Comments

January 29, 2012 e-mail to Radio World magazine: After reading the article from Mark Persons about having a "tube type" AM transmitter for a stand by, I am taking his advice and looking into that situation now. My dream is to find a McMartin BA-1K. It is small, and I love the looks of it. Sincerely, Scott in Gatlin, Tennessee.

January 18, 2012: Hi Mark, I really enjoyed reading your handy dandy "hints and kinks" for MW and FM. One other tip I'd like to toss in regarding the FM Continental 816 series transmitters, be sure to check the fan on the harmonic filter. Since it is "out of sight and out of mind" it's frequently overlooked. Jay from Dallas, Texas.

January 6, 2012: Hi Paula and Mark, I received the CRL SMP-850. Everything is absolutely perfect! It was a pleasure to do business with you! A thousand thank you. Olivier in France.

December 1, 2011: (From Reader's Forum in Radio World Magazine) THANKS MARK. Being from Minnesota, I read with interest Mark Persons' article about the wireless Internet tower that interfered with KLIZ AM. ("How Did That Wireless Tower Get There," September 1, 2011). We are fortunate to have Mark Persons in our state; he understands and deeply cares about maintaining quality radio. Our industry needs to foster the development of the next generation of quality engineers like Mark. Leighton Broadcasting and many other broadcasters in our state are grateful for his work for us over the years. Bob Leighton, CEO of Leighton Broadcasting in St. Cloud, MN.

October 6, 2011: Hi Mark, I just read your Radio World piece about WJON Radio. Good work. Ira in Putney, Vermont.

October 3, 2011: Mark, I read with interest your articles about de-tuning AM re-radiators. I'm in Canada and we face the same problems. Don MacMillan

September 29, 2011: Hi Mark, Just been looking around your site. It's well laid out and the photos are very good - something you don't see that often these days. Stu in New Zealand.

September 26, 2011: Mark: I enjoyed your website so much. Oscar in Honduras.

September 19, 2011: Mark, You have a nice website. Thanks for the "Tips" section. I really enjoyed looking through about half of them. Right now I need to get back to work. I'll go through the rest later. :-) John in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

September 8, 2011: Hi Mark; I just read your article in this issue. Details Interesting, to say the least. I am glad it all worked out in the end. Hi to Paula, take care. Best regards, Eva in Bristol, Tennessee.

September 7, 2011: Congratulations Mark. Your proved that things can be worked out if approached correctly and with your engineering knowledge you made it work! Details Mike Sigelman

September 6, 2011: great article in Radio World on your detuning of the cell tower next to the AM! Details Dan in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

September 1, 2011: Hi Mark, I saw your article in Radio World about the tower near KLIZ. Very interesting. Minnesota radio stations have been lucky to have you in our industry. We appreciate the work you’ve done for us over the years. Details Bob Leighton, Leighton Broadcasting.

August 31, 2011: I read your very interesting story about the problems that KLIZ had. The happy ending to the the story was extra pleasing to them, I am sure. Details I always enjoy your stories. R.E. Witkovski, President Besco Internacional

August 30, 2011: Mark, I sure enjoyed your "Popped Up Antenna Tower" article in the September 1, 2011, issue of Radio World. The article reminded me of a phone call I received years ago from a North Central Kansas client station, KFRM (5KW 3 Tower directional antenna on 550 kHz). Rod, the local engineer, told me that someone had just built a 200 foot tower across the highway from the station. After a quick check of the database, I told Rod that the someone was the State of Kansas and the tower wasn't even half way constructed. The planned height was 450 feet. I contacted the state communications director and was told that he would "check into it". Like you, I mentioned a couple of FCC regulations. A half hour later I received a return call saying, "You're right, we're wrong, make it right." Some $60,000 later, also with the help of Mr. Nott, the tight shotgun pattern to the south-southwest was back into compliance. The project resulted in a continuing association with the state, as their tower projects moved forward. Details Thanks again for the article. 73's Larry in Wichita, Kansas.

July 8, 2011: Hi Mark, I wanted to take a minute and tell you how much I enjoy your website. I'm now out of the business, but for about 30 years broadcasting "paid the bills." I love your approach to problems, and the elegant solutions you come up with. Your "Technical Tips" section is a great read. Keep up the great work - I look forward to more in the future! Best Regards, Rick Jordan.

June 1, 2011: I was looking over your website, very impressive. Steve in Brookville, Pennsylvania.

