Re: [IRCA] Synchros, anyone?

[AM-DXer@xxxxxxxxx (Patrick Griffith, N0NNK / WPE9HVW)]

Mike said: I have my doubts as to the synchronicity of the KKOB Santa Fe
synchro. Here in Los Alamos, I can hear both transmitters, and there is
always a SAH of about 1 Hz when the "synchro" is on.
-----
I'm not sure what SAH is Mike. Are you referring to the audio or the RF?
I think the intent of the term "synchronous" is merely to indicate that
it acts as a repeater with programming parallel to the originating
source. The term is probably a little misleading with today's
technology.

The audio must be delivered to the synchro by telephone line, satellite,
STL, or whatever. Any of these methods are likely to introduce some
delay in the audio chain. Today this can be corrected with GPS
coordination of the audio at both transmitter sites. But, since the
purpose of the synchro is to provide coverage where the main can't be
heard reliably, it is probably an unnecessary added expense. Also, when
the KKOB synchro was originally put into service, GPS technology may not
have been available. Unfortunately, if this coordination is not applied,
the people who are located where they can hear both transmitters would
probably experience reception problems. Do you know when the synchronous
operation went into service? In his letter the CE said it was "decades
ago".

Mike said: Also, is KKOB-AM1 really the call sign, or just what the CE
calls it?
-----
I can't answer that for certain. But the CE mentioned both KKOB-AM and
KKOB-AM1 four times each in his QSL letter. I would be curious to know
if they are required to ID this transmitter separately over the air. 

Mike did you happen to listen during the infamous hot air balloon
incident? It was reported that KKOB was off the air for several hours
while the balloon remains (and the people) were removed. I have always
wondered if they might have thought of turning the synchro on as sort of
a backup.

Patrick Griffith, Westminster CO
http://community.webtv.net/N0NNK/
http://community.webtv.net/AM-DXer/

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