Love Asia By Radio

What's Next?

2011-12-06T14:20:00.001+10:00

We realize that it has been a while since you heard from us. In case you missed the news, TX6 is on the air with regular braodcasts to Northeast Asia and India. Even though we are running it at 125KW (half power), the signal reports have been very encouraging. Some people are hearing us for the first time in years.

We are currently working to make sure we can operate TX6 for many years to come. Much of that work is consumed in locating and aquiring spare parts to fill gaps in our stock room. Once this is done, we can put more effort into getting TX7 on the air. There are some things we can do in TX7 now.

Here is Jeff inserting modules into the modulator section. One reason this was done now is to make room for other equipment in the container in which these were stored. An amazing amount of space can be created just by stuffing parts into these large transmitters.

Speaking of Jeff, he has been on Guam for a few months and will stay into the middle of next year. He will function as the chief engineer while Mike is in the States for his furlough. Jeff will be helped by Phil, a short-termer working as a technician. Short-term help like this is very handy because our permanent staff is so small. We can definitely use more engineers and technicians at KTWR for career and short-term service.

Lying Down on the Job

2011-10-30T19:10:00.000+10:00

Many of you knew about our cooling system problem with TX6. The old pump was overloading due to it spinning too quickly on our 60Hz power. We received a new pump by way of a lot of help from ministry supporters. We were able to swap the pumps and get the new unit working in one day. We spent quite a bit of time lying down to get the job done.

The transmitter has been working well in short test broadcasts. It even helped us find a problem with another transmitter. All the while, it is keeping its cool. It's a good thing because the new broadcast season starts tonight. It will be broadcasting the Good News to China, India, and North Korea. Listeners in India have already been very excited with the good signals coming their way.

Antenna Question

2011-10-03T10:16:00.000+10:00

We received a question about how the antenna used in our recent DRM tests affected the signal. Now we get to tell you about an important part of our station that seems to be the most unknown to most of our readers.
The antennas at KTWR are all curtain antennas made of dipole arrays. The one we used in the test is nearly identical to the one shown at the right. It is configured as a 4x4x1.0. This means it has 4 columns of 4 dipoles each with the bottom dipole being one wavelength above the ground. There is a reflecter screen hanging behind the dipoles to force the signal to have one main beam instead of two. The gain of this antenna can be as high as 22dB, depending on frequency and slew angle. That makes the 75KW signal coming from the transmitter seem like 11MW heading to desired coverage area.

The direction of the main lobe of the broadcast signal is controlled by the slew box like the one shown to the left. In the case of the antenna used for the DRM tests, the azimuth can vary from 290 to 345 degrees. We used 290 degrees for the tests beamed toward India. Some of the signal went to other places outside the main coverage area. That is why people in Japan, Australia, and Brazil were able to hear the test broadcasts.
One problem with the tests was that signal propagation conditions in the ionosphere did not allow the signals to be received in India, as far as we can determine. Had we performed these tests at night, the signal would probably have been very strong there. A great deal of planning goes into the frequency choice and the timing of our broadcasts, so that they will be reliable for the entire broadcast season.

Wave of the Future

2011-09-16T15:09:00.003+10:00

We have had an encouraging learning experience during our DRM test transmissions. The spectrum analyzer display shows the typical "Bart-head" waveform that a DRM broadcast creates. TX6 was able to acheive a "shoulder depth" of at least 32dB, which is quite good.

There are still bugs to be worked out with the data being sent from the content server to the modulator in the transmitter. These bugs are creating occasional breaks in the audio. However, the sound quality is amazing for a shortwave broadcast. We have received listener reports from Japan and Australia. The main beam of the 75KW signal was actually headed toward India. You can go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e2Lnmx2LU4 to hear the signal that was received in Japan.

More Testing

2011-09-02T16:19:00.025+10:00

A few more accomplishments at KTWR…

75% Power Test

With the Antenna connection completed, we are now able to test The Thomson Transmitter at higher power. On August 31 we were able to bring the Thomson transmitter to 218KW. The transmitter ran smoothly with very low reflected power.

Content Server Test

The Transmitters at KTWR Guam are two Harris SW100 Transmitters (100KW), one HCJB HC100 Transmitter (100KW) and now the two reconditioned Thomson TRE2326 transmitters (250KW).

We have had an ongoing project to upgrade the HC100 Transmitter to DRM (Digital Shortwave) for several years. One of the devices needed to broadcast digitally is a content server which formats audio into the correct form of digital audio.

We have not been able to work on the HC100 upgrade for a long time, due to the Thomson transmitter installation and other complications. We felt it would be a good idea to test the content server so…

We configured the content server to stream Digital content to the new Thomson transmitter because the Thomson is already DRM capable.

Here are the results.

Sept 2^nd 75KW DRM

We are very Happy to report the Content Server Works Very Well!!

Testing, Testing, Testing... and... RF ON!

2011-08-09T16:33:00.029+10:00

3 August 2011 Thomson Transmitter status display indicating "Unknown State":

Considerable progress has been made in Connecting Power, Air and Water cooling systems. Most connections were completed just before Marc Moreau (Thomson Engineer) arrived for an Installation evaluation and inspection.

Marc arrived on August 3^rd with the Transmitter in a functional unknown state.

