Antenna Damage Forces WWVB To Operate At Reduced Power
In the United States, the timekeeping radio station WWVB is providing its essential information on reduced power following storm damage to one of its antennas.
Wind damage to half of its phased-array antenna has left radio station WWVB operating at reduced power outside Fort Collins, Colorado. The winds that struck the south antenna in early April were estimated to be higher than 90 miles per hour.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology operates the timekeeping site. People throughout North America rely on WWVB's broadcasts to synchronize their watches, clock radios and other consumer electronics. It is also used for accurate time synchronization and for timekeeping applications in appliances, cameras and irrigation controllers.
Since the wind damage occurred, the station has broadcast using its north antenna only and on reduced power. The NIST explained the change in an announcement recorded on the 11th May 2024 and posted on YouTube.