This in from Angel Radio, in their own words.
Angel Radio, the Island’s first community radio station suddenly went off-air on Sunday morning (17th July 2011).
The fault proved to be within the microwave link receiver. This is the piece of equipment which receives the signal sent from the studio in Cowes to the transmitter site on the Downs.
Sunday morning
“It was very dramatic” said Bev Webster, the programme controller of Angel Radio, “We were listening to the radio on Sunday morning when it suddenly went off mid-record! We tried the Internet and found it was working perfectly so we knew it must be a problem at the transmitter.
“We rushed up to the site immediately and found that there was nothing going through the transmitter. I tried the usual course of action, i.e. switching it off and on again but the burning smell was getting stronger and we then saw smoke coming from the side of the receiver box! We switched it all off immediately, needless to say!
£2,000 replacement cost
“The cost of a new replacement receiver will be just under £2,000 which will make a huge dent in the Angel Radio funds which are needed to pay all the licence fees so we are hoping that the unit can be repaired which should be quite a bit cheaper.”
“We hope to be back on FM with live shows within three weeks but in the meantime we are trying to produce a pre-recorded programme to broadcast until the receiver is repaired or replaced” said Chris, the owner Manager of Angel Radio Isle of Wight.
Can you help?
If any of our loyal listeners would like to help towards the cost of the repair, please feel free to make a donation to Angel Radio Isle of Wight.
Angel Radio will be broadcasting updates on their Internet frequency and via Wight Cable or on their website.
Angel Radio can be contacted on 01983 246810- please leave a message for Chris or Bev.