For the next week the project team worked 12 to 14 hour days testing, repairing electrical control components, fixing water cooling leaks, rebuilding computers, etc….

On Tuesday morning August 9^th a temporary antenna connection was made.... and....

We are pleased to report on 9 August 2011

we successfully accomplished an initial power up RF test. For about 10 minutes we aired a station ID test and music tone at 0500 UTC on 31M at 57KW.

9 August 2011 Thomson Transmitter status display indicating all systems "ON":

Thank you for your continued prayers as we move forward to reach the Late October goal for sustained broadcasts using this powerful communication tool!

RF Test Video

Raising The Balun - 2

2011-07-29T14:39:00.002+10:00

A balun is a type of electrical transformer that joins a balanced line (one that has two conductors, with equal currents in opposite directions, such as a twisted pari cable) to an unbalanced line (one that has just one conductor and a ground such as a coaxial cable).

This balun weighs around 660 lbs. This really wasn't a big challenge for our riggers who quickly had the necessary equipment for hoisting up the units. The real challenge was the amount of space needed for the large balun unit. It had to be raised and turned from an area half the size of its length.

It was a bit time consuming, but it all went without a hitch, as this was all successfully connected together. The remaining part of this project is to now get the feed lines out through the wall and connected with the curtain antenna

(We did 'raise the roof' as we thanked the Lord for the successful and non-eventful raising of the balun.)

Raising The Balun

2011-07-29T14:31:00.004+10:00

This is not like raising the roof (creating a loud noise), or raising Johnny (teaching children the disciplines of life).

This is about hoisting the VHF filter and the Balun to connect them as part of the RF output of the new transmitter. They are raised up to the roof however (suspended from).

The VHF filter unit weighs approximately 300 lbs. This was the first unit raised to connect to the transmitter RF output.

A Chilling Effect!

2011-07-21T11:08:00.003+10:00

Chilling on Guam? Or maybe it means we are chilling out - calming down instead of getting wired! NOT!

The water from the cooling system is 'chilled' or cooled in fan cooled radiators. The water flows in and out of the chillers through the copper water lines (previously posted). Here the mounting of the fan units is being done to the chiller units.

Preparation?

2011-07-21T11:03:00.001+10:00

"Yes Grasshopper, balance is everything!

Transmitter Cooling

2011-07-21T10:46:00.002+10:00

About 100 feet (two 50 foot runs) of Copper water lines had to be fabricated, fit and installed for the transmitter cooling system. These lines connect the tank in the transmitter to the chillers outside the building.

Getting Wired - Part 3

2011-07-20T10:21:00.003+10:00

Another volunteer arrived from the States to help us for two weeks of our busiest time here.

Marty Montour got right into 'wired ' mode as he joined the team in building conduit runs, cutting cable, pulling wires, etc.

The power and control lines for the heat exchanger fans were fished through and completed to the breaker box.

The conduit runs to the control transformer were completed and then came the day to pull the cable into the control transformer. Did I fail to mention that we have been experiencing feeder-band activity from a typhoon to our north? This brought torrential rains to us. You may notice in these pictures that we have the added element of mud.

Getting Wired - Part 2

2011-07-11T13:50:00.004+10:00

Well - had better put some more coffee on - there is more wiring to be done. The following pictures tell the story.

1) Jim & Kevin are installing conduit and wiring the fans to TX 6

2) Bob Schultz is wiring the fan relays.

3) Mike & Phil are tracing and establishing the wiring to TX 6

4) Jim & Mike are installing new breakers. (Power has been shut off to this part of the building.

You can imagine a dark blank picture before lighting was set up to do the work in this picture.

5) The control transformer has just arrived today. Next will be getting this in place... and wired up.

Getting Wired - Part 1

2011-06-27T19:21:00.003+10:00

Espresso, cappuccino, latte? Yes, we are getting wired, but a bit different than a welcome stop to the neighborhood Starbucks.

This 'scoop' is about a different 'wired'. The coffee's on but the real focus is getting the electrical wiring completed, especially to Transmitter 6.

We've had some large runs of conduit completed from the transformers to the Merlin Gerin units and then from there to the transmitters. Then the high voltage cable has been snaked through the conduit from the Merlin Gerin to Transmitter 6.

And we also have new lighting being installed in the TX hall - more wiring! Our theme for now is 'getting wired'. More to come. But right now... coffee is on!

Move 'em on, head 'em up...

2011-06-10T10:53:00.010+10:00

Head 'em up, move 'em on,

Move 'em, head 'em up,

Rawhide!

Yes siree bob, that ole' round-up song lassoed my brain this week with all the movin' goin' on this here week. First the modulator transformers for the Thomson transmitters were moved and installed. (1) Next the Merlin-Gerin power switch units for the new transmitters were rounded up into their corral...oh excuse me...moved to the room they will be occupying. (2) And finally the blowers for TX6 which arrived on site Friday, were brought into the building.(3)

To prepare for the modulator transformers, concrete pads were poured, and were ready for when they were put into place. (The transformers will step down power voltage from 480 volts to 380 volts.) Drywall has been completed on the new walls and they will soon be painted.

