Serious Problems at MPBN's FM Transmitter in Calais

A serious problem developed last week with MPBN's WMED-FM transmitter in Calais according to Senior Techincal Officer & Senior Vice President Gil Maxwell.

MPBN is running at reduced power due to a problem with the antenna mounted at the top of the tower. Maxwell says, "assement crews have determined that the antenna will need to be removed from the tower and repaired, hopefully at the site."

MPBN does not have the specialized equipment to rig the tower to remove the antenna at the site. Additionally, MPBN has nothing to put in its place when the antenna is removed for repair.

As a result, operating this transmitter on low power will continue at least through the weekend. Gil Maxwell and his team are in talks with the antenna manufacturer to try and secure a loaner antenna for temporary use during the repair. Also, MPBN is arranging for the proper tower rigging equipment to arrive in Calais in order to safely remove the antenna, repair it that day and restore the transmitter back to permanent, full power. No timetable for this work is available yet.

(Pictured left: file photo of the MPBN towers in Calais.)