This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)

guysfromqueens
This Week In Radio Tech (TWiRT)

“TWiRT” is your go to show if you want to get behind the scenes on what makes broadcasting possible. The show addresses common issues as well as explaining past experiences from a wide array of hosts who each come from a different background in radio technology. This show is a must for any tech geek or for anyone who is interested in what goes on behind the boards and wires.

Episodes

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    TWiRT Ep. 727 - Windows 11, RDS/PAD, and 11 GHz for 2025 with Jeff McGinley

    Jeff McGinley is the kind of engineer who pays attention to the important things. He’s focused on the technologies that bring value to the on-air talent and to the listeners, all the while satisfying the shareholders drive for return on investment. Jeff’s advice is based on real-world experience, so you know there’s value there, too. On this episode we’re discussing the end of official support for Windows 10, and moving to Windows 11. Plus, Jeff and Chris both relate the importance of good metadata for listeners via RDS and PAD (for HD Radio). And we discuss the significant benefits of 11 GHz IP Radio links. Show notes * End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 * There are several ways to upgrade to Windows 11. Guest Jeff McGinley - VP of Engineering at SummitMedia Hosts Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack - Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, Akamai Broadcasting, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on X and on Facebook Follow Kirk on X - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on X - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 6m

  2. DEC 13

    TWiRT Ep. 726 - Moving Eight Radio Stations on Maui with Russell Laferty

    Akamai Broadcasting bought six radio stations (2 AM & 4 FM) plus a number of translators on Maui. Russell Laferty has been building new facilities, and your TWiRT host, Kirk Harnack, is helping with the final wiring and configurations. In addition to a new rack room and (so far) one studio, Russell is moving several studio-transmitter link (STL) systems and installing new ones. One highlight of the work has been improvements to two tower sites on Mt. Haleakala. We visit the upper site at close to 10,000 feet above sea level where Russell gives us a video tour of the building. Plus, learn how a defective Ethernet switch earned Kirk a trip to this transmitter site above the clouds. Show notes: Mt. Haleakala Observatory: Science CityAxia StudioCore is a new I/O and Mix Engine from Telos AllianceWe’ve installed some of the first Axia xNode2 units in our rack room.The Axia xSelector is key to monitoring our multiple stations.The Axia StudioEdge handles plenty of analog and AES/EBU connections to our AoIP network.Omnia MPX Nodes are getting perfect FM MPX signals to our FM transmitters and translators. Guest Russell Laferty - Broadcast Contract Engineer Host Kirk Harnack - Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, Akamai Broadcasting, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on X and on Facebook Follow Kirk on X - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on X - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio sma...

    1h 11m

  3. DEC 6

    TWiRT Ep. 725 - Babelfish Logic Integration with Alex Hartman and Jim Gray

    Necessity truly is the mother of invention. So, when Jim Gray and Alex Hartman needed to gain remote control of some late-model CD players, they developed “Babelfish.” The Babelfish Ecosystem is a solution for logic integration amongst systems that typically are unable to communicate with each other. Whether it's a 40 year old on-air light system that only speaks in relays or a new IP based system that only communicates virtually, the Babelfish Ecosystem allows unlike systems to communicate as one. Babelfish, speak any language for GPIO control. Alex and Jim join us to explain the necessity, the solution, and the tech behind these useful tools. Guests Alex Hartman - Partner at Optimized Media GroupJim Gray - Managing Partner at Optimized Media Group Host Kirk Harnack - Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, Akamai Broadcasting, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow TWiRT on X and on Facebook Follow Kirk on X - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on X - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 8m

  4. NOV 28

    TWiRT Ep. 724 - Hall of Fame Engineers! with Mark & Paula Persons

    Engineers are usually the unsung heroes of Broadcasting. But Mark and Paula Persons have set a high bar for professionalism in our industry. They were both inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and join us to talk about it. Did you know that Mark never wore blue jeans to work - not even at transmitter sites? And Paula’s keen accounting and PR skills made the most of Mark’s efforts both in the field and in the repair shop. We engineers can all learn from the Persons’ professionalism and teamwork. Show notes: The story of Mark & Paula’s induction into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame“Where Have All the Broadcasters Gone?” - a book by Mark’s father, Charles B. PersonsAudio on MWPersons.com and on a YouTube playlist.Paula mentioned using D2 Biological Solution for restoring old headstones as part of her volunteer work with the Daughters of the American Revolution.Mark mentioned he’s written about 200 articles in Radio World magazine.Mark and Paula will visit the island municipality of Bonaire soon. While Paula goes SCUBA diving, Mark will visit PJB3, a powerful AM station on 800 kHz. Guests Mark & Paula Persons - Retired Broadcast Engineering Team, Now Busier Than Ever Hosts Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio ...

