Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Name That Transmitter

This is topic Name That Transmitter in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=001567

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 11-28-2005, 12:28 AM:

In the early '70s, I worked at a Washington AM station that had one of these 1kW Collins transmitters as a backup.

Standing right next to this rig was our main, a 5kW version that was built in of 4 of the same style of cabinets... a pretty impressive lineup, side-by side. With a second final and some beefed-up iron, it could be sold as a 10kW transmitter.

I haven't been able to find any information on the 5kW model. Anyone here know what the model was, and over what years these transmitters were made?

They were some of the best sounding and most reliable plate-mod rigs I ever worked with.

...not to mention, unfazed by beginners! [Smile]

Posted by John McConnel (Member # 2000) on 11-28-2005, 09:04 PM:

Can't answer the question about the 5 kw. transmitter, but that's a handsome little DJ in the photo!

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-29-2005, 03:16 PM:

A local AM station had a Gates transmitter that look similar to what you describe.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-01-2005, 03:17 AM:

What kind of music rotation was that...one category? [Razz]

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 12-01-2005, 04:12 PM:

I never saw that model at any other station, I haven't found an online site that mentions it. Most of the Collins sites are dedicated to ham gear.

Gates did build a competitive 5/10kW design back then, but this cabinet was pretty distinctive.

The DJ is slightly older now.... [Smile]

The 45 rack was split... top songs on one side, recents on the other. We had a library of albums on the side wall and another full room of them in the back. 2 Gates turntables, 3 MaCarta cart machines, 2 classic Maggies and a Marti remote system built into a '65 Corvair van. The production room had even more classic gear.

We ran an 86 watt pre-sunrise authority, and a 5kW daytime power. We really lit people up at local sunrise.

The transmitter room was pretty colorful. We didn't convert the big box to diodes, and the old 8008's cast a nice blue glow over the room. Exhaust heat was ducted back to the furnace room. We only needed the furnace when we weren't full power.

Radio was a lot of fun back then!!

Posted by Chris Erwin (Member # 176) on 12-07-2005, 05:54 PM:

Jack,

Did it look anything like the 21E/M?

I ran a 5k Collins (the 21E, M is 10k) as backup to a Harris 5MWB. It had 3 cabinets and a boat anchor power xformer complete with PCB's! Big ol' warning sticker on the shack door and everything!

These were made in the 50's.

Let us know if that's it.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-07-2005, 06:15 PM:

Jack,

Here is a site with a 5kw Collins Model 21 . Might this be the one?

Mark

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-08-2005, 04:17 PM:

Chris: Now that is a MAN's transmitter (21-E) Louis

Posted by Chris Erwin (Member # 176) on 01-15-2006, 11:00 AM:

Louis,

Agreed. That boat anchor is STILL in Grayson,KY serving as backup. This beast was intimadating at age 15. Cool to watch the tubes glow with the modulation.

Jack,

Found your transmiiter?