Listeners to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus radio station, WWSP 90FM, will soon enjoy more power behind the signal, thanks to important upgrades to the stations transmitter and broadcasting pattern.

According to John Gosz, senior electronics media tech in Information Technology and campus adviser to WWSP, a newly acquired Nautel V-10 transmitter will boost the stations power from 11,500 watts to 30,000 watts by August. The transmitters directional pattern will increase coverage to the east (Weyauwega), west (Neillsville) and to the south (Westfield). The directional pattern to the north will remain over the Mosinee region. The new transmitter is also digital ready, meaning that with an added modification, WWSP will be able to broadcast in High Definition audio in the future.

"We just received Federal Communication Commission (FCC) authorization for our application for this transmission upgrade," said Gosz. "Now our staff will run a standard program test on the antenna within a month, file those results with the FCC, and expect final FCC approval and all transmission upgrades operational well before the fall semester begins."

Another improvement to the transmission facility is the replacement of the 255-foot towers flashing beacon and obstruction lights. Formerly an incandescent light sat at the top of the tower, it has since been replaced by an array of LEDs (light emitting diodes) that is the equivalent brightness of sixteen 100-watt lightbulbs left on 5000 hours per year. According to Gosz, the energy savings in the obstruction lights, the antenna modification, and new technology efficiency in the transmitter will allow the station to put out the stronger signal without increasing its total electricity usage. More energy savings improvements are planned, Gosz said.

Most of the funds for the project ($72,500) were provided by the Friends of 90FM Foundation, with UWSPs Student Government Association (SGA) contributing another $20,000. SGA also kicked in $4,000 for the high efficiency tower light upgrade with an additional $820 from the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Focus on Energy Program. David Voss, energy adviser from Focus on Energy, and Gary Oudenhoven, account executive from WPS, have been actively working with UWSP on a variety of energy sustainability and conservation projects with more planned for the future. Since 2001, Focus on Energy has provided information and funding to help Wisconsin residences and businesses, like UWSP, reduce energy use.

Last summer, Chancellor Linda Bunnell was among the first of more than 250 other college and university presidents to formally commit to reduction and eventual elimination of all of their campus global warming emissions. Upgrades at 90FM are part of the overall strategy to lessen the campus carbon footprint.

-30-

tm/vc/WWSP transmitter 08