That was the case for KFMC-FM in Fairmont MN, which realized lower overhead by replacing a 30-year-old device with a new, more efficient model.
The old tube-based model was consuming a high amount of energy, and was also consuming a high amount of maintenance costs, not to mention the fact that it was getting harder to so much as find parts for it.
Putting in a sold state GateAir Flexiva transmitter reduced energy costs significantly, and even earned the station a utility company rebate.
The station is a Class C1 on 106.5 MHz with 100 kW @ 371’. It is located southwest of Mankato.
“Our previous transmitter was nearly three decades old, requiring constant maintenance made more difficult by a dwindling supply of spare parts,” said Woody Woodward, general manager of KFMC and sister station KSUM(AM). Woodward added that for his station, tube replacement is a thing of the past and maintenance is a comparative breeze.
RBR-TVBR observation: The lesson is that sometimes what looks like a capital expenditure can actually be a cost-saving measure. It’s important to keep on top of the technology and be ready to pull out the checkbook when the time is right.
