About Radio Chaski

Located in Urubamba, Peru, just north of Cusco, Radio Chaski went on the air in 1992 as a shortwave station. Subsequently, both FM and AM stations were brought on line. Together, the three provide comprehensive coverage sharing the Gospel.

In late 2012, new transmitters were installed for both the shortwave and FM stations. The AM station is currently off air because the 25 year old transmitter has failed.

The new FM and shortwave transmitters have produced incredible results. The shortwave station covers almost all of Peru in its entirety. The FM station covers the greater part of the Sacred Valley of which Urubamba is the center.

 

Station Details

Shortwave (AM mode) – 1 KW

Frequency Language Time Slot Programming Production
5.980 MHz Quechua 6:00 – 10:00 a.m.4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 90 %10 % Bible / NewsWomen / Children / Special Programming is produced in the United States and Lima, Peru & consistent with a doctrine of Biblical inerrancy.
Spanish 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

 

 

FM – .5 KW

Frequency Language Time Slot Programming Production
94.9 MHz Quechua 6:00 – 10:00 a.m.4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 90 %10 % Bible / NewsWomen / Children / Special Programming is produced in the United States and Lima, Peru & consistent with a doctrine of Biblical inerrancy.
Spanish 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. – midnight

 

AM – 1.5KW or 2.5 KW TBD

Frequency Language Time Slot Programming Production
630 KHz Quechua 6:00 – 10:00 a.m.4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 90 %10 % Bible / NewsWomen / Children / Special Programming is produced in the United States and Lima, Peru & consistent with a doctrine of Biblical inerrancy.
Spanish 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. – midnight

 

The Opportunity

A need exists to replace the 25 year old failed transmitter. The AM transmitter can be purchased in country. It is solid-state unit, requiring little maintenance and would be exactly what is needed. The “FCC” of Peru has given a May 31, 2014 to have a transmitter purchased and available for inspection.

AM radio is the most popular in the region. Moreover, the AM station can provide coverage for some areas to the South that the other two transmitters don’t cover well.

 

Transmitter Manufacturer

Bethel Radio Company, Cuzco, Peru. Radio Chaski has used this company previously for contract work and knows it to be very reliable. Primary training has been taken from Dallas, Texas (US) based Continental Electronics Corporation (CEC) through its class offerings in Chile.

 

Transmitter Specifications & Cost

  • AM Transmitter 1.5 KW
  • Solid State Technology using Mosfet Semiconductors
  • Digital PWM Modulator
  • Spike and transient current suppressor using a varistor filter network
  • Synthesized Digital Modulator
  • Solid State Rely system for turning on and off the transmitter remotely
  • 4 RF Power Boards
  • Solid State Compressor (brand: Behringer)
  • Exact match Antenna tuner
  • Installation with 12 month. guarantee

 

TOTAL COST – 16,500 soles or $5,900.00

OPTIONAL

Transmitter with the same characteristics of 2.5 KW in power.

TOTAL COST – 23,500 soles or $8,400.00

 

AM Antenna

The antenna is a floating monopole on a 30 meter tower.  Every AM transmitter has a tuner between the transmitter and the antenna to tune for exact impedance match, ensuring that full power flows. Therefore, a tuner will be supplied with the new transmitter.

 

Coverage

While no formal coverage study has been conducted due to limited resources, anecdotally, signal reports have been received from the South West and from all over Peru and into Bolivia and Chile. There is documentation of the signals reaching the United States and even Japan. Therefore, while concentrating on the region of South West South America, the reach is well beyond as these stations broadcast the Christian message. The FM station is radiates in all directions for between 40 and 45 miles, providing coverage to about 6,000 square miles.

 

Funding

Radio Chaski currently has no funds in reserve; therefore, the entire cost of the transmitter / tuner must be raised. The prices listed above do include. While a 1.5 KW unit can be purchased, it is preferable to purchase a 2.5 KW transmitter to improve quality and range.

All of the donations can be given through Baptist Mid-Missions and a tax-deductible receipt will be issued.  Checks should be made payable to Baptist Mid-Missions Foundation.  Include a note that says donation for Cuzco Radio Transmitters.  They have an account already set up. Do not put this information on the check per IRS regulations regarding tax-deductible donations.

 

Contacts

Steve Fulks ,SFulks@bmm.org, K7QV (www.bmm.org)

Brian J. Linn, KD0HII@carf.net, KD0HII, President, Christian Amateur Radio Fellowship