Manteca Local Radio Facelift
Welp - due the the nastiness on 1700, I'm switching to running on 1680. Since I'm making this switch, I figure it is a good time to build a bigger, better, more neaterer Manteca Local Radio.
I'm in the process of converting the garage over to full use (insulating, walling off, air conditioning, etc) - while I'm at it, I'm building some custom desks into the walls, some shelving for the cd decks and controllers.. turntable stands (those QRK suckers are bleeding HEAVY).
So I was thinking "Now is a good time to add a second transmitter.." so I'm in the process of doing that as well.
Looking att all this stuff, I realized my website was too complex for a community radio station website.. so I'm rebuilding this as well.
I expect by the middle of the week to have it all completed, pictures on the web and everything so wish me luck - and be on the lookout 🙂
Will MLR be a multiple site operation?
mlr - Do you use an antenna or carrier current at your location?
Frank: Multiple Transmitter at multiple sites : single studio 🙂
Part15er: We have tested with CC - it didn't do very well at my location, although I plan on implementing CC in the downtown area to penetrate businesses. As of right now though, it's strictly free-radiate.
Rick,
Do you plan to use phone lines to link the transmitters back to the studio? I want to run a multiple transmitter operation, too, as I have a bunch of holes I want to fill.
Carrier-current is more effective at the lower frequencies as opposed to the upper ones we use.
re: lower freq - yep. we were testing at 960
re: telephones to link - this is too costly for monthly operation (2 phones per link) - so I'm going to use some wireless links that get about 1.5 - 2 miles directional - these are about 250.00 per pair.
Burglar alarm companies used to get dry lines for direct, non-telephone connections.
Radio stations used to use these, too.
Some folks have used them for private high speed nets, too.
http://www.wailan.com/service&support/faqs/drylines.htm
I've completed the electrical (well.. almost - need to wire one more plug) - there is sawdust and garbage all over the place. YIKES!
I've been keeping a photo log (crappy digital cam.. but pics nonetheless) - this will go up as soon as I get the new website up.
A note about the "New MLR" website and it's content: If it's on my site, you may use it 🙂
my hands hurt. Im not used to doing this type of work - I'm a computer person as a living, so screwing the wires down, hammering, drilling, sawing.. this stuff is wearing my me 🙂 BUT: It's alot of fun!
A note on the wireless link: I found out that if you use the max allowed for the band, 1Watt, you can get like 9 miles omni directional. This is huge to me, because I can have up to 5 home made tx's (by fcc rules.. i think) so this can help me do some serious coverage.
ive moved nearly everything over to the new spot.. but - I am NOT looking forward to moving the modulator and the computer.. 🙂 (thats the last bit)..
@mrl:
A note on the wireless link: I found out that if you use the max allowed for the band, 1Watt, you can get like 9 miles omni directional
Where do you bought this wireless links ???[
WOW.
I just got back from Jack G's house - he gave me some "junk" he was tossing out.
2 QRK Turntables (I knew he had one he was gonna give me.. turns out he had 2) one's got a busted tonearm - I need to find a replacement..
1 AMPEX Reel to Reel + a few dozen tapes
1 AMPEX Tape Reel Controller
1 Viking Cart deck (rec/playback) - I need to find the controller for it..
and a dual channel 9 band graphic EQ (24" mount)
I'm pretty stoked about these new additions to the radio station - ecstatic even. 🙂
added new photos of the turntables and stuff I just got..
http://www.mantecaradio.com/photos/construction/
NOTE: I will be doing some serious cleaning, oiling, etc on this equipment - it's been under a pile of dirt for about 10 years or more maybe..
added new photos of the turntables and stuff I just got..
That Ampex reel to reel is SWEET! and those turntables... drool. 8)
Good thing you remodeled your space, you're gonna have a pretty major operation there!
I hope it's an inspiration to others, too - just let folks know you're looking for stuff, and it's amazing what you'll receive.
Those QRK turntables are built like tanks. They'll take everything you can throw at them. With clean felt on the platters, you can slip-cue very easily. As it is, I think they come up to speed in a quarter turn.
I guess Jack mentioned some (not the ones I have) that come up in 1/8th turn.. VERY fast..