domenica 16 febbraio 2020

Palau: 1584 kHz to be revived


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)