Thursday May 23 2013

Preparations for the DTV transition at the Tamaroa site begin with thorough equipment inspections.

	Joe Swindell, WSIU engineer, inspects the intricate circuitry of the original transmitter that first signed WSIU on air in 1961. July 2001, Tamaroa, IL.
	WSIU Engineers and SIUC physical plant employees pose for a picture in front of WSIU's first transmitter before its removal --- this piece of equipment is definitely ready for a museum! July 2001, Tamaroa, IL.
	Every detail was noted in preparation for the removal of the original transmitter, which occupied a large space in the facility. The momentous occasion occurred in August 2001, making ample room for the new DTV and Analog transmitters required for WSIU to meet the digital conversion mandate. Because this transmitter was no longer in use, its removal did not affect our broadcast signal transmission. August 2001, Tamaroa, IL.

DTV conversion takes shape as staff make on-site acceptance (factory witness) trips to the Larcan factory in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada for the Tamaroa site equipment and to the Harris factory in Quincy, Illinois for the Dundas site equipment.

Larcan:
	One of Larcan's design engineers explains the inner-workings of the new analog transmitter to Mark Constable, WSIU engineer. This analog transmitter will be installed at the Tamaroa site, enabling WSIU to continue to provide an analog signal for viewers until 85% of the area can receive the new DTV signal. Larcan factory, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, January 2002.
	A wider view of the analog transmitter, expected to be installed at the Tamaroa site in late March-early April. Larcan factory, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, January 2002.
	DTV consultant Tom Mann, WSIU's Assistant Director of Technology & Planning Candis Isberner, and WSIU Engineer Mark Constable are all smiles after their on-site review of the new DTV transmitter (in the background) for Tamaroa. This transmitter is expected to be installed in late March or early April. Larcan factory Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, January 2002.
	A better view of the DTV transmitter. Larcan factory, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, January 2002.
	Once broadcasting in digital, WSIU's DTV channel will be 40, with plans to go back to channel 8 after the analog signal goes dark. Larcan factory, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, January 2002.

Harris:
	DTV Consultant Tom Mann explains the inside of the exciter, part of the new DTV transmitter for the Dundas site. Harris factory, Quincy, Illinois, December 2001.
	A close-up look at the inside of one of the many amplifier cabinets of the DTV transmitter for Dundas. This part of the equipment amplifies the DTV signal to achieve an acceptable level before it is broadcast. Harris factory, Quincy, Illinois, December 2001.
	The design and sales team from Harris gave WSIU staff a thorough tour of the factory during the on-site acceptance visit. Harris factory, Quincy, Illinois, December 2001.
	The new DTV transmitter for the Dundas site, expected to be installed by February, 2002. Harris factory, Quincy, Illinois, December 2001.