WCTE-DT Cookeville, TN, Transmitter & Antenna

[tripelo]

For WCTE-DT (Channel 22), it appears that TVfool lists maximum ERP of 200 KW, and effective ERP that are consistent with a construction permit (authorizing a new transmitter and top-mounted antenna) that has not yet been implemented.

See article, "Strengthening Our Signal", on page 5 by Mark Dudney:

http://www.wcte.tv/closeup/2506.pdf

Likely, WCTE-DT is currently operating at previously authorized antenna height and maximum ERP (57 KW).

[tripelo]

Via telephone, WCTE engineering confirmed the information in the earlier post.

The transmitter and antenna upgrade is expected to be completed next year, approximate date around March, 2011.

Note: There are two construction permits for upgrades to WCTE, the most recent is dated July, 2010. Both CPs authorize a maximum ERP of 200 KW. The most recent CP authorizes a higher gain antenna, with correspondingly lower transmitter power. There is also a center-of-radiation height increase (AGL) with the newer antenna.

[tripelo]

Looks like WCTE (Channel 22) has their new transmitter and antenna on the air.

That is: 200 kW ERP, up from 57 kW ERP:

- Historic Milestone for WCTE-TV (http://wcte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=967:historic-milestone-for-wcte-tv&catid=89:wcte-news&Itemid=100130)

- WCTE Doubles the Strength of Its Broadcast Signal (http://www.wcte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=962:wcte-doubles-the-strength-of-its-broadcast-signal&catid=89:wcte-news&Itemid=100130)

Posts at Facebook, by WCTE's general manager (http://www.facebook.com/pages/WCTE/45726124086) indicate the upgrade occurred around March 24, 2011.