Our May Luncheon will feature a presentation made at NAB 2013 on Digital Antenna Monitors by Jim Dalke and Stephen Lockwood.  The Luncheon will be at noon on Thursday, May 9 at our regular meeting location in the Meadow Room in the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

Read more in Tom McGinley’s story “AM DA’s Benefit From Advances” below.

Jim was awarded Radio Magazine’s pick hit of the show for the Digital Antenna Monitor demonstration.

AM DAs Benefit From Advances

 - Tom McGinley -

Radio World Online,03/27/2013 -

The destructive forces of Mother Nature often create opportunities for manmade technological improvement.

Such was the case for Jim Dalke, contract engineer for KKDZ(AM), a Radio Disney station in Seattle. Fire destroyed most of the Rose Hill main transmitter building in 2005, including the six-tower phasing and antenna monitoring systems. KKDZ 1250 shares the site with KARR 1460.

Insurance covered the hardware replacement; but the need to rebuild the DA monitoring infrastructure presented a unique chance for Dalke and Steve Lockwood of Hatfield & Dawson Consulting Engineers to develop something groundbreaking.

Dalke will discuss their innovation for the legacy AM service in detail at the NAB’s Broadcast Engineering Conference, on Tuesday April 9.

Creative

“When two engineers spend a lot of time on a project, they can get esoterically creative,” Dalke said.

“Discussions included ways to replace the miles of coaxial sample lines and better methods of tuning the array. We considered the possibility of using fiber optics to reduce the costs and improving reliability, plus different ways to graphically display the directional parameters during the laborious and time-consuming phasor adjustments to bring each tower in each mode into licensed compliance.”

Preliminary studies and experiments were conducted at the rebuilt Rose Hill facility in Kirkland, Wash., using one of the KKDZ nighttime towers. A subsequent proof-of-concept project was completed on one tower of the daytime array of KTBK 1210 kHz Auburn, Wash. A complete system is now being installed at the three-tower directional array of KXPA, Multicultural Broadcasting, 1540 kHz in Bellevue.

Dalke chose multi-fiber heavy-duty cable suitable for direct burial to feed the digitally converted tower loop samples back to the phasor and antenna monitor. The cost of the multi-fiber cable is generally less than the traditional heliax type cable used for DA sampling systems, Dalke says.

The heart of this completely digital antenna monitoring system is based on FPGA (field programmable gate array) technology.

“The custom antenna monitor uses the latest high-speed Linux-based processor and employs very fast IOs and bidirectional data buses,” he said. “High-speed A-D converters are installed right next to the tower sampling device outputs and operate at 50 megasamples per second with 14-bit resolution, driving the fiber at a data rate over 700 MHz.”

The FCC rules regulating directional antenna systems currently are based on the use of coaxial cable in the sampling system and analog antenna monitors. With the fiber optic sample system and digital antenna monitor, many of the technical concerns related to cable length and temperature coefficients are eliminated. Another advantage of the fiber optic sample cable is the ability easily to traverse the insulated base of a series-fed tower with high RF voltages present without disturbing the impedance.

Dalke advises, “These advancements in antenna monitoring technology will require revisions to the FCC rules that govern sampling systems and antenna monitors. The new antenna monitor will require FCC type-approval per 47CFR73.53. The design specifications for the new AM should easily exceed FCC performance requirements.”

The fiber optic system is well suited for arrays designed with the new MoM (Method of Moments). Dalke points out, “The FCC rules (73.155) require recertification of the MoM licensed directional antenna every two years to verify the integrity of the antenna sample system. The fiber optic sample system has a function in the digital antenna monitor to calibrate each of the fiber optic sample cables to determine the precise electrical cable delay in real time. This will eliminate the need to manually test the sample cable periodically as required in 73.155.”

Fig. 1 – Vector Display

Fig. 1 shows a display on the digital antenna monitor representing the relative phase and amplitude of a three-tower array. The boxes represent the FCC limits. Tower 1 is the reference tower. The measured parameters from Tower 2 are out of tolerance and are represented by a red dot. The parameters from Tower 3 are in tolerance and represented by the green dot. The antenna monitor has an internal Web server with Wi-Fi capabilities. This makes it possible to use a laptop or tablet for adjusting the phasor or even making adjustments at the ATU while remotely viewing the directional parameters.

(Reprinted by permission from Radio World)

During the Boston event – They experienced a familiar situation – The overloading of wireless, and likely wired, telephone communications.    If you recall after the Nisqually Quake telephones of all kinds were rendered useless for a period of time by the volume of calls being offered to them.   Apparently, this has caught the attention of the FCC.  The following is from the NAB newsletter and Broadcasting and Cable -

Boston wireless problems must be determined, FCC chief says.  Determining why wireless networks in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings became “so overwhelmed” as to be reported as shut down is an “institutional imperative” for the Federal Communications Commission, according to Chairman Julius Genachowski. The public must “be able to communicate in times of crisis, particularly to reach 911 and family,” he said

I’m not sure how the FCC proposes to change this.   Telephone systems, of all kinds, plan their systems based on an algorithm that will enable everyone to make calls during – normal – circumstances.    Certainly the situation in Boston was not normal.   Those of us in broadcaster for a while certainly recall the days when a radio station would run a contest that would crash the phone system.    We got work arounds for that with ‘choke systems’ …However I don’t think the Chairman understands that the cost of providing the infrastructure to handle all of these calls at once would be cost prohibitive.   Likely they will find out.

We were all sitting down for lunch during our last Chapter Meeting at the Museum of Flight when the word spread around the room – Fisher has been sold to Sinclair for 373 Megabucks!    Obviously there was a lot of speculation about what this might mean…and probably even more speculation among those Fisher employees that were there in the room!   If you worked for Fisher for some time you were lucky in that you may not have much experience with broadcast station sales…Unlike the rest of us that have worked for multiple owners over the years…It can be a time of anticipation.  The good news for Engineers is that they will likely enjoy the greatest job security.   Shakeups with ownership changes usually start at the top.