    1h 13m

  5. NOV 22

    TWiRT Ep. 723 - Hurricane, Flooding, and Disaster Recovery with Christian Vang and Dave Anderson

    In late September, 2024, hurricane Helene hit parts of Florida and caused wind damage and severe flooding in Georgia, South Carolina, and especially Western North Carolina. Hurricane Milton hit Florida in October, 2025, causing even more damage there. In both storms, electricity was knocked out, cell phone service disrupted, and Internet was down for many. In these disasters, local and regional radio largely remained on-the-air, alerting listeners to the storms’ arrivals and keeping them updated with news of emergency services, relief sites, and a lot more. Christian Vang and Dave Anderson are broadcast engineers in Northern Georgia and Tampa, Florida, respectively. Both are seasoned in planning for disasters and working those plans while being flexible in emergency response, all the while keeping studios and transmitters operational. Chris Tarr joins us as well with some additional notes on emergency preparedness for broadcast engineers. Show notes: We ran out of time, but Christian asked that we share with you this drone video from the Asheville, NC, City Government Guests Christian Vang - Broadcast Engineer/IT SpecialistDave Anderson - Chief Broadcast Engineer at WUSF Public Media Hosts Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 12m

  6. NOV 15

    TWiRT Ep. 722 - Heartland Engineering with Aaron Cox

    Most broadcast engineers love a good project - especially when planning and resources overlap to enable a worthy outcome. But even solid “enablement” requires an engaged and knowledgeable engineer to guide the project’s moving parts, seeing the project through, and making sure the outcome fits the goal. That’s where Aaron Cox comes in. Aaron appreciates a good project - even a complex one - and he’s our guest, describing several compelling broadcast projects. From a couple of tower projects to new studios and upgrading an AM directional array, Aaron brings a “can-do” spirit to each job. Chris Tarr co-hosts this episode, adding his parallel expertise. Guest Aaron Cox - Regional Engineer at Relevant Radio and Owner at Omni-Phonix Engineering LLC Host Chris Tarr - Group Director of Engineering at Magnum.MediaKirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc.Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 12m

  7. NOV 8

    TWiRT Ep. 721 - Exacting Design Makes the Best Audio with Mike Dosch and Josh Bohn

    Mike Dosch has served as the CEO of Telos-Omnia-Axia, and is the Founder of Angry Audio. But his passion is audio circuit design and manufacturing. Mike joins us to talk about solving some vexing audio problems, and getting the best performance from analog audio interfaces. Isolating audio circuits from the noisy data circuits that connect them was a challenge - one that is solved in the USB Audio Gizmo from Angry Audio. Mike also discusses Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) and how this figure of merit is important in real audio facilities. Josh Bohn joins us to announce a new wireless data connection path for remote sites. And we meet Mike Hutchens, the new Director of Technical Services at MK Technical Services. Show notes: * Mike described a “gotcha” when muting a condenser mic. His Mic Drop Gizmo solves that, and here’s the manual & schematic diagram. * Mike described how the USB Audio Gizmo’s design eliminates audio whine and dirty power & ground from computers’ USB connections. Here’s the schematic diagram. * Josh Bohn announced a new satellite data connection service from MaxxKonnect Wireless, using 4G LTE as a backup data path. Guests Mike Dosch - Founder at Angry Audio & Product Leader at Triple HelixJosh Bohn - President/CEO at MaxxKonnectMike Hutchens - Director of Technical Services at MK Technical Services Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new a href="https://angryaudio.

    1h 14m

  8. NOV 1

    TWiRT Ep. 720 - 720 kHz with Pierre Lonewolf and Bill Murdoch

    Amazing that this worked out, but thanks to Pierre Lonewolf’s topic idea and Bill Murdoch’s eagerness to join us, we have a fun and informative TWiRT episode! Two chiefs who engineer at two different high-power AM radio stations - each broadcasting at 720 kHz on the AM dial. And we’re having this conversation on episode 720 of “This Week in Radio Tech!” It had to be fate! Between Pierre and Bill, we find plenty of similarities and some big differences in their transmitter operations. Pierre’s station is KOTZ in Kotzebue, Alaska. Bill’s station is WGN in Chicago, Illinois. The towers are about 3,200 miles apart from each other, so neither station gets interference from the other, but each station has interesting and individual challenges. You’ve got to check out Pierre’s and Bill’s Tips of the Week at the end of the show. Great wisdom there! Show notes: * A folder containing photos of WGN’s transmitter site from today’s show. * Daytime coverage maps for KOTZ and for WGN * Austin Ring Transformers - Wikipedia Article * Austin Ring Transformers - Critical installation information from Hatfield & Dawson * History of WGN Radio * KOTZ’s website is packed with info and photos Guests Pierre Lonewolf - Broadcast Engineer at Lonewolf CommunicationsBill Murdoch - Chief Engineer at WGN Radio Chicago Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support.

