Hobby Broadcaster Profile
Tom Spencer
Radio XTZIt's always quite apparent when radio is so deep in one's blood that they practically eat, drink and even dream about it 24 hours a day. I suppose this would begin to describe Tom Spencer's love of radio.
The semi-retired broadcast engineer has been the jack of all trades in the radio biz, having done everything from load the automation to on-air DJ, News, and finally engineering. "I had one of those 'phono oscillator' transmitters when I was a kid", Spencer said. Is it any wonder why he loves the stuff?
Spencer has been a holder of a first class radiotelephone certificate along with his ASET in electronics technology. Being well versed in information technology has come in handy as he's upgraded and repaired his own computers.
The motivation for his venture in Part 15 radio was "the lack of availability of Part 73 licenses." When asked if he would like to pursue a full power station, Spencer replied "Definitely - build or buy, I'm not picky."
Spencer started his beautiful music formatted "Radio XTZ" in May of 2007 and it has grown to four frequencies, two operating on AM and two on FM. His AM stations utilize an LPB 25B transmitter feeding a carrier current signal while a Radio Systems TR-20 feeding a radiating coaxial cable setup. His FM stations consist of a kit transmitter and an RCA BTE-15 broadcast exciter feeding into dummy loads.
The air studio is well equipped with a custom built 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 computer equipped with the StationPlaylist broadcast automation system which plays through a Darla24 professional sound card. The computer feeds an AudioArts A-50 broadcast console that feeds his processing chains. One FM uses an Optimod 8000a processor and second FM use an Optimod 8100a. One of the AM transmitters is processed with the CBS Audimax and Volumax system while the other transmitter is equipped with a built-in limiter. He'll be doing some remodeling in the coming months so some of his station equipment may change as time goes on.
Spencer added, "And yes, 99% of RadioXTZ's "order of battle" is full-scale radio equipment. "when you care enough to send the very best..." which I regard Beautiful Music as."
Lastly, he shares some great advice for anyone considering getting into Part 15 radio: "It doesn't matter if all you've got is a $79 Radio Shack mixer, a couple of $20 CD players, and a $50 mike, no processing except whatever comes with the transmitter (most include at least peak limiting), or a $5000 board, $2000 tape decks, and so forth like Radio XTZ does. What matters is that you HAVE FUN. All too many Big Stations have lost sight of that simple truism. Radio isn't about getting rich; radio is about having fun, and serving the community while having fun."
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