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Seven hundred and fifty episodes of TWiRT! Wow! It’s my honor today to welcome two innovative broadcast engineers and businessmen - and business partners with Telos Alliance - Tyler Everitt and Grant Biebrick. We’re learning about the practical equipment and systems that their company, Pippin Technical Service (PTS) brings to Canadian broadcasters. Tyler and Grant reveal the innovative networked devices and systems that PTS has developed and installed at hundreds of facilities in Canada. Show Notes:PTSBeacon is essentially an IoT (Internet of Things) device for your Livewire network.PTSAurora controls complex lighting indications on modern mic arms - and more.Born of necessity and tradition, PTSPKR is perfect for broadcast audio monitoring.PTSxR1 is incredibly versatile, and exactly the compute platform that broadcasters need. Guests:Tyler Everitt - President/CEO at Pippin Technical ServiceGrant Biebrick - Sales & Marketing Specialist at Pippin Technical ServiceHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Seven hundred and fifty episodes of TWiRT! Wow! It's my honor today to welcome two innovative broadcast engineers and businessmen - and business partners with Telos Alliance - Tyler Everitt and Grant Biebrick. We're learning about the practical equipment and systems that their company, Pippin Technical Service (PTS) brings to Canadian broadcasters. Tyler and Grant reveal the innovative networked devices and systems that PTS has developed and installed at hundreds of facilities in Canada.
Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is renowned for its significant contributions to gospel and Christian music, particularly through its alumni who have achieved fame in these genres. Groups like Take 6 and soloists such as Brian McNight are alumni of Oakwood, along with many, many more. Oakwood is also home to WJOU-FM, and we all know that university-owned radio stations often go a couple decades between serious studio upgrades. WJOU is overdue for new equipment, and not just for the sake of newness. Indeed, the station’s leadership staff recognizes the need for more diverse music and talk programming, but one signal isn’t enough. So, WJOU-FM is remodeling and building new studios to accommodate four different formats, and finishing an HD Radio transmission system to accommodate them. Good leadership and big upgrades go hand-in-hand, so on this episode we’re meeting with Dawna Baker and Dammeon Malone from WJOU, and with broadcast system integrator, Josh Bohn and field engineer Mike Hutchens from MaxxKonnect. Together they’re give us a worthy overview of this major upgrade process from the perspectives of management, operations, and engineering. Show Notes:WJOU-FM’s web siteDawna Baker is the Morning Joy host on WJOUTechnical info on WJOU-FM from Radio-LocatorMaxxKonnect Technical Services Guests:Dawna Baker - General Manager at WJOU-FMDammeon Malone - Asst. GM and Program Director at WJOU-FMJosh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnect GroupMike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at MaxxKonnect GroupHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is renowned for its significant contributions to gospel and Christian music, particularly through its alumni who have achieved fame in these genres. Groups like Take 6 and soloists such as Brian McNight are alumni of Oakwood, along with many, many more. Oakwood is also home to WJOU-FM, and we all know that university-owned radio stations often go a couple decades between serious studio upgrades. WJOU is overdue for new equipment, and not just for the sake of newness. Indeed, the station's leadership staff recognizes the need for more diverse music and talk programming, but one signal isn't enough. So, WJOU-FM is remodeling and building new studios to accommodate four different formats, and finishing an HD Radio transmission system to accommodate them. Good leadership and big upgrades go hand-in-hand, so on this episode we're meeting with Dawna Baker and Dammeon Malone from WJOU, and with broadcast system integrator, Josh Bohn and field engineer Mike Hutchens from MaxxKonnect. Together they're give us a worthy overview of this major upgrade process from the perspectives of management, operations, and engineering.
The Story of the Broadcast Cart Machine is fascinating, especially to those of us who used them on-air, or installed and repaired them as engineers. Andy Rector, who was heavily involved in the business of broadcast cart machines, joins us for Part 2 of our exploration into this history. We’ll go through the 1970s and 1980s, as new broadcast cart machines were developed and deployed. We’ll follow this story arc right up to the late 1990s, when Andy says was really the end of that cart machine era. Show Notes:An Afternoon with John “Jack” Mullin - A video by the Audio Engineering Society Guest:Andy Rector - Broadcast Equipment HistorianHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
The Story of the Broadcast Cart Machine is fascinating, especially to those of us who used them on-air, or installed and repaired them as engineers. Andy Rector, who was heavily involved in the business of broadcast cart machines, joins us for Part 2 of our exploration into this history. We'll go through the 1970s and 1980s, as new broadcast cart machines were developed and deployed. We'll follow this story arc right up to the late 1990s, when Andy says was really the end of that cart machine era.
