Day: October 28, 2009

AM transmitter site maintenance check list

As promised, here is the AM transmitter site maintenance checklist.  This is for a generic directional AM station with a backup transmitter, generator, and an RF STL.

Broadcast Electronics AM6A transmitter
Broadcast Electronics AM6A transmitter

Usual disclaimers apply.

AM site Maintenance checklist

Weekly Maintenance:

A.  Visit site, Check following:

  1. Check critical transmitter values against last logged value
  2. Check forward/reflected power on main transmitter
  3. Check and reset any overloads
  4. Check signal strength on STL against last logged value
  5. Check generator fuel level
  6. General check of building, look in all rooms, inspect for damage from vandalism, Leaking roofs, obvious signs of trouble, take steps to correct.

Monthly Maintenance:

B.  Visit site, Check following:

  1. Do a full multi-meter log, (includes tower phase angles, loop currents), run backup transmitter into dummy load.
  2. Start and run generator for 5 minutes, check block heater, hoses, belts, oil and antifreeze levels
  3. Calibrate remote control meters with transmitter meters, log it*
  4. Check all tower fences for integrity and locked gates*
  5. Complete Items 3, 4 and 5 under weekly maintenance.

Quarterly Maintenance:

C.  Visit site, Check following:

  1. Complete 1 through 5 under monthly maintenance.
  2. Check all air filters, clean or replace as needed.
  3. Check frequencies of all transmitters, STL receiver, and log.
  4. Complete quarterly tower lighting and painting inspection*

Bi-yearly Maintenance:

D.  Visit site, Check Following:

  1. Complete 1 through 5 under quarterly maintenance.
  2. Conduct monitor point readings for all directional antenna patterns*
  3. Check base current readings for day/night towers.  Ratio.*
  4. Clean backup transmitter
  5. Place backup transmitter on air and clean main transmitter.

Yearly Maintenance:

E.  Check all licenses and authorizations for accuracy. Make sure that all renewal cards etc are in public file and are posted at control point.*

F.  Visit site, Check following

  1. Complete 1 through 5 under Bi-yearly maintenance
  2. Equipment performance measurements (NRSC, Harmonics, frequency)*
  3. Complete service of generator
  4. Complete Inspection of towers, check for vertical and plumb, check guy wire tensions, retension as needed.
  5. Check property for anything out of the ordinary
  6. Repair driveway as needed

General maintenance that is completed on an as needed basis

  1. Re-fill fuel generator fuel tank when drops below 50 percent
  2. Empty trash, sweep floors, dust.
  3. Cut/remove vegetation inside tower fences, spray herbicide as needed
  4. Water proof tower fences every 2 years
  5. Paint exterior of building
  6. Replace tower lights*
  7. Paint towers*

*These are FCC inspection items, pay close attention if you do not want a fine.

That is it, a .pdf version of this file can be downloaded here.