April 18, 2011: Thank you for the quick & very smooth transaction. Have a Great Day! :O) Ken in Point Robert, Washington.

April 1, 2011: See e-mailed comments about the Negative Electricity story.

March 31, 2011: I am so pleased with the service. You are so nice and helpful. The transaction was smooth. I got my Otari 10.5" reel hub adapter in a timely and orderly fashion. Thank you. Ron in Dumont, New Jersey.

March 24, 2011: Mark: Mike let me know you were on the TWIT webcast last night, so I tuned in for a while. Nice job! Any guy who manages to quote Mr. Spock during an interview is all right in my book…“Live long and prosper!” Doug in Wadena, Minnesota
March 24, 2011: Ann and I watched your appearance last night. You did very well. Production quality is quite good. I like your microphone and story about Gates. Jim in Fosston, Minnesota.
March 23, 2011: Mark, Good show on TWIT tonight! Bill from Superior, Wisconsin
March 23, 2011: Good job on the broadcast Mark. I found it interesting. Kurt from Brainerd, Minnesota
March 23, 2011: Good job on the show! Marv from Austin, Minnesota

March 23, 2011: Thanks so much for the quick response and great service! Paul in Savage, Minnesota.

March 18, 2011: I received the CBS Volumax 4300 in good condition. I am very pleased with my purchase and the fast service. It works very well and so does the RCA modulation monitor I purchased from you previously. Thank you. Howard in Spokane Valley, Washington.

March 15, 2011: Mark, Just read your article about the wind turbine near KLOH. Good article, it is amazing how people don’t think about the fact that sticking large pieces of steel up in the air near a radio station antenna won’t have any effect. Steve in Richfield, MN.

March 3, 2011: Nice article on detuning the wind turbine pole in the March 1 Radio World that I just got today. Bob in Hamden, Connecticut.

February 1, 2011: Regarding TWiT Televison appearance, nice interview, Mark! Shane in Laramie, Wyoming.

January 31, 2011: Dear Mr. Persons, I read with much interest your articles in "Radio World" on your van and tool box. I sincerely hope that you plan to write more articles. Your writing is definitely for the common person...easy to understand, and easily absorbed. Far too often today, writers forget that not all of their audiences may have PhD's and over dramatize long words that often times mean 'and' 'to' and 'around' to name just a few. I congratulate your writing style and thank you. I look forward to future informative and interesting articles with the by-line...'Persons." Sincerely, James Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

January 19, 2011: Hi Mark, I just had to drop you a quick note to say that your toolbox is a bit more organized than mine! I always enjoy your articles, keep 'em coming. Maynard from Madison, Minnesota.

December 30, 2010: Dear Mark, I just read your year end review and it sure would be great if the economy continues to improve. Incidentally, I especially enjoy the photos of your installation projects. Thank you again for your assistance in the sale of the Audioarts console. Joan and I wish you and Paula the best of everything in the coming year. Jon in St. Louis Park, MN.

December 24, 2010: Mark - The Dummy Load arrived this evening. Thanks so much and Merry Christmas! Jack in Fullerton, California.

December 21, 2010: Mark, Thanks for the quick return on the Mosley STL repair, it is working great. Marc from Ozark, Arkansas.

December 11, 2010: Hey Mark! GREAT article in Radio World on your van. That baby looks like it has everything you need for a trip out here! Your neatness and preparation for anything is well expressed in it. Jerry in Lake San Marco, California.

December 11, 2010: Hi Mark, I enjoyed your article about your van and work. Thanks for sharing and for the generator article recently as well. Lyle in Los Angeles, California.

December 7, 2010: Saw you in Radio World, what happened to your hair!? I guess I should talk as what gray hair I have left is bailing out. Love your van! It looks pretty well thought out. Al in Centennial, Colorado.

December 6, 2010 e-mail: Mark, just a dandy story on your van in Radio World. Was not the least bit surprised at how well organized you are. Dean in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

November 29, 2010: Engineers always come out second best with bovine encounters….Jerry and Cathy in Lake San Marco, California.

November 1, 2010: Thank you for sharing the story with me. I love the pictures…..Linda from Madison, WI.

October 30, 2010: Hello, kudos on a very informative Web site! Dan from Roseau, MN.

October 28, 2010: Thanks Paula. Tell Mark thanks for wasting some of my time with all of the wonderful info on your website. I have been looking at the various pages since I got off the phone with you nearly 20 minutes ago! Back to work now, Jess in Minneapolis, MN.