Jim McIntyre, Sterling Ottun, and Brian Martin flew to the neighboring island of Saipan last week to pack up and ship antennae and transmitter parts, as well as tolls that were purchased from FEBC on Saipan who are dismantling their Saipan shortwave broadcast operation. As a result of FEBC shutting down on Saipan, a couple who have been working there, may be seconded to TWR Guam in the near future.

Newly arrived this week is the Griffith family from Nebraska who are volunteering to help us with the transmitter project. Dad, Ken, mom, Janet, and kids, Ethan, JoBeth, and Jentry threw themselves right into the work by painting the transformers, air conditioners, and storage containers. Soon to arrive are Kevin and Lynn Baker who worked with us late last year and are now TWR staff helping us for the time being with the project. Also arriving soon are Phil and April Leppke, joining us for several months (perhaps longer). Thanks to so many who have been praying with us for the needed workers to complete the transmitter project....God has been abundantly supplying.

It's a Puzzling Situation

2011-05-16T14:36:00.004+10:00

Over the past couple of weeks, a new wall has been emerging between the transmitter room and the "Shop" (where all the building and welding occurs, and where the shop tools are kept). Because of the immense size and irregular angles, many of the pieces of sheet rock had to be cut into unusual sizes and angles. It was like putting a puzzle together but your having to make your own pieces as you went along. As the wall went up, right behind the builders, were the electricians to put electrical lines into conduit pipes to put in new receptacles; shop lights were put up as well.

Meanwhile, now that the new transmitters are sitting firmly in place, it's time to get everything figured out, wired up, and tested. Which is much easier to say than to actually do! It is a long and thoughtful process, and one might even add, this too is a puzzling situation at times. Right now there are a bunch of wires coming from TX 6 and each one must be checked to see where they go and what they do. Currently they are looking for the source of 240 volts for a line that is needed. The cooling system is also getting a check-up which will involve filling the tank with water then checking for leaks and finally checking the pump.

There is excitement in the air over the potential of several new staff both short and long term. God seems to be answering prayers.

Taking Shape

2011-05-03T02:00:00.003+10:00

Things are really taking shape at TWR Guam. There is a lot of work to get things into the shape they need to be in, but the change is coming... and it's noticeable.

Transmitter 6 is getting re-shaped by actually being put back together on the inside.

Boxes of parts and supplies that were stored behind the transmitters in the containers are now being inventoried as the necessary parts are put in the transmitter.

At the same time the construction work has also taken on a different phase. The wall and doors have been completed between the transmitter hall and the shop. (The transmitter hall is now a bit bigger than before. A new meterbox has also been installed and lights and fixtures and power distribution is being completed too.

Stay tuned as the changes continue to come.

Milestone reached!

2011-04-18T16:45:00.002+10:00

A milestone is a scheduled event signifying the completion of a major deliverable. It is a flag in the work plan to signify a portion of work has been completed.

Today we reached a milestone event in the Guam Transmitter Upgrade Project.

The building and transmitter hall modifications were completed (major deliverable) to the point where we were able to bring the new transmitters from their storage containers located near the antenna field into the transmitter building.

The physical move of the 14,000lb (each) transmitter required the assistance of a crane and flatbed. This is a high risk event because of the potential danger posed to equipment and personnel. Any mishap could stop or change the project timeline.

Pulling TX6 out of its 10 month container home.

Placing TX6 on Flat bed

We are happy to report the move was successful! Thank you for joining us in prayer to keep rain away and maintain personnel and equipment safety.

Tonight the transmitters are temporarily staged in the shop and transmitter hall and will be rolled in to their permanent operational location in the transmitter hall in the next few days

This milestone event was a major accomplishment as it marks the start of “phase 3” of the project where we will be connecting and testing the transmitters.

Update: 20 April 2011

The Transmitters were rolled into place on Tuesday April 19th.

Here are a few more pictures:

Look Out Below

2011-03-24T13:52:00.005+10:00

You had better be aware of what is going on over your head as you walk through the transmitter room these days. The ceiling tiles are gone and the beams are soon to follow, you never know what could fall on you (spiders?).

This week, years of accumulated metal from various projects and equipment was disposed of as part of the on-going remodeling plan. It had been stored in a room overhead the transmitter room. Now that whole storage room floor is going to be ripped out, it will bring the ceiling height from 8 feet to nearly 17 feet. Guess you can't accuse us of not being up-to-date with the latest home decor . . . cathedral ceilings and wide-open spaces! And just so it looks nice, the roof and beams that are now exposed, have been painted bright, white. Bringing lighting up to the "new" ceiling was another task completed this week as the men took down the old lights and put them into their new aerial spots.

The new air-conditioners and ducts are all in and have been tested, with the transmitters now being cooled by these huge, but friendly giants.

TX 1 hasn't been feeling too well this week as its power supply is not producing enough voltage for broadcasting, so it has been off-air for three nights. Doug Gregson and Mike Sabin have been working diligently to get it back up. Pray for them to find out what the problem is, but, at least at this point they know what the problem isn't, so that's progress right?

Getting All Our Ducts in a Row

2011-03-09T18:04:00.004+10:00

Since our last blog about the installation of the air-conditioners for the new transmitters, we've seen great progress. Now, I, CamKathy (Kathy Gregowske) have returned from Cambodia to once again add my non-techie views to this blog.

