The Water Cooled Newsletter - June 2007 Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 124 Portland and Salem, OR, and Vancouver, WA http://www.sbe124.org Editor/Webmaster: Kent Randles K7YXZ - secretary at sbe124 dot org You may change your subscription any time at http://www.broadcast.net/mailman/listinfo/sbe-pdx Snail mail: SBE Chapter 124 PO Box 1727 Portland, OR 97207-1727 You may use excerpts if attributed to the original source and "The Water Cooled Newsletter" SBE Chapter 124, Portland, OR Eugene, OR has SBE Chapter 76, see http://www.sbe76.org Medford, OR has SBE Chapter 141, see http://www.sbe141.org A NOTE ABOUT E-MAIL ADDRESSES In order to prevent e-mail addresses from being "mined" and then spammed, there are no longer clickable links to e-mail addresses or intact e-mail addresses in this newsletter. For the addresses shown, substitute "@" for "at" and "." for "dot." Thanks! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ NEWSLETTER ADVERTISERS (links to their sites are at http://www.sbe124.org) Tom Abbott - Belden/CDT Electronics Division Michael Bach WB6FFC - Kathrein Scala Division Sandy Berenics - Wheatstone Corp. Larry Bloomfield KA6UTC - Larcan Mike Brown N7AXC - Brown Broadcast Services, Inc. Dennis Burton - Harris Broadcast-Radio Edward Forke - Shively Labs Tom Franklin - Norcom Matt Granard - Westlake Electronic Supply Gray Haertig - Gray Frierson Haertig & Associates Joe Harrington - Harrington Tower Services Jerry Hill K2JH - Shively Labs Al Jason - Dielectric John Pierce - Tektronix (Video Product Line) Larry Sayer - Rohde & Schwarz Debbie Storz - Econco Lyle Garrison - Broadcast Electronics Bob Trimble N7IYI - RF Specialties of WA Michael Troje - Continental Electronics Brian Walker - Professional Video & Tape, Inc. These fine folks make all the versions of our newsletter possible. ************************************************************************* PORTLAND CHAPTER 124 MEETING WHEN: Tuesday June 12th, Noon. WHERE: Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery 6835 SW Macadam (at California) Portland 503-244-7111 WHAT: Ravi Sinha of Solar Ki will discuss solar electric backup power options for Television & Radio transmitter facilities. See http://www.solarki.com/ EUGENE CHAPTER 76 MEETING WHEN: Wednesday June 13th, 11:30 AM WHERE: Sizzler Restaurant 1010 Postal Way Springfield 541-726-9933 WHAT: Ravi Sinha of Solar Ki will discuss solar electric backup power options for Television & Radio transmitter facilities. See http://www.solarki.com/ MEDFORD CHAPTER 141 MEETING WHEN: Thursday June 14th, 12 noon. WHERE: Hungry Woodsman Saloon 2260 Biddle Road (I-5 Exit 30) Medford 541-245-1962 WHAT: Ravi Sinha of Solar Ki will discuss solar electric backup power options for Television & Radio transmitter facilities. See http://www.solarki.com/ PORTLAND MEETING INFO The Portland Chapter 124 meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings. For more information on Chapter 124 in Portland/Vancouver/Salem, contact Chapter Chair Ev Helm, e-mail chairman at sbe124 dot org, or call him at 503-977-7752. See www.sbe124.org . EUGENE MEETING INFO The Eugene Chapter 76 meetings are on the Wednesday after the second Tuesday of the month. You do not have to be a member of the SBE or of the local broadcast engineering community to attend these meetings. Anyone with an interest in the subject matter is welcome. For more information e-mail Chapter Chair Dennis Hunt dhunt at cmc dot net. See www.sbe76.org . MEDFORD MEETING INFO The Medford Chapter 141 meetings are on the Thursday after the second Tuesday of every month. For information, call Chapter Chair Rick Carrara at 541-773-1212, or e-mail rcarrara at kdrv dot com. See www.sbe141.org . LAST MONTH'S PRESENTATIONS IN PORTLAND & EUGENE Dave Grant WA7TOM of Manon Engineering spoke about Narda Safety Test Systems for RF energy safety compliance. See http://www.narda-sts.us/ . LAST MONTH'S PRESENTATION IN MEDFORD The first stop of the Taste of NAB Road Show for 2007. See http://www.tech-notes.tv/2007/2007-Sponsors-DoorPrizes.htm NEXT MONTH'S PRESENTATIONS Sennheiser audio products: Microphones, headphones, headsets, and wireless systems. See http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf THE YXZ REPORT by Kent Randles K7YXZ CBRE Senior Engineer, Entercom-Portland Co-Chair, Portland/Vancouver ECC Chapter 124 Secretary secretary at sbe124 dot org SBE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WITH LOCAL PRIZE DRAWING To help with the annual SBE Membership Drive, Chapter 124 is going to have two drawings. One will be for members who bring new members into the chapter, and another for the new members. We'll do this at the July 10th meeting. The prizes will be two HD Radios. LIFE WITH HD RADIO There are currently 12 FM HD signals (nine with HD2, and one with HD3) and two AM HD signals on the air in the Portland market. For a complete list, see http://www.ibiquity.com/stationlist_hdradio.php?theState=OR&sortBy=StnMark et&theCity=PortlandOR#stationlist . HD Radio multicasting is now in the top 100 radio markets. 