My first thought was not Sinclair Broadcasting, but rather the oil company with the same name…This brought a chuckle or two when I mentioned it. –

Over the years we have seen locally owned broadcast stations becoming a very scarce commodity to the point that just a handful in this configuration remain.    It’s not that we have not wondered about Fisher for some time as their Board has been pretty vocal regarding their frustration over lack of return on their investment.   Not too long ago Fisher was, apparently, forced to sell their new building (Fisher Plaza).   Interestingly, I openly wondered in this column 10 years ago if Fisher would be forced to sell.

Like all sales of this nature – The rumor mill has turned its attention to try and forecast what changes we might expect.  Remember that Fisher is not just KOMO and KUNS in Seattle but KATU in Portland, all together 19 TV Stations In the next few weeks we will likely learn more about what kind of a TV operator Sinclair might be and how it would be different from Fisher. Sinclair will be a much bigger frog in the TV Broadcast pond with 134 Stations in 69 markets when this deal is done. Interestingly Sinclair recently purchased several TV Stations from Cox who owns KIRO-TV in Seattle.

Another area of rapid speculation is what will SBG do with their 3 radio stations in Seattle?  Some say that Sinclair is not a radio operator….If this is the case, a spin-off would be interesting.   Likely that their FM would be of greater interest than their two AM’s, what with AM Radio, in the minds of many, being on life-support.  Sinclair will be a much larger owner

It was great to see John Forbes and David Christian at our recent Chapter Meeting…They were in attendance to help us celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Chapter Newsletter – The  Waveguide.   Kudos to our Chairman’s wife on the ‘construction’ of a bright yellow Waveguide Cake.  For those of you that forgot, or never saw it, our newsletter was a printed piece with bright yellow covers.    Several brought in early news letters from as far back as the mid 70’s. Back in those days it was simply called Chapter 16 Newsletter or, in some cases, it was simply a postcard advising us of the next meeting.     At this meeting I agreed to write a segment for our on-line Waveguide called looking back where I will provide a quick look at some of these historic publications.    One thing is a bit startling – Just how many of the former leaders of our chapter are no longer with us.

The Boeing 787 is quite a revolution in airplane construction (Perhaps they should have sold it like other things with ‘Batteries Not Included”) with its use of composites replacing traditional aluminum.   If you look carefully, you will see composites making their way into the construction of many items we use.   A great example is my pickup truck – It has a composite bed that is very durable and does not end up with scratch induced rust like those made of steel.   Another great application for composite fiber construction is towers.     The wireless industry is just starting to embrace this new material for the construction of the zillions of monopoles you see everywhere.   There are a number of huge advantages (in addition to not rusting).  They are up to 90% lighter (10% the weight of and twice the strength of steel).. require smaller foundations, less cost to erect etc.    You will start seeing these new structures with heights up to 100ft.   The use of this material for broadcast systems can’t be far behind.    Google Carbon Fiber Towers and see what I mean.

In a recent column I wrote about the need for auxiliary power generators at broadcast installations.   An article in the March 24th Seattle Times had some sobering information about the state of our power grid.  Here are a couple of items that got my attention- – - Everyday 500,000 Americans loose power for an hour or more (and we thought this only happened in 3rd world countries?).   Across the country some utilities don’t know if a customer has lost power unless the person calls to complain (Gee, I thought that this was normal).   This all underscores what I have been writing about.   With that being said – You know when most firms make investments in auxiliary power generation? ….Yup, right after a long power outage when they have a crash course in what engineering has been trying to tell them for years.   Nothing underscores the need to buy new tires like a blowout.

Another item I wrote about in a previous column was the big-smokey-ooops that took place on the Ferry Walla Walla last November.    As suspected it was human error that caused the big electrical melt-down aboard the super ferry.   When it happened the folks that run our ferry’s thought it might cost $300,000.   Well they were right about the number 3 …but not the number of zero’s – A report just out states that the cost will more likely be $3,000,000.   Apparently repairs were not possible so the whole propulsion motor had to be replaced.   Then there is the story about the pontoons for the new 520 Bridge where design errors have led to the firing of a high-ranking state engineer…No idea of what that will cost us.   Meanwhile they are considering an increase in our gas tax….Uh Huh !

On April 19th SPX, the parent company of Dielectric, sent out a mass email telling the world “After careful consideration, SPX has decided to discontinue the broadcast television and radio and wireless antenna operations of its Dielectric Communications business unit worldwide, due to extremely difficult global economic conditions in the broadcast marketplace” They went on to say they would have more to say following the week of April 29.  Adding “Our primary focus will be on completing outstanding orders while also conducting the necessary steps to close the business”.   Working primarily in the radio end of this business I know there are very few Dielectric antennas in this area.   On the TV side, there are several in operation.   Across the country there is a lot of installed Dielectric hardware the owners of which are now all asking a lot of questions.  We did find out that this will NOT involve the division that makes dehydrators, Radiodetection.  Reminds me a lot of what happened with RCA went that-a-way many years ago.  Interestingly, Dielectric made a lot of Antennas for RCA and had a booth at NAB this year.    For those of you that have been to Raymond Maine you will remember their facility.   Just up the road in Bridgeton is Shively who, hopefully, will continue.   One has to wonder who will be next.

Understand that just over 92,000 attended the annual big NAB show in the desert this year.

I did not make it.  I was invited to sit on an EAS Panel; however, it’s hard to justify flying to Vegas for just that.   Would be nice to be able to shake hands with the many friends I have made over the years…Perhaps next year…One more time?   One of our chapter members that did attend was Jim Dalke who gave a presentation on a project he has been working on for some time involving the use of fiber-optics in AM array monitoring.   To add some frosting on this cake – Jim’s device gathered one of the top 20 best new products from Radio Magazine.