As Paul and I pulled up to the transmitter building after being away for several weeks, the first thing we noticed were the huge air-cons sitting on their platforms, but getting a quick tour showed that there was still much to be done. But these guys work quickly (weather permitting), and now most of the exterior work has been done to put the air-conditioning ducts in place including getting most of the power lines connected (see photo of Eli Sabin). The holes in the exterior wall where the ducts were put in, have been blocked up, so if you look at the wall from the inside you will see five (the sixth is out of sight) spots for the ducts. Each transmitter (the two new ones, and TX 1,2) will have both an intake and outtake duct. The intake duct will bring in the cold air from the air-conditioner while the outake duct will suck out the hot air produced by the transmitters themselves. Thus we have six ducts standing in a row!

A New Tool for the IT Room

2011-03-09T17:51:00.002+10:00

As if we don't have enough doodads, gadgets, computers and monitors in our IT room, we have now added a DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) Content Server. Recently received from the Elkhart Engineering site, this computer will give us the ability to add digital programming along with our analog broadcasts. This means that a listener with a digital receiver can experience an FM quality broadcast while listening to shortwave. What I found interesting is that it also allows the capability to add text to a broadcast. Imagine, being able to send a quick note about programming or a Bible verse. Economically it can also mean a 25% reduction in power needed to broadcast. Testing of the system is scheduled for this fall on Transmitter 5 (currently in use), and TX 6 (not as yet installed). I am sure that everyone here will be on a learning curve as they work with the system, so please be praying for them as they put the Content Server into action.

Forecast Calls for Mud

2011-02-09T14:05:00.020+10:00

It is tough to believe that we are supposed to be in dry season now. Installation of the three large air conditioners has progressed more slowly than expected due to the heavy rain. We were getting vehicles and boots stuck in the mud. Heavy traffic and 7" of rain in two weeks really made a mess.

With the mounting frames completed, we were able to stage the 1300lb cooling units with our backhoe. However, the frames are too tall for the backhoe to lift the units into their final positions.

This is where networking came in handy. Some friends of some friends helped us out by using a 60' boom truck to set the air conditioners in place. Having friends with the right equipment really makes a difference. The Lord has provided in many ways for this project.

Other Duties as Assigned

2011-01-25T19:36:00.002+10:00

We have been getting quite a bit of help with the installation of three new air conditioners at KTWR. Helpers come from many different backgrounds and have a wide variety of talents. We often work in the realm of "other duties as assigned" that is covered in our job descriptions. Even TWR President and CEO, Lauren Libby, put in some time welding on a frame that will hold one of the 1,300lb cooling units. He had just arrived on Guam the previous night. This is an interesting way to combat jetlag.

The last two air conditioners will be picked up this week. Two of the frames should be ready for paint within a day or so. Assembly of the third frame has not yet begun. Once at least one of the air conditioners is mounted, we can begin ductwork and wiring.

Getting one or more of these units operating is an important milestone for us. That will allow much of the major building modification work to proceed. We cannot install the Thomson transmitters without the building remodeling being partially complete. Please pray for us to make good progress in these tasks.

Help Wanted! enquire above

2011-01-18T10:06:00.001+10:00

We have requested help from our supporting churches for the demolition and wall building next month February 14^th to March 7^th. If one man could be sent from each church for two weeks, we would have more than enough help to complete the task on schedule. Pray with us that God would supply the help we need.

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest...to send out workers into his harvest field" Matthew.9:37-38.

Due to the manpower shortage, the team building the Air conditioner framework is also running the transmitter night shift from 5:30pm to 2:00am. Please pray for the team as they work long hours… pray for safety, and alertness as they travel and perform critical tasks.

Cool down!

2011-01-18T10:02:00.000+10:00

The Transmitter replacement project has many aspects, a major part of the project is to setup the cooling system. The transmitters have high power tubes that use steam vapor cooling. The heat exchangers for the final high powered tubes will be outside the transmitter building; however, the lower powered sections will remain inside.

To maintain the proper temperature and remove the critical sections from salty wet air the transmitter hall will be air conditioned. This will lower maintenance costs and provide longer life for the equipment.

The first 12 ton Air Conditioner is currently being installed. The last two systems are on order and expect to arrive next month. Concrete footers are being poured and a steel support system is being welded. Careful construction work is being performed as the system will need to withstand typhoon strength winds (200+ mph).

Inside we will be building ducts for the Cool air to be delivered to the transmitter hall and warm air to be returned to the Central unit. Once the first air conditioner is installed (hopefully in a few weeks) we will be able to move to the next phase which is to remove the 2^nd floor storage area above the transmitter hall and build a new wall and door system that will essentially seal up the building for air conditioner use, but still allow us to bring in the new transmitters.

Santa's Workshop

2010-12-28T09:00:00.003+10:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist that title being as the holiday has just finished, but we do have a new workshop to talk about. The air intake/storage, AKA "the spider room" has been transformed. Now closed in, the newly painted, white walls shine, the tools are all lined up and ready for use, and it's perhaps even a bit more organized now. The new tool room also gives the men a little more worktop space for future projects.

As I look around at the work that already has been accomplished, I am amazed at the skill and ingenuity of our men, and as they show me all that is yet to be done, I am struck at how dedicated they are. In all that they do, they are mindful of the outcome...to get these new transmitters in place to bring God's Word with even better clarity to people around Asia who are starving to hear that God loves them. There is a lot yet to be done and they remain short-handed. Please pray for short-term and full-term workers to come join them in serving God with their whole body, mind, and spirit.