Most of us in radio engineering have worked with broadcast cart machines. While it’s been a good 25 or 30 years since we’ve had them in our studios, we’ll never forget the pleasure - and occasional pain - of using them and maintaining them. But how did cart machines come to be? Were they always like the ones we grew up with in the 70s and 80s? Or did the development come with fits and starts? Andy Rector worked with broadcast carts nearly from the very beginning of their existence. He’s been interviewed many times and provided historical presentations to SBE groups, AES sections, and others. We’re delighted to have Andy Rector join us on this TWiRT episode to look at the early days of broadcast cart machines and the early technologies employed. Show Notes:These Were the Carts of Our Lives - Radio World article Guest:Andy Rector - Broadcast Equipment HistorianHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Most of us in radio engineering have worked with broadcast cart machines. While it's been a good 25 or 30 years since we've had them in our studios, we'll never forget the pleasure - and occasional pain - of using them and maintaining them. But how did cart machines come to be? Were they always like the ones we grew up with in the 70s and 80s? Or did the development come with fits and starts? Andy Rector worked with broadcast carts nearly from the very beginning of their existence. He's been interviewed many times and provided historical presentations to SBE groups, AES sections, and others. We're delighted to have Andy Rector join us on this TWiRT episode to look at the early days of broadcast cart machines and the early technologies employed.
Young broadcast engineers are few and far between, but Cameron Lasley is making a big difference for broadcasters in Kentucky. Cam’s primary role is with wireless broadband technologies; he’s the owner of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Kentucky. On a future TWiRT episode we’ll discover Cam’s broadcast engineering experiences, but on this show we’re finding out about the WiFi technologies that power IP radio links. These are links that broadcasters - as well as WISPs - use every day. We’ll gain understanding of link budgets and margins, as well as best practices for modulation schemes and frequency band selection for IP radio links. There’s a lot of great information for us broadcast engineers to absorb on this episode of TWiRT. Show Notes:Telecast Communications websiteRF Elements Horn AntennasUbiquiti AirMagic video tutorialUbiquiti Link PlannerTP Link Aginet - WISP end to end management Guest:Cam Lasley - Owner at Telecast Communications, LLCHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Young broadcast engineers are few and far between, but Cameron Lasley is making a big difference for broadcasters in Kentucky. Cam's primary role is with wireless broadband technologies; he's the owner of a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Kentucky. On a future TWiRT episode we'll discover Cam's broadcast engineering experiences, but on this show we're finding out about the WiFi technologies that power IP radio links. These are links that broadcasters - as well as WISPs - use every day. We'll gain understanding of link budgets and margins, as well as best practices for modulation schemes and frequency band selection for IP radio links. There's a lot of great information for us broadcast engineers to absorb on this episode of TWiRT.
Today’s TWiRT webcast is a double-header - two guests on very different yet important topics. First up is Robbie Hulett, owner of Tower Maintenance Corp. Robbie shares his company’s work and achievements on social media, keeping broadcasters abreast of current trends in the tower maintenance field. Perhaps some of TMC’s work will prompt others to check on and maintain their vertical structures with the attention they deserve. And Bayard “Bud” Walters - a Nashville-based radio group owner - gives us his candid thoughts about the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” regulatory reform program. The NAB has filed lengthy comments and suggestions, and Bud, owner of Cromwell Broadcasting, has a few thoughts of his own to share. See if you agree or disagree! Guests:Robbie Hulett - Owner at Tower Maintenance CorporationBayard “Bud” Walters - Owner and President at Cromwell MediaHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Today's TWiRT webcast is a double-header - two guests on very different yet important topics. First up is Robbie Hulett, owner of Tower Maintenance Corp. Robbie shares his company's work and achievements on social media, keeping broadcasters abreast of current trends in the tower maintenance field. Perhaps some of TMC's work will prompt others to check on and maintain their vertical structures with the attention they deserve. And Bayard “Bud” Walters - a Nashville-based radio group owner - gives us his candid thoughts about the FCC's “Delete, Delete, Delete” regulatory reform program. The NAB has filed lengthy comments and suggestions, and Bud, owner of Cromwell Broadcasting, has a few thoughts of his own to share. See if you agree or disagree!
