LUBBOCK – Texas Tech’s student radio station, KTXT-FM, is off-air due to icing of its antenna.
Wintry weather is currently impacting the South Plains Region with below-freezing temperatures, gusty winds and icy precipitation.
Ice on the antenna causes the broadcast radio signal to be reflected back to the transmitter. This reflected radio energy can cause catastrophic damage to the transmitter, but a sensing circuit lowers the output power of the transmitter to prevent any damage. With the antenna being completely iced-over, the transmitter has shut itself off.
Broadcast transmissions on KTXT-FM will resume once the daytime temperatures rise above freezing, allowing the antenna to thaw.
Programming on KTXT-FM is still available via its online stream at ktxtfm.org.
Ice on the KTTZ broadcast tower has also forced the closure of much of the west commuter parking lots. Commuter Lots C-14, C-15 and C-16 have been closed due to ice on the tower.
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