As the year closes, we must bring all praise and glory to God who has blessed the ministry of TWR Guam. We have seen His hand at work in so many ways; through the Holy's Spirit's guidance in decision making, for delivery of the new transmitters, and other equipment, short-term helpers, provision of safety for the men, and for the many friends who have pledged financial aid to pay for the transmitters and upgrade work. Perhaps you can sing along with us the great song: "To God be the Glory, Great things He has done....

For what You have done I will always praise You in the presence of Your faithul people. And I will hope in Your name, for Your name is good. Psalm 40:3

Bound for Lebanon

2010-12-22T15:58:00.006+10:00

The container that holds TX3 and its associated equipment has been picked up by the shipping company. Those of you who are not familiar with shipping containers may not realize how literally we use the phrase "pick up". The photo to the right shows how that is done.

The buyer is having it shipped to Lebanon, Tennessee. Once it is reassembled, it will be used for ministry again.

With TX3 out of the way, we can move on to the next step in the transmitter replacement project. We need to move a 20KW generator and its fuel tank to make space for an air conditioner.

Heavy Lifting

2010-12-08T16:29:00.000+10:00

The 6000 + lb High Voltage Transformer for Transmitter 3 was successfully moved today. The transformer will be placed into a container with the rest of Transmitter 3 to be shipped to the new owner.

The access wall was removed...

The Transformer was jacked up and placed on "Skates"

Pushed out the opening...

Lifted with the Backhoe

Why missionaries don't need to join a Gym

2010-12-02T16:26:00.006+10:00

Much of this week was spent preparing an old room to become a new tool storage area. The room had air openings for filtered air to be delivered to the transmitters. Since Air conditioning will be used with the new transmitters the room is being transformed into a tool room.

All the tools stored against a wall will be moved to the room. The wall will be torn down and the old Transmitter 3 will be removed, packed in a container and shipped to the new owner.

The new doorway was made by knocking out a filled cement wall... view the short video to see the guys swinging 12lb sledge hammers... does it look like fun or just hard labor?

The blocks were brought down to the site by pickup truck... driven slowly....

A Few Brave Men . . .

2010-11-29T11:05:00.004+10:00

There is a room at the back of the TX building that has been fondly nicknamed the Spider Room. It is a name that is well-earned, and one in which anyone with a spider phobia would have avoided at all costs. The room I am referring to was (I'll get to the past tense reference in a moment) also called the air intake/storage room. It was a room that had decorative block along two sides allowing air to be sucked in by the transmitters to keep things cool. Now remember that we are on an island and our site is located very closely to the ocean, thus all that air that was coming in to cool the transmitters (through filters), was also full of salt. As they started to remove all the metal parts from around the room, they found that most of the metal was completely rusted through . . . and then there were these huge (personal biased opinion) banana spiders! (pictures above) Seems they had decided to make this room their very own special arachnid condo. So, last week, with gritted teeth, great bravery, and a backhoe, the men of valor approached the task of bringing down the "air vent" walls. Kudos go to the original builders of this room because when the guys tried to take down the walls with a sledgehammer, they made little progress thus it became a job for the backhoe. But oh how I imagine the guys thought that was fun!

Other projects finished last week were to pour a concrete pad for the generator (see pictures above), and to take down a bathroom to make room for the much longer transmitters to come.

This week, the destroyed walls will be replaced by solid concrete blocks to close in the "spider" room. It will now become a storage room that will also double as the shop for building maintenance tools. Once again the move of the shop was made necessary to expand the width of the TX room for the new transmitters.

Pumping & Draining

2010-11-15T09:37:00.004+10:00

It was a busy weekend for Jim McIntyre and Mike Sabin as they worked to get TX 2 up to full power. Remember folks that I am the non-techie who writes for this blog, so I was interested to learn that even a little bit of dirt or dust can cause arching within the transmitter. . . not a good thing! There is an old saying, "once the dust settles" things will work out okay. Apparently not so with transmitters, ALL dust particles must go. Therefore Jim and Mike spend many hours Saturday pumping and draining water through the transmitter. In other words, flushing out the system of TX 2. Perhaps "flushing" is a bit to strong of a word to use as it takes a long time for the water to run through the system, with water just dripping out at the end. It has taken at least twelve 5-gallon buckets of water so far, but the system is getting better and they are hoping to get TX 2 up to full power today. In the meantime, we send out a special thank you to FEBC in Saipan who aired some of our programming on Thursday and Friday so that our listeners would continue to hear their programs.

Working for the Lord --heating and cooling!

2010-11-12T12:58:00.028+10:00

This week has been all about the relocation of Transmitter Two and teamwork is what makes it possible! All hands were on deck for this project. The old radiator has been removed, and a new one fit to a new spot. Its new location, exposed to the outside of the building, will mean less work for the new air conditioner to cool the system. Yesterday was a full day with Jim and Sterling working on the steam lines -- preparing them to fit the new design, Kevin and Paul were working on the temporary air ducts, Mike was working on insulating the lines, Doug was working on preparing the new motor, and Dave was assisting to bring the cooler down and help wherever he was needed. Bob was working behind the scenes in the financial area.