Congratulations to Paul Shulins, co-owner of Over The Air RF Consulting. He is the recipient of the 2025 NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award, which was presented at the NAB Show on April 8. Paul joins us on TWiRT, along with Chris Tarr, to talk about recognizing broadcast engineers and their contributions and recognition in the broadcast industry. We’ll also look at some moments and technical achievements in Paul’s career, plus discuss engineers’ role in the future of radio broadcasting. Guest:Paul Shulins - Broadcast Engineering Consultant and Co-Owner at Over the Air RF ConsultingHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Congratulations to Paul Shulins, co-owner of Over The Air RF Consulting. He is the recipient of the 2025 NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award, which was presented at the NAB Show on April 8. Paul joins us on TWiRT, along with Chris Tarr, to talk about recognizing broadcast engineers and their contributions and recognition in the broadcast industry. We'll also look at some moments and technical achievements in Paul's career, plus discuss engineers' role in the future of radio broadcasting.
The NAB Show 2025, held from April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased a wide array of cutting-edge technical exhibits focused on media, entertainment, and technology innovations. There’s no way that TWiRT could bring you a wide look at the whole show, but we did manage to interview ten broadcast industry insiders in just over an hour, and we present them to you on this episode! From England to Australia, from the Netherlands to Florida, and from Minnetonka to Los Angeles, we’re letting you in on the technical and industry conversations that exemplify our experiences at NAB. Special thanks to Broadcast Bionics for providing a set for TWiRT production, and the bandwidth to send you our show! Guests:Phil Bignell - Broadcast Systems Architect at Broadcast BionicsDavid Smedley - Senior Support Specialist at Aiir.comReinier van Mourik - Chief Technical Officer at Triple Audio, NetherlandsIan Campbell - Strategic Accounts Director at AVC, AustraliaJon Shute - Sales at Broadcasters General Store (BGS)Travis Tibbot - Sales at Broadcasters General Store (BGS)Doug Irwin - Regional Engineering Lead at iHeart Media, Los AngelesJohn Schur - President at Telos Alliance TV Solutions GroupDan McQuillin - Managing Director at Broadcast BionicsRobert Combs - Director Of Engineering - Corporate at Cumulus MediaHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
The NAB Show 2025, held from April 5-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased a wide array of cutting-edge technical exhibits focused on media, entertainment, and technology innovations. There's no way that TWiRT could bring you a wide look at the whole show, but we did manage to interview ten broadcast industry insiders in just over an hour, and we present them to you on this episode! From England to Australia, from the Netherlands to Florida, and from Minnetonka to Los Angeles, we're letting you in on the technical and industry conversations that exemplify our experiences at NAB. Special thanks to Broadcast Bionics for providing a set for TWiRT production, and the bandwidth to send you our show!
Public radio has an audience size of around 30 million weekly radio listeners with a broader reach exceeding 57 million when including digital platforms. Public Radio engineers play a critical role in building, upgrading, and maintaining the needed facilities and infrastructure. Broadcasters go to the NAB show in Las Vegas to see and hear what’s new in the broadcast and media industries, and the Public Radio Engineering Conference (PREC) is one of the first events surrounding each NAB show. The PREC is public radio's annual get-together for engineers, technologists, leaders and creators of all experience levels. TWiRT is excited to bring you some of the key players - engineers, consultants, and equipment experts. Show Notes:APRE - The Association of Public Radio Engineers - apre.us Guests:Alex Hartman - KVSC-FM & Optimized Media GroupJohn George - RF SpecialtiesJim Gray - Optimized media GroupRob Bertrand - Partner at Inrush Broadcast ServicesScott Hanley - General Manager at WZUM Pittsburgh Public MediaHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Public radio has an audience size of around 30 million weekly radio listeners with a broader reach exceeding 57 million when including digital platforms. Public Radio engineers play a critical role in building, upgrading, and maintaining the needed facilities and infrastructure. Broadcasters go to the NAB show in Las Vegas to see and hear what's […]
Never miss a chance to talk with John Bisset, author of the Workbench column in Radio World magazine. John joins us along with Chris Tarr to reveal useful tricks and techniques that any broadcast engineer will find helpful. See this episode’s Show Notes (on this show’s listing on YouTube and at ThisWeekInRadioTech.com). From an easy way to print cable labels, to saving your knees, to marking combo locks with the little-known resistor color code, John brings us some fun and useful ideas for living a better engineering life. Show Notes:Brother P-Touch Heat Shrink Label Tubing (on Amazon) - check compatibility with your P-TouchSave your knees when working down low with a Husky Soft Foam Kneeling Pad (Home Depot)John and Chris recommend a First Aid Kit for remote sites. Here’s one that may be just right.No water at a transmitter site? You can clean the outdoor coils with this no-rinse spray (Amazon link). Guest:John Bisset - Western US Sales at Telos Alliance & Workbench columnist at Radio WorldSend technical and engineering tips to John at johnpbisset over at gmail. Hosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Never miss a chance to talk with John Bisset, author of the Workbench column in Radio World magazine. John joins us along with Chris Tarr to reveal useful tricks and techniques that any broadcast engineer will find helpful. See this episode's Show Notes (on this show's listing on YouTube and at ThisWeekInRadioTech.com). From an easy way to print cable labels, to saving your knees, to marking combo locks with the little-known resistor color code, John brings us some fun and useful ideas for living a better engineering life.
