Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach

When wfpr.fm began broadcasting in 2017, the radio station needed a location for its broadcast tower.  Franklin provided a small patch of land atop Forge Hill, and wfpr provided a home, building, electricity and tower space for the Town's Police and Fire Radio Systems.  

This week Franklin Public Radio and the Town of Franklin extended this infrastructure partnership - literally - to improve the Town's Public Safety Communications.  The tower and antennas are going up - extending another 40 feet.  The additional antenna height increases the reach of the radio signals.  

laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set

The crew began laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set.  

assembly instructions

The assembly instructions are similar to the sheet that comes with Ikea furniture - only there are many more sheets.  

assembled 40-foot section

The assembled 40-foot section with antenna side-mounts in place. 

Standing upright next to the tower

Standing upright next to the tower - a last inspection - ready for hoisting to the top.

ready to bolt the new section securely in place

The crew up top, ready to bolt the new section securely in place.  

After a day and a half of careful assembly, the hoist to the top is quick - a short elevator ride.  At 160 feet, the crane makes it all look like child's play.  Another hour of aligning and bolting the section in place and we're ready to add the antennas up top.  The Town is also adding a new antenna for the DPW's water department - more digital radio control infrastructure for managing its water systems.  

This project was first planned last year as part of a multi-phase infrastructure plan to improve town-wide public safety communications over the next two years.  

For more about Franklin Public Radio, visit their home page at wfpr.fm 

Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach