On Thursday, May 7, we successfully tested KOLU at 39,000 watts! The test started around 3pm and the transmitter ran flawlessly until we returned to our current 4,100 watts at around 7pm. A couple of quick drives around town and to nearby areas confirmed the increase in signal with less “drop outs”. Fringe area listeners reported a much stronger signal as well.

This test is part of our required “equipment testing” to insure that all is working well before placing the transmitter on the air. We are required by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to have a measurement made of the strength of our signal on the ground near the antenna before we can apply for the license that authorizes us to broadcast at 39,000 watts. We are scheduling this test and expect to have it completed and receive the report within a couple of weeks.

In the meantime we have lots of work remaining to prepare the transmitter for full-time duty. Our remote control system needs to be set up to monitor the “health” of the transmitter and give us the ability to control it from our studio and other locations. We also want it to turn off automatically if something is wrong well before major repairs would be required. A robust grounding system that will protect the transmitter and other equipment during thunderstorms is being finished. We have a list of fixes and improvements for our used transmitter to make it as reliable as possible, and will try to have them completed before going on the air.

Once again, your prayers and financial support are a very important part of this project, and we are praising the Lord for each success. Our heart is to see Christian Family Radio used to bring glory to the Lord!