Kathy Stieler and Clark Lindstrom, two prominent leaders in the communication tower industry, are discuss best practices and emerging trends in safety within the broadcast tower sector. Kathy, affiliated with NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors), emphasizes the importance of standardized training and certification programs to ensure worker competency and safety compliance. Clark, who oversees safety initiatives at American Tower, highlights the role of technology in identifying hazards and reducing on-site risks. Both guests promote a proactive safety culture, where regular audits, clear communication, and employee empowerment are prioritized. The conversation underscores the industry's ongoing commitment to evolving safety standards amid increasing demand for reliable broadcast infrastructure.
Ya gotta love Dustin Tatro’s journey into and through radio broadcasting. Voicing PSAs at 4 years old got Dustin an early start. Then working as a DJ, along with musical interests, honed his technical and operational skills. Now as a General Manager and Ops Manager, Dustin has demonstrably learned the engineering side of radio broadcasting. Indeed, his SBE certification, CBRE, attests to that. Dustin joins Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack to discuss AoIP, audio processing, work working nicely, even with competing radio stations. Indeed, he joins us from the KORQ-FM transmitter site. Also on today’s show, we talk with David Bialik. He and Fred Willard are coordinating the SBE Ennes Workshop in Las Vegas. Their track is “Media over IP”. David gives us information and plenty of reasons to sign up and be there! Show Notes:Register for the SBE Ennes Workshop @ the 2025 NAB Show Guests:Dustin Tatro, CBRE - Radio Station Manager, Chief Engineer, Sports OrganistDavid Bialik - Director of Engineering for MediaCo NYHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Ya gotta love Dustin Tatro's journey into and through radio broadcasting. Voicing PSAs at 4 years old got Dustin an early start. Then working as a DJ, along with musical interests, honed his technical and operational skills. Now as a General Manager and Ops Manager, Dustin has demonstrably learned the engineering side of radio broadcasting. Indeed, his SBE certification, CBRE, attests to that. Dustin joins Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack to discuss AoIP, audio processing, work working nicely, even with competing radio stations. Indeed, he joins us from the KORQ-FM transmitter site.
SD-WAN - Software-Defined Wide-Area Network - is a technology implementation designed to bring better reliability and performance to IP connections over distance. Whether across town, to remote offices, or to remote transmitter sites, SD-WAN technologies are gaining interest among broadcast engineers and IT staff. It turns out there are a lot of features - optional but useful features - that can be deployed alongside basic WAN management and monitoring. Dan Merwin and Reggie Jeffery work in broadcast and other industries to offer appropriate technologies and capabilities, improving our critical IP connections. Show Notes:What is SD-WAN? - a primer from CiscoSD-WAN article from WikipediaIn our SBE meeting earlier today, Reggie mentioned CATO Networks as a source of tech and information. Here’s their primer on SD-WANs. Guests:Dan Merwin – Broadcast Engineer & Telecom/IT Agent at Broadcast TelecomReggie Jeffery – Solutions Engineer at ScanSourceHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
SD-WAN - Software-Defined Wide-Area Network - is a technology implementation designed to bring better reliability and performance to IP connections over distance. Whether across town, to remote offices, or to remote transmitter sites, SD-WAN technologies are gaining interest among broadcast engineers and IT staff. It turns out there are a lot of features - optional but useful features - that can be deployed alongside basic WAN management and monitoring. Dan Merwin and Reggie Jeffery work in broadcast and other industries to offer appropriate technologies and capabilities, improving our critical IP connections.
