State #29 On The BCB

Normally, 1660 KHz is dominated here by Spanish format KTIQ in Merced, California. I was surprised to tune past 1660 early on Saturday evening to hear Country & Western music. The top-of-hour ID was "Willie 1660 AM" who turned out to be KQWB in Fargo, North Dakota ... state #29 for me on the broadcast band! Not only was it dominating the frequency with an S9 +10db carrier, there were no other stations to be heard ... not even a whisper of KTIQ, normally heard weakly, even when looping to the east.

courtesy: https://www.google.com/maps/

Their 5 tower array is evidently doing a good job, when  propagation favors the eastern path as the antenna pattern has a strong western component while nulling the east.

courtesy: http://radio-locator.com


"... all country legends. This is a Taylor Swift-free zone, Willie at 1660 AM".

KQWB was logged at 0300Z (7 PM local time) using the 10' x 20' loop and Perseus SDR.


Steve McDonald, VE7SL, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from British Columbia, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

3 Responses to “State #29 On The BCB”

  • Hans (BX2ABT):

    Excellent catch! Did some MW listening myself last night and finally IDed the Phillipino station on 1278 kHz as DZRM. It’s the only one listed, but the channel is normally dominated by JOFR.

  • Steve VE7SL:

    FB Hans … what are you using on the BCB for RX / ANT ?

  • Hans (BX2ABT):

    Either an PA0RDT whip or a 12 meter vertical. I noticed that the delta loop for 6 meters also performed well, but that has already been taken down for the move.

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