October 21, 2010: I just now opened my Oct. 6th issue of Radio World and read your column about gensets, very informative. Great job! Richard in Oregon.

September 28, 2010: Nice article in Radio World on power! I've had two power disconnects replaced at our transmitter site, both caught by feeling the outside of the box as a routine check. Dan in Grand Rapids, MN.

September 15, 2010: I love the tech tips on broadcast repair, especially the Harris FM 20K, which I have the privilege to be involved with here on the Gulf Coast at Power88. I recently had a problem where I could not get the PA plate current to come up to 2 amperes. It was running low, but I had 100% power. Weird! Found the problem in the high voltage power supply. The high voltage cable was loose at a terminal where it entered the cabinet on a porcelain insulator. Brad in Spanish Fort, Al.

September 7, 2010: I'm always left a little smarter after talking with M. W. Persons. Thanks for your service beyond the sale. Mark in Peru, Illinois.

August 19, 2010: By the way, thank you for a very good website! Best Regards Don in New York

July 7, 2010: Hey Mark, Good to see your article in Radio World this morning! I thought I was the only one that ever had second harmonic problems. (540 in Carmel Valley with 1080 in Santa Cruz, California). Thank God we had a good engineer! Jerry in Lake San Marcos, California.

July 6, 2010: I enjoy working on transmitters when things make sense. I learned how the Harris HT-5 FM Transmitter output connection was made with this most recent repair. The manual was no help and Harris really wasn’t either. Thanks for YOUR help. It made all the difference! Marv in Austin, MN.

July 1, 2010: Hi Mark, great article in the last Radio World Magazine. Interesting. Steve from Winona, MN.

June 23, 2010: I took the opportunity to peruse your Web site. I always find excellent Tech Tips there! Thanks for an excellent resource. I especially liked the AM noise/GMC van piece. Del in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

May 8, 2010: Mark was the best dressed engineer at the NAB convention in Las Vegas! Jim in Fosston, MN.

March 1, 2010: Thanks for the information and information on Revox and tip the Mark. Best regards, Paul

February 10, 2010: Mark & Paula: Thank you for the great website and for the equipment manual that you sent me. You provided very fast service and I expected to get a reproduced manual, but you sent me an original in excellent condition. I just purchased two 820E/F1 transmitters and the manual will be very important to me. Jim KB1MIW in Newport, VT.

February 3, 2010: Hello Paula & Mark: I came across your website and really enjoyed the categories, especially the 'Thoughts' section. It's nice knowing there are others who enjoy American accomplishments and technology. Leland NC9K, Iron Belt, WI.

January 24, 2010: Hi: I was just looking around the Internet looking for large variable capacitors for a link-coupled tuner and I found you Web page. It is the nicest web page I have ever seen! Very nice! I have spent some time exploring and learning. John in New London, MN.

January 13, 2010: Mark, you helped me to no end in repairing my ReVox A-77 Tape Recorder. You are a wealth of information and a wealth of hard to get parts. Thanks for being there. Jacob from Sylvan Lake, MI.

January 1, 2010: You are a good man and you have a nice website. Ed from Scarsdale, NY.

September 1, 2009: I love the cow story. Maynard from Madison, MN.

August 24, 2009: From M. W. Persons to customer: The Moseley PCL-606 STL receiver problem turned out to be a bad variable capacitor in the first oscillator module. I have seen this before so I replaced all three capacitors like that in the module. Good thing you sent the transmitter here too as it was off frequency a bit. All is well now and the system should ship from here on Monday. Customer: I don't call you "The Wizard" for nothing! Bill in Rochester, MN.

July 13, 2009: Sent the cow story around to radio station employees -- thought you'd like to know we think you're udderly amazing! Chris Grams, Manager of WYRQ Radio.

April 15, 2009: Hey Mark, got the Harris HT-10FM Transmitter up and running yesterday with the modules you repaired. Works great. Thanks for all your help. Keith in Marshall, MN.

April 8, 2009: It's a cool site. Rita from New Mexico.

February 1, 2009: I bought a Zercom Max-Z Remote Broadcast Telephone around 1989, and absolutely loved it. If the unit were a car, I would have "driven" it the equivalent of about 300,000 miles. Minor league sports can be incredibly tough on equipment, and both the Max and the Max-ZII have been outstanding. Used the Max-ZII for an entire hockey season a year or so ago, and that's brutal stuff, with set up and tear down before and after every game. Despite needing repair, I've had the units now for 10 years, most of that time doing two sports (70 or so hockey games and 140 baseball games per year). It's been remarkably good. Thanks again! Bob in Oakland California.