91.5 KOPB-FM realigned the bandwidths of their HD Radio subchannels. HD1 was 49.00 KHz and is now 48.01 KHz, HD2 was 32.00 KHz and is now 32.03 KHz, and HD3 was 15.00 KHz and is now 16.01 KHz. They discovered that HD Radio treats any subchannel under 32 kHz as mono, so their HD2 (which is a music format) can now be heard in stereo. Thanks to OPB Engineer David Switzer for the information. The FCC has issued the text of their rules on digital audio broadcasting. See http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC- 07-33A1.doc . The effective date of the new rules is still 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register. When the rules take effect, the biggest item will be AM HD at night. 1190 KEX Engineer Shawn Cupples says they are ready to do HD in the 3- tower directional night mode. 1330 KKPZ is a DA-1, so they'll just leave their HD on. The next biggest item will be FM HD in the extended hybrid mode which gives more digital bandwidth. I am eager to experiment with this. ROSE CITY RADIO SELL ITS NEW YORK AND BOSTON STATIONS Technically, all the radio stations that Paul Allen owns are licensed to Rose City Radio (RSR), not just 750 KXL & 95.5 KXJM in Portland. RSR has sold 620 WSNR New York and 1510 WWZN Boston to Blackstrap Broadcasting. RSR still owns 1540 KMPC in Los Angeles, and recently rebuilt the site, let the day pattern out a little, and got a nighttime power increase. PEOPLE NEWS Jeff McGinley has joined Entercom-Portland as an Engineer. AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY The Skyline Tower Amateur Radio Club is going to do the ARRL Field Day contest on June 23rd and June 24th at the Lazy H Ranch in Mulino after taking last year off. We tend to do a low-key, well-fed, kids-and-pets-OK kind of operation. E-mail me at k7yxz at arrl dot net if you are interested. For pictures of former years, see http://www.w7dtv.us . OREGON EAS From Chris Murray Co-Chair, State Emergency Communications Committee ichabod at kknu dot fm HELP FOR OREGON EAS FROM OAB The Oregon Association of Broadcasters board of directors voted at their meeting on April 30th to approve a budget of $34,776.75 to fund the creation of local relay networks across Oregon. Sites will include wide- area repeaters at: Prairie Peak for the central Willamette valley, King mountain for southern Oregon, and Aubrey butte in Bend. Small repeaters for Hood River/The Dalles and Klamath Falls, and some additional equipment for Portland and Coos Bay. Also, a major upgrade for the Salem Oregon Office of Emergency Management. These repeaters will be licensed to Oregon Public Broadcasting and act as UHF and VHF OPB translators with the ability for local counties to access the network and light up EAS decoders in their area. The concepts provide several advantages. 1. The units (other than Salem) operate 24/7 providing constant audio. When not broadcasting emergency messages or tests, they will be transmitting either OPB's Golden Hour programming or their FM feeds. This way the levels can be constantly checked and well-located silent sensors will alert us to a problem. 2. Once operational, we can begin to talk about using the EAS relay networks for extended uses. Using the ADR code, public safety can deliver audio to all stations, important news information, and have it stored on our EAS decoders. 3. With the repeaters in place, it is up to the counties to provide links to the repeaters and we will assist licensing their courthouse transmitters. 