 |
AlaskaOne :: KUAC-TV OFF-AIR for DTV Rechannelization Sept 14 -25 |
 |
|
KUAC-TV / AlaskaOne is Back on the Air!
After more than a week off the air for equipment upgrades, KUAC-TV/AlaskaOne is thrilled to announce the return to broadcasting several days sooner than expected. Over-the-air viewers should re-scan their digital tuners to lock into the new VHF digital 9 signal and enjoy KUAC’s three digital channels, 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 – AlaskaOne, WORLD, and CREATE. Click here for tips and frequently asked questions.
Read about the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner coverage of our return to the airwaves.
WHY was KUAC-TV / AlaskaOne off the air for a week?
We are actively working to increase our digital signal coverage area with the DTV Rechannelization project. To do that, KUAC-TV was off the air for one week, September 14-21. The project moved, or "rechanneled," KUAC TV's digital signal from UHF 24 to VHF 9. Moving the primary signal to VHF digital 9 in Fairbanks increased the ability for the digital signal to follow the terrain, which greatly expanded the coverage area, and increased consistency of the signal.
With equipment upgrades overseen by KUAC chief engineer Keith Martin, antenna manufacturer Harris Corporation, headquartered in Melbourne, FL, brought in the 10,000-pound antenna and upgraded transmitter, as well as specialists to install them.The project will not resolve everyone's over the air reception problems, but should help. Click here for tips and frequently asked questions.
Photo Chronology of the Antenna and Transmitter Upgrade
The construction phase of the project began in August as the KUAC TV tower in Fairbanks was reinforced in preparation for the placement of a larger, stronger antenna in an attempt to replicate KUAC TV's old analog channel 9 coverage area.
During the last week of August and first week of September, the electrical service was upgraded by Star Electric and GVEA upgraded the transformer pole at the KUAC TV tower to accommodate the new digital transmitter.
Monday, Sept 14th, the upgrade began with the top of the tower and antenna (old analog channel 9) being removed and placed on the ground, with a 10,000-pound new antennae waiting.
On Tuesday, Sept 15, the new top of the tower was set in place. Then crews added new guy wires and went through a tensioning process, and ending the day with the new antenna set in place.
Work continued through the weekend of Sept 19 and 20, and by Sunday evening the signal was turned on for testing. Some viewers had rescanned their channel and enjoyed their Sunday shows. By Tuesday, the signal was strong and clear miles and miles out of town with viewers as far away as 22 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road and Skiland excitedly reporting they had three new Channel 9s which they had not been able to receive since the digital conversion in June.
On Wednesday, Sept 23, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the top of Ski Boot Hill Road, sponsored by KUAC and transmitter manufacturer Harris Corp., to celebrate our successful completion of the antenna tower and transmitter upgrades. Here are some photos of that celebration!
Nathan Smith, Project Manager for Harris Corporation, assists KUAC Chief Engineer Keith Martin and UAF Vice Chancellor Jake Poole with the ribbon cutting to officially finalize the KUAC-TV Rechannelization project, several days ahead of the projected finish date. Chris Wadeson, broadcast technician for KUAC, joins Keith near the banner commemorating the collaborative effort with Harris Corporation, which manufactured the new transmitter and oversaw the antenna rebuild.
 |
The new tower and transmitter: a beautiful sight to see. The new reception of KUAC-TV / AlaskaOne people are reporting receiving – as far away as 22.3 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road: priceless. (Photos of work-in-progress by Keith Martin, and ribbon-cutting ceremony by Tammy Grove ~ Thank you!) |
|
|
| | |
