Antenna Damage Forces WWVB To Operate At Reduced Power

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In the United States, the timekeeping radio station WWVB is providing its essential information on reduced power following storm damage to one of its antennas.

Wind damage to half of its phased-array antenna has left radio station WWVB operating at reduced power outside Fort Collins, Colorado. The winds that struck the south antenna in early April were estimated to be higher than 90 miles per hour.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology operates the timekeeping site. People throughout North America rely on WWVB's broadcasts to synchronize their watches, clock radios and other consumer electronics. It is also used for accurate time synchronization and for timekeeping applications in appliances, cameras and irrigation controllers.

Since the wind damage occurred, the station has broadcast using its north antenna only and on reduced power. The NIST explained the change in an announcement recorded on the 11th May 2024 and posted on YouTube.

Source - https://www.arnewsline.org/news/2024/5/23/amateur-radio-newsline-report-2430-for-friday-may-24th-2024

WKHS High Schoolers Receive CRO Certifications

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Program helps students to demonstrate knowledge about station operations

Four students at Kent County High School radio station WKHS(FM) in Worton, Md., have received Certified Radio Operator certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

Jonah Elburn, Emma Morris, Averie Hitzges and Alayna Brown participated in the program and passed the SBE test.

WKHS — which is celebrating 50 years as the radio voice of the high school — encourages its students to pursue SBE certifications, and Station Manager Chris Singleton said these are the first to pass the CRO test. Several more students are expected to do so in the fall. Juniors Elburn and Brown also told Singleton they are interested in exploring Certified Television Operator certification next.

Unlike SBE’s engineering certifications, its CRO (radio) and CTO (television) certifications are administered through the study of a handbook and completion of a test based on that material. It is evidence of an individual’s qualifications to serve as an operator at a broadcast station is intended to be useful when seeking employment or advancement.

“Each radio and television station has its own policies and procedures, and many have a written station manual. However, the FCC Rules and basic operator procedures apply to all stations. The ‘Certification Handbook for Radio Operators’ and the ‘Television Operator’s Certification Handbook’ fill the needs of broadcast stations and operators today. The SBE Radio and Television Operator Certifications are a great way to demonstrate to a prospective employer that you have acquired the basic knowledge to operate a radio or television station and comply with FCC Rules and Regulations.”
— SBE

FCC - Public Comment on the effects of the Recent Severe Geomagnetic Storm

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The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB or Bureau) seeks comment on any observed impacts to communications that resulted from the May 2024 severe geomagnetic storm.

More Information - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-493A1.pdf