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Radio Broadcast Technical Consulting and Sales
 10032 Island Drive, Brainerd, MN  56401

 

Engineer's Log of Mark W. Persons
RF and Cow Problems
July 7, 2009:  It was out of bed at 5 AM to look after another radio station, WYRQ in Little Falls, MN, which was off the air.  The transmitter is a CCA 3 KW FM.  The 1-5/8" RF harmonic filter, at the output of the transmitter, had turned color. 
Further inspection revealed why.  There had been an RF-driven plasma arc going on inside cutting and burning one capacitive section inside the filter. 

 

Even the 1-5/8" to 7/8" transmission line reducer did not escape injury.  It took quite a bit of cleanup to get the system operational again. 
The not-so-funny part is that this transmitter site is located at a dairy farm where cows roam free.  That day, the cows liked the service van.  Not shown here was the bull of the heard that decided I was an intruder and wanted to get rid of me.  It does not have horns, but that did not stop this bull from charging me.  Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.  I holed up in the transmitter building until reinforcements arrived.

Strangely enough, this was the same day as the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.                 

Being a joker, WYRQ Radio Station Manager Chris Grams played the part of a rodeo clown with a flag to attract a bull.  She also took the opportunity to show the world that her radio station broadcasts the Minnesota Twins baseball games.        
The worst part is that the service van was well licked by the cows, which left very smelly residue.  Then it was back to the barn garage.  Even a good car wash took only half of it off.  Another half hour of scrubbing was needed to restore the van to its former glory.  That's no bull! 

Do they offer hazardous pay for this kind of work?          

E-mail from Chris Grams July 13, 2009:  Sent this story around to the radio station employees -- thought you'd like to know we think you're udderly amazing! 

E-mail September 1, 2009:  I love the cow story.  Maynard from Madison, MN.

Proverb:  All from a cow is not butter.

The stories go on and on.  Stop in again sometime.  I'll leave the soldering iron on for you. 
Mark W. Persons   Ham WØMH

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page last edited 09/01/2009