Megan Amoss is the assistant chief engineer for Baltimore Public Media, which includes FM stations WTMD, WYPR, WYPF, and WYPO. Starting in a Traffic Coordinator role, she progressed to taking on engineering responsibilities, eventually becoming a key figure in the technical operations of Baltimore Public Media. Megan has been instrumental in the integration of WTMD and WYPR, where she is involved in the conversion of WYPR's studios to an Axia AoIP system. Megan joins Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack, discussing engineering challenges with some focus on metadata, which has become critical for today’s broadcasters. Guest:Megan Amoss, CBNT, CRO - Assistant Chief Engineer at Baltimore Public MediaHosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc.Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Megan Amoss is the assistant chief engineer for Baltimore Public Media, which includes FM stations WTMD, WYPR, WYPF, and WYPO. Starting in a Traffic Coordinator role, she progressed to taking on engineering responsibilities, eventually becoming a key figure in the technical operations of Baltimore Public Media. Megan has been instrumental in the integration of WTMD and WYPR, where she is involved in the conversion of WYPR's studios to an Axia AoIP system. Megan joins Chris Tarr and Kirk Harnack, discussing engineering challenges with some focus on metadata, which has become critical for today's broadcasters.
John Kean, Dave Hershberger, and Tom King recently set out to take measurements of RF noise levels on various roadway types from open interstate highways to city streets, to determine how the noise would affect AM broadcast reception. These environments reflect the current habits of AM radio listening, which is primarily in vehicles. In addition to RF noise level, RF signal levels were measured for three AM stations operating on frequencies in the low, middle and high ends of the AM broadcast band. These measurements provide a better understanding of how AM radio reception is affected by RF signal strength and noise in a range of roadway environments from rural to dense urban environments. On this episode of TWiRT, John Kean and Dave Hershberger join us to describe the testing methodology and the results and conclusions we can infer from them. Show Notes: NRSC-R102: Measurement of AM Band RF Noise Levels and Station Signal AttenuationSDRplay RSPdx-R2 Wideband Full-Featured 14-bit SDR Covering 1kHz to 2GHzTest Plan for Measurement of Multipath Distortion Parameters for AM SFNs Guests:Dave Hershberger - Senior Scientist (retired) at Continental ElectronicsJohn C. Kean - Senior Engineer at Cavell, Mertz & AssociatesHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
John Kean, Dave Hershberger, and Tom King recently set out to take measurements of RF noise levels on various roadway types from open interstate highways to city streets, to determine how the noise would affect AM broadcast reception. These environments reflect the current habits of AM radio listening, which is primarily in vehicles. In addition to RF noise level, RF signal levels were measured for three AM stations operating on frequencies in the low, middle and high ends of the AM broadcast band. These measurements provide a better understanding of how AM radio reception is affected by RF signal strength and noise in a range of roadway environments from rural to dense urban environments. On this episode of TWiRT, John Kean and Dave Hershberger join us to describe the testing methodology and the results and conclusions we can infer from them.
Radio automation systems seem daunting at first glance. Those new to their programming and operation are often surprised by the number of pre-requisites and source material needed to put a radio format together, especially when the automation system is thought to do these things for you. Not to worry, Chris Tarr is here to clear up confusion and doubt, and help broadcasters consider some of the key aspects of implementing a radio automation playout system. Show Notes:Aiir, makers of PlayoutONEWideOrbit Automation for RadioRivendell Radio AutomationBSI Radio Automation Software Guest:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc.Hostt:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Radio automation systems seem daunting at first glance. Those new to their programming and operation are often surprised by the number of pre-requisites and source material needed to put a radio format together, especially when the automation system is thought to do these things for you. Not to worry, Chris Tarr is here to clear up confusion and doubt, and help broadcasters consider some of the key aspects of implementing a radio automation playout system.