4. Those stations that want direct access to the public safety communities will need receivers. There are three options I have available. a. One is just a scanner, readily available but not that reliable. b. For about $150.00 plus a mag-mount whip antenna, a Kenwood TK-830 mobile radio used as a receiver with a wall-cube power supply will work. c. Another option is a data receiver that costs about $285 plus wall-cube and antenna that can deliver the audio. These units are bricks and can only be programmed with a PC so they will be the most reliable. The goal is to have the Salem, Portland, Prairie Peak, King Mountain, and Bend repeaters all operational by September 30th. The Dalles/Hood River area and Klamath repeaters have a budget but until a local plan is in place we will not know how the equipment line will look. More to come. FCC LOOKS HARD AT EAS It was a banner day for the FCC, which also moved forward on EAS. The commission adopted an order that requires EAS participants to accept messages using Common Alerting Protocol after FEMA adopts standards. NAB applauded the efforts "including much-needed outreach with state and local officials to ensure a robust EAS system." As we?ve reported, CAP involves the transmission of EAS alerts as text, audio and video via broadcast, cable, satellite, and other networks. The FCC says using this will make it easier for the disabled and non- English speakers to receive alerts. The commission seeks comment on how best to deliver EAS alerts as well as broader emergency and public safety information to these groups, and commits to adoption of a final order within six months. The agency also seeks input on how EAS is (or is not) working and whether additional testing, station certification and assessments of how well the system works after an EAS warning has been triggered. The agency left open the issues raised in a petition filed by several groups representing non-English speaking persons and directed its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau to meet as soon as possible on providing emergency information to non-English speakers. FREQUENCY COORDINATION & OTHER STUFF by Everett E. Helm W7EEH CPBE Chapter Chair Director of RF Engineering, OPB Frequency Coordinator, Oregon & SW WA chairman at sbe124 dot org Ev's column will be back next month. He said something about alligators and a swamp. PDX RADIO WAVES by Michael D. Brown N7AXC CSRE Brown Broadcast Services, Inc., Portland mike at brownbroadcast.com Clear Channel is continuing its divestment of smaller market groups, and in Oregon, Bicoastal is the big buyer. The Tiburon, California-based company has agreed to pay about $37 million for CC?s 14 stations in Eugene, Medford, and Albany/Corvallis. Bicoastal currently owns a group in Coos Bay/North Bend, and has agreed to purchase 5 stations in the Gorge from Congressman Greg Walden. More than ever, last month?s NAB convention was internationally- oriented, with an unprecedented 25% of the 108,000 attendees hailing from 141 foreign countries. We also noticed a growing presence from a number of offshore companies on the exhibit floors - many for the first time - particularly from China and Latin America. There was also a lot of buzz about possible "conditional access" (pay-for-play) uses for the HD subchannels, using addressable-receiver technologies currently as currently used in Satellite TV and radio. Meanwhile, the long-awaited $100 price point for HD radios has been busted, with the Radiosophy HD boombox going for $99 retail, and an additional $40 rebate currently offered until July 3. Yet, with recent studies showing a very low level of consumer awareness and excitement for the technology, there?s still a long road ahead. The Catalina Island fire was truly a case of things going from bad to worse. By now it?s well established that the fire was started by sparks from the blade of a gas-powered circular saw that tower contractors were using to cut cables at the 740 KBRT Avalon tower site. Transmitter engineer Bill Agresta suffered broken ribs (and a bad case of poison oak) when one of the construction workers ran into him with a tractor during the fire melee. The station lost their STL and commercial power. The emergency generator also subsequently failed due to corroded connections. For several days the station was on and off the air, with CDs being hand- carried to the island to provide the programming. Luckily, the city of Avalon was spared, thanks to a last-minute shift in the wind direction. With the sunset date of February 2009 for NTSC TV now firmly established, many of us assumed that low-band VHF TV would be fully vacated, right? It?s a lousy frequency range for optimum DTV operation, right? And maybe, just maybe, we might still have a chance to reclaim all or part of TV Channel 6 (82-88 MHz) for an