Shows
TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 747 - How We Got the Cart Machine with Andy Rector
Most of us in radio engineering have worked with broadcast cart machines. While it’s been a good 25 or 30 years since we’ve had them in our studios, we’ll never forget the pleasure - and occasional pain - of using them and maintaining them. But how did cart machines come to be? Were they always like the ones we grew up with in the 70s and 80s? Or did the development come with fits and starts? Andy Rector worked with broadcast carts nearly from the very beginning of their existence. He’s been interviewed many times and provide...2025-05-0900 minTWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 746 - IP Radio & WiFi Engineering with Cam Lasley
Young broadcast engineers are few and far between, but Cameron Lasley is making a big difference for broadcasters in Kentucky. Cam’s primary role is with wireless broadband technologies; he’s the owner of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Kentucky. On a future TWiRT episode we’ll discover Cam’s broadcast engineering experiences, but on this show we’re finding out about the WiFi technologies that power IP radio links. These are links that broadcasters - as well as WISPs - use every day. We’ll gain understanding of link budgets and margins, as well as best practice...2025-05-0200 min
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 746 - IP Radio & WiFi Engineering with Cam LasleyYoung broadcast engineers are few and far between, but Cameron Lasley is making a big difference for broadcasters in Kentucky. Cam’s primary role is with wireless broadband technologies; he’s the owner of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Kentucky. On a future TWiRT episode we’ll discover Cam’s broadcast engineering experiences, but on this show we’re finding out about the WiFi technologies that power IP radio links. These are links that broadcasters - as well as WISPs - use every day. We’ll gain understanding of link budgets and margins, as well as best practices for modulati...2025-05-021h 08GFQ Network audio podcastsTWiRT Ep. 746 - IP Radio & WiFi Engineering with Cam LasleyYoung broadcast engineers are few and far between, but Cameron Lasley is making a big difference for broadcasters in Kentucky. Cam’s primary role is with wireless broadband technologies; he’s the owner of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Kentucky. On a future TWiRT episode we’ll discover Cam’s broadcast engineering experiences, but on this show we’re finding out about the WiFi technologies that power IP radio links. These are links that broadcasters - as well as WISPs - use every day. We’ll gain understanding of link budgets and margins, as well as best practices for modulati...2025-05-021h 08TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 745 - Tower Maintenance and Broadcast Regulations - with Robbie Hulett and Bud Walters
Today’s TWiRT webcast is a double-header - two guests on very different yet important topics. First up is Robbie Hulett, owner of Tower Maintenance Corp. Robbie shares his company’s work and achievements on social media, keeping broadcasters abreast of current trends in the tower maintenance field. Perhaps some of TMC’s work will prompt others to check on and maintain their vertical structures with the attention they deserve. And Bayard “Bud” Walters - a Nashville-based radio group owner - gives us his candid thoughts about the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” regulatory reform program. The NAB has filed length...2025-04-2500 minTWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 744 - Engineering Achievement with Paul Shulins
Congratulations to Paul Shulins, co-owner of Over The Air RF Consulting. He is the recipient of the 2025 NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award, which was presented at the NAB Show on April 8. Paul joins us on TWiRT, along with Chris Tarr, to talk about recognizing broadcast engineers and their contributions and recognition in the broadcast industry. We’ll also look at some moments and technical achievements in Paul’s career, plus discuss engineers’ role in the future of radio broadcasting.
Guest:Paul Shulins - Broadcast Engineering Consultant and Co-Owner at Over the Air RF Consu...2025-04-1800 minTWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 743 - Live from NAB 2025
The NAB Show 2025, held from April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased a wide array of cutting-edge technical exhibits focused on media, entertainment, and technology innovations. There’s no way that TWiRT could bring you a wide look at the whole show, but we did manage to interview ten broadcast industry insiders in just over an hour, and we present them to you on this episode! From England to Australia, from the Netherlands to Florida, and from Minnetonka to Los Angeles, we’re letting you in on the technical and industry conversations that exemplify our expe...2025-04-1100 min
GFQ Network audio podcastsTWiRT Ep. 743 - Live from NAB 2025The NAB Show 2025, held from April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased a wide array of cutting-edge technical exhibits focused on media, entertainment, and technology innovations. There’s no way that TWiRT could bring you a wide look at the whole show, but we did manage to interview ten broadcast industry insiders in just over an hour, and we present them to you on this episode! From England to Australia, from the Netherlands to Florida, and from Minnetonka to Los Angeles, we’re letting you in on the technical and industry conversations that exemplify our experiences at NAB. Spec...2025-04-111h 08This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 743 - Live from NAB 2025The NAB Show 2025, held from April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased a wide array of cutting-edge technical exhibits focused on media, entertainment, and technology innovations. There’s no way that TWiRT could bring you a wide look at the whole show, but we did manage to interview ten broadcast industry insiders in just over an hour, and we present them to you on this episode! From England to Australia, from the Netherlands to Florida, and from Minnetonka to Los Angeles, we’re letting you in on the technical and industry conversations that exemplify our experiences at NAB. Spec...2025-04-111h 08TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 742 - Public Radio Engineers Learn & Share at NAB
Public radio has an audience size of around 30 million weekly radio listeners with a broader reach exceeding 57 million when including digital platforms. Public Radio engineers play a critical role in building, upgrading, and maintaining the needed facilities and infrastructure. Broadcasters go to the NAB show in Las Vegas to see and hear what’s new in the broadcast and media industries, and the Public Radio Engineering Conference (PREC) is one of the first events surrounding each NAB show. The PREC is public radio's annual get-together for engineers, technologists, leaders and creators of all experience levels. TWiRT is exc...2025-04-0500 min
GFQ Network audio podcastsTWiRT Ep. 742 - Public Radio Engineers Learn & Share at NABPublic radio has an audience size of around 30 million weekly radio listeners with a broader reach exceeding 57 million when including digital platforms. Public Radio engineers play a critical role in building, upgrading, and maintaining the needed facilities and infrastructure. Broadcasters go to the NAB show in Las Vegas to see and hear what’s new in the broadcast and media industries, and the Public Radio Engineering Conference (PREC) is one of the first events surrounding each NAB show. The PREC is public radio's annual get-together for engineers, technologists, leaders and creators of all experience levels. TWiRT is excited to bring yo...2025-04-051h 05TWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 741 - I Void Warranties with John Bisset
Never miss a chance to talk with John Bisset, author of the Workbench column in Radio World magazine. John joins us along with Chris Tarr to reveal useful tricks and techniques that any broadcast engineer will find helpful. See this episode’s Show Notes (on this show’s listing on YouTube and at ThisWeekInRadioTech.com). From an easy way to print cable labels, to saving your knees, to marking combo locks with the little-known resistor color code, John brings us some fun and useful ideas for living a better engineering life.
Show Notes:2025-03-2800 minTWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 739 - You Do What on the Side? with Dustin Tatro
Ya gotta love Dustin Tatro’s journey into and through radio broadcasting. Voicing PSAs at 4 years old got Dustin an early start. Then working as a DJ, along with musical interests, honed his technical and operational skills. Now as a General Manager and Ops Manager, Dustin has demonstrably learned the engineering side of radio broadcasting. Indeed, his SBE certification, CBRE, attests to that. Dustin joins Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack to discuss AoIP, audio processing, work working nicely, even with competing radio stations. Indeed, he joins us from the KORQ-FM transmitter site.
