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Latest Amateur Radio Updates:
Thursday, October 22, 2009:
For more than 10 years I have been
saying that Atlanta needs a Party Dance Station and as of this week its here. “Groove at 105.7” broadcasting from
Canton, GA under the calls WWVA is set to serve the northern 3/4 of the Atlanta Metro Area Market from its Radio Tower
off I-575 and Sixes Road (or Sweat Mountain in Marietta; online and FCC data conflicts).
Songs in the Play list includes a wide variety of dance or dance type hits including Britney Spears “Womanizer”; Black Eyed Peas; Madonna “Get into the Groove”; DJ Sammy “Heaven; Outcast “I Like the Way You Move”; Blondie “Heart of Glass”; Destiny’s Child “Never Gonna Get It”; Shakira “Hips Don’t Lie”; Heavy D & the Boyz “Now that We Found Love” and “Retro Groove Injections” like KC & the Sunshine Band “That’s the Way I Like It”. “102.5 the Party” 102.1 and 102.5 in Nashville has flirted with this type of format several times in the past five years, but mainly stay more towards the Hip-Hop edge much like Atlanta’s “955 the Beat” and “Q-100”. It will be interesting to see over time if 105.7 the Groove goes more into techno style artists such as Darude, Tiesto, like other Dance Radio Stations over the years such as Miami’s “Party 93.7”, Phoenix’s “Energy 92.7 and 101.1” and online stations “Energy 98” and “iPartyRadio.com” Another thing to watch is how this will affect “Q-100” and “Star-94”’s Saturday Night Programming.
The 105.7 frequency has rotated formats many times first stating as Country at 105.5 just serving the Canton Area, then once FCC approval came for a tower upgrade, they have tried simulcast FM-Talk with WGST, Classic Hits, Spanish and now this new Adult Contemporary/Rhytmic Classified Format. Clear Channel also owns the 105.3 frequency in Bowden, GA which also broadcasts a radio format targeted at Spanish listeners. They will merge the two formats into the 105.3 signal. Good Luck “Maximum Music Station at 105.7” I will be listening. I have a reason to turn off the IPOD when in Atlanta. Enjoy 10,000 Groovy songs in a Row. I just hope they cut down on the Disco and add more European Dance/Techno.
Friday, August 21, 2009:
FM Frequency from Rome is attempting a Rim-Shot into the Northwest Metro Atlanta Area. Today
I bumped onto a new FM signal located at 93.5. The station occupying the frequency goes by
the Non-ID “935 Life-FM” and is targeted at “Kennesaw, Rome, Cave Springs” or “Coosa, Calhoun
and Acworth” and all areas in range. This station at one time was Rome’s News Talk Station
WSRM and is still using those calls as a leased station; however we are not certain if those
calls will be changed to reflect the non-id. The signal is strong driving along I-75 into
Northwest Georgia; however the signal is weak at my house four miles East of Town Center Mall
in Kennesaw, so adding Kennesaw and Acworth as service areas is a little bit of a stretch.
This station plays Contemporary “Upbeat” Christian music (some of which is good) but this
adds to the already three Christian formats serving the Atlanta Area which includes WCCV 91.7
Carterville (also with translators at 92.1 Canton, 92.3 Marietta, 100.9 Woodstock and many
others), 104.7 the Fish WFSH Athens-Atlanta, and J-93.3 WVFJ Manchester-Atlanta. Interesting
attempt at increasing advertising revenue by repositioning as a NW Atlanta Radio station, but
only time will tell if it has any effect on current radio players. The most effected with
be 91.7 WCCV, but they are not as heavy into music.