expanded FM band. Well, not so fast. The latest Tentative Channel Selection list still shows that there may be 8 DTV channel 6's (down from 50 NTSC ch. 6 stations currently), and 22 DTVs on channels 2-5. By comparison, I count 302 NTSC stations currently using channels 2-6. Most of these proposed low-band DTV stations have current NTSC stations on the same channels. This is an incredibly inefficient use of spectrum, IMHO. No wonder the purveyors of unlicensed devices have their eyes on using so-called TV "white spaces". With all the clamoring for new spectrum from "first responders" and the like, this spectral inefficiency seems utterly inexcusable. End of rant. I could not have made this up if I tried. What follows are the first two lines of two entries in a recent FCC Daily Digest. Note the first words of each line. BUZZ TELECOM CORPORATION. Denied the complaints regarding unauthorized change of subscriber's telecommunications carrier. LIGHTYEAR NETWORK SOLUTIONS. Denied the complaint regarding unauthorized change of subscriber's telecommunications carrier. Have a great summer! JOBS IN PORTLAND Job Title: Radio Chief Engineer Location: Portland, OR Post Date: 5/29/2007 SBE Job #: 1577 Job Description: We are seeking a Chief Engineer with main responsibility for studio and transmitter technical operations, repair and maintenance of 5 highly rated FMs and 1 directional AM radio station. Candidates must have at least 7 years of responsible experience with high power transmitting equipment, microwave, computers, satellite and studio facilities, preferably as a Chief Engineer. Hands-on, good communications and people skills and highly motivated is a must. Job Title: Television Maintenance Engineer Location: Portland, OR Post Date: 5/18/2007 SBE Job #: 1561 Job Description: Responsibilities include responding to station maintenance needs and assuring that optimum technical and performance standards are maintained. Three years proven experience in trouble shooting and repair of on air, studio and post-production equipment, equipment installation and support of server based news editing systems, computer systems and networks, master control and production switchers, audio mixers, microwave transmitters and receivers, satellite receivers routing systems, SNG and ENG trucks. Experience with Avid nonlinear editing systems and working knowledge of SD and HD equipment a plus. Must be able to kneel, lift and move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work on ladders, rooftops and work in confined spaces as required in performing job tasks. Must be available to work all hours including overnights and weekends and be flexible to changes in work shifts. IN EUGENE Clear Channel Radio in Eugene Oregon has an immediate opening for an Assistant Chief Engineer. Responsibilities will include being the primary first-responder for transmitter and studio maintenance and IT needs for 3 FM and 1 directional AM station and staff. Will also assist and be assisted by the Chief Engineer on projects and emergency calls in the Eugene market, as well as 2 FM and 3 AM stations in the Albany & Corvallis Oregon markets. Extensive knowledge and experience with radio broadcast transmitter systems required. Extensive knowledge and experience with broadcast- related computer systems, automation systems, studio-equipment, and other broadcast equipment a must. Experience with AM directional and high-power combined FM systems a plus. IT expertise, including familiarity with Microsoft operating-systems, applications, and networking, and with Cisco Systems routing and other IT networking infrastructure is a big plus. SBE certification, Amateur Radio licensing, and other related experience in RF systems, including military training are big pluses. The job requires driving to remote transmitter sites at all hours in all weather, the ability to lift 70 pounds, climb ladders, and work in tight quarters. The position is full-time, and requires 24/365 on-call availability, as well as working varied schedules. