Episodios

  • TWiRT Ep. 775 - Innovation in FM Antennas with Keith Pelletier

    TWiRT Ep. 775 - Innovation in FM Antennas with Keith Pelletier
    Nov 21 2025
    In this episode, Kirk welcomes Keith Pelletier, President of Dielectric, to explore the newest advances in FM transmitting antenna design. Keith explains how Dielectric engineers are now combining custom bay spacing, including innovative mixes of full-wave and half-wave spacing within the same antenna aperture, to deliver precise coverage patterns with dramatically improved efficiency. These hybrid designs can achieve the same or better performance while using about one-third fewer parts, reducing weight, wind load, cost, and long-term maintenance challenges. We also dive into how modern modeling tools, materials, and manufacturing techniques are pushing FM antenna technology further than ever before. If you care about smarter RF design, better coverage, and future-ready FM infrastructure, you’ll want to watch this one. Join us for TWiRT 775 and see where Dielectric is taking FM antennas next!
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    1 h y 8 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 774 - Intelligent Site Monitoring with Adam Robinson

    TWiRT Ep. 774 - Intelligent Site Monitoring with Adam Robinson
    Nov 14 2025
    This week on This Week in Radio Tech, we’re joined by Adam Robinson, Director of Sales & Marketing at MaxxKonnect and Triple Helix Technologies. Transmitter sites have evolved far beyond just RF gear — they’re now fully IP-centric ecosystems where slow, hidden failures often do the most damage. Adam and Kirk discuss how smart monitoring, redundancy, and unified visibility are redefining how engineers manage their sites remotely. From HVAC degradation to IP jitter and network security, we explore why data over time is the key to preventing downtime. Tune in and learn how the next generation of site management — predictive, cloud-integrated, and AI-assisted — is already here!
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    1 h y 17 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 773 - I Love This Stuff with Steven Zagony

    TWiRT Ep. 773 - I Love This Stuff with Steven Zagony
    Nov 7 2025
    This week on This Week in Radio Tech, host Kirk Harnack welcomes broadcast engineer and on-air talent Steven Zagony, a man who finds joy in bringing classic broadcast gear back to life. Steven restores beloved analog equipment from the golden era of radio—think Studer, MCI, Auditronics, ITC/3M, PR&E, Orban, Texar, and more. From cleaning and recapping to precision alignment, he shares the process and satisfaction of hearing vintage gear sing again. We also dive into his work on KFRC’s legendary remote vehicle, “The Sturgeon,” where Steven rebuilt its PR&E console and revived its ITC cart machines to full glory. It’s a nostalgic and technical journey celebrating the art and heart of analog broadcast engineering.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 772 - How Audio Got Into the IP with Michael Dosch

    TWiRT Ep. 772 - How Audio Got Into the IP with Michael Dosch
    Oct 31 2025
    Before Angry Audio, Michael “Catfish” Dosch helped redefine how audio moves through radio stations. In this episode, Catfish joins Kirk to revisit the early 2000s when he, Steve Church, and a small development team in Riga, Latvia, built the world’s first practical Audio over IP system — Livewire. From his PR&E console-design roots to creating the Telos SmartSurface and the first Livewire mixing engine, Catfish shares behind-the-scenes stories, engineering breakthroughs, and lessons that changed broadcast infrastructure forever. It’s a fascinating trip back to the dawn of AoIP — where analog met Ethernet and radio changed for good.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 771 - Many Projects Make Busy Hands with Randy Gardner

    TWiRT Ep. 771 - Many Projects Make Busy Hands with Randy Gardner
    Oct 24 2025
    Isn’t it great when a growing broadcaster makes good on the company’s expansion plans? The last time Randy Gardner was our guest - about 3 ½ years ago - he described some of the projects and initiatives going on at JVC Broadcasting. Now we see that the company - and Randy - have been carrying out those plans and projects. Randy Gardner is JVC’s Director of Engineering. He directs and executes improvement projects at studios and transmitter sites, while watching every dollar to make sure there’s good value in every investment. Randy joins us to show us a few project results and he gives wise advice on work and life balance.
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    1 h y 8 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 770 - Adventures in Reincarnation with Jordan Tuck

    TWiRT Ep. 770 - Adventures in Reincarnation with Jordan Tuck
    Oct 17 2025
    There’s something special about breathing new life into classic analog audio gear, and Jordan Tuck has turned that passion into beautiful and functional results. In this episode of This Week in Radio Tech, Jordan takes us inside his meticulous process of reviving vintage broadcast audio equipment—especially the legendary Pacific Recorders & Engineering RadioMixer console. From initial triage and circuit restoration to lamp replacement and detailed cleaning, Jordan shares how he transforms “retired” gear into studio showpieces. He’s even installed a fully refurbished PR&E RadioMixer in his brand-new home studio and gives us a first-hand look at the results. Join us for this delightful conversation celebrating craftsmanship, classic design, and the timeless sound of analog radio consoles.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 769 - EAS, ABIP & Sports Radio with Scott Cason

    TWiRT Ep. 769 - EAS, ABIP & Sports Radio with Scott Cason
    Oct 10 2025
    Scott Cason is a seasoned radio contract engineer and Director of Engineering for the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Scott shares his insights as the ABIP (Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program) inspector for both Kentucky and Indiana, highlighting the most common violations and how stations can easily correct them. He also discusses his pivotal role in modernizing Kentucky’s newly approved EAS Plan, bringing the state’s emergency alert system up to current standards. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the University of Louisville Sports Radio Network, explaining the equipment and processes that make home and away broadcasts possible. Packed with practical advice, industry insights, and real-world examples, this episode is a must-watch for broadcast engineers and radio professionals. Tune in to learn from one of the field’s most knowledgeable - and friendly - engineers.
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    1 h y 13 m
  • TWiRT Ep. 768 - Live at WABE 2025 in Calgary

    TWiRT Ep. 768 - Live at WABE 2025 in Calgary
    Oct 3 2025
    We’re coming to you live from the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers Convention (WABE 2025) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! This episode of This Week in Radio Tech takes you right to the heart of one of Canada’s premier broadcast engineering events. Kirk Harnack talks with a range of broadcast industry professionals — from seasoned engineers to manufacturer representatives and even a broadcast student — capturing the pulse of our ever-evolving industry. Featured guests include Jeff Welton of Nautel, Cameron Thompson with Alberta South, Michael Peterson from Stingray Digital, Randy Opperman of Rogers Communications, and Grant Bebrick of PTS. Join us for candid conversations, fresh perspectives, and valuable insights straight from the WABE show floor.
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    1 h y 11 m