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WWVB Photo Gallery
The Station
WWVB, the radio station which broadcasts 60 kHz time and frequency signals, is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, about 100 kilometers north of Denver. It is the companion to the shortwave station WWV.
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Sunrise view
Credit:
NIST
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60 kHz antenna
Credit:
NIST
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Frost
Credit:
NIST
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More frost
Credit:
NIST
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The Antenna
The longwave WWVB antenna is so large it is actually a cable strung between several different towers. Here are some general views of the antenna.
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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The antenna for WWVB undergoes regular maintenance, as well as periodic upgrades. These photos were taken during a major upgrade which took place from 1997 to 2000.
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Tower
Credit:
NIST
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Repairs
Credit:
NIST
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Repairs
Credit:
NIST
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Repairs
Credit:
NIST
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Antenna Details
Some detailed views of the antenna, and its servicing.
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Servicing
Credit:
NIST
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Detail
Credit:
NIST
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Bushing
Credit:
NIST
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Detail
Credit:
NIST
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Transmitter
The 60 kHz transmitter amplifies the time signal before it is sent to the antenna. A 50 Ohm transmission line connects the 60 kHz transmitter in the broadcast house with the antenna. The transmission line begins on huge spools, and is buried in a shallow trench.
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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NIST
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NIST
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NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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Credit:
NIST
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Variometer Installation
With the 60 kHz antenna, the transmission line must be matched to the antenna through a coil called a variometer.
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Beginning
Credit:
NIST
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Middle
Credit:
NIST
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End
Credit:
NIST
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New Equipment
Construction of the new 60 kHz transmitters.
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Transformer
Credit:
NIST
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Power amplifier
Credit:
NIST
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Control unit
Credit:
NIST
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Amplifier
Credit:
NIST
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Assembly
Credit:
NIST
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Assembly
Credit:
NIST
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Installation
Credit:
NIST
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Retired Equipment
The following are the old 60 kHz transmitters and antenna matching transformer
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Transmitter
Credit:
NIST
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Transmitter
Credit:
NIST
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Variometer
Credit:
NIST
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