Cris Alexander
From the Editor
Are You Prepared for the Worst?
Critical analysis of vulnerabilities is a key part of the broadcast engineer’s job
Columns and Views
Is the Time Right for All-Digital AM?
What has to come first: a critical mass of receivers, or a significant number...
Columns and Views
Green Tower Lights Are a Viable Option
Structural illumination changed little over many years, but we now have new options
From the Editor
What Does a Broadcast Engineer Do, Anyway?
Today, wiring changes are done with a mouse, making and breaking crosspoints in software
Columns and Views
Surveillance Systems Are Powerful Site Monitors
Modern, high-resolution video systems can take site monitoring beyond your remote control
Columns and Views
Are You Doing Your Part?
Without mentors, broadcast engineering knowledge is headed toward extinction
Columns and Views
Get It Right the First Time
If you have time to do it twice, you have time to do it...
From the Editor
Are You Up to the Challenge?
Heraclitus has more to do with latency than you might think
Business and Law
Finding the Right Balance
The FCC offers some choices for Class A night protections
Columns and Views
Alexander: Bring Consistency to AM Measurements
NRSC is likely to be one of the lesser problems an AM could have
Columns and Views
The Value of Standards
Adhering to standards keeps things safe, orderly and consistent
Columns and Views
Broadcaster Headaches From an Aging Infrastructure
It’s often up to the broadcast engineer to track down power issues
Columns and Views
Small Signals in a Big Signal World
Balancing interests of translators and full-power broadcasters isn’t an easy task
Columns and Views
The Connected Transmitter Site
Those with connected sites wonder how they lived without them
Columns and Views
A New Tool for the Broadcast Engineer
Small unmanned aircraft systems offer a lot for tower maintenance
Columns and Views
Tower Structural Standards Evolve
A revision in the TIA/EIA RS-222 standard builds on changes introduced in the prior...
Columns and Views
Revised AM Proof Rules Lighten the Load on Broadcasters
Do you manage a directional AM array? Take note of what the FCC did...
Columns and Views
Using DF Techniques to Track Down Pirates
Doing the legwork yourself can result in faster resolution of a pirate problem
News and Business
Tower Work Insights From an Industry Leader
P&R Tower’s Jason Kardokus provides a candid look at the tower service industry
Columns and Views
The Continuing Journey of AM Revitalization
The latest rollout in the FCC’s AM improvement initiative is great news for many...
Columns and Views
A New Hat for a Familiar Contributor
I’m new to this role but not to this publication; here’s what you need...
Columns and Views
AM Stations Have New Options
Existing towers can often work for AMs that must relocate
Business and Law
Navigating the Translator Filing Maze for AM Stations
FCC window opens July 29 for AM stations to file for an FM translator
Headlines
Test Equipment Keeps Getting Smaller and More Capable
Some 30 years ago, my complement of RF test equipment consisted of a General...
Business and Law
Our “Last Best Chance” to Revitalize AM
RW asked our resident AM expert for his thoughts on details of the FCC...
Headlines
Circuit Modeling Can Provide Clues in Troubleshooting
A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of designing and building a...
Columns and Views
FCC Rules on Non-Directional Antennas
Does this decision affect a lot more than one station?
Columns and Views
When Is a Non-Directional FM Antenna Directional?
How far is too far when using antenna mounting to skew an ND pattern?
Columns and Views
Off-Air Reception Can Be a Challenge in Studio Facilities
For best results, make wise choices in antenna and distribution system components
Headlines
DIY Projects Fill the Gap in Specialized Applications
Sometimes, you just need to “roll your own”
Columns and Views
Experience Brings Important Lessons About Tower Work
Five things to look out for with tower maintenance contractors
Columns and Views
Don’t Forget Those Recertification Measurements!
With basic test gear, a good engineer can knock these out pronto
Columns and Views
New Antenna Protection Rules Are a Win
Many years ago, in the mid-1980s, I was charged with the task of improving...
Columns and Views
L.A. AM Gets a New Mountaintop Home
The story of a rarity: A new 50 kW directional AM facility
Columns and Views
Are Low-Profile Antennas Hurting Our Signals?
Like it or not, this is the mobile reception environment we must live in...
Headlines
Due Diligence Heads Off Acquisition Surprises
Helpful tips for engineers working on acquisitions
Columns and Views
MDCL Operation Is a Winner for High-Power AM
Power Saving Technology Can Make Even Electricity-Hog 50 kW Stations Green
Columns and Views
We Like Our Precast Transmitter Shelter
Cell-style prefab often makes a faster, better installation