New antenna music to ears of O'ahu public radio fans

By James Gonser
Advertiser Staff Writer

Following six weeks of sketchy reception for its O'ahu listeners, Hawai'i Public Radio's new antenna atop Wiliwilinui Ridge went on line at 11:30 a.m. yesterday, providing the most complete coverage the noncommercial station has ever had, station general manager Michael Titterton said.

"It will have the best spread that we've ever had and we've already had a lot of calls from folks who say the reception is better than they ever had before," Titterton said.

The antenna project started before Christmas and was expected to take three weeks; it took longer because the remote location is accessible only by helicopter and bad weather limited the work schedule.

The new antenna cost about $100,000.

"It's been embarrassing continually to say the weather is what has slowed us up, but there has never been any doubt in our minds that, once this upgrade was completed, everyone would agree that the inconvenience has been worthwhile," Titterton said.

The old antenna was shared with two commercial radio stations, KRTR and KXME, with all three signals running through a combiner between transmitter and antenna. Under the new arrangement, KHPR will be able to configure its antenna to maximize its signal.

"For many, many years, ever since KHPR has been up there, we have been sharing a common antenna," Titterton said. "The result has been compromises have had to be made."

For the past six weeks the station has been working at very low power of 1,100 watts on a temporary antenna that affected reception for drivers traveling on Pali Highway and especially on the North Shore. The new antenna is hooked up to its main transmitter and went on line with 36,000 watts.

Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.