Photo by Lee Reynolds
(Source: WAGM)
The skyline in Monticello looks a lot different now. A 260 foot tower that will be soon be home to one of the largest short wave radio stations in the world is nearing completion. News Source 8’s Ashley Blackford has the story.
Allan notes that transmitter tests may be taking place within a month.
[Note: If the embedded video function with WAGM does not function, click here to view at WAGM.]
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Lee Reynolds, who shares these images and notes after a recent visit to WBCQ in Monticello, Maine:
Looks as if the basic antenna construction is all done up there now.
Thank you, Lee. Wow–that is an amazing antenna! I can only image what the foundation of that tower would entail! Thank you for the updates!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Lee Reynolds, who shares these images and notes after he visited Monticello, Maine recently:
Here’re a few shots to show where the state of play of the new station setup
stands as of [six] days ago.
Thanks for sharing these shots, Lee! Looks like the station is coming along nicely.
(Source: Ampegon)
(Source: WAGM via Richard Cuff)
MONTICELLO, Maine – The town of Monticello will soon be home to one of the largest short wave radio stations in the world, according to those involved. In this week’s Aroostook 2020, Newssource 8’s Ashley Blackford finds out what this major project could mean for the area.
Click here to view this video at WAGM.
Click here for archived posts about WBCQ.
[Note: If the embedded video function wdoes not function properly, click here to view at WAGM.]
In March, we mentioned that WBCQ is building a new multi-million dollar 500 kW shortwave station on their transmitting site in Monitcello, Maine. WBCQ did not mention the name of the private investor behind the construction. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kim Elliott, who shares the following note:
On “Allan Weiner Worldwide”[…]Allan mentioned that World’s Last Chance in the organization behind the new 500 kW transmitter.
I was not familiar with World’s Last Chance, so over the past few days, I’ve been reading through their website.
Among many other things, they believe the Earth is flat.
With a state-of-the-art transmitting station and Ampegon rotatable array antenna, I’m sure we’ll all hear WLC on the shortwaves.
Here at the Winter SWL Fest, there has been much chatter about the new Ampegon rotatable antenna and transmitter system at WBCQ.
WBCQ made the following press releasee yesterday:
(Source: WBCQ)
For Immediate Release: March 2, 2018
WBCQ The Planet Announces New Showcase Radio Facility
Plymouth Meeting, PA:
WBCQ The Planet announced today that it is building one of the most powerful and versatile radio stations in the world. WBCQ’s new shortwave radio station, now under construction in Monticello, Maine, features a new 500-kilowatt transmitter from Continental Electronics and a state-of-the-art antenna system from Ampegon Antenna of Switzerland.
The new station, funded by private investors, will be able to direct a powerful shortwave signal to any country on Earth. Our new facility is planned to be a showcase for the radio world and is dedicated to our free speech mission.
The new station is planned to commence operations in fall 2018.
Obviously, the investor has deep pockets and I understand is affiliated with a religious organization. The new antenna and transmitter building is being built on land adjacent to the existing transmitter site. WBCQ actually broke ground last summer and the massive antenna’s foundation is already in place. The antenna is on site now, but has not been assembled. Most of the construction is on hold during the winter, but WBCQ plans to have this 500 kW station on the air by Fall 2018.
Follow developments by bookmarking the tag: WBCQ
SWLing Post readers may have already heard Brother Stair back on the air this past weekend.
Stair was released on January 24 with a $750,000 bail.
Click here to read the story at The Post and Courier.
In truth, Brother Stair never really left the shortwaves. WBCQ (and others?) replayed archived Overcomer Ministry shows while Brother Stair was incarcerated.
In fact, shortly after Stair was taken into custody last month, WBCQ’s Allan Weiner–a friend of Brother Stair–shared his thoughts on the air. Overcomer Ministry still has this audio available on their website:
Screenshot taken from the Overcomer Ministry website.