Saturday, August 8, 2009:
Nashville’s 106.7 get a new format. Late in July WNFN in Belle Meade/Nashville flipped
formats in favor of Top-40 Mainstream music under the name “I-106”. For longtime Nashville
Residents 107.5-the River used to have the Non-Id of “Y-107”, a coincidence?? This will
give Nashville its third Top-40 station and leave them without an ESPN Radio Format until
another station picks up the syndication. I-106 started with 1006 songs in a row, and I
have to admit has a very good mix of music. The Top-40 format is also carried in Nashville
by “107.5-the River” and the “102 the Party” at 102.1 and 102.5 (which goes a little more
into the Rhythmic/Rap)(Not a Dance station!). Nashville actually has very strong signals
from an additional three rim shot signals all from other local cities which can be received
from the car in downtown. These include “Wow-Wow-107(.1)” from Bowling Green, Kentucky,
“Magic 98.5” with a very strong signal from Cookeville, TN and WZYP from Huntsville, AL
which can be received in the southern parts of downtown. An additional fourth out of town
top-40 format signal is also available to parts of Nashville on 106.9 from
Monterey-Cookeville-Crossville, TN from Kicks-106.9 although this signal is a little weaker.
The ratings books will be
interesting over the next couple of years to see who looses the challenge or if all three
can remain liquid carrying the relatively same format.
Nashville's I-106 Website
Monday, June 22, 2009:
Jack is Back in Chattanooga! The Jack-FM radio format in Chattanooga, TN was located on 95.7 as WHJK until the format
was switched to Pulse News, a News and Talk radio Format under the call letters WPLZ. However while driving through the
city I found the Jack FM format on the 93.1 FM signal which is a Northeast rim-shot broadcaster WSSA, however data or
location of transmitter has not yet been determined. Just like all smaller Chattanooga Stations, the signal begins
around the I-24 & I-59 intersection when coming out of the mountains from Nashville, but this signal while weak, did
provide a signal south of Dalton, GA. Jack FM is a radio format that plays a very large library of music from the 70’s,
80’s, 90’s and today with a focus on the 80’s. WSSA will transmit the closest Jack format to the city of Atlanta;
however it is too weak to be received like some of the larger Chattanooga stations (ex: 96.5 the Mountain, KZ 106
(106.5) and US-101 (100.7). There is another Jack radio station located in Murfreesboro/Nashville at 96.3-Jack FM and there
is an estimated 100 more through the US and Canada. Jack-FM’s slogan is “We Play What We Want” and sometimes this is a good thing..
--- Jack Format also located near Charleston, SC at 97.7
--- Jack Format also availiable in Mobile, AL at 104.1
Sunday, June 5, 2009:
June 12th is the big day and are you Ready? All Full Power Broadcast Channels stop Broadcasting
in Analog signal, the standard which has been around for years, and switch to digital broadcasting.
There are many advantages to Digital Broadcasting. First, more information (multiple channels) can
occupy the same space. Second If you get the signal it is Crystal Clear, no ghosting, no static
interference. You either get the channel or you don’t. There is no in between (outside of freeze ups). On issue however,
the digital channels appear to be harder to receive here in the Atlanta Area. I have had a HDTV for
a couple of years and while living in a fourth floor Apartment on Windy Hill Road, I could receive
all Digital Channels in Atlanta just using a connected piece of speaker wire. However up near the
Town Center Mall area of Northeast Cobb County with rabbit ears only one channel, 5 (WAGA-Fox) can
be received. Using an outdoor antenna I get most channels, but 11 (WXIA-NBC) and 36 (WB) do not
serve my area with a suitable signal. I am do not worry however, as I subscribe to cable, and I
was just testing but not relying on antenna service. Here are links to help you out on Friday,
June 12th when you television goes dark. If you have any questions feel free to email and I will
help you out.
Dtv Answeres with $40 Coupon Application
AntennaWeb.org - TV antenna Information based on Zip Codes & Channel
One second note Comcast Cable also informed me that their service in my area is also going Digital for all Extended Basic Channels (non-local channels) also in June so all televisions will be required to use a converter box (which they will more than happy to rent to you). They loan each house two boxes at this moment to make the transition. They claim that when the conversion is complete, the new HDTV tuners with ATSC and QUAM tuners will still require a converter box, which if true I find appalling as that is why the QUAM television standard was set up.
