Well folks ... I do apologise but we are not going to be on the air 

tomorrow (Thursday 3 April) for sure and probably not Friday either.



Having had an emergency midnight phone meeting with Barb Woolner and 

Andrew Fogarasi, it was decided to devote our time to getting on-air at 

the new frequency (92.7) and not going back to 96.3.  I am not even sure 

the latter option is possible.  The new antenna is not tuned for the old 

frequency and it is doubtful it can radiate much more than a few watts.



So we'll press on and try and put things to rights, as soon as possible.



Sorry about this ... I had hoped that a problem like this would have 

revealed itself during the "burn in" period.  Why it failed now is not 

known while I write this.



Take care everyone // jkm





The technical problem ... for those interested ...



There is a crystal oscillator which is used to generate our frequency of

92.7MHz.  Crystals are often used as they provide a stable output given 

a stable temperature.  There is a system of heat and thermostatic control 

called an "oven" which is designed to keep the crystal at a constant 

temperature (in this case 75 degrees C)  Unfortunately, the sensor is not 

responding correctly and the "oven" is in constant heating mode, causing the

the crystal's output frequency to creep up.  So we have a situation of 

runaway heating causing runaway frequency.  So, instead of broadcasting at

92,700,000 Hz we were at 92,706,000 and climbing.  Eventually, either the 

crystal would fry or the transmitter would shut down.



The biggest concern just now, is that replacement temperature sensor may 

be hard to find, an more than impossible in Peterboro at midnight.



More news tomorrow.  Thanks again.



best // jkm



Part Identification: 75C Solid State Thermal Switch

Microtherm TS3 - 75 B3

RS 307935

Farnell 151598