Message from Chris in the Keys

[Danny]

Ed and others here will be interested in this. Chris Dunne contacted me from the Keys with some information about the DTV on channel 3. He said the DTV only reads about 33% on the Zenith signal bar. I think he said he is 40 miles from the channel 3. He says the channel 8 DTV is a lot stronger, in spite of a Cuban ATV being on that channel.

He has also seen some very interesting Es from Central America.

[NN2E]

Thanks, Chris & Danny.
Guess I'll keep looking for WSBS DT3 then.
Now, if only we'd get some E-skip in this area. Other DXers have reported east coast and gulf coast E-skip but I've seen almost nothing, here. Had about five minutes worth of SS ch2 analog E-S (probably XHY) at noon today but that's it.
73, Ed NN2E
Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds

[cd637299]

I'm back home now.

Thanx Danny for putting this up.

Ed, if you catch WSBS-DT 3 at all, you belong in the record books. I will say, that the FL Keys being 99.96%-or-so cable, having WSBS upgrade couldn't be a priority. In fact, if both WSBS & WGEN-DT 8 sign off their OTA, I'd be the only one reporting it!

cd

[NN2E]

Thanks for taking a look, Chris.
I just haven't had propagation to the Keys yet this year. Others have and still haven't seen WSBS. From what you say and, what the FCC info shows, it's a puny one. I have seen WEDY DT6 and it's only shown to be 400 watts so, WSBS at 1 KW still should be DXable. We'll just have to wait 'til the E-skip really gets going (and hope Cuba doesn't cover it up) to see if it'll make the trip.
FWIW... the only reason I can see for WSBS going to 45 KW would be just to pee on Fidel's shoes. I'll bet there are a few converter boxes in Cuba, though.
73, Ed NN2E
Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds

[LMolineux]

Thanks for taking a look, Chris.
I just haven't had propagation to the Keys yet this year. Others have and still haven't seen WSBS. From what you say and, what the FCC info shows, it's a puny one. I have seen WEDY DT6 and it's only shown to be 400 watts so, WSBS at 1 KW still should be DXable. We'll just have to wait 'til the E-skip really gets going (and hope Cuba doesn't cover it up) to see if it'll make the trip.
FWIW... the only reason I can see for WSBS going to 45 KW would be just to pee on Fidel's shoes. I'll bet there are a few converter boxes in Cuba, though.
73, Ed NN2E
Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds

Are they contemplating on going up from 1KW to 45KW? If so that surely could be DX'able from trop and even good E-Skip even to me in SE PA.

[cd637299]

That's what is being debated here. They have the authority to do so, but like I said, it may be kinda pointless, even being OTA at all, with such cable penetration.

cd

[LMolineux]

That's what is being debated here. They have the authority to do so, but like I said, it may be kinda pointless, even being OTA at all, with such cable penetration.

cd
So CD they are already allowed to go up to 45KW already or no?

[cd637299]

According to Doug & FCC, I believe so

www.fcc.gov/mb (look for TV Query & type WSBS)

[LMolineux]

According to Doug & FCC, I believe so

www.fcc.gov/mb (look for TV Query & type WSBS)

Humm so maybe they are just getting underway on the increase?

[w9wi]

Humm so maybe they are just getting underway on the increase?

They applied for the power increase on June 20, 2008; it was approved on August 20th of that year. The permit is valid for three years, until June 20th of next year.

If they complete construction they can begin equipment tests at any time, and program tests upon notifying the FCC of their intent to do so. (which won't show up on fcc.gov or my website)

[LMolineux]

They applied for the power increase on June 20, 2008; it was approved on August 20th of that year. The permit is valid for three years, until June 20th of next year.

If they complete construction they can begin equipment tests at any time, and program tests upon notifying the FCC of their intent to do so. (which won't show up on fcc.gov or my website)

So how will any of us know or will it just become known just on the FCC site?

[cd637299]

Occasionally, Habana Radio 106.9 will come in here, as will the lower Keys on FM. When it does, I'll check the DTV from time to time.

