A Harris HPX20 tube transmitter is now serving KAVX(FM), which is heard in the Lufkin/Nacogdoches region of eastern Texas and western Louisiana.
The transmitter is capable of simultaneous HD Radio and FM transmission, though the station is airing only FM for now. Harris said the HPX20 is transmitting at 9.5 kW TPO and operates at 23 kW ERP from a height of 723 feet above ground level.
Tim Swanson is chief engineer for KAVX and sister station KSWP(FM); he is shown in the photo. He told Harris power efficiency was part of the reason for selecting the transmitter; he added that the system has produced several mentions from listeners about a stronger signal. “Our old QEI model had performed well for nearly 20 years, but a 10 kW transmitter pumping out 9.5 kW was pushing it,” the company quoted him as saying.
The nonprofit station is licensed to the Lufkin Educational Broadcasting Foundation.
