Custom setup

I had the T1 chassis configured with four encoder cards and one decoder card at the studio. The transmitter site chassis had four decoder cards and one encoder card. With this configuration I am able to send L/R audio for each of my three FM stations as well as using left channel on the fourth encoder card for my AM audio. Right channel on the fourth card is used for remote control telemetry from the studio to the transmitter site. The single encoder card at the transmitter site returns remote control telemetry to the studio, as well as an RPU audio relay back to the studios. One of my FM stations was set up with RBDS, but that simply plugged into the available RS-232 ports.

Another bonus with the system is a 2GB Ethernet LAN/WAN extension. Just plugging this into my network switch at the studio, and adding a small eight-port switch at the transmitter site, I have instant network communications for my laptop. I also ended up connecting my audio processors at the transmitter site, to the network, which allows remote configuration from the studios.

I admit I was concerned about the “no license required” 5.8GHz system, as I had spoken with other engineers who used similar products and had issues with brief dropouts and interference. This installation is well engineered and has a tremendous fade margin. My system has been on the air for more than two months now, and we have not had a single dropout or any issues affecting our signals.

Most importantly, the PDs and GM are very pleased with the better audio quality on each of the four stations, and even recently commented on how much better our RPU relay sounds. In total, I shut off six transmitters (STL, RPU, and TRL) when I turned on my Event 5800. I highly recommend the Moseley Event 5800 as an excellent STL solution, with a ton of expandability and bonus features.

Ince is the market engineering manager at Gap West Broadcasting, Missoula, MT.