
After 18 months of negotiations and planning, 3MDR's communications rigger raised the broadcast antenna at the transmitters site in Kallista by 2 and a half meters on Tuesday 22nd October.
3MDR was "off the air" for approximately 5 hours while a crane was brought onto the site. The riggers removed the existing mounting and antenna to bring it all to ground level. The antenna was then fixed to the newly fabricated mounting plate and hoisted back up to the top of the tower and secured. It was with much relief that everything aligned and 3MDR was back on the air as soon as the extended cables were connected. Some radiation output testing followed and we're confident that everything is honkydory!
Aside from keeping maintenance workers safe without the need to switch off the transmission, we're hoping that 3MDR's signal is now reaching into some of the black spots that are within the licence area.
We'd love to hear any feedback on the clarity and strength of the signal now that the antenna has been raised. Are you receiving up 3MDR in places you never did before? Is the signal better, worse or the same? This information will assist us in reporting to the outcome of this project.
This project was made possible with the funding support provided by the Community Broadcasting Foundation. The CBF does amazing work in supporting the community broadcasting sector with funding and advocacy. For more information on this essential sector body please visit their website.