[AMRadio] Source Broadcast Xmtrs

[Ron Youvan]

John Lyles wrote:

> Alas, as Don Chester replied, 1 kW and smaller AM tube rigs are getting
> scarce. However, small mom-and-pop stations are still there on local
> channels in smaller communities, barely hanging on, with tube
> transmitters and backups. If you live in such areas, such as I do in
> northern New Mexico, recommend getting to know the management, or the
> local contract engineers who take care of these. Nowadays, one engineer
> could maintain 5-10 stations. Sometimes all the engineers are friendly
> enough to invite you to their get-togethers, such as Friday lunch at a
> cafe.

   As a broadcaster of over 48 years experience I don't understand the fascination with plate 
modulated AM transmitters.
   First I was a HAM wannabee when AM was king and the heterodynes were both hideous and everywhere.
Frequently unavoidable on just about every QSO. *
   Secondly the "big iron" that everyone covets limits the fidelity in ways that a rice box followed 
by a one kW linear amplifier doesn't.
   Thirdly, USA HAMS are limited to 375 Watts unmodulated carrier, (1.5 kW P-P) a one kW AM 
transmitter can produce one thousand Watts of unmodulated carrier.  (so you need to cut it back)
* everyone disappeared when SSB took over (what ever that is) as did the heterodynes when I got a BFO
   Early commercial and locally built AM transmitters were often a low power modulated transmitter** 
followed by a linear amplifier
** frequently using Heising modulation

   Ron KA4INM  73

> I have gotten two of my rigs from the AM forum listings over the years,
> and one from a local station that wanted it moved out quickly. They are
> now relocating their TX to a new tower, so they called again last
> Friday,"help move this thing". A little Harris solid state, an old solid
> state MW1 Gates, and a rare and horrible ITA1000. A ham friend is
> helping move the transmitter site, hopefully he will get the ITA. The
> others will stay in service on BC Band. So by helping them out,
> transmitter gets recycled.


-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - You can't fool me ...
                       ... I'm a moron.