GatesAir Completes KYWA-FM Project

GatesAir has recently completed a project for broadcaster KYWA-FM.

The broadcaster replaced an ageing 15kW tube transmitter that was having trouble making power with a 10kW GatesAir Flexiva FAX solid-state air-cooled transmitter to improve audio quality and on-air reliability.

KYWA-FM had a number of operational challenges, including electrical anomalies in its RF plant which commonly led to off-air periods due to "nuisance trips" associated with transmitter plates and main breakers. Additionally, the engineering team was increasingly tasked with the costs and labour of parts replacement; while the transmitter had difficulty achieving its allotted 13.5kW power, resulting in coverage limitations on the outer market edges.

This proved particularly troublesome for WAY Media Director of Engineering and IT Dave Shelton, who needed to improve reliability and coverage in advance of KYWA's largest annual pledge drive.

"We knew we would have a difficult time finding a transmitter that could make our 13.5kW TPO on such a tight budget and timeline, and since we were barely making 10.5kW with the old transmitter, we re-classed the station as a 10kW and ordered the Flexiva," explained Shelton. "I have had a lot of experience with GatesAir transmitters over the years, so I knew the reliability and quality would be great. What we didn't project was the simple and efficiently timed installation. The receiving truck was onsite by 2pm, and we were on the air at midnight. The installation and commissioning was a breeze."

Since installing the Flexiva, operational efficiencies have increased. At 10'x10', the space limitations of the RF plant made tube transmitter maintenance challenging. The smaller Flexiva footprint eliminated a full equipment rack, removing clutter while allowing Shelton to position the Flexiva 90-degrees off from the previous footprint for easier serviceability. Cooling requirements have been reduced and with Flexiva's efficient air-cooled architecture, the heat load is lower, enabling the three existing small portable AC units to better cool the building. Maintenance requirements are limited to occasional vacuuming of dust and dirt as the building itself is not fully sealed, while the costs and labour of spare parts replacement for a new Flexiva transmitter are virtually non-existent.

"The performance benefits have been immediate; our expense in spare parts alone have been reduced to $0, and the Flexiva's air-cooled design saved us the expense of a complete five-ton HVAC system," continued Shelton. "But the biggest benefit for us is consistently being on the air. The Flexiva installation is a major reason why we made our pledge drive goal. By having such an affordable and high-quality transmitter ready to ship on short notice, GatesAir and SCMS helped us through a very challenging situation, and allowed to rebuild credibility with our overall audience."

www.gatesair.com

(JP/LM)