RE: FM Channel 215

["Peter Murray" <pete@partnercomm.com>]

Most stations use circular polarization, which satisfies both horizontally
and vertically polarized receive antennae, and better fills in shadows that
would be noticed with just horizontal or vertical polarization. That
less-focused-in-one-plane signal does cost the transmitter some more distant
reception, however. Most mobile (and often home) listeners make use of
vertically polarized antennae - and it would appear that WCNI is focusing
their power that way, instead of in the horizontal plane.

It's quite a power increase, with them going from 480W to 5KW. Nice 20dB
jump, though they're not changing their HAAT or transmission coordinates. It
certainly won't make any difference to any except WBUR listeners, as WCNI's
HAAT of 57m really is the limiting factor of their coverage. Heck, they're
not even at the limits of a class A facility, which makes me wonder what the
point is of them having a B1 license, since it gives them the same protected
contours as a C3, which are the same as for an A. What am I missing?

Given that WBUR was on 90.9 before WCNI, any changes to WBUR's DA would only
be at the convenience of WBUR.

I'm assuming you're referring to WSMU on 91.1 (not 91.9, as you indicate),
moving to channel 207.

You won't have to worry about these changes, as you're certainly still well
within the legally required coverage area of WBUR. And WCRB, for that matter
as well.

-Peter Murray (N3IXY)
Pittsburgh, PA

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org
[mailto:owner-boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org]On Behalf Of
Laurence Glavin
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 6:42 PM
To: boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org
Subject: FM Channel 215


I was perusing the FCC Actions for this week, at there are
interesting doings on 90.9, FM channel 215:

WCNI in New London, CT plans to move from 91.1 to 90.9 with
8.8KW at about 187 feet, using just a vertical antenna
(why...what does that do?  I've noticed some non-comms in Maine
doe the same thing).
 One of America's great radio stations, WBUR, plans to alter
the DA it is currently using on that channel.  Hmmmm...
I thought that was contingent on WSMU moving off 91.9 to 89.3.  I await
developments that could affect my favorite station!

Laurence Glavin


____________________________________________________________
Get 250 full-color business cards FREE right now!
http://businesscards.lycos.com