UN Development Program has put out an extremely detailed notice calling for bids
to replace the 1584 kHz T8AA transmitter on Palau which has been off the air
since 2012y, leaving the official station on FM 87.9 only with inadequate
coverage.
These
details start on page 21 of 64: (gh)
The Government Radio started in AM
broadcasting when they took over US army radio WSZB in the 1970 era. After the
independence of Palau, T8AA started broadcasting on 1584KHz with a 5kW
transmitter which covered the whole nation. The transmitter site is about 5 Km
south of Koror centre at Malakal.
There are a number of FM stations
broadcasting locally in the Koror area but the T8AA Government AM radio was the
only nationwide broadcast service in Palau
T8AA AM RADIO OFF AIR SINCE
2012
The AM radio tower at Malakal collapsed during typhoon Bopha late
2012 and was not replaced because of budget constraints. Many listeners live in
northern state of Kayangel, the southern state of Hatohobei and the SW Islands
cannot receive any radio broadcast service at present. They are suffering from
lack of real time information during Typhoon, Earthquake, Tsunami and other
emergencies, caused by the AM station being off air.
Overview of work
required
In 2012 the AM Broadcasting system in Palau was discontinued
due to extensive damage to equipment during a severe typhoon. The
Palau Government desires to re-establish this service and the following document
sets out the work required to restore the service to full operation. Necessary
steps required include:
Provide new 40 foot containerized accommodation
with sun roof for the new transmitter and existing FM transmitter.
Provide, install and commission a new 150 foot high AM Broadcast antenna
including mast, mast foundations, guy anchors, guy wires. Earthing system,
lightning protection and obstruction lighting. A security fence will be provided
around the tower base.
Provide, install and commission a new antenna
coupler to match the antenna to the transmission line, power isolation filters
for obstruction lighting feeds and associated equipment.
Provide,
install and connect a new antenna feeder cable between the transmitter and the
antenna coupler.
Provide, install and commission a new 5 KW AM
transmitter.
Provide, install and commission a UHF Studio – transmitter
link system between the existing studio and the transmitter site.
Provide, install and commission appropriate program input equipment
at the transmitter site including a minimal emergency studio for use
in emergencies. A security fence will be provided around the tower base.
Shift the existing FM transmitter to the new transmitter accommodation
and move the FM antenna to the Marine VHF tower.
Provide power supply
surge protection, overload protection, cabling and isolation switching and
connect existing power supply to the new transmitter.
Upgrade program
input equipment at the existing studio where required. Provide training to staff
involved in the operation and maintenance of all equipment commissioned.
Provide adequate spares needed for an estimated 3 - 5 years of
operation.
Other work as may be required to fully re-instate the AM
broadcast system.
All equipment supplied will be built to withstand the
severe tropical maritime climate prevailing in Palau . . . (via Ben Dawson, WA
via WOR io group)
