LBA Updates Existing Verizon Collocation on WTNL
Verizon had a big problem at its AM colocation site in Reidsville, Georgia.
The WTNL antenna tuning unit had become unstable, and it was increasingly difficult to adjust to accommodate AM impedance changes caused by new tiers of antennas. An overhaul of the AM antenna system was needed, and AM colocation specialists at Lawrence Behr Associates were called in.
WTNL operates on 1390 kHz with 500 watts, non-directional daytime. They transmit from a 195 foot guyed tower equipped with a folded unipole. The tower supports an FM antenna, as well as several levels of wireless antennas. The original AM antenna tuning unit had far exceeded its life cycle and became ineffective with the installation of additional cellular equipment on the tower.
Central to the renovation was replacement of the ancient WTNL antenna tuning unit. This was done with a new TTM-1 antenna tuning unit designed and fabricated by LBA Technology. The new LBA TTM-1 tuning unit is built to compensate for future cellular growth while providing at least another 20 years of stable service to the radio station and Verizon.
The AM upgrade was carried out by Mike Hayden, iNARTE Certified Engineer, Director of Field Services of Lawrence Behr Associates. He was assisted by Adam Carlson, LBA Field Engineer. The LBA team has carried out many successful AM colocation projects for wireless carriers and tower owners. LBA has become recognized by many as the authority in AM/wireless colocation technology, and has been providing AM and wireless engineering services since 1963.
You can learn more about AM collocation at https://www.lbagroup.com/associates/am-wireless-colocation.php. Contact lbagrp@lbagroup.com or 252-757-0279 for assistance on Wireless FCC compliance and AM collocation.
