KCPW 88.3/105.5 new plans

[CAwasinNJ]

Looks like we now know how the KCPW translator K288GY is going to handle the sign-on of the co-channel Humpy rimshot KDWY (or whatever it ends up being called.) Two new applications were filed last week. One is to move KCPW-FM 88.3 to the same stick that the translator is on now up in the foothills of the Oquirrhs. The eliminates the shadowing problem of the mountains between their existing transmitter and much of Davis County. There's a slight reduction in coverage over populated areas in Davis County and a slight increase in coverage in Salt Lake County, but it doesn't look too significant. There's also a small lobe to the west over toward Tooele that I don't think has been able to get KCPW before.

The other application is interesting. K288GY switches from being directional to the northeast to being directional almost completely due west toward Tooele and completely duplicating the main signal's coverage there. I wonder if that's a temporary move.

There's a map attached that shows the two new applications. KCPW-FM 88.3 is in red and K288GY 105.5 is in blue.

[seattlefollower]

While for some it's sad to lose "Weber FM" over the air, this has worked out OK for KCPW. I hope the new site's tower lease is as affordable or better than the current site on the Wells Fargo tower.

[friendlee]

Ummmm, those lobes to the west are sooooo theoretical. Afterall, it is only the Oquirrhs and the site is in the foothills to the east.

[CAwasinNJ]

SF, KCPW isn't gaining any coverage to the north. KWCR is still fully licensed and is protected as such and they are as tightly spaced together as they can be right now. That was part of the reason why KWCR couldn't get a new transmitter location licensed after the old building that the antenna was on was demolished. They only went off the air in November, so they have a bit of a cushion to figure out what to do. If I were KCPW I'd be making an offer though.

I think you're right Friend, but of course the real world and statistical models don't always end up agreeing. (Don't forget the words that strike terror in many people's hearts: Longley–Rice ) I suspect the real goal here is twofold; one to get the translator out of the way of KDWY when it moves in, and two to make what they're doing a minor change since who knows when a major change window will open. The two coverage areas just barely overlap, pretty much within about a half mile of the transmitter. That would make it a minor change, right? (They did file it that way.) They also had to change the city of license, and the one they chose is Erda next to Tooele. I wouldn't be surprised if the next hop was over the mountain to cover the Tooele area.

[friendlee]

Perhaps....though when we tried to move our Parowan translator to Gillies for coverage into Cove Fort (Parowan can hear KUSL without a translator but Cove Fort is in a "hole") after we submitted, we were told no (retroactive rule change). I wonder if moving the translator over the hill to Erda will be permitted?

[amanuensis]

Friendlee, since Utah State has never been able to get traction with a translator on the Wasatch Front, is there any thought about trying to take a page from Park City Wireless' book and go after a full-power station?

[friendlee]

We'd love to......all it would take is $$$$! Lots and lots of $$$$!

[CAwasinNJ]

The 105.5 translator move has been approved, though with a decrease in power to a whopping 10 watts. Anyone want to start a pool on when the next application comes?


KCPW-FM's is still pending.

[CAwasinNJ]

KCPW-FM's application to the Oquirrhs has now been approved. That's the only currently active construction permit.