Non-Com WMPG-FM, Portland ME powers up new transmitter

[johnnydj]

Wednesday 12/14/11 at 1655, Station Manager Jim Rand and Chief Engineer Brian Dyer flipped the switch on the new transmitter and tower on Blackstrap Hill, Yarmouth for USM-licensed, community radio station WMPG-FM 90.9.

After the FCC-mandated 50% power period ends, WMPG will broadcast at 4500, up from 1100w.  Calls coming in so far from Bryant Pond, Hartford to the North, and Wells to the South.

I was Development Director here in 2006 when the prospect of a power increase came up at a weekly meeting.  "Sure, why not? Who knows if we'll ever get another chance!"  It is gratifying after all the hard work and difficult financing to finally see this happen.

Anyone out there in Southern Maine who picks it up at 90.9, feel free to post - we still are trying to fix the coverage area. Thanks.

www.wmpg.org

[newsbot]

One little correction: Blackstrap isn't in Yarmouth, it's in Falmouth.  Now that the new transmitter is on the air, I sincerely hope the trustees will consider transferring control of the 104.1 translator on Munjoy Hill to a non-duplicative radio service.

[johnnydj]

Falmouth indeed, Mr. Bot.  Thank you. 

I doubt the fate of the 104.1 frequency is on or near a front burner at the moment, but I recommend sending a note to stationmanager@wmpg.org suggesting this excellent idea.

[CatCall]

In Dover NH I was able to receive a moderate signal on my car radio tonight.

[kc1ih]

Has anyone noticed any reduction in the northern coverage of WBUR?

[johnnydj]

Transmitter will be operating at 100% sometime in the next few hours.

@Catcall:
Thanks for the heads up!  Check it sometime after noon 12-21 and see if the signal has improved - post when convenient.  Many thanks!

[johnnydj]

Farthest reception observation so far:  Randolph, New Hampshire.  About 90 miles from the transmitter.

And in the IRONY Department:
We had a big party at the station yesterday afternoon to celebrate the power increase... and the power went out at 1645.  Total darkness - funny thing was we had no trouble recognizing each other by our voices.

[CatCall]

Transmitter will be operating at 100% sometime in the next few hours.

@Catcall:
Thanks for the heads up!  Check it sometime after noon 12-21 and see if the signal has improved - post when convenient.  Many thanks!

From Dover NH:
Daytime I get a weak signal for WMPG that battles with a weak WBUR in Newton MA. Nighttime WMPG is stronger and no trace of WBUR.