WCAP Update

[John Francini]

So then, out of curiosity, for a 5kW transmitter, how much input power is needed for a typical vacuum-tube unit versus its solid-state equivalent? Would a 5kW transmitter require 10kW from the mains (thus dissipating 5kW in other ways (mainly heat))?  Would a solid-state unit draw significantly less (like, say, around 6kW for the same output power?

john



On 2 Sep 2013, at 7:43 , Dan.Strassberg <dan.strassberg@att.net> wrote:

> Economics dictate that vacuum-tube-based AM transmitters remain in use,
> especially at financially challenged stations like WCAP. In the short run, a new tube and all of the sturm und drang associated with replacing the tube will still probably cost Poulten way less than a new solid-state transmitter would cost. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that, even with all of the fuss over getting the tube from Florida and installing it in the existing transmitter, the tube is costing Poulten only about 10% of what a new 5-kW solid-state AM transmitter would cost. Over the long term, however, the solid-state rig would probably be cheaper--especially here in the Northeast, where power bills are high--because the power bills for the solid-state unit would be a lot lower.
> 
> -----
> Dan Strassberg (dan.strassberg@att.net)
> eFax 1-707-215-6367
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul B. Walker, Jr." <walkerbroadcasting@gmail.com>
> To: "A Joseph Ross" <joe@attorneyross.com>
> Cc: "Boston Radio Group" <boston-radio-interest@lists.BostonRadio.org>
> Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 12:49 AM
> Subject: Re: WCAP Update
> 
> 
>> Uh, yeah.. station transmitters still use them.
>> 
>> It's not un heard of even in this day.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Mon, Sep 2, 2013 at 12:45 AM, A Joseph Ross <joe@attorneyross.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> On 9/1/2013 7:08 AM, Mark Watson wrote:
>>> 
>>> The Lowell Sun reports that WCAP is still on the air at very low power
>>>> while the station awaits the arrival of a tube from Florida. Owner Sam
>>>> Poulten claims that those extremely close to the transmitter site can
>>>> hear
>>>> them over the air. They are still streaming on the WCAP website and
>>>> smartphone apps.
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> a,,, TUBE???
>>> 
>>> --
>>> A. Joseph Ross, J.D.| 92 State Street| Suite 700 | Boston, MA 02109-2004
>>> 617.367.0468|Fx:617.507.7856| http://www.attorneyross.com
>>> 
>>> 
>