Also on tod...2025-03-1400 minTWiRT - This Week in Radio Tech - PodcastTWiRT 738 - SD-WAN for Broadcasters with Dan Merwin & Reggie Jeffery
SD-WAN - Software-Defined Wide-Area Network - is a technology implementation designed to bring better reliability and performance to IP connections over distance. Whether across town, to remote offices, or to remote transmitter sites, SD-WAN technologies are gaining interest among broadcast engineers and IT staff. It turns out there are a lot of features - optional but useful features - that can be deployed alongside basic WAN management and monitoring. Dan Merwin and Reggie Jeffery work in broadcast and other industries to offer appropriate technologies and capabilities, improving our critical IP connections.
Show No...2025-03-0700 min
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT 576 - What Did YOU Do - And How - Last Year? with Chris Tarr and Sam WooSam Woo owns a media content and consulting company, Primetime Radio. He collaborated with former TWiRT co-host, the late Chris Tobin, on technical improvements and logistics for producing the “Let’s Go Devils Podcast” as well as corporate events and more. Sam joins us to talk about his collaborations with Chris Tobin, and to show us the “Menlo” that Chris Tobin often used for his appearances on TWiRT. Since Chris Tobin’s passing, Kirk Harnack has been hosting TWiRT solo for the past year. Kirk recently invited an engineer familiar to many of us, Chris Tarr, to rejoin TWiRT as a regular co...2021-12-311h 14
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 574 - Make It a Better Place with Alex RomanIs the Mayor of Verona, NJ, doing the engineering work at the top stations in New York City? Or, is the CTO at those top-rated stations moonlighting as a New Jersey township mayor? Either way, you’re right. Alex Roman leads a staff of engineers and IT pros at WQHT-FM and WBLS-FM in New York City. He says that “radio IT” is the same as “regular IT”, and we all need to work with that notion. Alex reveals other insights and techniques for broadcast engineering, remote workers, and lots of outside broadcasts on this episode of TWiRT.Show...2021-12-1759 min
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 573 - Boomer Push for Digital with Quentin HowardA real pioneer in deploying digital audio sources, infrastructure, and transmission in the UK - and even worldwide, Quentin Howard is our guest on this fascinating episode of TWiRT. Already a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Quentin was further honored as a Fellow of the Radio Academy in November, 2021. We’re discussing the first uses of Compact Disc digital audio in the UK, as well as the UK’s first use of audio processing on FM broadcasts in the 1980s. DAB rollout and the subsequent DAB+ ratification and rollout are also among our topics. We round the show...2021-12-101h 12
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 571 - Structured Wiring with Ed BukontMany broadcast engineers have implemented "structured wiring" within their facilities. Some, like TWiRT host, Kirk Harnack, haven’t really jumped into the best practices yet. Ed Bukont, owner of E2 Technical Services, both consults and integrates facilities. His vast experience with structured wiring in broadcast plants makes for solid information that we engineers need to know. And, he's got Kirk convinced to "do it right" on his next project.Show notes:* E2 Technical Services* Nice structured wiring catalog from CableToGo (PDF)* Ed mentioned “Top of Rack” cabling - here’s info on cabling...2021-11-191h 11
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 564 - We Learn by Doing with Jim AddieJim Addie has had a career in broadcasting that spans 45 years. With engineering positions at notable stations like WFMT, WGN, and WJMK (CBS/Infinity), Jim and his top-shelf engineering colleagues designed and built some impressive custom equipment for critical broadcast audio. Jim Addie joins us on TWiRT to share some delightful and amazing radio engineering stories.Show notes:* AddieTech - Jim Addie’s Engineering & Consulting Services* Room EQ Wizard - free audio analysis software* FMX - FM stereo noise reduction* Knight-Kit - web site for information on the classic electronic Knight Kits* Ji...2021-10-011h 14
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 551 - There's Power in the Pipes with Tony DimsdaleTony Dimsdale loves RF. And he loves the plumbing it takes to transport high-power RF energy from one place to another without “spilling” any! Working with GatesAir during the TV repack put Tony in the middle of the action, moving FM station antennas, installing RF combining and switching systems, and learning the nuances and “gotchas” of the art of RF plumbing. He shares his knowledge and experience with us on this episode of TWiRT.Show notes:* Tony’s Radio Transmitter Site Photos* Tony’s TV Transmitter Site Photos* Tony’s Studio Photos* Examples of fi...2021-07-021h 08
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 550 - Digital AM & Multiplex FM with Philipp Schmid & Alex HartmanFour years ago Philipp Schmid at Nautel introduced HD Radio technology allowing up to 15 digital program feeds on one FM channel. They called it “Multiplex FM”. Now the idea and technology have expanded to include the DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) transmission system. What’s more, Nautel and Telos Alliance have demonstrated a cloud-based system for processing multiple HD channels along with the analog FM program, with reliable Internet delivery to transmitter sites. Philip and Alex fill us in on this technology on TWiRT!Show notes:* Cloud-based FM air chain - Radio World* All-Di...2021-06-251h 19
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 547 - Docker for Broadcasters with Cam EicherHeads-up, broadcast engineers! Docker is coming your way. What's Docker? It's a brand name that's part of "containerized software" - and broadcast equipment is already moving there. Your audio consoles, talkshow system, and IP intercom can all run on PC or servers - on-site or in a data center. This is happening now! Cam Eicher with Telos Alliance gives a great tutorial on Docker containerized software and more on this episode of TWIRT.Show notes:* What’s a “Bare-Metal Server”?* Let’s define “Cloud Computing”* Let’s be clear on what a “Virtual Machine”...2021-06-041h 23
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 544 - Busta 'Crete with John BissetBustin’ concrete, CIDR notation, Rat Magic, unlimited (almost) photo storage, more mouse eviction tactics, and the best site maintenance practices. Whew! It’s all covered and uncovered on this TWiRT episode with the beloved John Bisset, author of “Workbench”.Show notes:* Dexpan Non-Explosive Demolition Agent for Concrete Removal* Concrete Bustin’ Demo Video* Aha! “CIDR” stands for Classless Inter Domain Routing. Here’s a CIDR calculator* John talked about Middle Atlantic Rack Shelves as a possible substitute for Server Rack Rails* John likes ½” galvanized steel “hardware cloth” to protect larger openings from critters...2021-05-141h 10
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 541 - Complexity Has Disappeared with Dan McQuillinDan McQuillin is known for making complex broadcast operations much simpler, often by “disappearing the complexity”. We’re looking at the Digital/Bionic Table and the overarching themes in the way technology is deployed that Table leverages... Software, Browser based interfaces, BYOD and Virtualisation, and the impact that leaning in to these changes can have on the way spaces are designed and content is created and consumed.Show notes:This first look at the Bionic Table is so new, there’s just no information on the web about it. Watch this episode of TWiRT and you’...2021-04-231h 10
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 536 - The Joy of Restoration with Jordan TuckMaybe you've seen Jordan Tuck's handiwork on Facebook; he refurbishes the radio gear we loved from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Most of this cherished audio gear is older than he is! How'd he get so good at bringing consoles, tape decks, audio processors, etc. back to life? Jordan credits Mike Patton and others for showing him the way to broadcast equipment resuscitation, and he’s on this episode of TWiRT to tell us about it.Show notes:* Micheal Patton & Associates* Jordan likes to source LEDs from SuperBrightLEDs.com* PR&E brochure ab...2021-03-191h 01
