Tower of Power

Viewers depend on NHPBS for information and entertainment, from timely local specials to established PBS favorites. Having a clear and trouble-free viewing and listening experience is part and parcel of enjoying NHPBS, no matter your location or device.   

The NHPBS technical staff is a four-person team that keeps the station on the air, resolves technical issues, and ensures equipment meets the latest standards. During the pandemic, the team also met the critical challenge of transitioning NHPBS staff to remote operations.

On a recent morning, team members set out for an all-day journey taking them from the NHPBS Durham base to the station’s three high-powered transmitters — large antennas reaching high into the sky — dotted throughout New Hampshire. The team traveled more than 350 miles — to Mann Hill (northeast of Littleton), down to Derry Hill (near Walpole in the southwest) and, lastly, to Saddleback Mountain in Deerfield. The purpose: an FCC inspection that takes place every three years to ensure standards are being met so NHPBS can maintain its broadcast license.

“A transmitter is made up of multiple power amplifiers,” says Steve Chao, NHPBS director of studio technologies and the team leader. “If one of these power amplifiers goes out, it reduces the transmitter power overall, and the signal doesn’t reach as far — impacting the viewer experience.”

The technology team constantly monitors systems for transmitter trouble. Notifications mainly come in via e-mail; a central computer in Durham tracks all remote properties in real time. Still, engineers must drive to the properties frequently to understand specifically what is happening. The transmitters near Colebrook and Littleton are in isolated locations, accessible only with four-wheel drive vehicles. During winter, NHPBS depends on a local snowmobile club for rides to access the tower.

“We have to make sure the towers are structurally sound, and meeting FCC and FAA requirements at all times,” explains Chao. “This involves everything from quarterly on-site inspections, to making sure the towers are painted the right color and the transmitter lights are on, to meet aviation standards.” Tech staff also clear undergrowth, trees and brush around the transmitter locations, as tall vegetation can take down the guidewires of a transmitter and thus interfere with the signal.

Chao's tower team includes Studio Technologist Adam Goodine and Facilities Coordinator Shawn Roche. The team recently finished installing a new transmitter in Hanover that increased signal power, allowing more viewers to tune in via a larger coverage area.

“New Hampshire is a very hilly state, and a broadcast transmission really can’t go through mountains or through hills,” says Chao. “You really need a transmitter on both sides to cover as much as you can.” Chao explains that viewer receptivity can be affected in all kinds of ways. During spring, new leaves on trees can block a broadcast signal. Apartment buildings present challenges when a signal is on the opposite end of the building from where the viewer lives. New buildings going up can obstruct signal receptivity, as can natural conditions like wind direction or water interference.

No matter the conditions, the NHPBS technical staff works hard to give viewers the best experience possible. Viewers can learn more about technology at NHPBS online at nhpbs.org/about/receptn.asp, or check signal receptivity at tvfool.com.

Pressroom Contact

Carla Gordon Russell
Director of Communications
crussell@nhpbs.org
(603) 868-4339