Really interesting, takes me back to when I was learning about this stuff, but also stuff I've just never seen before, like the Austin transformer.

 

This also took me back. Taken from the link:

Austin ring transformer at the base of a WMCA and WNYC transmitting tower in Kearny, New Jersey. The two interlocking rings are the primary and secondary transformer windings. The spherical objects directly below and to the right of the windings are a spark ball gap, for lightning protection.

I grew up with WMCA NY. Pretty cool stuff back to the 60s.

Ron

 

This also took me back. Taken from the link:


I grew up with WMCA NY. Pretty cool stuff back to the 60s.

Ron

I had no idea the mast material itself was the radiator, and was standing on a huge insulator. I assumed the mast somehow supported some kind of vertical conductor.

 

I had no idea the mast material itself was the radiator, and was standing on a huge insulator. I assumed the mast somehow supported some kind of vertical conductor.

Yes, I found that pretty interesting myself. Never gave it much thought till I saw that.

Ron

 

Yes, I found that pretty interesting myself. Never gave it much thought till I saw that.

Ron

With AM broadcast stations , of coarse they would use a vertical antenna. AND CERTAINLY the actual tower IS the vertical conductor. The width increases the capacitive portion of the load impedance, which makes matching it to the transmitter a bit simpler. AND it does not seem reasonable that the two interlocking loops are a transformer, other sources call them lightning protection devices.

 

With AM broadcast stations , of coarse they would use a vertical antenna.

Yes, had several around me. WHLI was just a mile or so away. A chunk of wire, a good copper pipe ground and a set of surplus WWII headphones with a 1n34 Germanium diode. Look Ma, no batteries. Many times as I past those antennas I never really caught on. Today at 76 now I get it.

Ron