Congrats Jim !!   Interesting note – The size of the Convention Center has grown since last year by 75,000 sq. ft. to a very impressive 840,000 sq. ft.   Even at that, there are hotel casinos in sin-city that are larger.

During the show in Vegas there was a lot of talk about what to do with the place where broadcasting began is now getting attention by the Feds and others who are trying to figure out how to ‘save AM Radio’.  At this stage of the game, It appears there are a number of folks are trying to fix it with a variety of band aids.

The decline in the popularity of AM, in my opinion, is due to a number of factors –

1)            Regulatory

             The Commish gave into pressure for more AM stations many years ago leading to a band that crammed full of signals that, in many cases, clobber each other

             Then they gave into those that thought that HD Radio would be their salvation and make AM work and sound like FM.  (We all know how well that’s working)

             No one has done anything to combat the ever increasing noise floor from devices that are demodulated right along with the output of AM Stations. In short, there are no noise police.

             AM stations have their frequency response limited due to channel separation issues and the FCC requirement to roll-off high frequency audio they used to be able to broadcast

             The AM band does not have sufficient channel bandwidth to permit anything but Low-Fi audio transmission – In mono!

2)            Receiver manufacturers

             Makers of receivers, for years, have made matters worse by limiting bandwidth effectively running AM audio through a low-pass-filter

             Antennas in today’s AM receivers are almost a joke.   Only C Crane appears to care about making receivers with sensitivity and decent antennas.

3)            Physics

             AM is subject to interference from acts of nature (Lightning and other static crashes)–.

             Amplitude modulation just can’t compete with FM (The point Armstrong was trying to make years ago) and it certainly can’t compete with today’s digital modulation schemes that were not even though of when AM was developed.

             AM does not propagate into tunnels and under bridges

…..And this is my short list based on a quick head-dump.

So how bad is AM doing?   In the years I’ve been writing this column I’ve seen a steady drop in the ratings of AM Stations here in the Seattle area.  One time powerhouse AM’s (up until recently they called them Blowtorches) are becoming also-rans.  Apparently power and dial position, once key ingredients for successful AM’s no longer are factors. Here are some examples pulled from the latest 12+ numbers for Seattle-Tacoma (Market #13)

             The highest rated AM Station is Historic 50,000 Watt KOMO at #16.

             Legendary 50,000 Watt KIRO is now #21

             Famous 50,000 Watt KJR is now #23.

             KVI that sports 5,000 watts, full time, non-directional is at #25

             50KW KIXI comes in at #26.

And here’s the clincher – KVI and KIXI are being beat-out in the ratings by KNHC (FM) that’s run by bunch of high-school students !!   Bottom line – This is a very sad situation, some would likely call it a crisis.    It’s no wonder that the FCC is concerned…. they should be.

So what should be done?   Do we just let the AM band expire and dwindle down to just a few that are supported by their co-owned FM’s (Talk about a complete reversal) leaving the others to die, go dark, and join the famous ‘dust-heap of history”??  Or – do we do something that will pump new life into these operations?

I’m going to step out (with flack suit on) and lay out my recommendations =

1 – Open up the spectrum immediately below the existing FM band (TV channels 5 and 6 have been suggested) for aural broadcasting.  (Now is the time to act before someone comes up with a use for the spectrum for more broadband).

2 – Enact an all channel radio rule that would require all receivers manufactured be capable of receiving the existing 88-108 as well as the new expanded band like we did with the expanded band AM Radios or the All-Channel TV rule.

3 – Create an allocation scheme that would insure that all existing AM stations would have priority and a level playing field being treated equally in the new-band

4-  Set a date-certain for the process to start.

5 – Accept applications for the new band for 1 year.

6 – Grant construction permits with a required 2 year period to construct.

7-  Require simulcast operation for a period of 10 years.

8 – Sunset the existing AM band at the end of the 13th year.

1-            9 – Perhaps require that all new-band stations operate Hybrid mode until year 13 when Analog FM could be turned off leaving a digital only band.

In the meantime -

1-            Do not grant more FM Translators to AM’s as all this does is clutter up the existing FM band.   There is not enough spectrum for every AM to have a translators anyway, especially after the FCC opened the band to LPFM’s!

2 -  Admit that AM HD and AM Stereo are failures and eliminate any further use of HD on

the existing AM Band.

So what’s your idea for saving the legacy band?….Got a better idea?    I’d love to hear it.

Oh Yes – What to do with the existing AM Band after this is all concluded?   Here are some, off the top ideas –

1-            Let Amateurs (Hams) have it, think of it as an expansion of the 160 Meter band

2-            Create a series of true – clear channels – to be used for emergency message distribution

Ice was thought to be the cause of a tower failure near the Minnesota-Iowa border.  Two FM’s that shared the tower were silenced in the process.

Well, it’s happened again.   More rankings for Seattle…This time Seattle is ranked #3 in the country for being ‘nerdy’.    Not sure that this is a good or bad thing.   In this case, Seattle was out-ranked by Portland who came in at #2.   What’s interesting is some of the criteria used to make this determination > Number of comic book, video game or sci-fi conventions > the ratio of population to comic book, video game, computer store > Number of people per science museum etc.   In the event you are thinking that this must be a PNW thing…Fear not, also ranked high were Boston and Denver.

Many thought those that were promoting 4K TV were nuts…may have to reconsider their position as now NHK shown off an 8K system…I guess I’m at the point where that much resolution does not mean as much – In a movie theatre with the screens are huge…maybe.

Congratulations to KIRO-FM in Seattle for winning a Crystal Award.    The station was the only winner in the PNW.   The only other stations winning the award west of the Rockies were in California and Utah.

Checking recent area FCC actions I noted the following –

             NOV – One of the boats used to access the State Prison on McNeil Island had a stuck-on transmitter running an un-modulated carrier on 156,700.

             NOV – Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood.   As case of bad timing.  They had recently painted their tower (once used by KCPQ-TV and still used by KVTI) but had not yet installed the required ASR signs on the structure.

