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WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 4:04 pm

First listen today for WDYS 1480 and WCSJ 1550 (transmitters/tower actually between Sandwich and Plano, not COL Somonauk/Morris) both relaying WSPY 107.1

Decent enough signals for both near County Farm and Schick Road, Hanover Park/Bloomingdale) - WDYS (former WSPY-AM/WFXW/WGSB) and WCSJ (rarely heard in the Bartlett area)

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Shizam <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Shizam' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 4:33 pm, in reply to "WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Well, well! WCSJ FM 103.1 is also simulcasting on 92.5, however there is no ID for 92.5! Oooops?

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 5:13 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

What formats are they running? I’ll listen for them

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Shizam <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Shizam' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 5:42 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

The classic hits format (Westwood I think?) It used to be called like, Golden something years ago, which ceased and they are running a classic hits format. Not 94.7 classic hits, older.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 5:47 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

You’re probably thinking of Dial Global Kool Gold. It was a merger of Jones Good Time Oldies and Westwood One Oldies Channel. It’s now called Classic Hits-Total

re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 11:07 am, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Format/s? WCSJ and WDYS were relaying 107.1 WSPY when I heard them Sunday. Neither of these are on air today, Monday as of 11 a.m. …so it was a test…perhaps waiting for FCC approval for regular operations…stations sounded good. The AM’s are more reliable for me where I live, 107.1 is more reliable mobile west of Rte.59 and south of IL-64 North Avenue.

If 1480 and 1550 can be heard in SE Wisconsin that would be pretty good!

Re: re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 11:24 am, in reply to "re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Stormy, ironic is the history of 1550 especially WZRK Lake Geneva, since WCSJ can potentially be heard there now. Nelson went as far to buy WZRK so they could move it to Northbrook and shut off WCSJ-AM, but they never moved on it. Someone else bought WZRK so they could turn it off and then increase their 1560 daytime power located farther north in WI.

Jeremy might have more on this since he lives up there and knows the landscape better.

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 6:56 pm, in reply to "WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

OK WDYS translates 101.5 MHz W268DB (Plano)

I guess WCSJ-AM rebroadcasts on 103.1 and translates the 92.5 which I can't find any info on AND 92.9 W225CY (Morris) & 96.9 W245CE (Morris)????? Anyone down there where Jesus lost one of his sandals can confirm this?

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 7:18 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

W225CY is now running as a translator for 103.1 WCSJ under a Special Operating Condition. I believe this is because 1550 moved to it's current location and the translator was basically orphaned. These translators were required to relay only the AM it was setup for but I guess there is some kind of exception if the AM leaves and the translator can't go with.
https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076f9176d4d15e0176e2d02d95054b

WDYS should be on 101.5 W268DB Plano

As for 96.9 W245CE, if it never returned to the air by January 14th or if it is off the air, consider it's license expired
http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=97872

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Shizam <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Shizam' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 7:25 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

I got the sandal! WCSJ is simulcasting on 92.5 now, however it used to on 96.9. 96.9 is just static now.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by PhilJSmith <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=PhilJSmith' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 16, 2022, 9:49 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Wait wait wait 92.5 is WCLR DeKalb which is EMF/K-Love, formerly WDEK, WCPY, WCPT-FM — which has a strong enough signal over Morris that would make a translator kind of impossible to have any viable range, unless it was moved pretty far southeast like Braidwood.

Or… Did GCB Inc. buy WCLR, but the FCC DB isn’t showing it yet? I checked for applications, assignments & transfers and last bit of anything I found was 2019 for EMF

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 8:59 am, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Phil,

EMF never gives up property unless they are trading for other property. I doubt they will get rid of 92.5 as it gives them some coverage in Rockford and to the IA stateline.

Nelson pops up translators all the time that are not on paper, disappear or the papers then show up after testing. Nelson does not identify their translators either. Neither does 95.1's, 103.9, 96.7..... 0 shits given. No shade to the engineers, but the FCC doesnt give a crap so there is a lot of leeway with a lot of the rules.

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 9:06 am, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

W225CY is on 92.9, unless they are transmitting on the wrong frequency

WCSJ’s sister WSQR in Sycamore (which also runs the same format) also has a translator on 92.9, W225CC

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 9:13 am, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Jeremy, Shizam is within the signal and has reported in this thread that 92.5 is simulcasting WCSJ AM/FM & Shizam also verified you are correct, they turned off 96.9FM.

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 10:00 am, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

In that case, they are transmitting on the wrong frequency or it has some bad harmonics. There is no license for a 92.5 in Morris, just 92.9

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by PhilJSmith <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=PhilJSmith' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 17, 2022, 10:38 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Based on Z’s post about Nelson, and how reprogrammable new equipment is for translators, it wouldn’t surprise me if they fired up a translator on the wrong frequency of 92.5, whether intentional or accidental.