When a classic audio mixing console needs to be refurbished and brought back to life in Tennessee, everyone knows to call on Jim Gilmore. One reason is that he may have installed it in the first place! Jim might be a true Renaissance Radio Engineer! From on-air work, to traveling the world for Harris Broadcast, to engineering at The Nashville Network to CMT, to even teaching audio classes at Belmont University, Jim has certainly “been there and done that”. Join us as Jim shows us a totally refurbished audio console, originally built by WSM engineers, and used for a decade at The Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Plus, meet Linda Chambers, CEO and Co-Founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, as she takes us through Bran Ahern’s 42-food Encatron Mobile Recording Studio! Show Notes:The Musicians’ Hall of Fame and MuseumSpecial thanks to Jackson Albrecht, Sound Engineer at Musicians Hall of Fame and MuseumHow to Move a Recording Studio by Joe Chambers Guests:Linda Chambers - CEO & Co-Founder at The Musicians’ Hall of Fame and MuseumJim Gilmore - Legendary Broadcast & Recording Studio Engineer Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
When a classic audio mixing console needs to be refurbished and brought back to life in Tennessee, everyone knows to call on Jim Gilmore. One reason is that he may have installed it in the first place! Jim might be a true Renaissance Radio Engineer! From on-air work, to traveling the world for Harris Broadcast, to engineering at The Nashville Network to CMT, to even teaching audio classes at Belmont University, Jim has certainly “been there and done that”. Join us as Jim shows us a totally refurbished audio console, originally built by WSM engineers, and used for a decade at The Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Plus, meet Linda Chambers, CEO and Co-Founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, as she takes us through Brian Ahern's 42-food Encatron Mobile Recording Studio!
Charlie Wooten is usually dealing with tornados, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. But last week brought a rare hazard to the Florida Panhandle - an ice and snow storm. With chunks of ice falling from hundreds of feet above, Charlie was keeping his stations on the air. Let’s find out what Charlie did to prepare for this snowstorm, and how his planning for other bad weather provided more assurance for continued operation for his 12 transmitters in the Florida Panhandle. Show Notes:The Freeze State of Flurryda: The science behind the epic snow and a magical one percentA rare winter storm across Panhandle sets Florida snow records and knocks out powerCharlie mentioned Hugo’s Cellar, a classic steakhouse in the Four Queens Hotel, Las VegasCharlie travels often to Amateur Radio Station 9A1A in Croatia. Here’s info from QRZ.com. Guest:Charles Wooten - Regional Engineering Manager at iHearMediaHost:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Charlie Wooten is usually dealing with tornados, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. But last week brought a rare hazard to the Florida Panhandle - an ice and snow storm. With chunks of ice falling from hundreds of feet above, Charlie was keeping his stations on the air. Let's find out what Charlie did to prepare for this snowstorm, and how his planning for other bad weather provided more assurance for continued operation for his 12 transmitters in the Florida Panhandle.
Today we're diving into a critical topic: the evolution from solo engineering efforts to collaborative support models in broadcasting. Just as a one-person band can only play so many instruments at once, a single engineer can't tackle every technical challenge alone. By banding together and working in groups outside traditional broadcast companies, we can support one another, foster career growth, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Our guests Rob Bertrand and Shaun Dolan aim to do just that at Inrush Broadcast Services,, a 14-person broadcast technology service provider. Show Notes:Inrush Broadcast Services is a consulting engineering firm serving the radio industry and adjacent media fields.Shaun mentioned PagerDuty, a web platform designed to coordinate working teams and their efficient response to customers’ needs.Shaun likes CoScreen, a multi-user screen sharing platform that makes collaboration truly efficient.Rob is delighted with the Scout Pro 3 Ethernet cable tester and identifier from Klein Tools. Kirk loves it, too. Guests:Shaun Dolan - Partner at Inrush Broadcast ServicesRob Bertrand - Partner at Inrush Broadcast Services Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Today we're diving into a critical topic: the evolution from solo engineering efforts to collaborative support models in broadcasting. Just as a one-person band can only play so many instruments at once, a single engineer can't tackle every technical challenge alone. By banding together and working in groups outside traditional broadcast companies, we can support one another, foster career growth, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Our guests Rob Bertrand and Shaun Dolan aim to do just that at Inrush Broadcast Services,, a 14-person broadcast technology service provider
What kind of “radio station” is on-the-air only twice per hour? How about CBS Radio News? With the precision of a watchmaker, the CBS Radio News network delivers news updates to hundreds of radio stations and millions of listeners. Mitch Glider is the Supervising Engineer at their headquarters on West 57th Street in New York City. Through the challenges of at-home news anchors (through the pandemic) and changes in technology, Mitch and just a few colleagues keep the audio and metadata correctly routed. In this episode, we’re learning about past, present, and future network radio operations. Mitch encourages engineers to “Respect the past, and embrace the future.” Show Notes:CBS News Radio (web site)Here’s where to find CBS Radio NewsSkyview Networks Technology page Guest:Mitch Glider - Supervising Engineer at CBS News Radio Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
What kind of “radio station” is on-the-air only twice per hour? How about CBS Radio News? With the precision of a watchmaker, the CBS Radio News network delivers news updates to hundreds of radio stations and millions of listeners. Mitch Glider is the Supervising Engineer at their headquarters on West 57th Street in New York City. Through the challenges of at-home news anchors (through the pandemic) and changes in technology, Mitch and just a few colleagues keep the audio and metadata correctly routed. In this episode, we're learning about past, present, and future network radio operations. Mitch encourages engineers to “Respect the past, and embrace the future.”