             NOV – A tower in Oak Harbor – In this case – I am reprinting the FCC inspectors finding

“…, the Antenna Structure Registration Number must be displayed in a conspicuous place so that it is readily visible near the base of the antenna structure. Materials used to display the Antenna Structure Registration Number must be weather resistant and of sufficient size to be easily seen at the base of the antenna structure.”

On March 21, 2013, the agent determined that the displayed sign for

antenna structure #1053960 was severely faded.

The lesson here – check those ASR signs and make sure they are clean and sharp

looking.

             NOV – A translator in Delphi was monitored for an hour without hearing any station identification.

             NOV – Pirate operation by a Sergey Kibitskiy.  What makes this one interesting is the operation was on the AM band, on 1700 kHz.   Not many play pirate on the AM Band.

I found the article in the March 24th issue of the Seattle Times called ‘Finding the right light’ interesting …Especially the part about how ‘Retro-bulbs’ are making a comeback.   The writer points out a 30 W Radio-Style small Tungsten Filament Bulb.    Sort of reminds me to all the effort to move from LP’s to CD’s and now we have a resurgence of interest in vinyl.   With all the effort to stamp-out the use of those terrible wasteful light bulbs is born an industry that supports those that buy them because they look cool…or warm as the article calls them.   Gee I have a box of #47’s…Anyone interested?

We have all been hearing a lot about On-Line advertising or so called Digital.   The growth of this competitor to OTA broadcasting is significant.  According to published reports, in 2012 Internet advertising exceeded 32 megabucks with a growth rate last year of 15%.  Guess there is money in pop-up ads?.    Actually broadcaster’s presence, on-line, is increasing and most of that carries advertising.  Might as well with an ever increasing percentage of people getting their news, watching TV and listening to the Radio on-line.   What I find interesting is all this is taking place at the same time we are, supposedly, running out of spectrum due to the demand for wireless gizmos.

Jack Ondracek who does technical work for a number of South Sound stations passed on this picture the other day of what appears to be a very nice condition Western Electric Console at KGY in Olympia.   In the background, on the left, is their RCA 1 KW Transmitter, the rack to the right contains an interesting collection of old monitors for modulation and frequency.    Most of this is now gone.  Their new transmitter is located a short distance away feeding a new tower.

Wonder how many board-operators today would be able to figure out how to use a patch cord, much less the jacks they plug into?

One of the magazines I receive is called AGL, for Above Ground Level.   An article called “Tower Construction is Central to the Wireless Industry” was interesting, not so much for the content but because of who wrote it.     This person has been CEO and President of the CTIA since 2003.  The CTIA is a trade association for the wireless communications industry, before that he was a congressman from Oklahoma….and before that – He was a local hero in his role as wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks – Yep – Steve Largent.

And finally…Thanks to Dwight Small – a really cool picture of Seattle and Bellevue at night –

Here you can clearly see the Seattle/Puget Sound shoreline – and the outline of Lake Washington.   Downtown Seattle is, obviously, very lit up.  Note Harbor Island is too, as is the area to the west that used to be the transmitter site for KJR.

And finally – Some gems from retired broadcast engineer – Gary Engard

- Borrow money from pessimists — they don’t expect it back.

- Half the people you know are below average.

- 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

- 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

- A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

- A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

- If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.

- The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

- If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

- Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

- When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

- Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

- Hard work pays off in the future; laziness pays off now.

- If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.

- A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.

- Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

- To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.

- The sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up.

Well my friends – That’s it for this month – Thanks for the read!

Clay, K7CR, CPBE

Nineteen members and guests were present at the museum of flight meadow room for the Monthly SBE Chapter 16 meeting that took place on April 11 at noon.

Arthur Willetts Chapter Chairman called the meeting to order and had those attending introduce themselves.

The Chairman asked: “Can anyone think of an engineer that is deserving of the chapter Engineer of the year award?”  They should be nominated by the May 15 and they will enter the pool for the SBE national award.

Chairman requests the guests to partake in the Waveguide celebration. He offers cupcakes and a beautiful replica in a cake of the Waveguide made by Cheryl Willetts, chairman’s wife.  It was delicious!  Thank you Mrs. Willetts.

One of the important goals of the SBE is to maintain career advancement by providing trading shows, webinars and certification in a broad range of areas.  For this meeting. the chapter greeted members and guests with 2 presentations. Certification and Waveguide 30 anniversary celebration.  The Chairman introduced the presenters of the day.

 CERTIFICATION

Mike Scott chapter certification chair proctors tests in the Seattle-Tacoma area for SBE Chapter 16.  Mike reviewed the importance of certification.  Mike has worked in the field of engineering for over 30 years and for the last 25 years as an instructor at Bates Technical College.  He keeps up with the current trends of technology as he said, “Working in engineering as many of you know it, time is priceless, a luxury that most engineers do not have. As an instructor I have the time and opportunity to keep up with trends, belong to several groups and impart to the future engineers some of this knowledge.”

Mike said: “I talk, I answer questions, and I give people a shoulder to cry on.  I’m singing to the choir.  People that really need to be certified are people that are looking for a job.  It shows you have a starting point.  A first class license was a tool of screening years ago. A lot of People that got their start by passing the test and then they learned their skills on the job”.

“How do you now get the General radiotelephone license?”  Mike asks the group.  Contact the National Association of Telecommunication of Radio Engineers (NARTE).  http://www.narte.org Find the site where you want to take the test.  GROL General radio operator license, http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/index.htm?job=pg

Mike said concerning certification: “The SBE has a lot of different levels of certification. It’s been in my experience that a lot of people that get certified let it lapse.”  Mike brought some documents for recertification and/or certification.  In this business other than showing up and being on time you need to be able to find information.

“Why certification? The answers to why should you get a certification? In this business you want be a Macgyver.  You want to be able to do critical thinking, get facts, data and apply this to problems.

Anyone can regurgitate facts but not be able to fix anything.  Being able to think through problems, troubleshoot, is the goal and Certification is a building block to get there.”