I doubt Nelson can fly under the radar very long vs. EMF, if that’s the case. A max-power translator (250W) in Morris, even on a short stick, would bite a nice chunk out of the coverage area of WCLR’s 20kW signal. Imagine if you stood up a translator in Joliet on 97.9, it’s going to raise an eyebrow… Except at the FCC as you said Z. No shits given from Uncle Charlie anymore.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by CADXer <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=CADXer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2022, 3:36 pm, in reply to "WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

WDYS and WCSJ applied for a license to cover with the FCC. Expect them on the air with regular programming soon.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2022, 3:19 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

WDYS is on the air this afternoon 2/20, but not WCSJ. I have heard both on the air at the same time before. 1480 is simulcasting 107.1 WSPY.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2022, 3:52 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Hi Stormy, have you heard WDYS on at night? Wonder what the signal pattern is @ 10 watts away from the city with more flat land?

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2022, 3:25 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

I haven’t attempted trying to listen for 1480 at night…if the signal was consistently on (so far only a few hours at a time, at the most that I know of, and not near “critical hours” when distant signals start fading in)

If the signal was on the air going towards sunset, and it was the time the FCC says is the average monthly sign-off time, when WDYS powers down from 250 to 10 watts, it might be heard, or disappears entirely.

I wonder why they couldn’t run 125 watts from Plano…the Geneva/Batavia signal was omnidirectional. I don’t think that Plano is that much closer to Peoria than Geneva to interfere with WMBD.

When WDYS/WSPY-AM was on the wire from Batavia(?) with 125 watts, I don’t recall ever hearing the signal at night, and that’s roughly about half the straight distance of about 25 miles to Plano to my location (~10-12 miles)

Of course, the wire would probably not be as efficient as a tower would be for radiating an AM signal! The signal from Geneva/Batavia was okay but not clear enough to listen ear fatigue free for more than 10 minutes(?) Kinda fuzzy, static. This is with a Sony ICF-SW7600GR or a Sangean HDR-16. The signal from the tower in Plano is clear enough for extended time listening, though I can hear 107.1 at my location well enough to listen to the FM.

I would be interested in knowing what gauge of wire is typically used, and if any kind of tuning/loading coil/s for these wire setups. I’d sure like to know what the engineers rigs up for the STA long wire antennas. No luck finding info for this online.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2022, 12:52 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Today 1480 is on the air, TOH ID was WSPY-AM Geneva. They have already identified before as WDYS, Geneva, when they were on the wire from Batavia (!) I don’t believe that I have ever WDYS ID as Somonauk …

Now the FCC website states program test authority granted as Geneva, IL… go figure…

No sign of 1550 “Morris” (Somonauk, actually Plano) even though both 1480 and 1550 were testing at the same time several weeks ago.

Also I have heard 101.5 testing from Plano, but it identifies as WSPY-FM, not the translator call sign. What’s up with the Nelson company, anyway?

Add to this, Nelson supposedly has a translator on 102.5 that has call sign W273CZ-FM, supposed to be relaying 1180 WSQR Sycamore called “The Squirrel” ha! Has anyone heard this translator? I have heard the 95.1 translator from Plano, despite Union Grove WIIL and the translator/s in Chicago/Elmwood Park.
Almost as if they’re experimenting at Nelson broadcasting…

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 6, 2022, 12:48 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

What’s up with the Nelson company, anyway?

Companies and engineers don't care to ID correctly anymore. Not all of them, many just do not care. The FCC is so lax on enforcement, except if it is Cell Companies ($$$) or there are airplanes falling out of the sky. Seriously, I am not joking.

Z

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by ilgrant <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=ilgrant' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 6, 2022, 2:00 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

I have heard the 102.5 translator months ago. One would have to be in the heart of downtown Aurora to hear it. I don't think it has a very big footprint.

I have previously heard 95.1 at Rte 59 and 75th street.

Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano

Posted by stormy01 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=stormy01' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 16, 2022, 7:53 pm, in reply to "Re: WDYS and WCSJ on air from Sandwich-Plano"

Sounds like WDYS is running the 10 watts in the daytime, terrible signal in the Bartlett area. Really. Does not sound like the 250 watts several weeks ago. The signal is weak compared to what they were using when they were testing. It seems that they are consistently on the air with 1480, though I don’t check every day.

As for WCSJ, that hasn’t been on the air at all since the testing several weeks ago. Doesn’t make any sense…both signals were of decent strength in my area and sounded good. I wonder why they (Nelson) even bother with the AM’s! It’s really all about 107.1 !

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