The WLW Transmitter Facility in Mason, Ohio

[W2XR]

Since Dennis, W7TFO was kind enough to post some information recently with regard to the VOA facility associated at one time with WLW, I thought the gang would enjoy this YouTube video from Jim Hawkins, WA2WHV. It shows some nice views of the Blaw-Knox antenna and of the recent WLW tranmitter plant in Mason, OH.

In this video, you can clearly see the classic 500KW water-cooled, plate modulated rig as built in the early 1930s by the consortium of Westinghouse, GE, and RCA. The old and updated over the years Western Electric rig and the new Harris DX-50 are shown as well.

The 500KW rig has really been allowed to deteriorate with the passage of time, and miscellaneous electronic equipment appears to be strewn all over it. For what it is worth, it is my opinion that this landmark transmitter is worthy of more honorable treatment than what it has received. Perhaps one day, a group of local radio enthusiasts will obtain permission from the station to at least make some attempt at giving the old girl a good clean-up. My guess is that the WLW engineering staff either have no historical interest in the transmitter, or if they do, the station simply does not have or want to spend the funds for such a clean-up/restoration project.

A great video of a historic AM broadcast transmitter site.

73,

Bruce


Whoops! Sorry about that. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaaRRGi-jRM

[N8UH]

Linkee? 

[AB3L]

Maybe this one? Lots more to watch on the side bar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaaRRGi-jRM

[Mike/W8BAC]

In April 2007 I posted a short review of a new book about the Crosley Brothers and the empire they built.

http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=11906.0

You will find many interesting details about Crosley radio and the many other products they made. The authors chronicled the building of WLW "The Nation's Station" as well as the transmitters, properties and towers.

The Crosleys played a big part in the war effort with the development of the proximity sensing antiaircraft shell and other top secret (at the time) electronics. They helped win the hearts and minds of our allies and drove Hitler nuts with broadcasts from the Bethany OH short wave transmitters. All of this and much more in this book. Here is another review.

http://www.antiqueradio.com/bkrev1_09-07.html and a link to the book itself.

http://www.amazon.com/Crosley-Brothers-Business-Empire-Transformed/dp/1578602912

I hope you like it as much as I did.

Mike

[W3LSN]

The 500KW rig has really been allowed to deteriorate with the passage of time, and miscellaneous electronic equipment appears to be strewn all over it. For what it is worth, it is my opinion that this landmark transmitter is worthy of more honorable treatment than what it has received. Perhaps one day, a group of local radio enthusiasts will obtain permission from the station to at least make some attempt at giving the old girl a good clean-up. My guess is that the WLW engineering staff either have no historical interest in the transmitter, or if they do, the station simply does not have or want to spend the funds for such a clean-up/restoration project.

Clear Channel Engineering seems to have some sense and appreciation of the history of WLW. It's probably more of an issue of time and budget. IIRC when Paul Jellison was the chief engineer at WLW, he was instrumental in getting Clear Channel to fund the repair of the 50 KW Westinghouse "driver" for the 500 KW.  That rig was used OTA during New Year's Eve 2000.  I believe the rig is in disrepair again because of broken Pyrex piping.  My guess is the current chief has no staff and even less time to deal with the place.


73, Jim
WA2AJM/3

[KE5YTV]

Thanks for posting the video. I love these old transmitter tours. 

Mike

[k4kyv]

The video tour didn't show the huge modulation transformer and reactor. As I recall from an early photo, the mod xfmr is actually divided into two separate units, each cylindrical in shape and about as tall as a person.  Reportedly, the only reason the whole thing wasn't removed and trashed decades ago is that the building was constructed around the heavy components, and would have to be partially demolished to remove the stuff, so it is more cost effective to just leave it in place. With present-day copper prices, I'm surprised the bean-counters haven't already stripped out the tank coils and other removable components and sold them for scrap.

Back in the mid 70s when there was talk of allowing up to 750 kW on some US clear channel frequencies, it was said that the old transmitter would never be refurbished and put back into service because it wouldn't pass the updated proof-of-performance standards that existed in the 70s.

In Nashville, the WSM site, with a Blaw-Knox tower almost identical to the one at WLW, has been nominated for the national registry of historical places.
http://www.radio-info.com/news/wsm-am-radio-tower-could-become-an-historic-landmark

More WLW info here, with additional links at the bottom of the page:
http://www.ominous-valve.com/wlw.html

Discussion forum here
http://boards.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=179078.0