MSN Story - Digital Cable Transition
Again if you need any help feel free to ask.. Paul KE4NFU
Tuesday, April 21, 2009: New FM Signal in Atlanta!
Atlanta has a new FM Radio Signal. Well actually and old one is back. WWWQ-HD2 which is now known
as the Old 99x is broadcasting from 97.9 FM as “99x on 97.9”. Broadcasting from the low power
translator W250BC located in Riverdale, GA its signal can be heard in the car North of Cumming.
Transmitting with an antenna height of 1,000 feet and a very limited 250 watts, the station
give a good broadcast signal to the North side the Atlanta Metro Area in the car, however in my
Marietta home, interference from 97.7 in Rome, GA and stations on 98.1 destroy the signal. The
station returns Commercial Alternative broadcasting to the Atlanta metro area which was partially
covered by “Project 961” and “Rock-100.5” in some of their play lists. 99x was widely known as
one of the first Commercial Alternative format radio stations in the United States and is widely
credited with helping launch the new broadcast genre in the early 1990s. It is great to hear old
music favorites on the radio, however an outside antenna may be needed in the house if listening
is desired OTP (outside the perimeter).
Thursday, April 01, 2009: Atlanta Radio does some Flipping!
Atlanta for the last few years has maintained a rather steady and STAGNET radio industry over the last
few years. Some exceptions to this was WPCH (Light Rock) switching to WBUL (Country) and the new
Move in 105.3 frequency rolling from 80s to talk to its current format of Spanish in the last couple
of years. Also Atlanta witnessed the migration of 102.3 in Buford and 100.1 on the north side also
to Spanish Broadcasting. But there has been a real shakeup for most of the Atlanta Radio Cluster in
Atlanta. 107.5 “Jazz Flavor” and 97.5 “Gospel” have both merged to form “107-5 97-5 Magic FM”
playing R&B Mix of the 70s, 80s and 90s along with major syndicated programs. The gospel format has
moved to Mableton’s 102.5 as “Praise 102.5”. With every modification of the Atlanta Radio Format
structure comes more R&B, more Spanish. Of the stations left in the Rock, Soft Rock and even Country
formats come more mainstream convergence in programming. I have heard the same song play on Star94,
Q100, 955 the Beat, Hot 107.5, and a possible Pirate Energy 98 in the same hour. The same statement
can be made for the same Eagles song being played on 949 the Bull, 971 the River, B98.5 and Rock
100.5 in a two hour period.
Atlanta has relatively few radio stations for its size and much less format selections than even
smaller cities like Nashville, TN; St. Louis, MO and even Albuquerque, NM which all have much more
radio variety. Why not try other innovative radio format mixes. “The Point” stations in Tampa
and Jacksonville, FL plays an upbeat rock selection of the late 70s, 80s and early 90s and is very
good. “Jack-FM” format stations are on many other stations; they play a little variety of
everything. “92.9 Dave-FM” is a rather bad attempt at this idea by only concentrating on a very
small niche and small library of songs. “Energy” or “Party” formats are another radio option and
my favorite. These stations play Dance music: Not Disco, but Club music and Club mixes of Popular
Music both Current and from the Past. Party type radio stations have fallen off radio dials in
cities such as Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, and Los Angeles so this option may not every be given a
viable chance in Atlanta. This format is however available online. One final interest format
which I found from listening to what may be a local Pirate was introduced by KNRJ (known nationwide at
“Energy 98” out of Phoenix). They recently dumped their dance format to introduce “Classic
Hip-Hop” playing the best music of early and current Hip Hop Genre. I actually have listed to
the station online several times as it is rather entertaining as you are older. However like all
other stations: REPETITION may also hurt that station.
One thing that is killing the radio industry and satellite radio industry is the constant repetition
of the same 30-50 songs for months. More variety is needed. As time passes more music is in the
library, SO PLAY IT! Back to Boortz and Clark Howard maybe they should go to FM!
Sunday, October 19, 2008, I've Moved!! I have again relocated this time back into a location about 5 Miles east of Town Center Mall (I-75 & I-575 junction) This house already has antennas up, so I will be on HF, VHF and UHF with a great line of sight signal!