If you’re building a new radio studio, or rebuilding one, Chris Tarr is here to help. This is your opportunity to get The Ninjaneer’s expert advice without laying out thousands of dollars in consulting fees. In this episode, we’re looking at various technologies to link your radio studio with your transmitter site. There are more choices now than ever! And we’re looking at today’s radio studios; how are they different from those of the past? We think studios can be a lot simpler than they used to be, mostly thanks to Audio over IP technology. Show Notes:Broadcasters Have More STL Options Than Ever - a Radio World article by Kirk HarnackUnderstanding Studio to Transmitter Links (STLs) in Radio Broadcasting - video by Marcos O’RourkeStudio Transmitter Link - Wikipedia articleCheck out these classy and modern radio studios from Wale Ewedemi on PinterestSetting Up a Professional Radio Studio: What You Need to Know - video from Radio.co Guest:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc. Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
If you're building a new radio studio, or rebuilding one, Chris Tarr is here to help. This is your opportunity to get The Ninjaneer's expert advice without laying out thousands of dollars in consulting fees. In this episode, we're looking at various technologies to link your radio studio with your transmitter site. There are more choices now than ever! And we're looking at today's radio studios; how are they different from those of the past? We think studios can be a lot simpler than they used to be, mostly thanks to Audio over IP technology.
If you’re building a new FM radio station, or rebuilding one, Chris Tarr is here to help. This is your opportunity to get The Ninjaneer’s expert advice without laying out thousands of dollars in consulting fees. This episode focuses on what to do when you get your FCC Construction Permit. Chris gives hard-earned advice on towers, antennas, transmission line, transmitter selection, and more. Show Notes:Selecting an FM Antenna - RadioWorld article by Jeremy RuckUseful FM antenna tools from ERI (Bookmark this link!)“FM Antennas from Theory to Practice” - TWiRT episode with Bill Harland of ERI“Antennas for FM Broadcasting” - article by Peter Onnigian, PE, of Jampro Antenna Co.Finding Suitable Transmission Line - RadioWorld article by Cris Alexander, DoE at Crawford Broadcasting Guest:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum Media, Inc. Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas Broadcasting, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
If you're building a new FM radio station, or rebuilding one, Chris Tarr is here to help. This is your opportunity to get The Ninjaneer's expert advice without laying out thousands of dollars in consulting fees. This episode focuses on what to do when you get your FCC Construction Permit. Chris gives hard-earned advice on towers, antennas, transmission line, transmitter selection, and more.
What’s ahead in 2025 for radio programming? For radio talent? For radio programming executives? Where does Artificial Intelligence fit in? What audience is key to attract to radio and how can radio programmers make headway on that? How will new “PPM Wearables” affect station ratings? And how important are streaming and on-demand programs to radio’s future success? We got answers and opinions on all these questions from John Shomby at Country’s Radio Coach. John’s been a consultant, programmer, and coach focusing on Talk Radio and Country Radio formats, and he’s our guest this week filling us in on the key topics and strategies for radio’s future success. Show Notes:John Shomby - Country’s Radio Coach web siteHere’s How Nielsen Plans To Roll Out New PPM Wearables from Inside RadioMeet Nielsen’s New PPM “Wearables” from Radio WorldWe discussed AI’s role in creating better radio; John mentioned Super Hi-Fi as a key player.How Anyone Can Be Successful With Podcasting--Even Radio Broadcasters Guest:John Shomby - President & CEO at Country’sRadioCoach.com Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on FacebookTWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
What's ahead in 2025 for radio programming? For radio talent? For radio programming executives? Where does Artificial Intelligence fit in? What audience is key to attract to radio and how can radio programmers make headway on that? How will new “PPM Wearables” affect station ratings? And how important are streaming and on-demand programs to radio's future success? We got answers and opinions on all these questions from John Shomby at Country's Radio Coach. John's been a consultant, programmer, and coach focusing on Talk Radio and Country Radio formats, and he's our guest this week filling us in on the key topics and strategies for radio's future success.
