Transmitter Plant at Pedicord Hotel

Licensed for New Location in 1930

Spokane Broadcasting corporation applied for a construction permit on 13 June 1930 to move KFIO from the North Central High School to the Pedicord Hotel (aka Pedicord Apartments) because their lease with the Spokane School District was running out in July 1930. The FRC granted a construction permit on 18 July 1930 and KFIO began testing in August 1930. A license to cover the construction permit was issued on 5 December 1930.

Transmitter Description; Used Until 1935

The FRC records state that the station employed a composite broadcast transmitter with direct crystal control and was rated at 100 watts. This transmitter was rebuilt in 1934 and was subsequently used at the Sherwood Building. The construction permit application describes the antenna as an "L" type with a 75 foot long horizontal portion and an 85-foot long vertical lead-in. The counterpoise was said to be an "L" shaped and 100 feet long. There were two towers of unknown height 110 feet apart between which the aerial was strung. This system was used until May 1935 when KFIO moved its transmitter to the Sherwood Building.

No Pictures of KFIO at This Site

There are no known photographs or drawings of this station's studio or transmitter plant at this location. If you happen to have access to any photographs or drawings, please contact me at wharms!@philcobill.com (remove the "!" character

Written by Bill Harms - Updated 5 July 2007

PHOTO GALLERY

A copy of the license issued to KFIO for 1 April 1933. There is a description of the transmitter including tubes used. (Reproduced at the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.)
Copy of the transmitter schematic found in the station's construction permit application dated 18 June 1930. (Reproduced at the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.)

SOURCES:

  1. KFIO Radio Station Construction Permit 18 July 1930. Federal Radio Commission, Washington, DC, USA. From the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.
  2. KFIO Radio Station Construction Permit Application 12 June 1930. Federal Radio Commission, Washington, DC, USA. From the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.
  3. KFIO Radio Station Licenses 1934-1935. Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC, USA. From the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.
  4. KFIO Radio Station Licenses 1930-1933. Federal Radio Commission, Washington, DC, USA. From the National Archives, College Park, Maryland.