The SBE does not provide feedback of how members do on testing, other than letting them know that they passed of failed. This has been a great benefit to the association because it has maintained the credibility of the testing in the industry. An SBE certification carries a lot of weight in broadcast.

Mike proctors tests at Bates technical college. Mike says, “ If you are interested in certification I will do all anything possible for the experience to be fruitful with literature, books and guidance in preparing for your test.”

WAVEGUIDE CELEBRATION

For the second half of the chapter meeting we had John Forbes and David Christian.John Forbes was the 1st editor for the Waveguide and David Christian was the 1st publisher.  John and David took us on a time tour of the begging of the Waveguide. Describing meticulously the process of writing editing and publishing the Waveguide. Quite a task!  They did such an amazing job!  30 years in the making the Waveguide archive can be found on SBE Chapter 16 site.  What once started as a postcard, develop into a wonderful read of information for our chapter is now available to us on the World Wide Web.

It was an honor to meet John and David, both of whom wrote a chapter of history of our own SBE Chapter 16 which allow us to have a 30 year celebration.

Yezmin Blue CBTE, CBT

Chapter Secretary

Accountability to the chapter membership is an important responsibility of the Treasurer.  As your treasurer, I am proud to say that our SBE chapter bank account is heading in the right direction!  In general for 2012, our expenses were about the same as 2011 and our income was almost enough to cover them.  Yes, we had a small net loss in 2012, but the Board is taking steps to complete our recovery to a sustainable balance.

As you can see from the pie charts, your SBE chapter returns nearly all of our income back to the members in some beneficial form.  The annual Christmas Party is the greatest benefit in terms of expense.  For those that have attended this event, the benefit is much more than just a reasonably priced buffet dinner.  Our advertisers, and other corporate friends, donate amazing gifts and prizes ranging including logo swag, HDTVs and other cool electronics.  This is also a great event to get to know your fellow members and their families in a festive holiday setting.

Another benefit to our members is the summer picnic. More information on the 2013 picnic will be published soon.  Other expenses include website support, various business expenses and, of course, the free lunch drawing at most chapter meetings. In 2012, we also sent a representative of the board to the national Strategic Planning Conference. This was necessary to ensure that we remain in-the-loop with the strategic direction of the SBE at the national level.

Your SBE chapter derives most of our income from the Waveguide advertisers.  This requires the most attention of the treasurer and advertising committee.  Our advertisers are asked to support our chapter not only with donations to our social events, but also with their advertising dollars.  We had some recovery of those dollars in 2012 after suffering a very bleak 2011.  For 2013, we have reached out to more product vendors and distributors through our chapter members attending the NABShow in April.  If you’re a salesperson trapped in an engineer’s mindset, you may want to join our advertising committee!

Other income to the chapter comes from the Christmas Party tickets, picnic sponsorship and the SBE National Rebates.  This last item is the portion of your membership dues that are returned to your chapter. It is directly related to the number of members in our chapter.  So, when recruiting new members, remember that not only are there benefits for the new member (like a free lunch), but the chapter as a whole receives a small financial benefit.

As your treasurer, my obligation is to 1) provide accurate and transparent accounting and 2) ensure that our account remains balanced with a comfortable reserve. To accomplish this requires diligence and communication with the board and chapter members. I am proud to say the we are well on our way to recovering from prior shortfalls and I expect our account balance to show great improvement in 2013.

What a great Chapter meeting we had last month!  If you weren’t there, then let me tell you about how great it was to once again see some familiar and some new faces.  Our Chapter Educator, Mike Scott, gave us lots of good tips for new certifications and the emphasized the importance of re-certification.  You can read more about the meeting in the report right here on the Waveguide, which BTW is brought to us this month by Board Secretary Yezmin Blue.  I hope that all of you reading our Waveguide enjoy a different perspective every month, of the Chapter Luncheon Report.  At the beginning of the Board term, I asked if everyone would take a hand at writing it, and I think that it has produced great results!  Besides that, it displays teamwork.  My hats off to all the volunteering efforts of the Board who make this Chapter what it is.  This was the message I wanted to get across at the last meeting… that each one of you in the Chapter is important, and it is your participation that makes it better.  Let me know if you’d like to make Member Appreciation Day a yearly event in April.

We were also fortunate to celebrate a 30 year anniversary of the Waveguide and were treated to stories from John Forbes and David Christian.  Both of these gentlemen were instrumental to the publishing of our beloved little yellow newsletter that has grown into a high-traffic website, reaching further that it did in the past.  Thank goodness we don’t have to visit the printing shop or buy that many stamps anymore!  I want to also mention John Schneider at this time as well since he could not be there, as he was the creator of the Waveguide.  However, when John stopped by in January he gave us a wonderful retelling of the “in the beginning” story.

I liked what Mike said at the luncheon meeting about how the engineer personality does not lend itself to be a social animal.  He emphasized that employers look for this social interaction aspect in prospective employees.  I whole-heartedly agree with that statement.  How one acts and interacts amongst others is very important, no matter what career one is in.  There are many ways to improve one’s social grace.  One way is to belong to the Society of Broadcast Engineers.  Have you ever wonder why it is called a “society”?  Well, now you know.

Let me seg-way now into talking about the SBE Membership Drive.  Only one more month left to go, for some of you lucky Members who wish to win one of the prizes in the drive, and in the very least get a $5 (or more) discount on your next membership dues.  If you still haven’t heard about the 3 month effort we undertake every year from March to May, then you should investigate this further at www.sbe.org.  Here on the local level, we could always use more members.  Help us to locate these folks, especially if you work with them.  And if you don’t work with some one who is not an SBE member, help us discover where we can find them.  One of the best ideas currently submitted of places and people to explore, is to seek out exiting military service men and women who have received training in electronics.  We’ve actually had a few of these guys visit us at lunch in the past.  If you know of someone like this, keep enrollment with the organization in mind for information and assistance for things like job-hunting opportunities and getting to know this area’s broadcasting community.  I’m sure they’ll appreciate the offer.