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and able to work independently without supervision. The position includes a full benefit package, work vehicle, and other related benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. Send resume to: Robin O?Kelly Director of Engineering Clear Channel Radio 1500 Valley River Dr. Suite 350 Eugene, OR 97401 Post Date: 4/16/2007 SBE Job #: 1468 Job Title: Broadcast Maintenance Technician Location: Eugene, OR Job Description: Experienced in the installation and maintenance of television studio equipment. Strong computer skills essential; Apple experience desirable. Knowledge of microwave and TV transmitters desirable, but not essential. Individual must work well with others and possess sound fundamental technical skills. SBE certification preferred. IN WASHINGTON Job Title: Operations Coordinator Location: Seattle, WA Post Date: 5/31/2007 SBE Job #: 1590 Job Description: This position is responsible for assisting the Operations Supervisor with supervising and scheduling Engineering staff to cover all on air operations for our stations in Seattle and Portland. May be required to assist the Director of Engineering in planning and managing technical projects, and be responsible for station broadcast operations and FCC/FAA rules compliance in the Director?s absence. Requires H.S. diploma and 8-10 years broadcast experience, or equivalent training. Must have demonstrated management skills, excellent communications skills, and be detail-oriented. Requires valid Washington State Drivers license. General Class FCC License or SBE Certification preferred. Job Title: Chief Engineer Location: Pasco, WA Post Date: 5/7/2007 SBE Job #: 1530 Job Description: Successful candidates should have familiarity with radio broadcast and broadcast automation, studio, RF equipment and strong computer/IT skills. Qualifications include a working understanding of basic electronics, logic and switching circuits and broadcast wiring practices. This position is service oriented requiring excellent written and oral communication, personable interaction with fellow employee and organizational skills. You must be able to work independently and as a team member. Occasional night and weekend work is expected and must be on- call and available to respond 24/7. You must be able to climb ladders, work in small spaces and have the ability to lift 50 pounds, possess a valid state driver?s license and have an excellent driving record. A related AS or greater degree is required. SBE certification is a plus. Job Title: Maintenance Technician FT Location: Seattle, WA Post Date: 4/12/2007 SBE Job #: 1446 Job Description: We have an opening for a full time broadcast maintenance technician with communication systems background working 8 hour days/5 days a week. Work times are variable and may include weekdays, weekends, swing, and overnight as employer needs dictate. This position will primarily support the Production, Promotion and Master Control areas. The ideal candidate should be able to work with several departments and have good writing, documentation and verbal communication skills. Applicants must have a strong broadcast background and a minimum of 3 to 5 years experience including IT and computer/network based systems. Expertise in RF, Mechanical Maintenance, and A/V systems is also desired. Candidate needs to be proficient in the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Avid NLE systems, DVCPRO & Betacam equipment. Experience in documentation of various systems by computer based CAD programs is an advantage. Ability to distinguish colors, hold a valid WA drivers? license, lift and carry up to 50 lbs., speak/hear clearly and work alone under pressure is also required. Job Title: Site Technician 2 Location: Yakima, WA Post Date: 4/9/2007 SBE Job #: 1416 Job Description: Performs technical functions to include installation, maintenance and updates of electronic systems & equipment and wide-area networks used in the reception, processing, compression and transmission of TV analog and digital signals to company subscribers. Supports on-air operation and maintenance activity within the uplink facility. Provides accurate analysis, rapid communication and coordination of technical issues to facility supervisor, broadcast center staff and/or other Company departments as required. Provides alternate point of contact to outside vendors/contractors hired to perform station up keep. Qualifications: - Minimum of four (4) years experience operating a wide variety of broadcast transmission equipment. - Two (2) years of experience dealing with technical issues in live broadcast environment. - Familiarity with broadcast systems, digital & analog broadcast signals, fiber and satellite receive and transmit systems. - Familiarity with building HVAC systems, Power/UPS systems and automation systems is a plus. - Working knowledge of broadcast