Did KLEB-AM Up Its Power?

[soundesigner]

Why not try 1710 AM?

That's possible, although the Causeway TIS is pretty strong on 1700.  Also, the field strength rules are slightly different for operation above 1705 kHz; not so much that it matters, but still more complicated.  I imagine, though, that we'd get a small amount more efficiency for our inefficient radiator at that frequency.

In the meantime, KLEB is still off air and I've been able to hear our signal back to our previous limits.  We're going to hang in for the time being where we are.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[gjroussejr]

Soundesinger;
                 Bad news KLEB is back on after more repairs. I'm not sure on the rule for part 15 stations, but could you settle down the dial around 540Khz?

[soundesigner]

Yeah, I know...I heard 'em splattering all over today!    Really can't move down to the lower end of the band because a 9 foot antenna is inefficient enough on the high end of the dial.  I'm going to try and talk with the Port of N.O. and see if they're using all the frequencies they're licensed for in the extended AM band.  Meanwhile, Clear Channel's new 96.3 MHz translator forced us up the FM band.  Part 15 ain't for the faint of heart!

[gjroussejr]

what frequency on fm did you settle on

[soundesigner]

what frequency on fm did you settle on

98.9 MHz
WUUU in Franklinton is about 60 miles away, so they're not interfering with us (and our 200 ft. range sure won't interfere with them).  They had a CP for 25 KW, but it looks like that expired.  Even then, their outer fringe coverage wouldn't make it our location.

American Family has had an application for a 100 W translator for Houma since 2003, but even if that ever goes on the air, I don't think we'll have any problem.

The best of all solutions would be for a LPFM window to open for the New Orleans area, but I'm not holding my breath!

[flytrap]

I occasionally pick up KLEB 1600 in the Jackson, MS area at night.  On a few nights I've left the radio on all night and never lost it.  I'm surprised that 250 watts is getting out that far, but since it is at the top of the band, those station ted to skip more.  I have picked up 1590 in Jackson, MS at night when visiting N.O. with 1000 watts so it may be possible with 250 watts.   1600 was quite loud a few nights ago.  WZRX 1590 in Jackson is no longer on the air so there is no splatter.

[thegulfcoast]

If you can invest in another antenna, I would. The high end of the band does not travel as far as the low or even the middle. Use the old 730 and I bet you could get 2.5 miles unless KKNO jumps on you. Though with only 250 watts and 2 channels away, I wouldn't worry too much.

[soundesigner]

If you can invest in another antenna, I would. The high end of the band does not travel as far as the low or even the middle. Use the old 730 and I bet you could get 2.5 miles unless KKNO jumps on you. Though with only 250 watts and 2 channels away, I wouldn't worry too much.

Well, the problem is that Part 15 requires a maximum antenna length of 3 meters (just under 10 feet).  At any medium wave broadcast frequency that makes for an exceptionally inefficient radiator, but more so at lower frequencies.  At the upper end of the band, at least the slightly shorter wavelengths make for a little bit better efficiency and thus better range.  I like the suggestion of 730 though and I doubt KKNO would give us any grief if we were to move down the band.  I'm going to keep this in mind.
To see our massive base-loaded antenna system:
http://s1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa474/k5iq/?action=view&current=100_0154.jpg

and to put its size into perspective go here:

http://s1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa474/k5iq/?action=view&current=100_0155.jpg

[thegulfcoast]

I would highly encourage you to contact Biloxi High School sometime. They were granted an odd special permission from the FCC to broadcast at 12 watts on the FM at a height of 75 feet HAAT. It doesn't give them more than 2 miles on the rare occasion they use it, but it does the trick. I don't think that they have used it in a while though and it's only for special events even though they can go 24 hours. There is no record of it in the FCC's database but they do have something in writting at the school. PM me and I'll give you the teacher over the department's number.