Did you receive the April 2013 Career Advancement Newsletter from Megan Clappe about re-certification points and the upcoming webinar on Media Asset Management 101 on Wednesday 4/24?  If you didn’t, then let me know and I’ll forward that to you and get you on the mailing list for future career and education opportunities.  Webinars are a great way to earn credit points toward re-certification.  And while I’m stretching this topic of re-certification even further, let me add that SBE National is promoting a Jubilee Project to re-instate lapse certifications.  If this project applies to you, please look into it.

The annual Board election is coming up in June.  I want to make you aware of this important fact, since now is the time to think about your contribution to the Chapter.  If you recognize (which is a great ability to have in itself) any of the talents or skills of yourself or other Chapter Members, you should speak up and nominate yourself or others for the seats of Chairman, Vice & Program Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director (2 seats).  You may have already received a call from the Nominations & Election Committee Chairman John Monroe concerning this.  I want to say right here that John has been doing a great job with spearheading the election process this year.  This is his second year in doing so, and he is putting forth a gusto effort to accomplish this task.  I can’t wait to see this year’s digital ballot.  If you recall, for the last two years we have been making choosing the next Board easy with online voting.  Every year, this process keeps getting better thanks to Members like John.  May he be your inspiration to help the Chapter by throwing your hat in the ring, throwing someone else’s hat into the ring, being a guest at a Board meeting, or by just coming to the monthly luncheon meetings.  Sometime in the middle of May, I will call all the nominees and confirm their participation in the election.  Good luck to each of you who decide to join in the campaigning for a seat.  Becoming a Board Member is a respectable thing to do and the job is not at all difficult.  In no time you’ll be up to speed with the Chair you win, and enjoying our joyous camaraderie and witty banter.  Sincerely though, the benefits and rewards that you’ll gain from being a Board Member are immeasurable.  As always, we certainly welcome and appreciate your participation.

For our next meeting, Jim Dalke & Stephen Lockwood will present to the Chapter their award-winning NAB presentation on AM Digital Monitoring System based on Field Programmable Gate Array Technology.  Are you curious yet?  This is one meeting that you will not want to miss!  In fact, you don’t want to miss any meetings coming up if you can prevent it.  (See last month’s Chairman’s Report).  And with much anticipation, other Members and myself especially would be interested in hearing your story of your NAB visit and a recanting of what transpired in Vegas.  I know, I know.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  But it’s my opinion that this matter should be allowed as an exemption.  I, for one, would very much like to hear about the SBE Chapter-hosted Ennes Workshop, and about the RF Bootcamp if anyone was able to go to those.  Please come to the May Chapter lunch meeting and tell us your stories.  A Chapter meeting notice with all the details will be posted on the remailer sometime in the first week of May.  If you’re not on the remailer, then please sign up, here on The Waveguide (bottom right-hand corner).

One thing I forgot to mention in my report last month was the creation by SBE National of the SBE Chapter Engineer of the Year Award.  This is a new award to recognize the efforts of a specific individual who best furthers the goals and objectives of their SBE Chapter, and provides an outstanding example of local/regional leadership and ethics.  Our Chapter needs to choose a winner by May 15th.  Please help the Chapter by submitting a candidate for this yearly award that we are now implementing.  This award is one of the ideas that came from the SBE Strategic Planning Conference in June that I attended last year.  Personally, I think that this is a terrific idea for Member recognition and supplying valid candidate choices for the SBE Engineer of the Year Award in which all Chapter award recipients from around the country (and points further) are automatically entered for consideration.  Who would you pick?  Let us know soon!  We’ll highlight our own local winner, either at the Chapter 16 Summer Picnic or perhaps at the Chapter 16 Christmas party.  (We’re still working on the details regarding this.)

In the meanwhile, the Board is going to submit nominations for the SBE 2013 National Awards in the Best Chapter Website, Best Technical Book, and Technology Award.  Are there any other possible award nominations we have inadvertently overlooked?  Who or what do you recognize as possessing excellence within our group?

Well, it looks like I’ve written my own book here.  So, I’ll call this the ending for now.  Thanks for reading and supporting the Chapter.  Keep the lines of communication open… in work, and life!  See you at the next meeting.

Arthur Willetts

chairman@sbe16.org

Mary and Harry both worked at several Seattle area stations including the KJR-AM transmitter site in the years it was located on Harbor Island near downtown Seattle.  Mary was also involved as an Advisory Board member with KNHC-FM at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle.

Mary was perhaps best known for her tireless service to the amateur radio community.  Her call was W7QGP, and she was very active with the ARRL as a Life Member.  She served several years as ARRL Northwestern Division Director.  She was also a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association and the Young Ladies Radio League.

Mary is survived by her husband Harry, son Gary and Daughter Diana, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Comments are welcome below and will be shared with the family.

Jim Dalke CPBE W7PB

Editor

George at work, KRKO HD

George Bisso passed away on March 20, 2013.

George’s life was radio, whether it was high powered AM and FM broadcast, coastal NWS transmitters or mountain top two-meter ham repeaters.

Please feel free to post your memories of George below.

Jim Dalke W7PB, SBE Chapter 16, Waveguide Editor

Due to the expanded format of the combined Harris Broadcast 2013 Road Show and our SBE Chapter 16 business meeting and luncheon for March, the event was held in the third floor conference/meeting room, located above Wings Cafe, at the Museum of Flight (MoF).  As another delightful example of the welcoming environments at the MoF, for the length of the short open walkway from the elevators to the meeting rooms, you are treated to an elevated sneak-preview of some of the over 150 historically important aircraft and spacecraft (including the recently added Shuttle Trainer) that are exhibited throughout the buildings that make up the MoF.  Several of the aircraft, all full sized and appearing nearly flight-ready, are suspended from the high ceilings and others are parked on the ground floor level.  It is kinda cool to walk past a real SR-71 Blackbird at just about eye level with the “sled driver” cockpit just a few meters away.

