[Scan-DC] 1680 KHz AM

[Chris Smolinski]

Here, 1680 is dominated by Latin format WTTM Lindenwold NJ. 

It could well be a pirate, or even a Part 15 station - legal, or possibly what I like to call "almost legal" (following the spirit of 100 mW / 3 meter antenna, if not the letter of the regs). 

There's a local AM station on 1620 about 7 miles from me that has been on the air for over a decade. It infrequently IDs as WEDG or The Wedge. Plays mostly 60s/70s/80s music, although occasionally other stuff like 50s Sinatra, etc. I know where it's located and have driven past the house, it's clearly using a vertical with a top loading hat and base loading coil. Looks to be your standard Part 15 type antenna. They could well even be using just the legal 100 mW. I am in a mostly rural area with lots of large antennas. 

Can you hear it on the car radio? Drive around, you'll probably be able to find the transmitter if it is a Part 15 station (or almost Part 15). 

Chris Smolinski, W3HFU
Black Cat Systems
Westminster, MD USA
https://www.blackcatsystems.com






> On Jan 27, 2024, at 12:26 AM, Alan Henney <alan at henney.com> wrote:
> 
> I've been receiving a scratchy signal on this station for the past couple
> of nights here in Takoma Park.
> 
> It's continuous soul music.  There is no station identification as far as I
> hear... nothing at the top of the hour, no talk.
> 
> Is this a pirate station?
> 
> Nothing obvious on wikipedia or on the linked pages (FCC/Radio Locator)...
> 
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1680_AM
> 
> Thanks,
> Alan