Re: [IRCA] KSWB's signal strength

[Alex P <winston376@xxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting.   Have also observed the same over the years with my locals.  


Both LA local KFI and KNX seem to have been received better years ago ( 1960's- 1970's).   When living east of LA during the same time frame, locals there also seem to be received better also.   What was different then from  now is these antennas were in large fields and now, as an example,  the KFI and KNX antennas are literally in a developed industrial park surrounded by concrete structures.   Seeing that most MW stations have become budget constrained, I don't doubt that the ground planes/radials and antenna components have exceeded their life expectancy and have been the subject of deferred maintenance for quite some time. Moreover, since electricity is more expensive, wouldn't surprise me if the stations are decreasing power output during their non-prime audience time too.

Would be interesting to get additional thoughts from station engineers on this topic.



________________________________
 From: Patrick Martin <mwdxer@xxxxxxxxx>
To: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; am@xxxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:41 PM
Subject: [IRCA] KSWB's signal strength
 
For the first time than I can ever remember, local KSWB 840 running 500w
at night has stations under them off the SW EWE. I have never heard
anything under them with the SW EWE, unless I phased them. The S Meter
reading eem a hair lower too.  The Eastern Beverage, NW or NE EWE's yes,
but never the SW EWE, at 8.9 miles. They have always been rock solid
24/7. But I have noticed over te past couple of years, all three of the
Clatsop County AMers are weaker here. KAST 1370, my closest at 5.3 miles
does not sound like 1 KW. Off the Eastern beverage Butte MT tops them
most nights without even trying. KVAS 1230 at 7 miles always has someone
under them at night. But all seem to be getting weaker, but everything
else is normal. I am not complaining, but it is interesting. It doesn't
matter what radio or receiver I use either. I have an idea the old
ground systems the stations have are getting in poor shape. Both Astoria
stations has theirs in Youngs Bay and KSWB in a swampy field.  I think
KAST replaced theirs 30+ years ago, but the others, I am sure they
haven't. KVAS is 62 years and KSWB is 44 years.  It may be conditions,
but I have never noticed it before like this.

73,

Patrick

Patrick Martin
Seaside OR
KGED QSL Manager


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