One of the more unusual facilities featured in our recent Radio World ebook about interesting RF plants is at WBCQ. It uses what is believed to be the only rotatable shortwave antenna in North America.
The station operates from Monticello in northern Maine; it’s owned and operated by Allan and Angela Weiner, who also are licensees of WXME(AM) 780 kHz and WBCQ(FM) 94.7 MHz at the site.
Installed in 2018, the AHR 4/4/0.5 antenna was manufactured by Ampegon and can transmit signals up to 500 kW. It is used to broadcast “World’s Last Chance,” a ministry that believes “the return of Yahushua is only a few years away” according to Bible prophecy.
The program is heard on 9.330 MHz in various languages for target areas in both the western and eastern hemispheres. (The program has posted reception reports.)
The turnkey installation was done by Cestron International of Germany, with work led by Winfried Zimmer. Lance Cook was project manager for WBCQ.
“The high-power antenna offers different radiation patterns and an antenna gain of up to 23 dB and uses a technology characterized by a single-shaft structural design,” Cestron said in a project summary.
The tubular shaft has a diameter of four meters. Its support design will absorb static and dynamic forces originating from the antenna components, allowing the system to function even under extreme weather conditions, according to Cestron.
The antenna consists of low- and high-band array antennas, positioned back to back, each equipped with a reflector screen, allowing WBCQ to access all shortwave frequency bands between 6 MHz and 26 MHz.
A computer-controlled and -monitored system manages rotation and turns toward the coverage area using the shortest possible path. “Intelligent drive control ensures the large rotating part of the structure is jolt-free, starting and braking to standstill with a high rotation speed of 1.2 degrees per second and a positioning accuracy of < 1 degree,” according to Cestron.
At 500 kW with an ERP of 20 MW, it is one of the most powerful shortwave stations in the USA.
High-frequency or shortwave stations in the United States are licensed by the FCC to operate between 5.950 MHz and 26.100 MHz, with transmissions intended to be received by the general public in foreign countries.
WBCQ also uses 7.490 MHz, 5.130 MHz, 3.265 MHz and 6.160 MHz. Branded as Free Speech Radio, the station sells programming time; programs include “Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio,” “Le Show With Harry Shearer,” “Pirate Joe Extravaganzo” and “Your UFO Show.”
Its website states: “WBCQ strongly supports the United States of America’s constitutional right to free speech. Programs aired by our clients are not censored in any way.”