December 30, 2008: Thank you folks for the fast service and careful packing of the RCA modulation monitor. It arrived right on time and is already in service. I'm very pleased. Thanks again. Howard in Spokane Valley, Washington State.

November 23, 2008: Saw your website including the WPPI project. Looks like a first class install. Fabulous site. David in Ely, MN.

August 27, 2008: Just wanted to thank you for the great website information and pictures of WPPI Radio and also the original WVAL Radio ITA transmitter. Drew in Apple Valley, MN.

May 5, 2008: Hi Mark, Thanks for the "heads up" on the honey-comb filter. I'll make sure to hit that on my upcoming tube change. Extending the shaft on the PA bias control was pretty slick, along with how you implemented the overload relays. David Halperin at El Paso, TX. (RE: http://mwpersons.com/tech-tips/FM/Continental-updates.htm)

March 10, 2008: Mark, thanks for your info on hooking up the phone/amplifier! That was just what I was looking for! Royce.

March 7, 2008: Great site, my complements. I shall return. Larry Toombs.

February 26, 2008: By the way, nice website. I've been reading it on and off all morning (slow day at the insurance factory). Have to take a break, it's stirring up the broadcaster in me. George Brand in Grayling, MI. Ham call WA8SCO.

March 8, 2007: I like your website. It contains a lot of information. Kind regards, Dennis in Holland.

January 31, 2007: "Thanks Paula. I got the box today from UPS, just in time to replace the missing power supply and knob on the used Zercom Max-Z unit. I sent it out with our second team for a girls basketball broadcast. It's working fine. I'm glad you are still providing service and support for the Max-Z's as they are still the best thing out there for those of us who are on a budget and can't afford the new codec systems."

We are Southwestern Ohio Public Radio (WSWO-LP 97.7). Being an LPFM on a thin budget, I don't see us going to Comrex units anytime soon, so we are doing our sports via cell phone or land lines using the Max-Z. They are easy for our volunteer announcers to set up and operate even though they may not be very familiar with broadcast technology. Zack Riepenhoff.

November 16, 2006: I love your website. You seem like nice folks. Richard Dalbec

August 23, 2006: Your website, by the way, is very well done. My compliments. 73, Ken K4SVX.

July 28, 2006: Your website is very professional and user friendly. 73 de Chuck Milton W4MIL Palm Coast, FL.

April 10, 2006: I like your website!!! Steve Gretsch KLFD Radio in Litchfield, MN. http://klfd1410.com

October 9, 2005: Mark and Paula, not quite sure how I found your website, but the past 45 minutes have been a treat...what a wonderful pictorial recognition of your many wonderful and loyal customers. Congrats on your new home. It's obvious...it's a center point of your lives. May our paths cross sometime soon...would love to tell a few stories, and hear a lot more. Dean Sorenson.

March 28, 2005: I looked up your website. Very impressive. Say hi to Josie the cat for me! Phil Hayden, Minneapolis, MN.

February 18, 2004: I think your website lost an electron....... it seems so positive! Roger Birkholz, Grand Forks, ND.

March 14, 2003: I enjoyed visiting your website. It's friendly, a pleasant place to visit. Sincerely, Burt, K6OQK http://www.biwa.cc

February 24, 2003: Mark: Thought you'd like to know: we just put our Milbank, SD translator on the air on Saturday using the antenna we had you retune to 90.5 and it works great! The VSWR is very low and the translator sounds great with better than expected coverage! Al Gilbertson WNCB (now WJRF), Christian Radio, Duluth, MN. http://refugeradio.com

February 10, 2003: looking to purchase the "travel bag" for the Zercom Max Z ll. Rick. Answer: Sorry, those bags are out of production and none are available new or used as far as we know. Thanks for finding us on the web. We are available to repair your unit when the time comes that you need help. Reply: Thanks, Mark, I will bookmark your site.

November 7, 2002: Hey gang....as usual, interesting site you have....good to see what's going on and hope you are both well...Best regards/ Pete Boyce, Midamerica Electronics Service.

August 30, 2002: Mr. Neutron....nice website. Tom Wright, Delta Electronics.

May 16, 2002: Hi Mark, I received the ReVox switch yesterday. Thank you again for your timely response. Been a pleasure doing business with you. Regards, Jerry Jennings.

May 12, 2002: I tried the used audio processor unit you sent and it works well. I'm super happy with this transaction. Thanks, you have an excellent company and I wouldn't hesitate to buy more stuff from you in the future. David Newfeld.

April 13, 2002: Mark, just looked at your web site for the first time, I think it is terrific. Good show. Jim Wychor, Past President of the Minnesota Broadcasters' Association

April 9, 2002: Mark: I am pleased to inform you the antenna you recently tuned for us works great! Also the connector you sold us works well too! We mounted the antenna with a 10 foot mast on top of the Glencoe Water tower and the reflected power is very low. "Pal" Al (Al Gilbertson) http://refugeradio.com in Duluth, MN.

January 24, 2002: Just happened on your excellent website.... things to do at 2AM !! Pete Boyce, Midamerica Electronics.

January 23, 2002: Bill: Thanks for finding our website. Sorry we don't have the item you are looking for. We list all major used equipment that we have. I did pass your name along to someone who might have one. Reply: Thank you so Mark. Indeed, it looks like you've pointed me in the right direction. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Sincerely, Bill Tinsley.

December 31, 2001: Can't believe all you've put into your site. It's been fun watching it grow. Now, back to your site. Great job, Mark! Jerry J. Collins, President, F&L Broadcast Development Corporation in Anacortes, WA.

March 5, 2001: Hi Mark...Great website! I don't know how Paula finds time to work - she seems like a really busy lady. I really enjoyed both of your personal pages. Best regards, Jo-Ann Dunn, Radio Systems.

November 29, 2000: Hi Mark, Thanks again for taking care of my Econco order. Just visiting your web site and discovered you are a ham as well. I am KØSH. First licensed in '74 as WNØMHK, then WBØMHK, WWØF and finally the vanity call for last 4 years. 73, Steve Heaton Waitt Radio, Inc.

September 28, 2000: Hello from Bluff City, TN. What a great web site....What a beautiful office...I think I could live there!!!! Eva Shaffer at Kintronic Labs.

July 24, 2000: Mark, I took a closer look at your website. You and Paula have done a great job with it. I'm impressed by your credentials. I'm looking forward to receiving the Patch Switch. Regards, Dave Stewart, Creative Broadcast Audio, Elizabeth, NJ.

July 18, 2000: Hello Mark. Just wanted to let you know I visited. Wow! You've been busy. Wish I had more time to play here. Excellent site! Mike Murrey, Corporate Engineer, TKC Radio, Rice Lake, WI. http://www.wjmcradio.com

March 19, 2000: Hi Mark.......Checked out you site, well done! Tim in Crosby, MN

February 9, 2000: I Found your site on the Web....loookin' gooood! Warren Johnson.

February 9, 2000: Cool Site. Tom Martinson, Network Systems Administrator, Bresnan Communications.

December 15, 1999: Hi Mark: I was looking at the various web pages and came across yours. It is excellent--very nice. Best Regards, Merit Arnold W6NQ RF Parts Co.

October 11, 1999: Nice website Mark!! Very clean and well laid out...just like your radio work!!! ; ) Take Care! Bill Sanford KAWE/KAWB TV Channel 9/22 Bemidji/Brainerd, MN. http://lakelandptv.org

October 11, 1999: Just visited your website again. Nice work. Enjoyed the ham and personal pages too. Mark Croom.

October 11, 1999: Say Hi to your cat from "Pup" (our feline) ~0 0~ Cole Grace in Duluth, MN.

September 27, 1999: Had a chance to peruse your website - very, very nicely laid out and informational. Paula should brag on her talents more - I didn't know she was a ham, too, until visiting your site. Again, good work! Best, Kirk Harnack VP-Engineering, Delta Radio, Inc., Boyle, Mississippi.

September 23, 1999: Was just fooling around and decided to visit your web site. Nice Job! Hope everything up north is going great. Karen says Hi! Mark Mueller, Mueller Broadcast Design http://muellerbroadcastdesign.com

January 31, 1999: Hi Mark, What a wonderful web page. I can see I have a lot of work to make mine as exciting as yours is. Well the lake here is not frozen (Lake Huron) we are about 500 feet from the lake where we live. Congrats on the President status and Paula as First Lady of the ham club. Larry Parker.

January 22, 1999: Hi Mark, I like your website, it's easy to move around and view what you have. Woody Woodward KSUM Radio, Fairmont, MN. http://www.ksum.com