KRAL/KIQZ - these guys really need help

[michaeljwyo]

Just passed through Rawlins on a trip to Colorado around the Thanksgiving holiday. I swear every time I pass through Rawlins (and I have lived here in Wyoming for 17 years) there's always something amuck at those stations. Makes me wonder if Mount Rushmore Broadcasting really gives a crap. This time around I noticed the audio quality on the FM (KIQZ) was mediocre. Have no idea why....it should be clean. Even when I had perfect signal looking right up at the transmitter on the hill, the audio quality seemed a bit dirty. Like it had a little static to it. Meanwhile I think KRAL-AM (1240) is a joke. Yes it was actually on the air but the modulation level, I would have to guess, must be about 10%. You had to turn the radio WAY WAY up to even hear anything. I know this is not legal. Personally I would think they would care. Around Crescent Junction and Wamsutter when the Rock Springs stations fade off I like to switch to KRAL since KIQZ doesn't come it til you're almost IN Rawlins. I know that OUR 1240 here in Evanston will get out for a good 60 miles during the day so I know KRAL could do the same. They probably need new tubes in the transmitter. On top of that, when I passed back through on Saturday they were still running the same weather forecast (done by some "mt rushmore metorologist" probably in Casper) that they ran on WEDNESDAY.
It's really sad. These are the only radio stations in Rawlins. Doesn't anyone care?? I seem to remember a time...probably 10 years ago plus.....that they DIDN'T simlucast. I think the AM was country and the FM was pop. Give the people of Rawlins a little variety. It's just satellite networks. Seems it would be easy to do but then again....I'm just an outsider looking in. I have no clue what kind of automation or equipment they are using and yes, to go with separate broadcasts you'd need separate automation computers. Anyways.....they really have issues and it just seems like no one cares.

Just spouting off some thoughts.

Michael n Evanston

[Milo_FM]

Here I thought I was the only one who thought that. Seriously, I can only hear KRAL about 10 miles outside of Rawlins. West or east of that, nothing. KIQZ is just as bad.

I don't think Mt. Rushmore cares about those stations (or any other that it cares for IMO). I have tried, in the almost 9 years I have lived in GR to raise Rawlins on my radio, but never could. I always get KEVA from Green River, a good 80 some miles away.

All thats left for Rawlins is the local WPR translator with poor coverage, and I think, a few religious translators.

I just don't think Rawlins has the population to really be "important" for bigger radio companies.

KRAL likely is running the same tx its had since its sign on. I'm guessing KIQZ is the same.

[michaeljwyo]

Yup I'd have to think the same. Grant it, KIQZ is probably making power like it should, it just isn't licensed for much and isn't sitting up very high. It's right above town on the hill that the state prison is hidden behind. I notice KIQZ gets out a little further to the east than to the west. KRAL...yeah who knows. Wouldn't surprise me if it's a vintage 1960s Gates transmitter or something like that. Even when I have heard them doing good modulation, it seems the high end always splattered. You know I always heard this joke about those stations. They just can't get any decent help there because nobody wants to live in Rawlins.
Hrm. Can't say I blame them. Still is sad to see an area with a population of 9000 people not being served hardly at all. Then again, it's been this way for so long, the people of Rawlins are probably used to it. Wish I lived closer.....I could really help them out engineering-wise.

Michael n Evanston

[Milo_FM]

If I knew something about engineering in the first place I would help them too. Its only a two hour drive from my "other" home base in GR.

I would shoot them an email about their problems, but the point is probably mute. The people running the station likely know how bad it is themselves, and theres probably not a lot they can do about it. Rushmore, ya, they have more control.