These changes to Transmitter Two will result in improvements and this is one of many steps in setting the stage for the eventual installation of the new digital transmitters. Like a symphony all the different parts come together in harmony. Though the noises heard right now - the drilling and sawing - aren’t very pleasant to the ear, the final product will result in "music" to the listeners’ ears!

Two of the youngest members of the TWR staff team, Sarah and Joy took their school “on the road” and headed to KTWR to record the progress of the transmitter project. Following are the interviews they conducted:

Interview with Sterling Ottun:

What is the project you are working on?

Helping remove the old radiator, putting it outside so it’s not as loud inside and so the heat from it is outside. Then, we can put the new air conditioners in.

What is your part of the project?

Well, we are all crossing over and doing different parts of the job, so that is hard to answer. But, I have been mainly disassembling and helping to take out the old radiator, threading pipes, and building water lines.

What do you enjoy about your part in the project?

Knowing it’s going to be an improvement later.

Interview by Sarah and Joy Gregson

Interview with Mike Sabin

What is the project you are working on?
Transmitter two relocation

What is your part in the project?

Wiring, electrical, design.

What excites you about your part in the project?

The results. With the air con, the transmitters will last longer.

What are some of the challenges?

Fatigue and working in tight spaces. As an example, when I crawled inside the transmitter to work.

How long do you think this part of the project will take to finish?

One phase will be done today but maybe a few more weeks before it’s completely finished.

Joy concluded that the outcome of persistence is great things! Interview by Joy Gregson, age 9

--------------------------------------

Interview with Jim McIntyre

What part of the transmitter project are you working on?

Move cooling system outside so the station will be cooler. (it’s the first step)

What is your part of the project?

Helping, planning, buying materials, helping with the work.

What do you enjoy about your part in the project?

I like to build things with my hands and it’s exciting to work for God!

What is the trickiest part of doing this job?

Not a lot of time! We have to get this done and ready to go on the air.

How long do you think it will take to complete it?

Half a day (we spent the whole day yesterday already)

Sarah concluded that hard work and determination can get the job done!!

Interview by Sarah Gregson, age 11

"Love Asia by Radio" Sharathon . . .

2010-11-02T11:54:00.004+10:00

With excitement in the air, multiple phones ringing, and passionate volunteers, a two-day Sharathon was held in Cary, NC to raise funds to cover the transmitter upgrade project for Guam.

Partnering with Moody Radio stations in three major cities (Cleveland, OH, Chattanooga, TN, Tampa, FL) and KCBI-FM in Dallas, TX, the "Love Asia by Radio" sharathon was a resounding success. During the two-day campaign, 2,577 calls were fielded by volunteers at the Cary, NC call center and over $270,000 was received in gifts and pledges. This combined with previous gifts, means that we are well on the way to paying for the Thompson transmitters and the upgrading expenses. What a great and mighty God we serve Who provides in abundance!

For more information about the project and pledge information: http://www.twr.org/microsites/guam2010/

Meanwhile, back here on the "island", the following was accomplished through this past week:

* Testing continues on TX 1

* One air-conditioner arrived

* General maintenance and cleaning around the shops

* Grounds maintenance (grass cut in and around the antenna field)

* Scrap metal that has been collecting for several years was rounded up and sent for recycling

* The beginning prepation work for the cooling radiator for TX 2 was begun

Getting the Thumbs Up

2010-10-25T10:55:00.006+10:00

Things are progressing well with getting TX 1 pieced back together and up and running. All the wiring has been completed; it received a good cleaning, and this past week the steam and condensate pipes were connected to the radiator. The unit is now being tested and while there are a few things that have to be tweaked, the first analysis has gone well. Soon attention will be turned to TX 2 which also needs it's cooling radiator moved outside. While TX 2 itself will not be moved, the radiator transition means that TX 2 will have to be taken down for at least one night. However before this happens, we need to give our listeners ample warning ahead of time of the change so they will know their program will not be aired that day.

As you are aware, there has been much work done to move the cooling radiators outside so that the new transmitters can be in an air-conditioned environment. Those air-conditioners are on their way and should be here within the next two weeks. Planning meetings are being held to plan all the steps needed to install the air-conditioners in a timely manner.

Brief news: --A new phone system has been put into place with each team member receiving their own phone and extension.. . thanks to the hard work of Cassius Smith.

--November brings a new broadcast season (B10) so preparations are being made for frequency and program changes.

Design Elements

2010-10-19T11:31:00.005+10:00

For those of you who are less technically experienced, have we got a blog for you today. As a writer for the blog, I often find myself challenged to understand the ins and outs of shortwave technology; but talk about interior decorating, and I can keep up with the best of them. So, I delight in sharing about the conference room makeover that happened last week. We were blessed to have Alex and Mandi Gursey come out to design, oversee, and work hard to bring about the transformation of the conference room, taking it from a bland, awkward room, to one that will function on a much better level. Included in the makeover was repainting the walls, adding chair railing, painting a bright, white wall surface for video presentations, and cutting and resurfacing exisiting tables. Lighting for the room was improved with the addition of recessed lights in the ceiling. Alex and Mandi (expecting their fourth child), had only 10 days to pull of this project, so they worked long hours, often into the late evening. Joining them in the endeavor was Paul Gregowske and John Norcyk (cutting and resurfacing the tables), and Jim McIntyre (electrical work). Not to be forgotten is Sterling Ottun who invited the Gursey's to come and who drove them all over the island to find the materials needed. (Yeah, for Home Depot!). The results are a beautiful, professional looking conference room that the TWR staff and guests will enjoy for years to come. A special thank you to Alex and Mandi for their hard work and creative minds. . . the room is stunning!