quality test and measurement devices. - Ability to quantify/qualify digital and analog technical impairments. - Must be able to work early mornings, late nights and/or weekends. Overtime will be required. - Must have extensive range in lifting/carrying and be able to remove and install technical equipment. - Requires hand/eye coordination, high manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude. - Must have well developed interpersonal skills and be able to work closely with others in a team environment. - Requires strong oral and written communications and above average organizational skills. - Moderate domestic travel required SEARCH TIPS Anyone can see the generic list of job openings on the national SBE site at http://www.sbe.org/cgi- bin/sbe_job_listing.pl?%20type=mem&goto=jl&access= . SBE Members can go to http://www.sbe.org/user_login/?RETURN_URL=http://www.sbe.org/cgi- bin/sbe_job_listing.pl?goto=jl and get all the details. Or, contact the SBE office at 317 846-9000. Please refer to the position you are interested in by Job Number. Don't forget to check the Oregon Association of Broadcasters (OAB) Employment pages at http://www.theoab.org/jobs_radio.htm and http://www.theoab.org/jobs_tv.htm , as well as http://newradiostar.com/jobs.htm which lists the top 100 best places to look for jobs on the net. ON THE CALENDAR June 10 (Sunday) SBE Chapter of the Air, 0000 GMT, second Sunday of the month. Hal Hostetler WA7BGX in Tucson, AZ is Net Control. The published frequency is 14.205 MHz. Occasionally, that frequency is busy and you may need to move up (no more than 10 kHz) to find the SBE meeting. June 12 (Tuesday) Monthly Portland SBE Chapter 124 meeting, noon. See http://www.sbe124.org . June 13 (Wednesday) Monthly Eugene SBE Chapter 76 meeting, 11:30 AM. See http://www.sbe76.org . June 14 (Thursday) Monthly Medford SBE Chapter 141 meeting, noon. See http://www.sbe141.org . June 16 (Saturday) IRLP version of SBE's HamNet. Net meets the first and third Saturdays of the month at 10 AM. See http://www.qsl.net/ke0vh/SBEhamnet.html July 7 (Saturday) IRLP version of SBE's HamNet. Net meets the first and third Saturdays of the month at 10 AM. See http://www.qsl.net/ke0vh/SBEhamnet.html SBE NATIONAL 9102 North Meridian Street, Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-846-9000 Fax: 317-846-9120 http://www.sbe.org FREQUENCY COORDINATION For southwestern Washington and ALL of Oregon: >1 GHz call Everett "Ed" Helm W7EEH at 503-977-7752, fax 503 293-4877, or e-mail microwave at sbe124.org; <1 GHz call Mike Steiner KD6LVP at 503-235-8517, fax 503-231- 4624, or e-mail under1gig at sbe124.org. You can browse the database at http://www.sbe124.org/part_74/. If you are not IN the database, you are NOT coordinated. MONTHLY SBE LUNCH IN PORTLAND At noon on the second Tuesday of every month, broadcast engineers in Portland meet at The Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery, 6835 SW Macadam (at SW California), 503-244-7111. After their lot fills up, you'll be searching the narrow streets for blocks around for a space, so get there early. For more information see http://www.thebuffalogap.com . For directions, go to http://www.sbe124.org/SBE124_maps.html. For chapter information call Everett "Ed" Helm at 503-977-7752, or e-mail chairman at sbe124 dot org. As usual, everyone, member or not, is welcome to attend. SBE 124 OFFICERS. ETC. Chapter Chair/Frequency Coordination for Oregon and SW WA >1 GHz Everett Helm W7EEH CPBE chairman at sbe124 dot org Oregon Public Broadcasting 503-977-7752 Portland Chapter Vice-Chair Phil Kane K2ASP P.E. vice chair at sbe124 dot org CSI Telecommunications 503-292-2350 Beaverton Treasurer Eric Dausman KD7DNM CBNT treasurer at sbe124 dot org KGW 8 503-226-5000 Portland Secretary/Portland-Vancouver EAS/Newsletter Editor & Circulation/Webmaster: Kent Randles K7YXZ CBRE secretary at sbe124 dot org Entercom-Portland 503-535-0482 Certification: Eric Margeson W7OSN CPBE certification at sbe124 dot org KOIN 6 Portland 503-464-0860 Oregon EAS: Chris "Ichabod" Murray ichabod at kknu dot fm McKenzie Broadcasting 541-484-9400 Eugene Frequency Coordination <1 GHz Mike Steiner KD6LVP under1gig at sbe124 dot org KATU 2 Portland 503-235-8517 National SBE Liaison/National EAS: Clay Freinwald K7CR CPBE k7cr at blarg dot net Entercom-Seattle 206-343-9700 Newsletter Contributor: Michael Brown N7AXC CSRE mike at brownbroadcast dot com Brown Broadcast Services 503-245-6065 Portland