Detroit Section June 2021 Meeting Notice

This presentation discusses some of the important broadcast RF system failure modes and presents photos and videos of how these are manifested in real life.  We will take a look at why towers fail, why antennas and transmission lines burn-up and how inside systems cause problems.  The goal is to have the audience understand that it is possible to avoid most failures through conscientious inspection, performance monitoring and preventive maintenance.  Thus, failure can be an option and not a foregone conclusion.  It is intended to be a show and tell presentation with audience participation and questions desired.  I hope to hear some of your experiences and would love to see any photos, etc. you have to share of them.

Jim Stenberg is currently a principal engineer, rf broadcast, with the US Tower division of American Tower Corporation headquartered in Woburn, MA.  He is responsible for RF engineering at the companies numerous multitenant broadcast sites and supports broadcast sales efforts with new and existing customers on the company’s 40,000 plus towers in the US.  Prior to joining ATC in 2013 Jim was the owner/operator of JS Engineering, an RF engineering and field service company which began operation in 2005.  Before starting his own company Jim worked for several RF equipment manufacturers including Dielectric, Passive Power and MicroCommunications.  Involved primarily in the research and design of antennas, transmission lines, and filters for TV and FM stations, he holds eight US patents for various RF products.  Jim lives in Portland Maine and holds a BSEE from the University of Lowell, MA.  In 2020, he was awarded the 2020 NAB TV engineering achievement award for his 30 plus years of service in the industry.