Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation recently approved KNOM’s grant application for $60,000 to replace the station’s failing AM transmitter.
The entire project estimate is $143,609 ($93,456 for the transmitter plus $50,153 for site prep, upgrades, and contractors). The NSEDC grant and private donations to date (total at press time: $78,559) will almost cover the cost of the Nautel ND-25 transmitter.
The ND-25 transmitter would save the mission $8,340 per year at the current electricity rate, and the solid state unit’s internet protocol system would enable remote monitoring and diagnosis by off-site engineers and technicians. When work must be done on-site, experts can either remotely instruct KNOM employees through the process or arrive in Nome already knowing what needs to be done with parts in hand.
KNOM’s engineer began preparation work for the new transmitter installation in June, with an eye toward full funding and installation before the snow flies this fall. Are you able to help? The new transmitter is the final step in the digital conversion begun several years ago. Thank you for assisting in this monumental undertaking.
Image above: KNOM’s AM transmitter site, June 2017. Photo: Margaret DeMaioribus, KNOM.
