DXFM 101.9
DXFM 101.9, now known as MILOFM, was a low-power broadcasting station originating from Green River, Wyoming broadcasting on 101.9 mHz in the FM band. The station is now in Salt Lake City, Utah, broadcasting on 99.9 FM. It is owned, operated, and programmed by a local resident. The station maintains that it is not a "so called" pirate radio station, but rather a law abiding community radio station that broadcasts content normally not aired on other local stations.
History
The station signed on air (as DXFM) on June 10, 2006, from a local residence in Green River and began broadcasting a variety format for several months. It was off air from late August, 2006 to April of 2007. During this period, the station relocated to the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and changed it's frequency to 99.9 mHz. The station gained popularity at the University, as it simulcasted several shows of the campus' own station K-UTE.
In April of 2006, the station's coverage in Green River was several city blocks, and various antennas and setups were attempted without much luck in increasing the range. On the University campus, coverage was an entire dorm complex, and the station advertised itself as the University of Utah's real radio station.
In the early spring of 2007, while at the University of Utah, the station suffered equipment problems, caused mostly by a charge of static electricity. The static electricity shock killed a component in the final power output of the transmitter. It was off air until April of 2007, when it resumed broadcasting from Green River. 1
Over the summer of 2007, the station gained more popularity as well as range with an improved antenna system, that as of June 2007, was able to reach a large portion of the city. The station also provided tips for listeners, and stated that it was always a good idea to listen to the station while in a vehicle.
During Thanksgiving of 2007, the station was given a face lift, and changed its name to MILOFM touting a cat's meow during it's station identification. The station still identifies itself officially as DXFM 101.9, but uses the "MILOFM" tags during jingles.
In January, 2008, the station was relocated again to the University of Utah, and once again, was broadcasting on 99.9 mHz FM.
Equipment
MILOFM uses a Ramsey Electronics FM-25B transmitter set at the least possible power (20 milliwatts) allowed by the FCC and maintains that it does not intend to break the laws regarding unlicensed stations in any shape or form. DXFM primarily gets its music via computer playlist (primarily using Winamp), but has occasionally used CD Players and cassette players to provide it's content. The antenna system used by the station is part 15 FCC compliant. 2
Signal
With a good car radio, MILOFM could be heard in almost every part of Green River. The signal was very weak in the eastern portions of town, but could be received with a good radio near the Green Belt. In Salt Lake City, the station covered less area than it did in Wyoming. It is currently receivable mostly on the eastern portions of the campus of the University of Utah near Red Butte Gardens. As with other FM stations, if the vehicle or receiver antenna can "see" the transmitter antenna, the station should be audible. This is known as line of sight.
On air status
The station maintains its on-air status on the station's website. During the holiday season of late 2007, the station resumed transmitting from Green River, and was playing holiday music and its variety format. The station reported that it's coverage was "not as good as usual." In mid-December 2007, the station was back on air, and reported that its coverage was as good as it was during the previous summer. Signing off again on January 3rd, 2008, the station moved its studios to Salt Lake City, Utah as discussed on its website. It then began broadcasting on 99.9 FM from the University of Utah area. 3
Web
MILOFM has a frequently updated website that has more information AbOUT the station, including a deeper history, a studio tour, news, weather, as well as the station's schedule, when operating normally. The station does not stream its programs like other low power stations. This was done for both financial and legal reasons.