I told the fellow that the "insulator" was almost certainly a capacitor and
that unless the replacement had the same value, things wouldn't work
properly.  They had thrown the old "insulator" away.  I guess they weren't
interested in paying anyone to deal with the problem, as I haven't heard
from them since.

It amazes me that more people aren't killed or maimed trying to repair
broadcast equipment when they don't have a clue about what they are doing.
I guess it's true...God protects idiots and little children.

Gary, K?CX