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What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by ChiTownGal <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=ChiTownGal' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 8:46 am

I tuned into AM 820 today at 8:00 am - silence. Did it suddenly go off the air, or is the signal not working this morning?

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

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 November 8, 2023, 9:02 am, in reply to "What's going on at WCPT?"

Sounds like Newsweb's STL went out, or they are dealing with a power outage at the studio.

WNDZ, and WCPY are also dead air

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 9:05 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

The downfall of being cheap and not having a backup line.

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

I'll assume they use internet for STL because their web stream is also down.

I don't know why they would feed 820 with internet, since the tower is right out back. It's diplexed with 1240. Maybe the studios or automation are having a problem.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by JJSPC1372 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=JJSPC1372' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 9:41 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

A little less complaining on the airwaves...probably a good thing.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

It's back up now

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by Amanda Connells pimp <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Amanda+Connells+pimp' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 10:31 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

I checked wls am is still on the air.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by AM Radio Fan <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=AM+Radio+Fan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 3:09 pm, in reply to "What's going on at WCPT?"

I was going to say the same thing. When did WSBC start simulcasting 820? I actually listen to 1240, and noticed it last night. I found out that they simulcast 820, between 8 PM and 6 AM.

There are a few shows on 1240 after 8 PM. Only a few. What will happen to the few shows? Will the simulcast on Thu, Fri night start at 9, or will the shows be moved back (like yesterday) an hour? How long will the simulcast last?

I don't think it'll last long. I think it's an experiment. WSBC has lost airtime over the last 5-10 years. Hence why they've previously: automated music and signed off at 10 PM (was midnight).

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 3:18 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Hello AM Radio Fan. Good post.

The brokered business has overall dried up thanks to the Internet and cheaper way of streaming. Add on it is AM only, double negative.

It might be cheaper and possibly easier for their equipment to be transmitting 24/7.

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

WSBC is licensed to broadcast 24 hours a day. They're not a daytimer like WNDZ.

That said, it is a graveyard frequency and probably only goes about 10 miles in each direction at night.

Costs money to play filler music for that many hours, so they probably just keep it on the air with WCPT. Both share the same tower, should be pretty easy to do.

WNDZ has some brokered Ethnic and filler music on the weekends aside from their Catholic programming during the week, however I believe WNDZ uses board ops. WSBC probably does too. That in itself costs extra

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 3:57 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Jeremy even for being graveyard frequency, it gets out at night. I have heard it 20 miles away!

They simply are not able to sell airtime like they used to. Those days are over.

As someone that understands and works with transmitters, it is very stressful to the electronics, especially older ones, to turn them on and off. Also, they do not want to violate their FCC license being off air at night.

*** Finally, the 820 AM night pattern is crap on the NW side of the city and is massively directional, supposed to be directional to the N, NE! The WSBC pattern can fill in the gaps with much more solid TX signal.

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

True with the transmitters.

A good example would be 93.9 WDOR in Sturgeon Bay, WI which uses a ton of old equipment, a lot of it dating back to the 1950s and 60s. They used to sign the station off at Midnight. At some point the transmitter would not turn back on, so they kept it on with dead air overnight. They eventually set the Audiovault system to run music overnights.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 4:27 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

50s and 60s. That is very common especially with smaller local broadcasters. It is weird to hear an FM will cease transmissions overnight, even if there is not enough night life, except for bars or interstate gas stations!

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Here's a DX clip of WDOR signing off from 2002. If you want to know how strong the DX was, listen to what happens after they shut it off

https://www.mediafire.com/download/ojnjnzi1kyn/93.9_WDOR_Sturgeon_Bay_7-20-02_12-05AM_Sign_Off.mp3

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 7:55 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

"it gets out at night." Thanks for the news on 1240//820 at night. This I didn't know!

As a dx'er, I've heard this in the UP, now that 1240 WDMJ (#1 in Marquette in 1971) went silent!

A FEW of my notes: DATE is MO/DAY, TIMES:Central
IA Iowa MI Michigan WI Wisconsin (2020-2023)

1/1 1608 Poor- but topping freq. 2 OM chattering in Polish. MI

1/2 1730 Poor- tho atop. "en Chicago" atop for o/15 mins! MI

1/6 0831 Very poor, tho when others nulled, Polish programming cut thru! MI

1/18 0843 Poor- Polish cutting thru all! (Can still hear my mother's Polish!) MI

5/24 1951 Very poor- replacing 1 talker, 1 OLDies (WOMT) w/Polish chatter. WI

5/28 2014 Poor- tho steady w/Polish lang programming.WI

6/22 0535 Poor- ETHnic chatter, tele-talk replacing others. Solid. Assumed.MI

6/30 2135 Fair- w/two clear "Radio Chicago" IDs in English heard during possible promo. IA

11/29 0736 Poor- Polish faded up for 4 mins or so. Lost to others. Assumed. MI

12/17 0740 Poor -steady. Alone w/Polish songs. Despite closeness, not common. WI

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 9:19 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Hey John! What radio and antenna setup you using? I imagine your noise floor is nothing up by you.