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 535 - Into the Fire with Andy LowAndy Low began his broadcasting career with IT experience. His only exposure to audio or RF engineering had been through his father’s amateur radio equipment. But when the opportunity arose for Andy to assume an overall engineering position, he dove right in, learning what he needed to keep his stations on-the-air and making improvements. Andy’s experience with taking over in an “engineering vacuum” taught him the value of documenting everything, and he shares what he learned with us.Show notes:* Midwest Communications* WKZO - Everything Kalamazoo* Battle Creek, MI* How to Get S...2021-03-121h 14
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 534 - Behind the Scenes on World Radio Day at WRHU-FMWRHU at Hofstra University on Long Island has been chosen by the Academy of Radio Arts and Sciences of America to receive the 2021 World Radio Day Award. Andy Gladding, Chief Engineer at WRHU-FM, has led a cadre of Hofstra University students in planning, coordinating, and executing an impressive day-long broadcast for World Radio Day. So, impressive they even received a UNESCO award!Show notes:* WRHU to Go Worldwide on February 12–14 (Radio World article)* WRHU Radio Hofstra University Receives World Radio Day Award 2021* World Radio Day is Saturday, Feb. 13 (Radio Survivor)2021-03-061h 11
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 533 - Bold Radio Predictions for 2021 with George ZahnThere’s no way to know if 2021 will be less tumultuous than 2020, but last year was a turning point for many, if not most broadcasters. George Zahn, a Cincinnati-area broadcaster and audio enthusiast for over 40 years, notes a “dumbing down” of audio quality in broadcast, while some broadcast competitors are getting better. He joins us with solid advice and a warning or two about keeping great audio in broadcasting.GuestGeorge Zahn - Station Director at WMKV-FM, Maple Knoll CommunitiesHostKirk Harnack, The Telos...2021-02-261h 06
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 532 - Undo & Process with Jim KuzmanWhen you meet someone who is positively expert at something, you want to ask questions, pick their brain, learn what they know. Jim Kuzman literally wrote the manual for the infamous Omnia 9 audio processor. He knows audio processing inside and out, and especially the processing functions found in the Omnia 9. What does “Undo” do? How should I use a multiband spatial enhancer? How many multibands of processing should I choose? And why are you clipping my bass notes separately? Jim reveals answers to these questions and more!Show notes:* Omnia 9 audio processor* Tech...2021-02-191h 19
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 531 - Positive & Uplifting New Studios with Bill and ShaneExcuse me, can I watch? We're visiting the new studios of K-Love and AIR1 in Franklin, Tennessee, where Bill Jackson is nearly finished with two brand new, world-class radio studios. They’ve just finished hanging some large video monitors, and the acoustic treatment goes up next. Shane talks about K-Love’s remote transmitter sites while Bill describes some of the clever studio construction techniques they’ve put in place.Show notes:* Educational Media Foundation* K-LOVE* AIR1* The new studios will be used for several shows, including Skip & Amy on K-LOVE.2021-02-131h 08
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 530 - Cadillac Engineering with Tom LawlerWhere do Cadillacs and radio engineers intersect? At the corner of Tom and Lawler, that's where! If you don't know Tom Lawler, you will after this episode of TWiRT. Tom is a Customer Support Engineer at RCS, and does on-air shifts at a couple radio stations. He’s also an accomplished engineer with experience in studio and transmitter maintenance. We’re discussing audio source material, his favorite mic, and two great war stories.Show notes:* Tom’s tip about Posi-Lock connectors is work noting. Kirk likes them, too!* Tom likes Valley People mic pr...2021-02-051h 06
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 529 - Fire Safety for Broadcasters with Dean WilsonWould you stay on-the-air if your studio caught fire? What about your transmitter site? Dean K. Wilson is a fire protection expert with a broadcasting background. Indeed, he got started in radio at the age of 12. During his career Dean has provided a variety of fire protection engineering, security engineering, loss prevention, and business process consulting services, as well as development and delivery of training programs and seminars for the National Fire Protection Association and Society of Fire Protection Engineers.Show notes:* National Fire Protection Association* Flash Point of Volatile Fuels* Article...2021-01-291h 16
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 528 - Radio over ATSC 3.0 with Mark AitkenYou thought ATSC 3.0 (NexGenTV) was all about 4k video and immersive audio, right? That’s what I thought until I heard about Sinclair Broadcast Group and their approaches to enhancing all things media. From Single Frequency ATSC 3 Networks to carriage of dozens of radio stations’ content, Mark Aitken, SVP for Advanced Technology at Sinclair enlightens us on the big plans ahead for ATSC 3.0. Marty Sacks, EVP for Sales, Support, and Marketing at Telos Alliance joins us as well.Show notes:* ONE Media – Television’s “Next Generation”* Sinclair Launches First ATSC 3.0 Radio Service In Seattle...2021-01-221h 14
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 527 - Engineering Excellence with Jason OrnellasJason Ornellas is this year’s recipient of Radio World’s Excellence in Engineering Award. One reason for his selection is Jason’s leadership in executing a complex, major market studio build. From design, technology selection, equipment installation, and final commissioning, Jason Ornellas and his team of engineers built one of the most beautiful and effective radio facilities you’ll ever see. Let’s meet Jason and have a look at these gorgeous radio studios!Show notes:* Jason Ornellas Makes His Mark - Radio World* V Three Studios helped to architect the new Bonnev...2021-01-161h 03
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 526 - Better Podcast Audio with Chris CurranPodcasters and broadcasters - Got a problem with your audio? Does your audio not measure up to the "pro" podcasts? Chris Curran is here for a whole hour with up-to-date advice and suggestions for clean, clear audio - always at the right volume. From your recording “space” to mic selection, to mic technique, to compression and post-processing - Chris brings the advice of a recording and podcasting pro.Show notes:* We discussed the new Shure MV7 podcast microphone* We mentioned the ubiquitous Shure SM7B dynamic vocal mic* Kirk mentioned his Sennheiser MKH...2021-01-081h 15
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 525 - What a Year 2020 Was with Tom RayAre you “done with 2020”? Many of us certainly are. Seems 2020 has been the year of disaster, failure, and disappointment. Hardship for many. We met so many challenges this year with lockdowns, layoffs, scrambling to work from home, and some good friends and colleagues passing away. Tom Ray is our guest, and somewhat of an expert on equipment failures; he sees a lot of them! Despite Tom’s sometimes curmudgeonly disposition, he’s actually an optimistic and positive engineer. On this episode we’re looking at equipment failures that seemed especially rampant this past year, and we look at the bright side of ge...2021-01-011h 16
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 524 - Christmas Eve with John BissetMost of our TWiRT family and friends know by now that our co-host, Chris Tobin, passed away last Saturday, December 19, 2020. He was 59 years old. We will do a special TWiRT episode in tribute to Chris within a few days. For now, we’re carrying on with today’s TWiRT episode, as I'm quite sure Chris would have wanted. Rest in Peace in God’s arms, Chris.Over a month ago we decided to do a Christmas Eve edition of This Week in Radio Tech. John Bisset, agreed to be on the show with us to recall some C...2020-12-251h 15
