TV district addresses reception issues

During the past few months the Western Sanders County TV District has received multiple inquiries about reception of several channels that are generally available.

In late October there was degradation of the TV signal strength from Pat's Knob to the BN#1 Tower north of Plains. Since it was isolated to Channel 9 (NBC Montana), a temporary fix was accomplished by receiving the signal from the Weeksville tower into BN#1, then retransmitting it to the BN#2, tower southeast of Thompson Falls.

During the week of December 10, a certified communications tower crew from Colorado worked at trouble-shooting the microwave antennas, which are located 120 feet up at the top of the towers. Both the receiver and transmitter for the Missoula stations were removed for repair. Consequently, those three signals are being mixed with the MT PBS signal. According to a spokesman for the Western Sanders County TV District, digital signals are very sensitive, so users can expect occasional disruption of the signal strength. In other words, expect some occasional pixilation with some of the stations.

The immediate goal is to get all channels functioning through the winter, as additional parts will have to be replaced during the summer of 2019.

KPAX (Channel 8) went off the air from the Green Mountain transmit site due to a power failure late November. The contract technician then hiked to the site and reset the transmitter.

KSPS (Spokane PBS) had to move their signal from Bald Mountain in Idaho to a lower channel since the Federal Communications Commission sold their original channel to a telecommunication company. It now requires a stronger amplifier to drive the signal at the lower channel; thus, the Noxon and Trout Creek areas are no longer receiving this station. KSPS plans to replace their transmitter when it is feasibly possible. In the meantime, KHQ and SWX out of Spokane are being broadcast on 6-1 and l6-2 from Green Mountain.

Questions regarding signal disruptions can be directed to the Western Sanders County TV District at 827-4100. The TV board asks the public not to contact the Sanders County Commissioners Office, as they may not be aware of the technical difficulties that the board is encountering.