More Power to the Fans

2010-10-13T13:22:00.004+10:00

There are still some things left to be done before TX1 can be brought back on the air. Since the heat exchanger will be cooling the steam outside the building, we added another fan. The additional load from the extra 1HP motor caused an existing circuit breaker to be too small. That is why this photo shows me changing the breaker.

Other things we are doing include running the steam and condensate pipes from the transmitter to the heat exchanger, using the old storm door to seal a wall, and making panels and other parts for the transmitter. This work requires electronics, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and metal working skills.

Even without the work related to this project, we can use people with these skills just about all of the time. We have greatly benefitted from the help from short-term helpers on this project. We could also use people with these skills as career missionaries. Please prayerfully consider whether or not the Lord could be leading you to join the team here.

Project Management and Moving Radiators

2010-10-11T13:39:00.006+10:00

Cassius Smith arrived last week to help with Project management of the Transmitter Replacement Project. Cassius recently retired after working 32 years as a software developer and project manager and is now working Full time with TWR. More Information about Cassius and his wife Valerie can be found on TWR org. http://www.twr.org/global_staff/smith

Heat exchanger move

On Friday 8 October we moved the large cooling radiators (120lb each + 100lb fan and frame) for Transmitter 1 and 2 to the outside of the building in preparation for the new layout of the transmitter hall. The radiators were originally mounted as part of the transmitter inside the building and when operated pulled in moist salty air. This modification will provide for a cleaner operating environment for the existing old and new transmitters. Check out the video to see how “many hands make light work”.

TX 1 Goes Skating . . .

2010-09-27T10:34:00.006+10:00

How do you move a huge transmitter across a room? You put it on "skates" and push! Sounds simple, but the process took a lot of planning, man power, and a dedicated staff to accomplish this massive task. More importantly, the Lord was front and center throughout the whole procedure for which we give Him all praise and honor.

In preparation for the move, the TX was placed on "skates" (see pic 1) to make the move easier. Once the TX was pushed out into the transmitter hall, some prep work was done on the area that had been inacessible since it's first installment. Then came the all-hands-on-deck effort of pushing it across the room and to the opposite space once occupied by TX 4, (pics 2-4) and placing it into it's new home (pic 6). Next, the upper level section of the transmitter was put into place. Also moved was the temporary wall that had been placed in former TX 4's spot to cover the gap now left by TX 1. For a "moving" experience, be sure to see the video posted below.

This week's work will be focused on re-assembly, re-wiring, and reconnecting power to TX 1. Once that TX is up and working, TX 3 can be taken out (after a potential buyer has viewed it as a working TX). Another cooling radiator move is also on tap fo this week.

Moving Transmitter 1

2010-09-23T11:35:00.004+10:00

There were a lot of smiles to be seen the day Transmitter 1 was successfully moved from one side of the KTWR Transmitter hall to the other, making room for a new transmitter!

Heave Ho . . .

2010-09-20T10:44:00.006+10:00

"On the count of three, you pull, and we will push." . . . And so with a loud 1-2-3, three 5/8" high-voltage lines (SSC) were threaded through a narrow 1 1/2" conduit pipe that took the lines through two 85 degree turns and one long 40 foot run (see pic 4). It took two men to push the lines through (pic 3), and as the lines got to the end of the pipe, four men to finish pulling it through (pic 5). This was done twice. As I watched this, I was reminded of sailors of old, hoisting up a main-sail. All this was done to make room for the Thompsons; the old lines having been in the way.

On tap this week: the new power lines will be connected, and TX 1 will be moved to its new location across the room, after which installation will begin.

TX 1 is feeling disconnected . . .

2010-09-13T11:44:00.005+10:00

After the drama of these past several weeks, this week's work on the GTR project seemed rather tame. The goal? To get TX 1 ready to be moved across the room to its new location. The wires that had to be disconnected were disengaged and the top of the unit is off, so now it is ready to be moved.

This week's project toward the ultimate goal of installing the new transmitters, is to move high voltage lines over so that there will be room for the Thompsons. It goes without saying that prayer will be greatly appreciated with this venture.

Excitement grows as the aspect of more workers to come out to help with the project continues to develop. John Norczk from Florida, will be flying in on Friday and staying for a month. Kevin Baker from Canada plans to arrive in October and will be staying on for several months. Others are also expressing interest in helping for which we are very thankful.

Above are several photos as part of our visual diary of the GTR project.

TX 1 goes wireless . . .

2010-09-07T11:26:00.003+10:00

What? A transmitter without any wires? Well, at least for now TX 1 will be without it's wiring as this week's task for the Guam Transmitter Replacement project (GTR) included disconnecting the wires in TX 1 in preparation for its' move across the room. Perhaps not as challenging as gutting an entire transmitter, but certainly important to the entire move.

