CROWNPOINT — Navajo Technical University radio station KCZY 107.3 FM received an upgrade to its transmission system to ensure its continuous 6000W broadcast covering a majority of the Eastern Navajo Nation Jan. 28. Broadcast engineer Jim Burt and NTU-IT Specialists Dody Begay and Chris Yazzie switched KCZY’s terrestrial transmission from the original system to a new direct STL system. The installation increases reliability during electrical outages, reduces the recovery time from brownouts, and mitigates other failures that cause the station to go off-air.
"The new equipment also upgraded the sound quality on our tuner radio for a more enjoyable user experience. This was a long time coming, and they did an outstanding job. A big shout out to each of them for their expertise and work," KCZY General Manager Cuyler Frank as he discussed how vital the station is locally, informing everyone on the radio airwaves with current information on public health and safety.
The new system allows the station to avoid extended off-air periods during electrical issues caused by inclement weather conditions. The outdated equipment was installed when the station launched its broadcast in 2016. The imminent move has allowed KCZY to address its technical issues and better equip its power infrastructure.
Radio station engineering firm BTA Inc., owned by Burt, provides services to the station as the primary contractor overseeing technical aspects. Begay and Yazzie used their licensure to climb Crownpoint’s 195-foot radio tower and mount a short-wave antenna approximately 20 feet from the tower's base. The antenna receives the signal from an identical antenna already mounted on the IT building.
“When the new system was activated, the previous system became a secondary," Burt said. "Together, it will ensure the reliability of the radio station’s consistency and broadcast. There is still some minor fine tuning we will do in the station, and we hope everyone listening will enjoy the new upgrades and sound of KCZY.”
Burt also said the new system would allow for improved sound quality and increased volume.
As KCZY has been upgrading, the online radio broadcast has been temporarily deactivated. The university recently launched a new website, and the previous online streaming services required upgrades and certificates. Frank has prioritized the matter and plans on getting KCZY back online immediately, as requested by listeners outside its 6000W range. The new online platform will include an interactive radio webpage with a social media presence.
KCZY station utilizes students and local volunteers to shape its programming under the direction of an advising committee.
