KPFA Repeater

How Many Roads?

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KPFA Repeater Project (1984)

Read Chapter 8 Summary for a synopsis of events related to the following photos. This project was a feasibility study to extend the broadcast range of Berkeley's listener-sponsored KPFA FM radio station.

The U.S. Forest Service fire lookout tower located atop 6,183-foot Mount Sanhedrin in Mendocino National Forrest. The windowless building beneath the lookout cab contains high- powered TV and radio transmitters that use an antenna tower out of sight to the right.

A U.S. Forest Service ranger is noting the map coordinates for smoke that she had sighted. The exact location of a fire is determined using the calibrated compass sight in the middle of the room to her right.

The continuous signal strength of KPFA is being recorded on the strip chart that is on top of an FM receiver. A roll of paper slowly traces a vertical line that shows signal strength.

A rooftop view of the surrounding area, with the FM
antenna that the author mounted for the test in the
foreground. This is the highest antenna that the author
has ever erected. Although a light to moderate wind is
blowing on the ground, there is a gale force wind on the
rooftop.

Another view from the lookout tower rooftop, along the mountain ridge, with the Forest Service communications antenna and heater vent in the foreground. The small building on the right is an outhouse. Except for Forest Service dirt roads, there are no signs of civilization in all directions.

Read Chapter 8 Summary for a synopsis of events related to the following photos. To learn more about this progressive noncommercial radio station, visit the KPFA links found on the Links page.

Go to: Top of Page Previous Page Photos Home About the Book Chapter Summaries Site Map