In this letter to the editor, the author responds to the story, “WQVR Gets the Go-Ahead to Operate Its HEBA at Night.” Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.
Sir, I read with interest the article regarding the granting of after dark operation of the HEBA used by WQVR.
I am a PE who has worked in the broadcast technology industry for 50 years, gaining wide experience working for the BBC here in the UK before establishing myself as a successful independent consultant.
I would like to congratulate the HEBA team for achieving the nighttime clearance … but at a price!
The reduction in power from 1 kW to 4 Watts indicates to me that there is still a significant skywave component generated by the antenna.
Without doubt the control/elimination of skywave — particularly in a dense MW broadcast environment as exists in the U.S. — is the Holy Grail for all antenna designers. I hope that the HEBA team can continue to develop their antenna design to bring them closer to nirvana!
Very best regards,
Alec Thomas
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