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 523 - NYC Radio Engineering with Andy GladdenAndy Gladding got started in radio engineering at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY. Now he’s Chief at the Salem radio stations in New York City. Andy applies plenty of expertise, an eagerness to learn more, and a great sense of humor to the challenges of engineering in US market #1. Plus we learn about taking care of nationally-distributed talk shows and Andy’s wish to provide a clear path to students interested in broadcast engineering.Show notes:* Hofstra University* WRHU-FM at Hofstra University* AM 970 - The Answer - Salem Radio’s 50kW New...2020-12-181h 12
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 522 - Hawai'i IP Radio Link & Backup FM TransmitterTWiRT co-host, Kirk Harnack, is part-owner of KHKU-FM in Lihu’e, Hawai’i. It’s been 2 ½ years since the station, called “Star94.3”, went on the air under the new name, so some improvements and repairs have been needed. The key projects were: Installing an IP-radio link from studio to the transmitter on Mt. Kahili; installing a backup transmitter and antenna; and, wiring remote AC power switching for the main and backup transmitters and other gear at the transmitter. Kirk shares photos and video of the dramatic trips to Mt. Kahili and helicopter “rescue” necessitated by worsening weather.Show notes...2020-12-111h 15
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 521 - Hybrid Single Frequency Network with Hal KnellerA Single Frequency Network (SFN) can help a broadcaster achieve coverage over a much wider area than with a single transmitter - and, provide continuous, hands-free coverage for listeners as they move about the trade area. FM on-channel boosters are another form of SFN. Hal Kneller has designed and implemented numerous SFNs to give broadcasters better coverage for their listeners, and joins us to describe a recent “hybrid” SFN in Southwest Florida.Show notes:* “Hybrid Synchronization in the Sunshine State” - article by Hal Kneller* Single Frequency Network introduction at Wikipedia* SynchroCast Presenta...2020-12-051h 08
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 520 - No Turkey for Mike ModneyMike Modney grew up in a broadcasting family with an engineer dad and a news director mom. Now, Mike is making his own way as a successful engineer and audio processing expert. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mike oversees facilities and engineers in both Edmonton and Calgary. His stations have found techniques to successfully work around COVID-19 concerns, and keep both staff and audience interaction at a maximum. Plus Mike talks about his AoIP facility and how µMPX technology provides much cleaner STL feeds.Show notes:* WABE - Western Association of Broadcast E...2020-11-281h 18
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 519 - Welcome South, Brother! to WSBAny radio engineer would consider it a privilege to visit the iconic WSB-AM transmitter site in Atlanta, Georgia. Today we get info on the WSB site not only from DoE, Charles Kinney, but also from Vic Jester, who helped design the current transmitter building in the early 1980s. Vic also takes us into the WSB 50 kilowatt Antenna Tuning Unit - a small building unto its own next to the 650’ WSB tower. Plus, Charlie Wooten with and update and thoughts on recovery from Hurricane Michael that hit the Florida Panhandle two years ago.Show notes:2020-11-211h 13
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 518 - C-Band Filters - IN or OUT? with Mark JohnsonThe C-band repack – and subsequent relocation of all C-band users in the Mid-band frequency to 4.0-4.2 Mhz – means broadcasters with C-band satellite antennas need to act now. You may plan to self-install the filter needed to protect your satellite reception from new 5G signals. But, are you sure a filter is all that is needed? And, do you feel comfortable that your documentation will be adequate to share with the FCC when ATT or Verizon begin to interfere with your program reception? Mark Johnson with Linkup Communications describes the problem that broadcasters face, and explains the options available, whether you’re “op...2020-11-131h 06
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 517 - Translators, Allocations, and the FCC with Dave DohertyThe FCC has a filing window for new Non-commercial/educational (NCE) FM stations in 2021. Indeed, it’s been over ten years since the FCC accepted applications for new, full-power NCE construction permits. The window, expected to be in “early 2021,” will allow non-profit organizations, schools, and native tribes to apply for Construction Permits in the NCE band - 88.1–91.9 MHz on the FM dial. FCC Consulting Engineer, Dave Doherty, joins us to discuss this topic and more.Show notes:* Skywaves Consulting - provides technical services and strategic consulting for radio station owners, investors, and brokers...2020-11-061h 09
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 516 - PlayoutONE Web and Cloud with Dave Brierley-JonesThere’s no shortage of radio automation playout systems on the market. Some are steeped in a strong tradition of reliable service. Dave Brierley-Jones is CEO of PlayoutONE, a relatively new playout system that offers web-based voice tracking. We’ll get a tour of PlayoutONE’s design and the browser-based WebVT system that helps home-based talent get on-the-air conveniently.Show notes:* PlayoutONE WebVT* A collection of instructional videos about running PlayoutONE* Dave likes LastPass for securely simplifying web credentialsGuestDave Brierley-Jones - CEO at Pla...2020-10-301h 05
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 515 - The Next Best Thing 2020The “Next Best Thing Media Tour” is rolling onward, having visited two dozen markets to date, and with a long list to go before concluding around Thanksgiving. It’s a traveling outdoor equipment expo intended to help engineers and others see equipment or talk to vendors in person, in this year without an NAB Show. Cities just visited include Nashville, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, with Dallas, Houston, Miami and Atlanta coming up. The organizers include Greg Dahl of Second Opinion Communication, Dave Kerstin of Broadcasters General Store and Jeff Williams of Yellowtec.Show notes:2020-10-231h 02
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 514 - Wildfire! with Mike EverhartBeing Director of Engineering for a large radio broadcaster is challenging enough these days. Doing that while fighting forest fires is downright heroic! Mike Everhart is Director of Engineering at Alpha Media AND he fights wildfires. We’ll see the incredible damage done to a steel-walled transmitter building and its contents, plus the clever replacement shelter to get back on-air just 3 days later. Finally, David Bialik joins us with highlights of the on-demand sessions available in the Broadcast track of this year’s AES Show.Show notes:* Chaparral burns particularly hot in the...2020-10-161h 13
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 513 - Lifetime Achievement with Mark PersonsIn fifty-six years the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has awarded only ten John H. Battison Awards for Lifetime Achievement. This tenth and most recent one was just bestowed upon Mark Persons, CPBE, CBNT, AMD. Since Mark got started in radio and had an engineering curiosity from an early age, we wanted to know about his early experiences that have informed his career as a broadcast engineer. Mark takes us through his early years and military duty, and describes how he “never had a Plan B”. Also, AES Past President, John Krivit, tells us about the 7 Audio Wonders of the Worl...2020-10-091h 05
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 512 - Brace Yourselves, Winter is Coming with Paul MontoyaPreparing for winter is a time-honored ritual in most temperate climates. Most of the USA - indeed most of the world’s population - falls in temperate zones, and that means winter weather is likely or possible. The “business end” of broadcast equipment is often exposed to winter weather. Paul Montoya, Director of Engineering at Wyoming Public Media, oversees operations and maintenance at transmitter sites that are difficult to access and exposed to harsh conditions while being considered “critical infrastructure”. Paul joins us to discuss preparing for winter’s harshness to stay on-the-air - and to stay safe.S...2020-10-021h 10
