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| SACKVILLE Short Wave Station, Canada |
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| Stations | Frequencies | Power | Pol'n |
RADIO CANADA INTERNATIONAL |
Various Short Wave Frequencies as per RCI schedule RCI website: http://www.rcinet.ca/ |
250 kW |
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Radio Canada International shortwave
transmitting station
(prof Anthony C Davies, visit September 2008)  RCI - Radio Canada International The Radio Canada
International shortwave transmitting station at Sackville, New
Brunswick, is situated near the Trans-Canada Highway on the Tantramar
salt marshes near the Bay of Fundy. It can be seen from the Halifax
(Nova Scotia) to Montreal passenger train (the ‘Ocean’). The salt marsh
location is believed to improve performance.
 View of the Sackville transmitting site from train The station has a complex assortment of antennas, driven by ABB 250 kW transmitter units made in Switzerland. Normally, several are in operation at the same time.  ABB transmitter units Their outputs go via 300 ohm
balanced lines to the antennas. The parallel curtain arrays require a
constant spacing in order to keep a good standing wave ratio on the
feeders from the transmitters.
 Main building  General view  General view Most aspects of the station
are automated, with a small local staff to deal with problems (which
include maintaining transmissions in an optimal way during adverse
weather conditions).
 Control desk In addition to transmissions
for Radio Canada in various languages (including Russian, Ukrainian and
Chinese) directed to various countries, programs of NHK, Radio Korea
and other broadcasting organisations are also transmitted under
contract. The central colour screen at the control desk shows the
current schedule, and the matrix display above shows the connections of
the transmitter units to the antennas. Program material is received by
digital and analogue land lines and also via some satellite links. The
station used to offer daily tours to the general public, but these have
now ceased. However, I was able to get a nice personalised tour by
going to the front door and ringing the bell.
The main parts of a previously used RCA 50kW transmitter unit are kept on display.  Former RCA transmitter  Top of mast  Foot of mast  Structure of double curtain With very grateful thanks to Professor Anthony C Davies for all material. |
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