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Readers Write in About HD, AM and Oscilloscopes

These subjects are perennial favorites

HD RADIO

The Readers Forum letter “HD Radio Dropping Out” in your Sept. 14 issue is inaccurate. The writer, Richard Brickhouse, writes that in the 1960s the FCC mandated all radios sold to have the capability to receive FM. Boy do I wish that had been the case.

Steve Trivers and I, working at Susquehanna Broadcasting Co. in York, Pa., sold a lot of Lafayette Electronics mobile FM tuners one at a time at WSBA(FM).

In reality it was on the TV side that UHF was mandated to be added to VHF television sets. Even that mandate was a mostly poor one initially. VHF tuners had a click, click from Channels 2–13. UHF tuners were similar to AM radios of the day; fine tuning a UHF signal was difficult at best.

Bill Wertz
Wertz Media
Seattle

AM RADIO

Regarding the Warren Shulz commentary “Is It Time to Rethink Part 11?” in the Oct. 12 issue:

Some research shows the licensee of WBTC also has an FM nearby (WNPQ), and the AM has a full 250 W translator.

No one has more sympathy for poor little AMers but these are material services which should have been mentioned, too.

Steve Moravec
Phoenix Media Group LLC
Saint Paul, Minn.

I found this article very interesting. We currently have 11 radio stations throughout the state of Michigan. One question I have always had is why doesn’t FEMA utilize the shortwave WWV facilities as a backup for IPAWS? Internet connections in rural areas are difficult; sometimes the only option is DSL or a satellite connection, and we are in snow country.

I’m sure there are good reasons why they don’t use WWV but I’ve never heard why.

David Bolduc
Station Manager
Strong Tower Radio
Cadillac, Mich.

OSCILLOSCOPE

Regarding “How to Calibrate Your Analog Console,” RW Nov. 9:

Using an oscilloscope to set up an analog console is a good start.

I have found that using a Tektronix 760A stereo audio scope gives better presentation of audio levels and phasing. I use a dual trace oscilloscope, as well as the Tek 760a, to set up control rooms and production rooms. I had a video production client who had reports that their commercials, when played back mono, had reduced levels.

Using the Tek 760a, I quickly found a XLR connector mis-wired, causing a phase reversal in the edit bay output.

Since most dual trace oscilloscopes have poor trigger circuits for audio, the Tek 760a gives a better indication of phasing between channels. The Tek 760a can be setup for different impedances and levels.

The Tektronix 760a can be found used for under $500 dollars. I recently saw one listed at the Broadcast Store for $399. I have one of my Tek 760as mounted in a carry case to take on site.

James Kiffmeyer, BSEE CPBE
Broadcast consultant
Kiffmeyer Engineering
Sebring, Fla.

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