Upon gathering at the meeting room, which includes large windows with views of the runways of the King County International Airport/Boeing Field, our SBE Chapter 16 Chairman, Arthur Willetts, opened the joint events at about 9:10AM.  A nice continental breakfast buffet was immediately available to those in attendance.  Later in the morning, we were treated to a delicious luncheon buffet, not unlike what we might see if we attended some of the meetings at an SBE Conference or an NAB Show.  The wonderful food services were provided by McCormick & Schmick’s Catering.

As Chapter members and guests greeted one another, we were all introduced to our hosts from Harris Broadcast.  Leading the Harris Broadcast contingent was Garrett Wood, the District Sales Manager – Radio RF & Studio Systems.  Garrett, a skilled Radio Engineer, whom also has many years of equipment sales experience, recently relocated to the Seattle area (he is now enjoying life on Vashon Island).

As the Harris Broadcast Road Show (tag line: “Deliver the Moment”) was the opening feature of the day, Garrett introduced his team members: Paul Barzizza – Interplex and PR&E Studio Systems, Tim Anderson – Manager of Strategic Radio Market and Product Development.  Joining the Harris Broadcast Road Show was Doug Tharp – SCMS Western US Sales Rep and for former Seattle area resident and UW grad, John Keen – John is a Senior Technologist for NPR Labs – National Public Radio.

John Keen

First up was Tim Anderson’s presentation: HD Radio™ Broadcast System – 4th Generation  -  Tim provided an interesting historic overview of the process involved with selecting an appropriate codec for HD, the DexStar product, the “Tomorrow Radio Project”, etc.  Tim brought us up through the early formative years, remembering the 2003 Gen III Multicast HD importer/exporters and those expensive early product years around 2006, when an exporter alone could run you $20K.  Thankfully, the NAB FastRoad technology advocacy program helped fund R&D that resulted in a product cost reduction to about $10K by 2008.

Fast forwarding to present day technologies, Tim revealed that Harris Broadcast is working on Gen IV architecture, which promises to bring improved hybrid crest factor reductions to improve bandwidth characteristics and better power efficiencies.

In response to a question from Chapter Member Tom McGinley, regarding the life expectancy of new generation HD equipment, Tim responded that the equipment in Gen IV will be “appliance-like” devices that are designed for longevity, rather than quick product launches, which have traditionally been PC based.  The FlexStar line will be phased-out over the next three years or so, as the new Flexiva product line begins to lead the way to the future of HD Radio.  If your FM facilities are leaning toward installing -10 dBc transmission systems, Tim is recommending waiting for the Gen IV gear.  If your HD power levels are staying at -20 dBc or perhaps an intermediate level such as -14 dBc, Gen III equipment will be fully adequate for the near future.

Harris Broadcast has developed a product called MaxxCasting – an FM Booster package contained in a compact outdoor enclosure, replete with equipment capable of generating about 5 kW of ERP (~500 Watts TPO into an outside mounted 10 dB gain, Yagi-Uda antenna system.

Tim wrapped up his presentation stating that we should expect to see these and more transmission system improvements with their planned release of Gen IV in December 2013.

The laptop projector and laser pen was then passed to John Keen.  John’s presentation was titled an Overview of MaxxCasting by Geo-Broadcast Solutions.

MaxxCasting is a new approach to applying and fine tuning the sage advice of those of us having analog FM Booster experience – keep the FM Booster antenna heights and power output levels reasonably low and be methodical in choosing transmitter sites and antenna patterns.  Exploring the art of minimizing co-channel interference makes one realize that signal time of arrival (TOA) at any given receiver is a major contributor to listener based acceptability of interference.  One of the twists in the improvement formula is a dynamic time alignment routine to allow the application of many FM Boosters to serve smaller geographic pockets of higher density population, while minimizing aggregate interference zones.

The propagation modeling portion of the system design relies on terrain sensitive RF signal analysis software.  That software draws on data available from the Shuttle Radar Topology Mission (SRTM) terrain database.  Signal reception thresholds for analysis were grouped in three ranges: >47 dBu for vehicular/mobile, >65 dBu for indoor reception and >73 dBu for portable radios.  With population and other datum overlays, this modeling has been applied to many NPR facilities across the U.S. and has been found to yield very accurate representations of existing station coverage and to illuminate the prospective viability of MaxxCasting FM Booster systems to aid in improving net listener coverage.  From a technical perspective, John’s presentation was refreshing in that it was clearly not a commercial pitch and was based in well researched data.

Paul Baraizza was up next, with The Evolution of IP in Broadcast Equipment.  -  Paul related that Harris Broadcast, as a Gores Portfolio Company, enjoys solid backing, they are self-directing and well-funded…an excellent formula to produce scaled product lines for today’s Broadcast facility needs.

With an overview of Harris Broadcast and Interplex products and performance, Paul start by describing the integration of PR&E into the Harris Broadcast products line and the subsequent development of their line of IP based consoles and Interplex data transport systems.  T1/E1 data circuits are still considered high speed connections for most devices and interestingly, the new Interplex HD Link is HD ready for 950 MHz STL transmission paths, with 200/300/500 kHz bandwidths and 1/2/5 Watt output power – no need to add a “foot warmer” outboard PA.

As we entered the late morning switch to lunch, Paul opened the floor to an exciting and vibrant discussion of competing IP console system technologies.  The lively exchanges ultimately merged at an awareness of the notion that the industry would be best served with a singular agreement to follow either a manufacturers’ alliance or an AES/IEEE-type standard protocol definition to permit self-identifying equipment to interface seamlessly, regardless of the name of the equipment manufacturer.  This debate is likely to continue for some time to come.

For additional information in the subjects discussed, please contact Garrett Wood at: Garrett.Wood@Harris.com or by telephone at 513-720-4315.  Garrett will be able to point you in the right direction.

