We had another night with no cutbacks, As a result I increased the audio input another 0.1 dBu to 8.1dBu

This morning, like most mornings, I wrote a report to give to Joe Barker on my previous day’s work to have a record of what has been done and report things that have been discovered which need attention.

I also read up on Amplitude Modulation Companding (AMC), which is one of three types of dynamic carrier control available on the Nautel transmitter. It has been decided to use AMC starting shortly, but it does require some special setup procedures before implementing it. Joe plans to meet me at the site at 3pm to go through the setup process. For technical geeks, you can read more about AMC at:
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/reports/1988-15.pdf
OR
www.nautel.com/Resources/Docs/Presentations/NAB2009/BECR07_Tim_Hardy_Energy_Conservation_in_AM_Transmitters.ppt

Now that the PA Module is repaired, I have been reading up on other equipment at the site that I have been asked to modify or repair. There is a security system TWR would like to have fully operational. There are also the following functions that would be nice to have added to the remote control system:
1. The ability to switch the tower lights on or off remotely as a backup for the photo cell.
2. The ability to remotely switch off the air conditioner for the transmitter site’s office in the event it is inadvertently left on when everyone is gone. This could save a lot of electricity cost.
3. The ability to check additional voltages on the transmitter that would help diagnose faults, and possibly correct them, remotely.

When Joe Barker arrived at the site, we followed the procedure for setting up the transmitter for AMC. When we enabled AMC, we found that the transmitter power only returned to 80kw instead of 100kw, like it should have without modulation. We decided to call Nautel tomorrow for their advice. For tonight we will continue using standard AM modulation. Once set up, the transmitter can operate with standard modulation or AMC by switching it locally or remotely.

It was nice to swim tonight, especially after missing last night due to the party on the beach. The relatively cool water (82F) cools by lowering body core temperature. Its amazing the length of time one feels cooler after a 30 minute swim!

While swimming, and for some time after we got back to the house, we heard drums and brass instruments playing in the distance. It reminded us of marching band practices at Concord High School that we hear from almost a mile away at our house in Elkhart. We have heard this for several nights, so decided to locate where it was coming from. What a surprise when we found, about a half mile away, a group practicing in the parking lot of a supermarket that was closed. It was a group of about 6 men playing their loudest! Not sure what they were practicing for, but they should be impressive. Maybe we will have a chance to ask them.

For supper tonight we had toasted cheese sandwiches, green beans and papaya (for dessert).