Monday Morning Coffee and Technical Notes

August 10, 2026 View as Webpage

Lighting Protection

Recently, a Texas radio station took a direct lightning strike at its transmitter site, virtually destroying everything inside the building. While complete protection is impossible, engineers should take every practical step to keep lightning from reaching station equipment.

A ground system is not a one-time installation that can be forgotten. Engineers should inspect the entire system regularly to ensure all connections remain secure and that any additions follow the approved grounding plan.

A proper ground system involves bonding all the devices (equipment, racks, transmission lines, etc.) in the building together with a 4” copper strap, all junctions should be soldered together with proper solder and then using one strap take it outside to a “master ground rod”. This rod should be a minimum of 10 foot driven down below ground level. 

The connection to the ground rod should be made using exothermic welding, often called Cad Welding. This process involves creating a permanent bond between metals, typically using a chemical reaction that generates heat, often referred to as thermite welding. Bring the tower ground strap to this same ground point. Never use a compression type of connection on ground systems.

It is also advisable to have a licensed electrician install a properly sized surge protector and power conditioner to the master incoming power feed. The ground from these units should be tied in the master system as well.

The theory here is, during a lightning surge the ground can rise to over 5,000 volts. However, when all the equipment is bonded together correctly the difference in potential between devices is still zero.



Final note, don’t forget to properly ground all guy lines at a point before the line enters the turnbuckles at the anchors.

ABA Engineering Academy

As a quick reminder the ABA Engineering Academy Radio Engineering class is coming up in September. Seating is limited so get your registration in to ensure a seat.

These courses are intended for individuals at all levels of experience, including newcomers and experienced engineers, as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of the technical aspects of broadcasting.

The next Radio Engineering class will be offered the week of September 28th – October 2nd. The television class is scheduled October 26th – 30th.



This 5-day class is held at the ABA Training Center in Hoover, AL (Birmingham). Discount rates for students are available at area hotels. More information about daily subjects covered and online registration is available here.

Cybersecurity Update

We have posted several articles lately about the Commissions plans to increase security against cyber attacks to broadcast program streams. Stations need to pay attention to the required date and requirements. Don’t let this date slip up on you.

Broadcasters must comply with the FCC rule change by September 29, 2026. By then, they should have completed the three-step plan to strengthen security for any internet-connected part of the program chain, including EAS, automation systems, processors, STL, RDS encoders, and transmitters.



The three-step plan requires broadcasters to use strong, dedicated passwords of at least 15 characters with no dictionary words; install the latest security updates on all internet-connected hardware and software in the program chain; and place all program-chain access behind a properly configured firewall.

read more here

ABA 80^th Anniversary Tour

The Alabama Broadcasters Association is celebrating 80 years of service to Alabama Radio and Television stations. As a “thank you” for all the support the ABA is hosting a number of receptions around the state.

These receptions are open to all broadcasters, civic leaders and anyone interested in learning more about the ABA.

Make your plans to join us at the next reception in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday August 26^th. 

It will be held at the University Club from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Click here for more information

August Engineering Webinar

The monthly engineering webinar is scheduled for Tuesday August 18^th starting at 10:00 AM central.

This month’s program will feature an overview of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). This program is a joint project between the State Broadcasters Associations and the FCC.

An approved engineer will visit your station and review all required current FCC Rules and Regulations. Once the inspector is completed the station will be issued a Certification of Compliance. Should any issues need to be addressed, the station will be given a period of time to correct the issue after which the certificate will be issued.

The ABIP will give the engineer and manager peace of mind that their operation is in complete compliance with all current FCC regulations.



Make sure you to mark your calendars to join in for this most important program. Click here to register.

Pro Audio – Less is More

In most cases, a mix sounds cleaner with fewer tracks. Each added source needs its own space in the mix, and without care, you can quickly run out of room.

Listen to the raw tracks and determine what sounds are most important. You may need to speak with the producer to find out what they are looking for in the final mix.

Normally in a mix there will be one main source, all other sources are there to support the lead. One source that can create an issue is the background vocals. It is important to blend all the background vocals so one sticks our then add the background vocals sub group to the mix being careful to keep them below the lead. 

That is why they are called “background vocal”.

Saw this on Earl's peg board