Last week we reported moving the TX 5 cooling radiator. All the bugs seem to have been worked out, and we praise God that it has been functioning well; perhaps even better than before.

In other news, we sponsored a group of people from Moody Radio (pictured above) who came to visit us as part of their vision trip to China. The main goal of the Moody group's visit was to see first-hand the work and ministry of TWR-Asia and thereby help us to raise the needed funds for the GTR project. By actually seeing the transmitters, towers, and staff, then to actually see our listeners in China, the group was better able to understand the importance and need for the new transmitters. As they return to the States and to their broad radio audience, they will be able to tell the story of TWR and encourage listeners to support the GTR project financially. While they were with us, we had two opportunites to fellowship together as a staff, they observed a "P" shift, and were also able to have a bit of fun as they enjoyed the beautiful island of Guam. It was a joy to share mutual experiences as radio people, and they were an encouragement to us as well. It is probably safe to say we all came away having developed great relationships and friendships with each other.

P-u-s-h it back, p-u-s-h it back, w-a-y back!

2010-08-30T10:41:00.005+10:00

That was was the project over this past week. Adventuring where no others had gone before, the cooling radiator for TX 5 was moved outside the building and placed into a custom-made box.

The new transmitters which will be installed later this year, will require air-conditioning to keep them cool. It was felt that leaving the radiator inside (from the remaining TX) would cause too much heat to build up within the building. Because moving and locating this radiator outside had never been done before, the TWR engineers put their heads together with others outside TWR and came up with an ingenious plan:

The main radiator was put into an air pleuum with a 3000 CFM fan. This was set outside under a porch roof that protects the system from the weather. The pleuum was installed above the air-conditioner duct work to conserve space. The 3" steam pipe was then insulted (inside the building) to reduce the load on the air-conditioner. The condensate pipe from the radiator was attached to the existing pipe inside the transmitter.

Since the move, there have been some bugs that had to be worked out, but overall, the crew is very pleased with the project, and over the past few nights, the transmitter has not tripped off as it had been during the first few nights after the move.

The Disassembly of TX 4

2010-08-17T10:28:00.008+10:00

In the hit TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the cast seems to delight in the gutting and removal of an old home that is going to be made over. As the show progresses, we see a new and better home being built. During the second week in August, the TWR crew had a similiar experience as they gutted and removed Transmitter Four in preparation for newer and better transmitters within the building.

You can imagine the fun they had as they tore into the TX, taking it apart and tearing it to pieces! Over a couple of days the TX was stripped of its' aluminum parts, while later in the week with the help of two volunteers Rick Guerrero and Rich Dahilig, the remaining portions of the TX were removed; steel parts gutted for recycling, and salvageable electronic parts sent to storage for later use.

Yet as the TX was being disassembled, I couldn't help but think how blessed the people who were present at its' dedication 28 years ago would have been. They would have prayed for long-life, dependability, and that it would serve its' purpose . . . to reach Asia for Christ so that lasting fruit is produced. Through the grace of God, TX 4 has done just that, and we retire it with joyful hearts.

"the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

Promises

2010-08-09T07:38:00.006+10:00

As I drove to work this morning I saw this beautiful rainbow over the KTWR antenna field and the two containers holding the two new transmitters. This sight made me reflect on Gods promises:

1. (Rainbow) Genisis 9: 11-13 " I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

2. (God's word) Isaiah 55:10-11 "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it"

I look forward to the day when God's word "waters" Asia with his life giving word from the new transmitters.

Current Project Timeline

2010-07-26T12:23:00.007+10:00

Please partner with us in prayer. We are relying on God as our Provider as we move ahead with this Transmitter Replacement Project.

You will find here a project timeline. As you see posts on this blog site, you will see what our prayer needs are as well as the progress of the project. As God moves people's hearts to volunteer to help by labor or by assisting prayerfully or financially, we hope to post how it all comes together here.

All the different points in this timeline are necessary for the building modifications we need to be able to move these two newer, larger transmitters into our transmitter building.

Truss Plant and Project Description

2010-07-20T11:22:00.005+10:00

Did you know that welders come in quite handy on this mission field? Some of our guys are building a roof to keep the sun and rain off of the transmitter containers. This is being done to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioners and to reduce the likelihood of rust damage in the containers. Here is a photo of the roof trusses being welded. This structure will be quite heavy duty to withstand typhoons.

By the way, you can see a full description of the Transmitter Replacement Project (Love Asia by Radio) at:

www.twr.asia/files/pdfs/Prop2010-May-TRP-Guam.pdf

Air Conditioners installed in containers

2010-07-17T10:19:00.003+10:00

Our rigging / maintenance staff has completed the air conditioner installation for the containers.

Due to our humid tropical climate, the transmitters need to be kept a good temperature so as not to compromise the condition of any components.

Starting off - Transmitters arrive on Guam!

2010-07-13T13:28:00.000+10:00

The Guam Team will use this blog to keep you up to date with the latest news concerning the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) - Digital Shortwave Project.

The Transmitters arrived on Guam on July 9th!

We opened the Containers to inspect, however, until the fund raising is completed, we will not be able to move the equipment into the building.

Much work is needed to prepare the site.

Join us in prayer as we move forward with this incredible project.