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 511 - FM Antennas from Theory to Practice with Bill HarlandTo most radio broadcast engineers, FM transmitting antennas are both slightly mysterious and rather fascinating. There are several fundamental designs plus differences in materials, testing, placement, and operational maintenance. Bill Harland from Electronics Research, Inc. (ERI) provides a wealth of information and photos to point out key concepts with FM antennas. This episode is packed with information that every radio engineer should know!Show notes:* Antenna Planning Tools* Antenna System White Papers* ERI “Rototiller” Antenna - Name controversy? [YouTube video]* TWiRT coverage of the Engineer's Seminar & Tribute to the FM Master Antenna* Vide...2020-09-251h 10
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 510 - Automated TV Worth Watching with Stan WalbertAutomated live video production is now arguable as good as human-directed switching - at least for “visual radio”. Stan Walbert, President of Multicam Systems, has created an AI (artificial intelligence) video switching engine that emulates the best decisions of human video technical directors. Stan and Mary Ann Seidler are here with real-world examples of AI-controlled vision switching, along with advice for radio broadcasters wanting to add visual radio or improve their current systems.Show notes:* Multicam Systems for Radio* Full-length, real-world Multicam Studio demo in diverse venues* Backdrop: Virtual Production Using AR2020-09-181h 09
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 509 - Critical Generator Maintenance with John BissetWhat good is a backup power generator if you can’t depend on it, 100 percent? None, really. After analyzing dozens of generators and what makes them not run, John Bisset offers poignant tips and advice to ensure that your backup generator runs when you need it.Show notes:* The Mice vs. the Generator* Radio World articles by John Bisset* Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester* Semi-Rigid USB Endoscope for under $11 from Amazon* 4 inch magnetic parts dish from Harbor FreightGuestJohn Bisset - Director, Western US...2020-09-111h 11This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 509 - Critical Generator Maintenance with John BissetWhat good is a backup power generator if you can’t depend on it, 100 percent? None, really. After analyzing dozens of generators and what makes them not run, John Bisset offers poignant tips and advice to ensure that your backup generator runs when you need it.Show notes:* The Mice vs. the Generator* Radio World articles by John Bisset* Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester* Semi-Rigid USB Endoscope for under $11 from Amazon* 4 inch magnetic parts dish from Harbor FreightGuestJohn Bisset - Director, Western US...2020-09-111h 11
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 508 - Big VoIP & Mountain Engineering with Marcos O'RourkeNot many radio engineers handle a phone system for 500 employees, but Marcos O’Rourke does! Five years in the planning and execution, and now KWave Radio, plus the church campus they’re part of, are saving close to $10k per month in phone service costs. Plus, their Santiago Peak transmitter site is getting a rebuild - with a very efficient setup.Show notes:* Santiago Peak - LIVE WEBCAM* Shure MV88 professional stereo mic for iPhone* KWave Network Status Page from Statuspage.ioGuestMarcos O’Ro...2020-09-041h 11This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 508 - Big VoIP & Mountain Engineering with Marcos O'RourkeNot many radio engineers handle a phone system for 500 employees, but Marcos O’Rourke does! Five years in the planning and execution, and now KWave Radio, plus the church campus they’re part of, are saving close to $10k per month in phone service costs. Plus, their Santiago Peak transmitter site is getting a rebuild - with a very efficient setup.Show notes:* Santiago Peak - LIVE WEBCAM* Shure MV88 professional stereo mic for iPhone* KWave Network Status Page from Statuspage.ioGuestMarcos O’Ro...2020-09-041h 11
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 507 - Cloudified Broadcast Audio Processing with Mary Ann SeidlerWe knew it was coming - and now it's here…. Top-shelf audio processing and FM stereo coding in "the cloud" - either private cloud or "public" cloud. There are big possibilities here, and Mary Ann Seidler joins us to tell all. Plus, Chris Tobin rounds out the show with advice that’s especially timely.Show notes:* kmfm UK Goes Virtual with High-Density Virtual Audio Processing* How Software Audio Processing Makes Planning for Transmission Changes More Flexible* Nautel Webinar: Radio Air-Chain Innovation Webinar #2: Problem SolvedGuest2020-08-281h 10This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 507 - Cloudified Broadcast Audio Processing with Mary Ann SeidlerWe knew it was coming - and now it's here…. Top-shelf audio processing and FM stereo coding in "the cloud" - either private cloud or "public" cloud. There are big possibilities here, and Mary Ann Seidler joins us to tell all. Plus, Chris Tobin rounds out the show with advice that’s especially timely.Show notes:* kmfm UK Goes Virtual with High-Density Virtual Audio Processing* How Software Audio Processing Makes Planning for Transmission Changes More Flexible* Nautel Webinar: Radio Air-Chain Innovation Webinar #2: Problem SolvedGuest2020-08-281h 10
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 506 - Audio Builders Workshop with Chris KincaidIf you’ve ever thought, “There should be a group that promotes learning electronics and audio to teens and college students,” well, there is! It’s Audio Builders Workshop (ABW), a working group of the Boston AES Section. Chris Kincaid is lecturer at the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology and Program Manager with ABW. While many ABW events focus on simple electronic kits, more seasoned engineers have access to truly professional projects. Large diaphragm condenser mics, ribbon mics, 500-series format mic preamps, and studio audio levelers are DIY projects available through ABW’s partner companies.Show notes:2020-08-211h 15This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 506 - Audio Builders Workshop with Chris KincaidIf you’ve ever thought, “There should be a group that promotes learning electronics and audio to teens and college students,” well, there is! It’s Audio Builders Workshop (ABW), a working group of the Boston AES Section. Chris Kincaid is lecturer at the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology and Program Manager with ABW. While many ABW events focus on simple electronic kits, more seasoned engineers have access to truly professional projects. Large diaphragm condenser mics, ribbon mics, 500-series format mic preamps, and studio audio levelers are DIY projects available through ABW’s partner companies.Show notes:2020-08-211h 15This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 505 - Overcoming Social Distancing with Chris Tobin and Greg DahlBroadcasting from home - working alone - informing and entertaining - keeping virtual company with our listeners; we’re doing the best we can during these continued lockdowns and social distancing. Industry events keep getting canceled or postponed, and we’re substituting in-person meeting with virtual ones and with webinars. Is it working? Are some things actually a bit better this way? Kirk and Chris explore these notions. Plus we’re talking with Greg Dahl. He’s bringing “The Next Best Thing” to 40 cities across the USA over the next 4 months in a socially distanced mobile equipment show.S...2020-08-071h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 505 - Overcoming Social Distancing with Chris Tobin and Greg DahlBroadcasting from home - working alone - informing and entertaining - keeping virtual company with our listeners; we’re doing the best we can during these continued lockdowns and social distancing. Industry events keep getting canceled or postponed, and we’re substituting in-person meeting with virtual ones and with webinars. Is it working? Are some things actually a bit better this way? Kirk and Chris explore these notions. Plus we’re talking with Greg Dahl. He’s bringing “The Next Best Thing” to 40 cities across the USA over the next 4 months in a socially distanced mobile equipment show.S...2020-08-071h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 504 - Rocket Radio Telemetry with Cornelius GouldEngineering in various disciplines is a big part of Corny Gould’s career path. From