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 10, 2023, 1:44 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Just saw this, Z. Apologies.

Mich:
Grundig Satellit 750 -Terk AM1000 loop, Sangean ATS-909X stock

Wisc:
Icom IC-R75 MFJ-959B tuner,preamp Kiwa loop, Sangean ATS-909X stock

When on road: Sangean ATS-909X stock

No noise, but guy with security light has on from PM thru AM in WI limiting dx. But, still, no complaints, to be honest. In Michigan few-weak locals.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 10, 2023, 8:55 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

John, the Sangean ATS-909X = great radio. I really like the Icom IC-R75. I used to use a Kenwood 440 for AM DX. Now I use an Icom 7610 with some advanced filtering since it is 1/2 a DSP radio. I do have an Eton Executive for portable.

The red light causes Interference? I would assume the if it is on AC power source that might be the culprit. Ask them (if they are friend) to install few ferrite chokes, see if it tames it.

Thanks for the reply!

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 11, 2023, 9:12 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

The red light causes Interference?

Naw, Z. It's a neighbors security light. Buzzes bad, screwing up entire AM band for blocks!!!!!!!
2-3 blocks either way! He goes to work. Lights off. Home: lights on.

Previous homeowner had light on 24/7!!!!! House was sold. Now it's this situation. Still able to dx, and light not on occasionally.

When I began, it was Zenith or Panasonic portables!

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 11, 2023, 10:20 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Naw, Z. It's a neighbors security light. Buzzes bad, screwing up entire AM band for blocks!!!!!!!
2-3 blocks either way!

Chinese LED crap. Since it is barreling for so far, it is most likely using the AC power system as an antenna to radiate it.

The biggest offenders are:

Chinese LED's (light bulbs, flashing LEDs on vanity devices, anything LED. Including the ballast)
Wall Warts (Again not insulated and using the whole AC line to radiate. They can obliterate the AM band a block or more away)
Internet transmission lines
Power lines
Plasma TV's (they are dying off, thankfully)

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 11, 2023, 11:54 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

Ya, but I'm sure it says "FCC approved" somewhere on it!
His 2-3 block "security light" has better range than my old pirates!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: Good Au dx later?
https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/?mc_cid=eb59829e5e&mc_eid=6f38042fd6

Re: What's going on at WCPT? (FMs that sign off nights)

Posted by PhilJSmith <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=PhilJSmith' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 8, 2023, 5:26 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

The only 2 FMs that I recall signing off overnight were 93.5 WAJP Joliet when it aired Big Band / Standards music back in the late 1970s, and 99.9 WBYG Kankakee which would sign off around midnight on some weeknights, as late as about 1980.

Re: What's going on at WCPT? (FMs that sign off nights)

106.1 WSMI in downstate Litchfield still does

Re: What's going on at WCPT? (FMs that sign off nights)

Ahhh the former Night Rock 106 station… I remember them signing off around 11pm or so.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Fully agree. It's an interesting idea/change of pace. Just think...something outside the: tired, burned out programming of 890 and 560. I live/work near Hinsdale. I get 1240 fine during the day, and fair-good at night. The same with 820. I'm giving it a chance.

BTW, one of the Thursday night shows (Evening Tribune) was on at 7 PM tonight. The Friday night show (normally on at 8:30) should be on at 7 PM, Friday night. Their daytime/afternoon lineup should be the 100% the same, all week long.

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

AM Radio Fan, do you do any DX or just casual listener?

Z

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by AM Radio Fan <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=AM+Radio+Fan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 13, 2023, 3:32 am, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

DX. It hasn't been the same over the last few years, since a number of stations I like faded away. I really enjoy distant AM stations. On another note, I've been hearing more of them lately (like 1300).

Re: What's going on at WCPT?

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 13, 2023, 3:20 pm, in reply to "Re: What's going on at WCPT?"

The hobby has its ups and downs. You can have feast or famine. In my own case,
I mostly do sunrise skip, (SRS), where it is mostly local: lots of time,temperature stuff, vs satellite fed stuff rest of the day, no local breaks/ads or no slogans calls used between their ads and show content.

Been doing this hobby (AM FM) a long time, but that's my read on the subject.
Too, as long as I've been in the hobby, there are still many more to hear. Don't give up!

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