At about 1:15PM, Chairman Willetts opened the official Chapter meeting, thanking our caterers and the entire Harris Road Show Team for their timely presentations.

Member Arne Skoog is reportedly on the mend, gingerly returning to a work schedule as he curtails his medical leave, recovering from “stage 2.5” colon cancer.  We are rooting for your continued rapid recovery, Brother.

The meeting was closed at about 1:20PM and the Harris Road Show commenced to “hit the road”.

April showers bring ‘Spring Certification’ testing. I know that it does not rhyme, but it’s Spring anyway…. April is the month for ‘new beginnings’ and starting – begins now! SBE has always provided core “Engineering levels” of certification – the road starts here:

Certified Broadcast Technologist® (CBT®)

The Certified Broadcast Technologist certification can be obtained by meeting one of the following requirements:

•             By achieving a passing grade on the proficiency examination. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination.

•             By holding a valid General Class Radio Telephone license with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology.

•             By holding a valid FCC Amateur Extra Class license or a Canadian Advanced amateur with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology.

•             By holding a valid license equivalent to one of the FCC licenses listed above, who meet the service requirement. (NOTE: This provision is for those who live in areas that do not operate under the rules and regulations of the FCC.)

The Certified Broadcast Technologist Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points. The Broadcast Technologist multiple choice examination will consist of questions on:

•             electronic fundamentals

•             FCC rules pertaining to operating tolerances

•             safety

Dates to remember:

Apply by:                    Where Taken:             Testing Dates:

April 12, 2013                     @Local Chapters              Test Date: June 7-17, 2013

June 1, 2013                       @Local Chapters              Test Date: August 9-19, 2013

September13, 2013         @Local Chapters              Test Date: November 1-11, 2-13

CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVES

To raise the professional status of broadcast engineers by providing standards of professional competence in the practice of broadcasting engineering. To recognize those individuals who, by fulfilling the requirements of knowledge, experience, responsibility, and conduct, meet those standards of professional competence. To encourage broadcast engineers to continue their professional development.

For more information and/or application forms please feel free to contact Michael Scott, CPBE.

E-Mail okscott@halcyon.com ; Voice (253) 680-7756 ; FAX (253) 845-5882

Truly Mike

Good day SBE Chapter 16 Members!  With the onset of spring, I am reminded that it is once again time to think about new things.  For example, the term of the current Board Officers is already three fourth of the way over and the election of the next Board will happen in two months.  You probably already know this from the notice that I’ve posted on the Chapter remailer.  I have enjoyed being your Chairman for these last 9 months.  Holding the reins of the Chapter has been a great honor for me.  Being part of a team and making decisions as a whole has been invigorating and educational.  I have learned many things, which I feel that I can apply to my career and life.  I want to let every one of you know that this feeling can be yours too, if you want it.  All you have to do is let the Nominations & Elections Committee know of your desire and your name can be added to the ballot.

I am delighted to announce that more exciting & new things are coming your way and you’ll want to be on the lookout for them.  The National Association of Broadcasters Show starts the first weekend in April and will continue for the following six days.  Chapter 16 Waveguide Editor Jim Dalke will be giving a speech on Digital Advancements in AM Directional Antenna Monitoring.  I’ve been fortunate to get a sneak peek at what he will be talking about, and it is very intriguing!  Jim will be presenting a version of this topic for us at the May Chapter meeting if you can’t attend the show in Las Vegas.  Also at the show, The Society of Broadcast Engineers will have the booth set up for you to stop by to say to the folks from Indianapolis.  Keep this show in mind as there are abundant educational things to see and hear while there.  I encourage every one reading this to make plans to attend next year.

On April 11th, our Chapter is presenting the “Member Appreciation” meeting.  Come by the Meadow Room at the Wings Café at the Museum of Flight and help us celebrate your membership.  Chapter Educator Mike Scott from Bates Technical College will be there to tell you about the Broadcast Audio Video Production program at the college as well as the certification levels that are offered by the SBE organization.  (BTW; Congratulations to our newly certified Chapter 16 members, whose names we will now be announcing on the Waveguide.)  During the latter part of the meeting, additional featured guests will talk about their participation with the previous incarnation of the Waveguide website when it was just a little newsletter 30 years ago during our 30th Anniversary Waveguide Party.  Yes, there will be cake!  You don’t want to miss this meeting to get a glimpse back into the Chapter’s past.  And for the future, remember to keep an eye on the Waveguide as it is constantly evolving.

I will tip my hand slightly to reveal in June, we are going to enjoy a group outing at Safeco Field to see the new Jumbo-tron screen and learn how they perform in-field broadcasts.  I’ll report more on this later.  And following that, of course, is our traditional Chapter & Family Summer Picnic in July.

While you’re thinking about all that good stuff coming up, keep in mind that we are in the middle of our Membership Drive.  This year’s slogan is “Leading the Way”.  Won’t you lead the way by showing a colleague who isn’t a Chapter Member how to enjoy all the benefits you are enjoying by being a Society of Broadcast Engineers Member?  For your efforts, you can get $5 discounted from your next year’s membership dues and be eligible to win the prizes listed on the sbe.org website.  Help us grow and get the next generation of Broadcast Engineers involved.

And speaking of getting involved, I want to let you know that you are always welcome to join us for a Board Meeting or two.  These occur the Tuesday evening before the Chapter meeting where we get together for a couple of hours to make plans and steer the direction of the Chapter.  Consider my invitation to be your opportunity to learn how the heart of the Chapter functions.  In fact, if you want to jump in right now with your volunteering spirit, we need assistance on the following committees:  Nominations & Elections, Waveguide Advertising, and Waveguide Archiving.  Your help is graciously appreciated and your efforts will be recognized and rewarded.  Start the process by contacting me at chairman@sbe16.org and I’ll let you know how to get aboard.

I’ll see you at the next Chapter meeting!

Arthur Willetts

SBE Chapter 16 Chairman