major market broadcast engineer, to audio processing algorithm developer, to podcast content creator, Corny Gould applies techniques from each specialty to improve the others. Today we’re looking at gathering accurate sensor data from a model rocket that may be moving close to Mach 1, and reliably transmitting this data to a ground station.Show notes:* 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Transmitter - a Nautel eBook* Corny’s advanced rocketry podcast, “The Rocketry Show”* The Model Rocket Show - a p...2020-07-311h 06This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 504 - Rocket Radio Telemetry with Cornelius GouldEngineering in various disciplines is a big part of Corny Gould’s career path. From major market broadcast engineer, to audio processing algorithm developer, to podcast content creator, Corny Gould applies techniques from each specialty to improve the others. Today we’re looking at gathering accurate sensor data from a model rocket that may be moving close to Mach 1, and reliably transmitting this data to a ground station.Show notes:* 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Transmitter - a Nautel eBook* Corny’s advanced rocketry podcast, “The Rocketry Show”* The Model Rocket Show - a p...2020-07-311h 06This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 503 - Protecting that Feedline with Paul ShulinsPaul Shulins is President of Shulins’ Solutions, a radio and tv broadcast consulting firm based in Andover Massachusetts, specializing in remote control solutions, studio design and construction, antenna protection systems and ratings metrics.Show notes:* IEEE BTS Looks at Future of Monitoring - Paul Shulins, presenter* DAC System’s RF Hawkeye components* DJI Matice 300 UAS* RTK - Real-time Kinematic - technology to improve position accuracy* Infrared Thermography CertificationGuestPaul Shulins - President at Shulins’ SolutionsHostsC...2020-07-241h 12This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 503 - Protecting that Feedline with Paul ShulinsPaul Shulins is President of Shulins’ Solutions, a radio and tv broadcast consulting firm based in Andover Massachusetts, specializing in remote control solutions, studio design and construction, antenna protection systems and ratings metrics.Show notes:* IEEE BTS Looks at Future of Monitoring - Paul Shulins, presenter* DAC System’s RF Hawkeye components* DJI Matice 300 UAS* RTK - Real-time Kinematic - technology to improve position accuracy* Infrared Thermography CertificationGuestPaul Shulins - President at Shulins’ SolutionsHostsC...2020-07-241h 12This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 502 - I'm K-Lovin' It with Bill JacksonWhat’s a former DJ and Promotions Director doing building radio studios? Well, he’s lovin’ it! Bill Jackson is now the Principal Studio Engineer for Educational Media Foundation K-LOVE & Air1 Media Networks. He’s expanding the number of studios and replacing the consoles at EMF’s Franklin, Tenn, studio complex. We’re talking about how AoIP has made possible a revolution in studio interoperability and nationwide connectivity.Show notes:* Educational Media Foundation (EMF Broadcasting) - Info on Wikipedia* Positive and Encouraging - K-LOVE* Air1 - Worship Now* Axia Livewire+AES67 AoIP networking f...2020-07-171h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 502 - I'm K-Lovin' It with Bill JacksonWhat’s a former DJ and Promotions Director doing building radio studios? Well, he’s lovin’ it! Bill Jackson is now the Principal Studio Engineer for Educational Media Foundation K-LOVE & Air1 Media Networks. He’s expanding the number of studios and replacing the consoles at EMF’s Franklin, Tenn, studio complex. We’re talking about how AoIP has made possible a revolution in studio interoperability and nationwide connectivity.Show notes:* Educational Media Foundation (EMF Broadcasting) - Info on Wikipedia* Positive and Encouraging - K-LOVE* Air1 - Worship Now* Axia Livewire+AES67 AoIP networking f...2020-07-171h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 501 - No Fail Remotes with Tim BerryImagine the pressure of making sure every game-day broadcast for the Tennessee Vols gets on-the-air and sounds great. That’s what Tim Berry does in his “spare” time! Tim is the Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He also maintains numerous Amateur Radio repeaters in East Tennessee. Tim joins us to talk about close calls and “audio feed negotiation” as well as connection reciprocity.Show notes:* What is the Vol Network?* Tim Berry - WN4GBI and East Tennessee Amateur Repeaters* Lindsey Nelson - First play-by-play announcer for the Vo...2020-07-101h 13This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 501 - No Fail Remotes with Tim BerryImagine the pressure of making sure every game-day broadcast for the Tennessee Vols gets on-the-air and sounds great. That’s what Tim Berry does in his “spare” time! Tim is the Chief Engineer at WUOT-FM at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He also maintains numerous Amateur Radio repeaters in East Tennessee. Tim joins us to talk about close calls and “audio feed negotiation” as well as connection reciprocity.Show notes:* What is the Vol Network?* Tim Berry - WN4GBI and East Tennessee Amateur Repeaters* Lindsey Nelson - First play-by-play announcer for the Vo...2020-07-101h 13This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 500 - Looking Back and Looking ForwardThank you for helping us get to 500 TWiRT episodes! Chris Tobin says he’s up for 500 more! This week, Tom Ray joins us to review some past topics and see how they’ve changed in the past 10 years. Chris Tobin checks in from high above Manhattan. Plus, we predict the future for some of today’s technologies.GuestTom Ray - TWiRT contributor and President at Tom Ray ConsultingHostsChris Tobin, IP-SolutionistKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting2020-07-031h 14This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 500 - Looking Back and Looking ForwardThank you for helping us get to 500 TWiRT episodes! Chris Tobin says he’s up for 500 more! This week, Tom Ray joins us to review some past topics and see how they’ve changed in the past 10 years. Chris Tobin checks in from high above Manhattan. Plus, we predict the future for some of today’s technologies.GuestTom Ray - TWiRT contributor and President at Tom Ray ConsultingHostsChris Tobin, IP-SolutionistKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting2020-07-031h 14This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 499 - Best Practices for Home Broadcasting with Bryan JonesMany of us got our morning and afternoon hosts operating from their homes pretty quickly back in March. We had just a few days - or even just a weekend - to get our on-air talent connected from their kitchen tables or bedrooms, along with news and traffic reporters. Bryan Jones, Engineering Support Specialist at the Telos Alliance, helped dozens of broadcasters get operational from their homes. Now, we’re discussing longer-term home and remote broadcast operations. What are the best practices and key concerns from an IT perspective? What pitfalls should we avoid while improving these remote operations for lo...2020-06-261h 10This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 499 - Best Practices for Home Broadcasting with Bryan JonesMany of us got our morning and afternoon hosts operating from their homes pretty quickly back in March. We had just a few days - or even just a weekend - to get our on-air talent connected from their kitchen tables or bedrooms, along with news and traffic reporters. Bryan Jones, Engineering Support Specialist at the Telos Alliance, helped dozens of broadcasters get operational from their homes. Now, we’re discussing longer-term home and remote broadcast operations. What are the best practices and key concerns from an IT perspective? What pitfalls should we avoid while improving these remote operations for lo...2020-06-261h 10This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 498 - Radio Ops in Mexico City with Cuauhtémoc PeredaThe global COVID-19 is truly global. North America’s oldest city - and tied with New York for the largest - is Mexico City. Cuauhtemoc (“Cuau”) Pereda is the Managing Director at @FM (www.arroba.fm), a network of almost 50 stations throughout Mexico, and oversees a network of talent, operations, and engineering professionals. Cuau joins us to discuss