WCMU Transmitter Building Fire

[statmanmi]

Is CMU committed to putting WCML and WCML-FM back on the air soon? Seems like they could do what WPHN has, at least for the FM. It sounds like the antennas weren't damaged. Still haven't heard about the damage to the actual towers....

Hello Ben Zonia and All,

MAB (Michigan Association of Broadcasters) posted this news item regarding the progress by CMU Public Media at the Atlanta, MI transmitter site:

https://www.michiganmedia.com/2024/05/1 ... na-signal/

"Although the transmitter building was a total loss, the broadcast towers at the site have been inspected and deemed viable."

Seeing that MAB posting caused me to check the WCMU.org website, where they've indeed updated the page regarding the situation:

https://radio.wcmu.org/station-news-pro ... r-michigan

Both postings avoid speculation on return to air dates: "An exact timeline for their return to full power is still unknown, as WCMU continues to work with Central Michigan University and our insurance company to determine the best path forward to build a permanent transmitter building at the site."

Cheers!
Statmanmi

[Ben Zonia]

At 1349 feet, the WCML tower is now the tallest in Michigan. The WEYI tower was once 1359 feet, but the antenna had more bays to get at one point 4,080,000 watts ERP analog, which was reduced to 2,040,000 watts before going digital only with much less ERP, and only needed a shorter antenna aperture, reducing the overall height to 1323 feet.

Too bad WCML didn't have those "barn raising" engineers to get them back on the air sooner like WPHN.

I asked that engineer I met that was staying out there about 40 years ago what his name was. He pronounced it, and I asked if it was spelled it "Scheidel". He said "close" but wouldn't spell it. I suspect it was spelled "Pscheidl". Anyone remember him?