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1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by JJSPC1372 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=JJSPC1372' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 11, 2025, 4:11 pm

Filed today with the commision...

https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/amDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff398581a4001989956091f13fd&id=25076ff398581a4001989956091f13fd&goBack=N

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 11, 2025, 4:22 pm, in reply to "1280 WBIG STA Extension"

This is a step closer to phase out the AM altogether. It really does not make financial sense anyways. Better off leasing an HD3/4 somewhere to feed it. Not like the FCC is enforcing this anyways.

I am not sure who they are protecting being directional. Anyone know? It is a crapshoot if the FCC will approve this, but if there are complaints, it will not last long.

Z

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by detectivetom <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=detectivetom' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 11, 2025, 6:27 pm, in reply to "1280 WBIG STA Extension"

I noticed the applicant is Matt Dubiel. Is this the same guy who owns WCKG-AM, the old WJJG? Has to be. How many stations does he own?

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

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 August 12, 2025, 11:27 pm, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

Yes, it is indeed him. Something must have happened, a few years ago, where the two became sister stations.

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by detectivetom <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=detectivetom' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2025, 7:59 am, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

Looks like he purchased it last year for $50,000, but the purchase did not include the transmitter site.

So, I have a question here. Like the old turtle said in the Tootsie Roll commercial, “Ask Mister Owl, he is so much wiser than me.”

What would it cost to power such a station, say for one month? I would think $50,000 might be a good price. Or not. A few folks here seem to be very knowledgeable about the radio business.

Thank you.

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by JJSPC1372 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=JJSPC1372' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2025, 8:18 am, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

The only real value of the $50,000 purchase is the 90 watt translator. The AM is essentially worthless but they need it for the FM. (Unless it's not permanently attached to 1280 and could be fed by an HD2 or 3 as was mentioned above)

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by Johnny Vegas <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Johnny+Vegas' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2025, 3:47 pm, in reply to "1280 WBIG STA Extension"

You gotta hand it to him - that's creative as heck!

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2025, 4:03 pm, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

Hi Johnny,

The question is, how much of it will be radiated and how much will be feedback into the transmitter? LOL! Let alone the harmonics that will be spewing out of that thing. I feel bad for those houses behind that thing. Their computer speakers, toasters and silverware will be transmitting over those devices.

I honestly feel bad for stations like these. AM 1300 filed something similar. They have to do what they can do to stay on the air.

Z

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by Johnny Vegas <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Johnny+Vegas' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 13, 2025, 8:36 pm, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

I wonder how it's getting power and how that transmitter is holding up in the shipping container in this heat.

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 19, 2025, 6:54 am, in reply to "Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension"

Sorry Johnny, I missed this.

You are correct on both points. This is a motion to keep it on air and not be deleted. I imagine there is a power source somewhere close to that, most likely behind the container. BUT the heat generated form the high SWR coming down the coax into the transmitter and the ambient heat that is expected from a transmitter..... besides high chance of blowing the unit, that thing will output a few milliwatts and reach out a block or 2.

Z

Re: 1280 WBIG STA Extension

Posted by CADXer <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=CADXer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on September 24, 2025, 9:55 am, in reply to "1280 WBIG STA Extension"

Looks like the 1280 WBIG is back on the air with their STA setup (250 Watts daytime/125 Watts Nighttime). Noticed this morning with weak signal in Wood Dale, IL.

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