how they’re doing social distancing, while working with both union and non-union employees. It’s a lively look into big-market radio in another country.Show notes* @FM Radio Network* Radio Resultados* vMix Live Production...2020-06-191h 12This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 498 - Radio Ops in Mexico City with Cuauhtémoc PeredaThe global COVID-19 is truly global. North America’s oldest city - and tied with New York for the largest - is Mexico City. Cuauhtemoc (“Cuau”) Pereda is the Managing Director at @FM (www.arroba.fm), a network of almost 50 stations throughout Mexico, and oversees a network of talent, operations, and engineering professionals. Cuau joins us to discuss how they’re doing social distancing, while working with both union and non-union employees. It’s a lively look into big-market radio in another country.Show notes* @FM Radio Network* Radio Resultados* vMix Live Production...2020-06-191h 12This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 497 - Audio Forensics with Tim DolbearMany people use their cell phones and other devices to record conversations. The audio can turn out, well, almost useless. Most people try to clean up the audio, and in the process remove the audio they need to hear. Tim Dolbear is an audio engineer, specializing in mixing, audio restoration, and forensic audio analysis. He joins us to discuss these topics, as well as give advice on “how to listen” to audio.Show notes* “Listen Hear” - article by Tim Dolbear (PDF)* Izotope RX 7 audio repair software* Audio Repair Examples - Before and Afte...2020-06-121h 14This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 496 - 100 Years of Radios with Beth MannBeth Mann started collecting radios early in her career - and never stopped. As President/CEO of Edge Media Group in Cadiz, Kentucky, Beth directed the construction and operation of the DJ Everett III Radio Room - a showcase for almost 300 radios dating from 1919 to present day. We’re on location at WKDZ-WHVO-WPKY touring this radio museum, plus seeing a replica broadcast control room from the 1960s.Show notes* Detailed story of the DJ Everett III Radio Room* Grand opening of the DJ Everett III Radio RoomGuest2020-06-061h 00This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 495 - WISPs are Good for Broadcasters with Kent WinrichWireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) typically need towers for their backhaul radios and access points. Broadcasters need Internet access at their transmitter sites. It’s like a mariage made in heaven! On this episode of TWiRT, Kent Winrich, CTO of Open Broadband, a North Carolina-based WISP, describes the technical aspects of a WISP network, and the frequency bands used for network deployment.Show Notes:* Open Broadband of North Carolina* Google Network Planner* Chris’s favorite coffee mug - 12 oz Scout* RF Elements - Videos explaining WISP concepts and implementations2020-05-291h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 494 - Radio Engineering at 200MPH with Doug WatsonSports broadcasting usually involves following and describing a moving target. On the auto and truck racing circuits, that target is moving about 200 MPH. Doug Watson directed and built broadcast facilities, and developed reliable techniques, for radio coverage of NASCAR races. He shares what works and what didn’t for making sure the weekly race broadcasts were exciting, accurate, and delivered to nearly 500 radio affiliates.Show notes* Motor Racing Network* Mini Optical Fiber Power Tester* LinkUp Communications - Advice for Broadcasters on 5G FiltersGuestDo...2020-05-221h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 493 - TV Audio Tips, Tricks, and Thoughts with Rob AshardAudio is important to both Radio and TV, but there are key differences in audio production techniques. Rob Ashard is a Sound Supervisor (“A1” in the USA) for several top TV shows produced in England. Plus his weekly on-air shift at Radio Caroline keeps his heart in radio. This week, Rob shows us some of the large audio “desks” he uses for TV audio production, and describes a technique for low-latency “talkback” setup to remote talent.Show notes* Television Centre’s TV Studios* Game Creek Video Trucks* Radio CarolineGuest2020-05-151h 10This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 492 - Cloud-Based Disaster Recovery with Bill BennettData center based server platforms are known for their resilience and reliability, and radio broadcasters are taking notice. Cloud-based systems are also generally accessible from anywhere there’s an Internet connection, including radio talent that’s “sheltering in place”. Bill Bennett with ENCO Systems joins us to highlight the various kinds of disasters that will stop broadcasters from being on-air, and introduces web-accessible radio infrastructure that keeps operating, even when the studio is down.Show links:* ENCO Cloud- and Web-based operations* Disaster Recovery Solution - DAD-DR* NAB’s “10 Steps to Disaster Preparation and Recovery”2020-05-081h 09
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 491 - Proven Radio Virtualization & What’s Next with Dan McQuillinBBC Radio’s Virtual Local Radio project is done and proven. Talent, management, engineering, and listeners are delighted with the results. Now Dan McQuillin is designing the next generation of minimalist studios that still do everything needed and desired for radio content creation. Beyond “Cushions and Daylight”, Camera One, Bionic Table, and Bionic Picnic - all introduced and explained on this edition of TWiRT.Show links:* BBC completes groundbreaking ViLoR local radio project* All-IP Virtualised Radio Network Case Study by Geoff Woolf, ViLoR Project Director, BBC* Camera One radio visualization* If you play Animal...2020-05-011h 04This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 490 - What You Didn't See at NABWould you have been flying home from Las Vegas, Nevada, about now, from NAB 2020? This week we’re bringing you three terrific broadcast professionals with a look at more of what we didn’t see at NAB. Michael “Catfish” Dosch with Angry Audio - a quickly growing manufacturer is here, along with Jeff Adams - a video webcaster and radio broadcaster. Plus Chuck Kelly pours on the education with news of new technologies and techniques from BE/Elenos.Show links:* The Nautel Users Group (NUG) meeting will be a virtual one. Register here and get...2020-04-241h 19This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 488 - Compare, Shop, & Broadcast from HomeCabin Fever notwithstanding, thousands of broadcasters - from engineers to sales reps to on-air talent - are working from home. And the list of capabilities and opportunities grows almost daily. Alex Oana shows us how to compare high-quality microphones from our easy chairs, while Goos Mante runs his radio show on RTV Zaanstreek entirely from his home in Wormer, Netherlands. And Chris Tobin tells how WBGO-FM got over 9,000 music selections digitized for broadcast in just a few days.Show links:* Audio Test Kitchen* DJB Radio broadcast automation* RTV Zaanstreek, Netherlands and on...2020-04-101h 09This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 487 - Protection, Selection, and Connection with Hank LandsbergWho hasn’t used one of Henry Engineering’s “blue boxes” to solve an audio or control problem around the radio station? A related company, Sine Control Technology, makes power surge suppressors that are used by the US Department of Defense. Hank Landsberg, owner of Henry Engineering, explains the technology that makes his “PowerClamp” TVSS technology different and more effective at protecting sensitive electronic equipment. We also look at a clever device that makes AC UPS operation more reliable, and the mic & headphone controller that newly home-bound broadcasters are using.Show links:* PowerClamp T...2020-04-031h 11This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 486 - The RF Supercomputer with Chuck KellyGeneral purpose computers have been replacing purpose-built equipment in almost every industry, including radio broadcasting. But, some functions - such as VHF and UHF modulators - have still required precision, purpose-built circuitry. Now come the “RF Supercomputer” - a marriage of hardware and software that can produce any kind of modulation at most any broadcast frequency. And there’s even more to the story. Chuck Kelly from BE/Elenos Group joins us for a lesson