Jeff McGinley is the kind of engineer who pays attention to the important things. He’s focused on the technologies that bring value to the on-air talent and to the listeners, all the while satisfying the shareholders drive for return on investment. Jeff’s advice is based on real-world experience, so you know there’s value there, too. On this episode we’re discussing the end of official support for Windows 10, and moving to Windows 11. Plus, Jeff and Chris both relate the importance of good metadata for listeners via RDS and PAD (for HD Radio). And we discuss the significant benefits of 11 GHz IP Radio links. Show Notes:End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7There are several ways to upgrade to Windows 11. Guest:Jeff McGinley - VP of Engineering at SummitMedia Hosts:Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on FacebookTWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Jeff McGinley is the kind of engineer who pays attention to the important things. He's focused on the technologies that bring value to the on-air talent and to the listeners, all the while satisfying the shareholders drive for return on investment. Jeff's advice is based on real-world experience, so you know there's value there, too. On this episode we're discussing the end of official support for Windows 10, and moving to Windows 11. Plus, Jeff and Chris both relate the importance of good metadata for listeners via RDS and PAD (for HD Radio). And we discuss the significant benefits of 11 GHz IP Radio links.
Akamai Broadcasting bought six radio stations (2 AM & 4 FM) plus a number of translators on Maui. Russell Laferty has been building new facilities, and your TWiRT host, Kirk Harnack, is helping with the final wiring and configurations. In addition to a new rack room and (so far) one studio, Russell is moving several studio-transmitter link (STL) systems and installing new ones. One highlight of the work has been improvements to two tower sites on Mt. Haleakala. We visit the upper site at close to 10,000 feet above sea level where Russell gives us a video tour of the building. Plus, learn how a defective Ethernet switch earned Kirk a trip to this transmitter site above the clouds. Show Notes:Mt. Haleakala Observatory: Science CityAxia StudioCore is a new I/O and Mix Engine from Telos AllianceWe’ve installed some of the first Axia xNode2 units in our rack room.The Axia xSelector is key to monitoring our multiple stations.The Axia StudioEdge handles plenty of analog and AES/EBU connections to our AoIP network.Omnia MPX Nodes are getting perfect FM MPX signals to our FM transmitters and translators. Guest:Russell Laferty - Broadcast Contract Engineer Host:Kirk Harnack - Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, Akamai Broadcasting, & South Seas BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on FacebookTWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Necessity truly is the mother of invention. So, when Jim Gray and Alex Hartman needed to gain remote control of some late-model CD players, they developed “Babelfish.” The Babelfish Ecosystem is a solution for logic integration amongst systems that typically are unable to communicate with each other. Whether it's a 40 year old on-air light system that only speaks in relays or a new IP based system that only communicates virtually, the Babelfish Ecosystem allows unlike systems to communicate as one. Babelfish, speak any language for GPIO control. Alex and Jim join us to explain the necessity, the solution, and the tech behind these useful tools. Show Notes:BabelFish web page at Optimized Media Guests:Alex Hartman - Partner at Optimized Media GroupJim Gray - Managing Partner at Optimized Media Group Host:Kirk Harnack - Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, Akamai Broadcasting, & South Seas BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on FacebookTWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube
Engineers are usually the unsung heroes of Broadcasting. But Mark and Paula Persons have set a high bar for professionalism in our industry. They were both inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and join us to talk about it. Did you know that Mark never wore blue jeans to work - not even at transmitter sites? And Paula’s keen accounting and PR skills made the most of Mark’s efforts both in the field and in the repair shop. We engineers can all learn from the Persons’ professionalism and teamwork. Show Notes:The story of Mark & Paula’s induction into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame“Where Have All the Broadcasters Gone?” - a book by Mark’s father, Charles B. PersonsAudio on MWPersons.com and on a YouTube playlist.Paula mentioned using D2 Biological Solution for restoring old headstones as part of her volunteer work with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mark mentioned he’s written about 200 articles in Radio World magazine.Mark and Paula will visit the island municipality of Bonaire soon. While Paula goes SCUBA diving, Mark will visit PJB3, a powerful AM station on 800 kHz. Guests:Mark & Paula Persons - Retired Broadcast Engineering Team, Now Busier Than Ever Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on FacebookTWiRT is brought to you by:Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube