Orcas Island Residents Maintain Awareness with Assistance from KIXP
KIXP, a new low-power FM radio station, has made its debut in Eastsound, Wash., on Orcas Island, serving the San Juan Islands community with a unique blend of music and emergency alerts [1].
The station, operated by StayAlert - a Washington state non-profit with a mission to serve public safety through emergency alerting technology based on RDS (Radio Data System) and RDS2 data standards [1] - is broadcasting at 102.3 MHz.
At the heart of the studio, the Ecreso AiO series transmitter from Worldcast Systems is in use, providing the necessary power to reach the community [1]. The station's music library boasts close to 7,000 songs from artists connected to the islands, ensuring a local flavour to its programming [1].
KIXP's easy-to-use, yet powerful radio automation system, Nextkast, ensures smooth transitions between songs and programming [1]. The station's format is community-focused, dedicated to the San Juan Islands, with a strong connection to local history and the many people that play a major role in the community's past, present, and future [1].
StayAlert's unique approach to emergency broadcasting is evident in its use of RDS for billboard projects, a suggestion made by John Casey, the publisher of KIXP's website, back in 1993 [1]. The RDS- and RDS2-compatible software and hardware was created by Joop Beunders, while Inovonics provides RDS encoders, with Ben Barber being particularly helpful [1]. Worldcast Systems also provides RDS2 encoders for KIXP, with assistance from Christopher Poulain and team [1].
The studio, located downtown, resembles Northern Exposure but with an improved design [1]. The studio rooftop antenna was recommended by engineering consultant Bert Goldman and provided by Propagation Systems [1].
KIXP serves as a test bed for combining RDS experience and products with the new StayAlert technology, demonstrating the potential for this innovative approach to public safety [1]. The station is also connected with the local history museum and various non-profits, further solidifying its role as a community hub [1].
In addition, StayAlert uses both the LPFM station at 102.3 MHz and a Class C FM neighbor to broadcast alert messages, reaching a wider audience across the islands [1]. Bert Goldman and attorney Ernest Sanchez were instrumental in preparing KIXP's application [1]. Martin Hadfield, a lifelong friend and mentor, also played a significant role in the project's success [1].
Seattle radio legend Bruce Murdock donated the Pacific Recorders AMX-22 legacy console to KIXP, adding a touch of radio history to the station's equipment [1]. With its unique blend of music, community programming, and emergency alerts, KIXP is set to become an integral part of the San Juan Islands community.