in highly sophisticated software defined transmission.Show links:* SDRplay* Samson Q2U USB Mic2020-03-271h 06This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 485 - Broadcast Continuity in a Pandemic“Social Distancing” to slow the spread of Coronavirus is changing the way broadcasters are operating. Over the past week or two, broadcast engineers have been charged with setting up the remote studios and broadcast systems allowing on-air talent and other operations workers to do their jobs from home. Plus, they’ve configured studio and “rack room” systems to be run by few or even no people in the main studio building. Some of radio broadcasting’s most active and progressing engineers join Chris Tobin and Kirk Harnack for this roundtable discussion, You’re sure to pick up on ideas and inspiration fo...2020-03-201h 07This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 484 - Emmy-Winning AES67 with Kevin GrossAES67 - the worldwide Audio over IP interoperability standard - exists because “Silos aren’t good enough!” Kevin Gross, Founder of AVA Networks and Chair of the AES X192 task group joins us to tell the story of how AES67 came to be, and a behind-the-scenes look at its development. We also discuss how AES67 plays into the SMPTE ST 2110-30 standard for networked audio-for-video. Plus, a great tip of the week!Show links:* Audio Engineering Society Honored with Technology & Engineering Emmy Award* AIMS paper: “AES67 / SMPTE ST 2110 COMMONALITIES AND CONSTRAINTS”* VLC Media Player - v...2020-03-131h 05This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 483 - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Visual Radio with Robbie GreenRadio has traditionally been all about the audio. Radio engineers do their best, working with the budgets and knowledge they have, to design and build studios that help create the best audio presentation. Now more radio broadcasters are putting video cameras in their studios - visual radio. Some are streaming live while others grab the best clips from their in-studio shows. Robbie Green with Entercom in Houston joins Chris Tobin to talk about equipment and techniques to produce good-looking visual radio with minimal effort.Show links:* vMix video production software* Axia Pathfinder Core...2020-03-071h 09This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 482 - Combine & Control with Josh Bohn and Josh JonesWith more combined AM, FM, and TV transmitter sites, safe, effective, and secure monitoring and control of those sites has never been more important. When several transmitters are fed into a combiner, then to a master antenna, great damage is possible if something goes wrong. That’s where detailed analysis, careful installation, and custom scripting with sanity checks all come into play. Josh Bohn, along with Josh Jones and other associates are providing such monitoring and control systems to FM and TV broadcasters, and they’re sharing some of their experiences with us. Plus Josh Jones talks about repairing older equi...2020-02-281h 06This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 481 - Essential Community Radio with Ernesto AguilarCommunity Radio - what is it? And how's it doing? Surprisingly well! Ernesto Aguilar is the Program Director at the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. He’s bullish on Community Radio - often run by volunteers - addressing the specific local and regional issues, arts, and concerns of people in a station’s coverage area. Chris Tobin joins in with specific advice on studio design that addresses the particular workflow you’ll find at many Community Broadcasters.Show links:* WXPR - “We Live Up Here” podcast* National Federation of Community Broadcasters* NFCB - Community...2020-02-211h 04This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 480 - They See Me Pathfindin'What would you do if a dozen of your engineering colleagues from other markets showed up and installed all new studio and rack room equipment, leaving you to figure it out? Ed Noyes, a Regional DoE for Cumulus, quickly befriended Pathfinder and discovered real-time monitoring and control of his new AoIP system. Ed joins us to share the wonder and utility of watching over and controlling an active, multi-studio broadcast center with Pathfinder.Show links:* Pathfinder Software Family Overview* WRBS Pushes Pathfinder to the Limit - from Radio World* ‘Reliable, Redundant, System-Wide Routing Co...2020-02-141h 10This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 472 - Remembering John LyonsJohn Lyons was a not only a fixture, but a force, in the New York City RF scene. His tireless work - especially after 9/11 - has gotten and kept radio and TV broadcasters on-the-air with excellent engineering, optimized coverage, and reliable operation. With John's recent passing, today's TWiRT features Chris Tobin and Tom Ray - both of whom worked with John extensively. We'll also enjoy John's presentation about Building the Advanced RF Transmission System at One World Trade Center.2019-12-201h 08This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 462 - Those Beautiful Blue Boxes with Hank LandsbergFor almost 40 years broadcast engineers have been using those blue boxes from Henry Engineering. One engineer says, “Henry Engineering boxes solve acute problems at a reasonable price.” Hank "Henry" Landsberg joins us on TWiRT.! His stories will bring a smile to your face and understanding of the inspirations for those useful "Henry" boxes.2019-10-041h 05This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 457 - Positive Engineering with Brian Kerkan and Jim HogeRemember the Texar Audio Prism? Did you know that Glen Clark had some partners in the development and rollout of the Prism? Jim Hoge worked with Glen on the Texar Audio Prism. Jim also founded WPOZ-FM, often the #1 station in Orlando. Brian Kerkan is another talented engineer, also known for excellent audio processing and and professional approach. Brian and Jim join us on TWiRT to talk about breakthroughs in older technology, and today’s new operating paradigms as we move toward sensible virtualization.2019-08-2353 minThis Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 453 - Studio Mic Design with John PelusoCan fine studio mics, designed decades ago, be improved? John Peluso says, “Yes!!” John owns Peluso Microphone Lab. He and his family build world-class microphones, designed to equal or better the performance of classic recording studio mics. They’ve also developed new mic designs for special purposes. John Peluso and Chris Newitt join us on TWiRT!2019-07-261h 09This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 438 - Virtualizing Seagull.fm with Sean KellyBroadcast infrastructure virtualization: Twelve syllables that represent a dizzying variety of implementations. Sean Kelly, founder of Seagull.fm in Exeter, Torbay, and South Devon England, is enabling local presenters and other contributors to be on-air, live from their homes and small studios. Building a virtualized backend infrastructure has been a key element to the reliability and usability of Sean’s broadcast workflow. Sean reveals both rationale and technical details on this episode of TWiRT.2019-04-051h 15This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)TWiRT Ep. 417 - Match Game TWiRT from New YorkThe Giz Wiz, Dick DeBartolo, joins us for TWiRT, on location in New York City! We check out some audio gadgets, talk about the AES and NAB conventions, and play a few rounds of Match Game. Andrew Zarian joins us, too!2018-10-191h 04
This Week in Radio Tech (Video)Live at NAB - TWiRT live from NAB Show 2012!
TWiRT live from NAB Show 2012!
Hosts: Kirk Harnack and Chris Tobin
Guests: Jeff Detweiler, Michael "Catfish" Dosch, Philipp Lawo, Frank Foti, George Thomas, Chriss Scherer, Thomas Hartnett, John Bisset, and Randy Hall
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-radio-tech.
Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.
Sponsor:
Axia Audio
2012-04-182h 02
This Week in Radio Tech (Audio)Live at NAB - TWiRT live from NAB Show 2012!
TWiRT live from NAB Show 2012!
Hosts: Kirk Harnack and Chris Tobin
Guests: Jeff Detweiler, Michael "Catfish" Dosch, Philipp Lawo, Frank Foti, George Thomas, Chriss Scherer, Thomas Hartnett, John Bisset, and Randy Hall
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-radio-tech.
Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.
Sponsor:
Axia Audio
2012-04-182h 02