November 7, 2007 - I have officially became licensed as
a General Class Operator....Now spreading my QRM worldwide!
Wednesday, May 11, 2004: Atlanta Radio format Merry Go Round Continues:
The format wheels has flipped AGAIN at 105.3 FM in Atlanta (Bowden).
First, WWVA "Viva 105.3" has moved to the WLCL 105.7 frequency out of Canton (SweatMT) as "Viva 105.7". WBZY
"967 the Buzz" has moved from its very weak signal in Peachtree City, Georgia to a much stronger signal out of the
105.3 transmission facility in Bowdon, Georgia as "1053 the Buzz". This allows the Buzz Alternative/Rock format to better cover most
of metro Atlanta, and allows for a more equal competition against WNNX "99-x". The only real losers in this
move is the already displaced oldies listeners which have already moved from "Fox 97" to the "Cool 105.7" WLCL
a couple of years ago. For them Sunny 100.1 is a stretch to the North out of Ellijay, GA but may be possible. Currently questions still remain on what the 96.7 Peachtree City frequency will broadcast, although rumors float
that they will also simulcast the Spainish Viva Format to the South Metro area. Mayby Clear Channel will be wise and
introduce Atlanta to a new format such as a Party Dance station like XM's BPM or Energy927/101.1 out of Arizona.
Friday, March 18, 2005, I've Moved!! I have finally settled into my new place. I have moved out of my parents house and into a friends house. I now live off Exit 14 of I-575 in Canton, GA, unfortunatley, I currently live in a bowl, so currently QSOs into all the Atlanta and even the Kennehoochee repeaters have failed. Maybe the new Cherokee Country Amatuer Radio Club will have me? Once I get settled and antennas get installed I will give it a try again and return to QSO contacts. Thanks for all the emails!!!
Friday, July 23, 2004: Z-93 and Classic Rock gone from Atlanta, Georgia. I will have to say this format change took me by surprise. WZGC has changed from classic rock to a wide mix of 80s, 90s and current rock as "92.9 Dave FM." A couple of years ago Z-93 and move in "Mix 105.7" together competed for the classic rock listeners. Z-93 leaning more towards classic rock and Mix-105.7 leaning slightly more towards Adult-Album Alternative. Once Mix-105.7 switched to "Cool 105.7" as an oldies station when that format was abandoned by WFOX for Urban/Rap as "97-Jams", I figured Z-93 would be fairly safe and alone in the Classic Rock format, but they decided to make a switch anyway.
I expected format changes from WMAX "Real-Radio 105.3", WFOX "97.1-Jams" or WWWQ "Q-100.5", whose ratings sit near the bottom but Z-93 was not expected, because its niche listeners and middle rating points. I will have to say I like the station so far, and have already changed my presets in the car. Now just give Atlanta a Party Dance and true Adult-Album Alternative station and Atlanta's radio will be great! Here is Dave FM's Website: www.929davefm.com
Friday, January 30, 2004: 105.3 the 80s Channel in Atlanta will change formats today at 6:00 PM according to on air announcements and rumors at www.allacesss.com. Most believe it will be real talk and has already announced that MJ evening show will be carried from 3-6 Pm, and the MJ morning show is out as of today. This idea already failed with WGST 105.7 out of Canton/Atlanta with the same company just years ago. Why can't it switch to all dance or Adult Album Alternative.
Thursday, January 29, 2004: Good Job ARRL!! No Code HF privleges for Novice and Technician Hams may be coming soon if the FCC accepts the ARRL's new plan. Currently I have half the code down, but this has always been an sore spot with me, since not everyone uses code. I have always thought this requirement was a waste of time (in a busy society) and would eventually kill the hobby off. I personally have the General Written test down, the Equipment installed, and am ready to go HF except for the Morse Code requirement!! For more info goto the ARRL HomePage. I can't wait, I could be talking worldwide maybe this summer!!
