Broadcast translator

In broadcasting, a translator is an FM radio station or a TV station which acts as a full-duplex repeater. Just as a verbal translator (person) listens in one language and speaks in another, a broadcast translator receives a signal from one channel and transmits it again, usually on another channel or other frequency assignment. This is common in the Americas, especially in the United States, and in the mountains.

Related Topics:
Broadcasting - FM - Radio station - TV station - Full-duplex - Repeater - Translator - Receive - Signal - Channel - Transmit - Frequency - Americas - United States - Mountain

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For example KQED-FM in San Francisco transmits on 88.5 MHz with its large main transmitter. Smaller transmitters, known as FM translators repeat the signal on 88.1 MHz in Martinez and Benicia and on 88.3 MHz in Santa Rosa.

Related Topics:
KQED - San Francisco - Martinez - Benicia - Santa Rosa

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Translators operate with power up to 250 watts, compared with 6,000 to 50,000 watts for the main station. So they cover relatively small areas. Many translators operate by picking the signal of the main station off the air with a directional antenna and sensitve receiver and directly retransmitting the signal. Some are authorized to use microwave, internet or satellite methods to receive the signal from the main station.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~