BE AM6A power supply

Another picture from my collection, this one is the back side of a power supply module from a Broadcast Electronics AM6A transmitter:

Bang!
Bang!

It happened during power up from 1 KW to 5 KW and it was quite loud, as I was standing right next to the transmitter.  The exploded part is a 0.1 uf capacitor that looks like an add-on.  In fact, some of the other power supplies don’t have it.  It also took out the 20 amp slow blow fuse.

I like the exploded look of the board, kind of like on The Road Runner, when Wyle E. Coyote looks into a box and something explodes.

This is the only problem I have had with this particular transmitter.

Harmonic Filter for BE FM-30T

Another example from my blown-up shit collection, pictures archive:

Burned out harmonic filter, BE FM-30T transmitter
Burned-out harmonic filter, BE FM-30T transmitter

The harmonic filter from a Broadcast Electronics FM-30T.  This actually started in the bullet connector to the 3-inch hardline on the output side of the filter.

Burned out 3 inch hard line section
Burned out 3-inch hard-line section

Again, I did not install this myself, someone else did.  Cutting 3-inch hard line is pretty straightforward.  When using a field flange, the outer and inner conductors are cut flush.  Both conductors should be de-burred and filed smoothly.  It only takes a little thing to start an arc with 30 KW of FM power, so once again, attention to detail is key to avoiding these things.

Fortunately, BE sent along replacement parts for the harmonic filter and the line section was replaced.

BE AM5E power supply problem

This is from my burned-out shit collection, pictures section:

Broadcast Electronics AM5E power supply
Broadcast Electronics AM5E power supply

It is a power supply from a Broadcast Electronics AM5E transmitter.  Here is another view:

Broadcast Electronics AM5E power supply mating connector
Broadcast Electronics AM5E power supply mating connector

As you can see, there was a small fire started in the mating connector for the transmitter wiring harness.  I did not install this unit so I have no way to know for sure what happened, but I suspect that the mating connector was not pushed all the way in during installation.  In this business, really in all engineering fields, it is the little details that will catch up with you.

I know that one of the stations I used to work at had a fire at their electrical service panel at the FM transmitter site after they installed a new transmitter.  This happened after I departed for greener pastures.  In any case, it is very important to torque the connections on any service disconnect or circuit breaker to the panel manufacturer’s specifications.  I also check the lugs every so often with a Fluke 62 mini IR temperature meter. Any loose connections will show up as hot spots, which can be fixed before the fire breaks out.

All current-carrying electrical connections should be double-checked for solid connections before the transmitter is turned on, then check periodically thereafter for heat buildup and or heat damage.

How stupid do you have to be?

I read through the news coverage of the vandalism at the KRKO transmitter site.  Apparently, there is some group of idiots people running around insisting that radio towers are bad for the environment and people’s health.  These are the same ones who have torched SUVs and burned high-end housing developments down.  Naturally, no pollution is released into the environment during these acts, or else they would be hypocrites.

They make these claims with no merit or scientific basis, instead relying on base fears to make people go crazy, either temporarily or permanently like.  It is actually a pretty good motivator as both political parties and all sorts of fringe truthier, birthier, and others have discovered.  If enough people insist that it is true, then it must be so.

Unfortunately, there is always some idiot around who thinks it is his or her duty to take action, to protect the rest of us from some terrible fate.

In the meantime, some security cameras at the transmitter site might be a good investment.  Chances are, these Earth Liberators that sneak around with bolt cutters and hack saws will likely think twice if there is any chance of themselves going to jail.

By the way, those KRKO towers looked like self-supporters which would have been very difficult to get down.  Did they rent that excavator, or was some construction equipment left unattended?