Wednesday, February 19, 2003: Great Ham Radio Band Opening on 2m & 440 bands: 5 Watts to Nashville, TN, QSOs with Panama City, FL; Corbin, KY. Check out the new Ham Band Openings Page. Updates will be made as Duct and Skip conditions allow.
Friday, January 23, 2003:
Check out the new Ham Homepage (this page) and click all the new links in the
hamradio section which gives information on my equipment, area repeater frequencies,
contacts, and other ham radio websites:
My Ham Shack,
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Atlanta FM Ham Frequencies
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Callsign Contacts
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Ham Radio Links
Email me with questions or comments!!
Friday, October 25, 2002: Check out the new XM Satellite Radio page on this new exciting satellite radio service and Sony's exciting Plug and Play car and home receiver
Later we all moved into a house outside of Marietta, Georgia where reception of Atlanta
stations was very good. In the late 80's the sunspot cycle peak, our high elevation,
and weather conditions all converged allowing me to log many extra stations such as:
WYHY 107.5 FM (now WRVY) from Nashville, TN; WQLT 107.3 FM from Florence, AL; WCVQ 107.9
from Fort Campbell, KY; and KYKY Y-98.1 from Saint Louis, MO. These exceptional radio distances were achieved by just using an
analog tuning boom box and its attached rod antenna. After that the search was on to build
the antenna that worked the best. On my FM Stations page is a list of all the FM Radio
stations that were received from within Cobb County, with most occurring from my house. Now
with a more crowded FM band, FM DXing is much harder, but it still occurs through E-skip and
Tropospheric Ducting..
The next logical step was a Tech Class Amateur Radio License, which I earned in July of 1994.
Ham Radio allows me to test all my ham-building theories and build antennas for all the bands.
Most don't work as planned, but occasionally a real prize is created. I can regularly with
5-10 watts talk into the Chattanooga, TN area repeaters at 145.35-, 146.61- 146.76-, and 146.91-.
Once the W4AM repeater at 146.61- MHz allowed me to carry out my farthest 2-meter QSO with
a truck driver driving near Crossville, Tennessee along Interstate 40 at nearly 250 miles away!!..
In July of 1994, I earned my Tech Class Amateur Radio License, which officially granted
me the title and the right to call myself a Ham Radio Operator. The FCC issued me the
callsign of KE4NFU (kilo-echo-4-november-foxtrot-uniform) for those who have a hard time
hearing it (I might need to increase power!).
Over the last few years I have made many FM Simplex and Repeater contacts
to other ham radio operators. Most contacts were achieved within the Atlanta Area. But
other contacts occurred throughout the state of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and even a couple in
Colorado from the top of Pike's Peak while traveling. On this page I hope to give information
for both other Ham Radio Operators and those interested in entering into this technology
driven communication hobby. The links on the right lead to pages that display my
complete equipment arsenal, Atlanta ham radio frequencies, Ham Contacts made, and
links to ham related webpages, equipment manufactures, and local clubs.
Currently I am a member of Big Shanty Repeater Group that is located in the Northwest Atlanta metro Area. The club maintains several 2 meter, 220, and 440 repeaters covering the Atlanta area through multiple receive sites which all link up to the one repeater. I also one day plan to be a member of both the Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club and Atlanta Radio Club to help fund both clubs investments into maintaining equipment and adding further features and advances into the systems.
On this website I give frequencies, a look at my equipment arsenal, and links to information on the exciting hobby of Amateur Radio and FM/AM DX monitoring.. Click the links and most importantly: HAVE FUN!! 73..
Paul J. Lossner
KE4NFU
The list below is a local list, for more information on testing sites visit the ARRL link above:
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3rd Saturday of the Month: Marietta United Methodist Church 56 Whitlock Ave. Room 319 Marietta Time at 9:00 AM
1st Tuesday of the Month: |
4th Sunday of the Month: Georgia Tech Room 301 of Ga Tech Student Center Time at 2:30 PM |
Have Fun and Enjoy!
Paul Lossner
KE4NFU
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