MTA Files FCC Complaint Over WRNR Translator Interference
The Maryland Transit Administration has filed a complaint with the FCC, accusing Cortona Media’s FM translator W228ER (93.5 Annapolis) of interfering with MTA’s low-power station WTTZ–LP (93.5 Baltimore).
MTA says listeners expecting its transit, traffic, and weather reports instead hear WRNR’s adult alternative rock format. After weeks of listener complaints, drive tests, and failed talks with Cortona, MTA is asking the FCC to order W228ER off the air or reduce its power until interference is fixed, noting that Cortona has other frequency options.
The state agency argues that WTTZ-LP provides a critical public safety service.
A DCRTV reader with an engineering background sent DCRTV the following email:
The 93.5 WTTZ complaint is bogus. The LPFM is poorly engineered, very susceptible to tropospheric ducting. The antenna is at an incredible 499′ on the tower and the HAAT 498′ . As an LPFM at that HAAT, it must “de-rate” from 100 watts to just 4 watts ERP. (The station uses a two-bay, half-wave array.)
Why is this important? With the WTTZ-LP antenna so high the signal often gets launched into a “ducting” scenario. The Chesapeake Bay often sees temperature inversions at mid-levels. (When I lived in Maryland, TV/FM signals from Norfolk would often appear from Spring to Fall – launched up the Bay.) The MTA needs to drop the antenna down to a much lower level (100′) and increase the power to 100 watts.
If the MTA thinks they have things right – they’re wrong. WTTZ has been overwhelmed by La Mera Mera’s Silver Spring W228DI 93.5 FM (WBQH) even before 93.5 Annapolis launched. Places like Odenton or Columbia never could hear WTTZ.
Also, for the latest tropo forecast see: https://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html . This might give you some further insight.
Earlier today, Cortona agreed to work with the MTA to conduct tests at various locations to resolve the interference issue.
The goal is to ultimately submit a modification application for W228ER.