As it stands right now, I have not seen 3 OR 8 from here, except the yellow bar on 8 trying to make it---I don't think it got above 30% from here thus far.

However, I would think that at full power (45kW), ch 3 would show a marked improvement from here.

I already wrote WSBS asking about the increase in power, but got no answer so far. (They probably have read my comments about hoping they never bump the power!)

cd

[Jim Thomas]

Occasionally, Habana Radio 106.9 will come in here, as will the lower Keys on FM. When it does, I'll check the DTV from time to time.

As it stands right now, I have not seen 3 OR 8 from here, except the yellow bar on 8 trying to make it---I don't think it got above 30% from here thus far.

However, I would think that at full power (45kW), ch 3 would show a marked improvement from here.

I already wrote WSBS asking about the increase in power, but got no answer so far. (They probably have read my comments about hoping they never bump the power!)
cd


WSBS-TV was recently acquired by Spanish Broadcasting System, based in Miami. SBS is one of the largest Hispanic radio networks in the US. With the recent purchase of WSBS and WSJU-TV San Juan, PR, SBS is positioning themselves to build a national Spanish television network. Their branding for the two stations is Mega TV.

http://mega.tv/

Due to the size of this broadcast organization, I am guessing it might be some time before you hear from anyone, Chris.

I called their switchboard number and after briefly speaking to the operator in SS, I convinced her to speak in English. I explained the reason for my call and the inquiry about WSBS-TV. She eluded to the fact that WSBS is going to increase their power, but she said, "You need to talk to someone qualified to answer that question." She put me on hold, then when it rang through, I got a voicemail. I left a detailed message. Let's see if I get a callback. :(

[cd637299]

Thanks for the assistance....I will tell you now, that it's been known as Mega TV for a few years now, easily available on cable + DT 50 here.

If Mega wants to compete with the big guns, they will need to stop the incessant infomercials....but no, I won't hold my breath on it.

I recall talking to a guy who worked for the former owner of what is now WGEN DT 8, when 8 was analog about 12 years ago. I asked him if they would increase their power (because they had authority I believe), and he nonchalantly said to me, "We don't wanna broadcast to the fish."

cd

[Jim Thomas]

I was searching for this website, which you may already have....

http://www.spanishbroadcasting.com/megatv.html

I guess we will just have to wait and see. My history with contacting personnel in television is not very good. IF I actually get through to the person qualified to talk to me, I am shocked.

[indysteve]

Thanks guys for attempting to find out about the potential power increase for WSBS. I mentioned this topic on 4/22/10 over at the WTFDA member's email site with no response. If it goes through with this power increase to 45 kW, it should definitely become a major Es target for a number of DXers.

On the same day, I was curious about KOTA's CP to increase power from 7.1 kW to 18.2 kW. Since this station is frequently received by a number of DXers during the Es season, I thought it would be of interest. I sent an email to the CE at KOTA and received this reply within a few hours................


Steve,
We have been looking at a number of possible improvements. We applied for the CP just in case. The CP will be good for three years, but we do not yet have a timeline for any changes.
Cost, practicality and effectiveness are all issues we are considering.
-- Daniel Black
Duhamel Broadcasting Ent.
518 St. Joseph St.
Rapid City, SD 57701

[mp11]

I just noticed Google Earth show WSBS as having ERP of 45Kw. From there it links to the FCC database which shows WSBS licensed as ERP 1Kw. But then you look farther down the page where it shows construction permit. There you see ERP 45Kw. The link is HERE (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WSBS&list=0). If this is already known...my appologies. ;)

[Danny]

Ed and others here will be interested in this. Chris Dunne contacted me from the Keys with some information about the DTV on channel 3. He said the DTV only reads about 33% on the Zenith signal bar. I think he said he is 40 miles from the channel 3. He says the channel 8 DTV is a lot stronger, in spite of a Cuban ATV being on that channel.

He has also seen some very interesting Es from Central America.

After reading the posts on TV/FM Skip Log concerning WSBS-DT3, I thought this would be a good time to remind Ed and others...