    1h 9m

  9. OCT 25

    TWiRT Ep. 719 - Reliable Conditional Access with Ty Magnum

    Conditional Access systems for building security have always seemed like a “per building” or “per campus” proposition. But with today’s ubiquitous Internet access, and somewhat autonomous operation, conditional access systems can be deployed in remote locations. They can provide not only conditional access security, but also inform site owners of who is opening doors and gates, and exactly when they’re doing it. It’s convenience for those requiring access, and verification for those who need to monitor such access. Ty Magnum has assembled the right ‘best of breed” security systems and is installing these systems at transmitter sites and broadcast studio facilities. Chris Tarr joins us to apply his perspective on rolling out this technology and the equipment that makes it work. Show notes: * Joda Media - Physical Security for Broadcast Transmitter Sites * Joda Media - Broadcast over IP - Data Center Solutions for Broadcast Infrastructure * Make Your Tower Site More Secure - Radio World article by Ty Magnum Guest Ed Glab - Studio Supervisory Engineer at WLS, Retired Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 9m

  10. OCT 18

    TWiRT Ep. 718 - Windy City Studio Engineering with Ed Glab

    We radio engineers who aspire to be fondly remembered in our careers should take a few notes from Ed Glab. Ed engineered the studios and the remote broadcasters for WLS, Chicago, for over 40 years. His career and his positive ingenuity are fondly remembered by the DJs and radio hosts who worked with him. On this episode of TWiRT, we get to talk with Ed and hear his perspective and stories about engineering at “Music Radio - WLS”. Show notes: * YouTube playlist of WLS air checks * Ed Glab engineering a remote with Don and Roma on WLS * Radio World - Ed Glab Calls It a Day at WLS * Instagram - Ed “The Professor” Glab on location at Marriott’s Great America in 1977 Guest Ed Glab - Studio Supervisory Engineer at WLS, Retired Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console.The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output.

    1h 9m

  11. OCT 11

    TWiRT Ep. 717 - Home Studio Tech Update with George Whittam

    Listen fast, because George Whittam reveals a LOT of gold nuggets of useful audio capture and production information in this episode of TWiRT. Just look at the long list of Show Notes below! George is the engineer to the Voice Over stars, and the rest of the voice talent world, too. We engineers can learn a lot from George’s tireless efforts to help voice talent get the most from their equipment and studios, and modify or build new spaces when needed. Check out George’s advice, then follow him on other podcasts and his website to dig into solid audio engineering advice. Show notes: * Centrance PASport - Voiceover Actor's Audio Interface with dual USB interfaces * George highly recommends the Apollo Twin family of audio interfaces * George is a fan of the very solid Earthworks Audio ETHOS mic * The R0DE NT1 mic is also popular among George’s clients * The Austrian Audio OC818 mic boasts an impressive lineage and design heritage * Source-Connect is a longtime favorite remote audio connection software among VO artists * ipDTL is another favorite software service for remote audio connections * And Cleanfeed.net is an industry standard for remote audio production * George highly recommends Twisted Wave audio editor, now for Windows, too - and even offers a free training seminar on Twisted Wave setup and use. Guest George Whittam - Owner a GeorgeThe.Tech - Consultant at Tri-Booth, Co-host VOBS.TV and Pro Audio Suite Podcast Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by a href="https://www.nautel.com/products/innovations/hd-radio/hd-digital-radio-test-drive/" target="_bl...

    1h 8m

  12. OCT 4

    TWiRT Ep. 716 - Engineering for Jazz at WFSK with Rick Durham

    TWiRT is on location at a Nashville radio station - Jazzy 88, WFSK-FM. Rick Durham is a provider of managed IT services in Middle Tennessee. He’s also the engineer for WFSK-FM. WFSK is preparing for their annual fundraising event, where they broadcast live from the parking lot and take drive through donations while interviewing numerous Nashville dignitaries and music artists. We also spend a few minutes with Sharon Kay, WFSK’s General Manager, and Xuam (X-Man) Lawson, WFSK’s Program Director. We discuss some engineering and how WFSK is keeping up with an Audio over IP audio plant. We also discuss the engineer’s role in keeping the jazz playing and the public affairs programming on the air, too. Show Notes: * WFSK-FM - Jazzy 88 - Nashville’s Jazz Station at Fisk University * Jazzy 88’s annual radiothon fundraiser * WFSK-FM is at Fisk University, a private historically black liberal arts college in Nashville, Tennessee. * Headline: Sharon Kay to be Inducted into Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame * What’s the 411 with Sharon Kay Guests Rick Durham - Owner at Diversified Electronics Service and Engineer at WFSK-FMSharon Kay - General Manager at WFSK-FMXuam (X-Man) Lawson - Program Director at WFSK-FM Host Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, & South Seas Broadcasting Follow Kirk on Twitter - @kharnackFollow TWiRT on Twitter - @TWiRTshow and Facebook Sponsored by Nautel and the HD Digital Radio Test DriveBroadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Angry Audio and the new a href="https:...

    1h 11m
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

“TWiRT” is your go to show if you want to get behind the scenes on what makes broadcasting possible. The show addresses common issues as well as explaining past experiences from a wide array of hosts who each come from a different background in radio technology. This show is a must for any tech geek or for anyone who is interested in what goes on behind the boards and wires.

Information

More From GFQ Network

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada