If I touch this tower, I die
Geerling Engineering・2 minutes read
The CamX AM Tower, operational for nearly a century, emits 50,000 watts of RF signal, with components like capacitors and coils optimizing transmission efficiency. The site is equipped with various safety measures, EMP-proof buildings, backup systems, and maintenance tools, showcasing redundancy and preparedness for unforeseen interruptions, including dealing with unexpected wildlife challenges like frogs.
Insights
- The CamX AM Tower, operational for nearly a century, emits 50,000 watts of RF through a complex system of components including capacitors, inductors, copper screening, and radial systems, all meticulously designed to optimize signal transmission and safety.
- The site's meticulous design and engineering extended beyond the tower, encompassing EMP-proof buildings with backup generators, monitoring equipment, and redundant systems like a backup studio, highlighting the comprehensive preparedness for unforeseen disruptions, even as unexpected challenges like wildlife interference were managed with multiple restarts and maintenance protocols.
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Recent questions
What is the purpose of the CamX AM Tower?
The CamX AM Tower serves as an antenna for transmitting radio frequency signals, emitting 50,000 watts of RF. It has been operational for almost a century and is designed to align with capacitors and inductors to optimize signal transmission.
How does the CamX AM Tower prevent water damage?
The CamX AM Tower utilizes a water drip loop to prevent water from entering the building, adding impedance to protect the equipment. This loop ensures that water does not interfere with the transmission of signals and helps maintain the integrity of the tower structure.
What safety measures are in place at the CamX AM Tower?
The CamX AM Tower has an electrically concealed fence for safety, with grounded fence posts and bonding to prevent accidents. Additionally, porcelain insulators float the tower above the Earth ground for effective transmission, and the tower room is grounded with a gated area for safety and work purposes.
How does the CamX AM Tower handle lightning energy?
The CamX AM Tower directs lightning energy away from its components through specific devices to prevent damage. It utilizes an Austin ring Transformer for lighting and employs a copper screening and radial system as integral parts of the tower's structure to manage lightning strikes effectively.
What equipment is present in the backup studio at the CamX AM Tower?
The backup studio at the CamX AM Tower is equipped with its own console and Newsroom, showcasing the facility's redundancy and preparedness. This setup ensures that operations can continue smoothly in case of any interruptions or technical issues in the main studio.
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Summary
00:00
"CamX AM Tower: Century-old RF powerhouse"
- The CamX AM Tower emits 50,000 watts of RF and has been operational for nearly a century.
- The Tower serves as an antenna, matched with capacitors and inductors to align with the feed.
- A copper screening and radial system are integral to the Tower's structure.
- A hollow tube cable carries the 50,000 watts, bonded to the Tower, with an Austin ring Transformer for lighting.
- Lightning energy is directed away from the Tower components through specific devices.
- A water drip loop prevents water from entering the building, adding impedance.
- The Tower's fence is electrically concealed for safety, with grounded fence posts and bonding.
- Porcelain insulators float the Tower above the Earth ground for effective transmission.
- The Tower room is grounded, with a gated area for safety and work purposes.
- The Tower's components include coils and capacitors to tune the signal for optimal transmission.
13:53
EMP-Proof Buildings: Ensuring Continuous Power Supply
- Cover does not block RF signals, allowing them to pass through clothes and other materials.
- FEMA planning involved creating EMP-proof buildings with generators and broadcast equipment at various PEP stations.
- Buildings designed to keep running for many days after EMP waves, with engineers conducting regular checks.
- Cables connect the building to the tower for fuel and signal transmission.
- Transmitter building also served as a full-time operator station managing audio levels.
- Generator room contains essential equipment like a compressor to maintain tower lines.
- Transfer switches handle different loads, ensuring continuous power supply.
- Power supply room had bag filters and a large fan to cool equipment.
- Remote control system and monitoring equipment installed for efficient operation.
- Efforts made to streamline the transmitter room, reducing its size for better functionality.
27:50
Efficient and Secure FM Transmitter Site Operations
- The site was designed for three transmitters, with the company allowing the purchase of a third one, which was a 6 Kow Doomsday third transmitter.
- Inside the FM transmitters, there were modules that efficiently modulated the waveform, making the AM transmitter cost-effective due to electric savings.
- The modulation system controlled the turning on and off of blocks to create the waveform, enhancing efficiency.
- The system utilized serial data to control the modulation, with fans in the housing aiding in cooling.
- The site featured cameras for security and monitoring purposes, allowing remote observation of activities and equipment.
- An exhaust system was in place to regulate air circulation, ensuring cool air flushed the back while warm air was expelled.
- A dehydrator with a desiccant pumping system maintained dry air for underground lines, crucial for preventing damage.
- The importance of maintaining pressure and keeping moisture out of cables underground was highlighted to prevent losses and damage.
- The site had a backup studio, equipped with its own console and Newsroom, showcasing the facility's redundancy and preparedness.
- The workshop on-site was well-equipped with tools, including a grinding wheel, meters, and electrical parts for maintenance and repairs.
41:36
Frogs causing chaos in engineering settings
- While at the studio, experiencing multiple interruptions, a frog caused an electrical issue by leaping onto equipment, requiring several transmitter restarts to resolve. Another incident involved a frog in a septic tank, illustrating the challenges of dealing with unexpected wildlife in engineering settings, often finding them deceased due to consuming something harmful.
