KOPN Community Radio Upgrades Transmission System

KOPN Community Radio in Columbia, Missouri, has upgraded its transmission infrastructure with the deployment of a new STX 10 FM Transmitter from Broadcast Electronics (BE), replacing the station’s long-serving BE FM10S transmitter.

Broadcast Electronics (BE), a global provider of broadcast technology including AM, FM, HD Radio®, TV transmitters and media software solutions, announced the upgrade as part of KOPN's ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and strengthen its broadcast reliability for listeners across mid-Missouri.

The retired FM10S transmitter, which has delivered reliable service for almost two decades, will continue operating as the station's dedicated full-power backup system. The move highlights the longevity of BE’s broadcast technology while providing KOPN with a modern primary transmission platform.

KOPN is a non-commercial community radio station serving Columbia and the surrounding region with a mix of local programming, national news, independent talk and diverse music content. The station began a detailed engineering review in 2025 as it looked to modernise its technology, reduce operating costs and secure its future transmission capabilities.

Ed Herrmann, KOPN board member, and Dylan Martin, Designated Chief Operator, led the technical evaluation process, working with BE's engineering and support teams in Quincy, Illinois. During the review, the STX 10's integrated IP connectivity stood out, with the station highlighting its browser-based HTML5 graphical user interface, which provides secure monitoring and control through multi-level password protection from any location.

"KOPN has been a vital voice in mid Missouri since 1973, and having a reliable transmitter is crucial to serving our listeners," said Ed Herrmann, of the KOPN Board of Directors. "It was time to replace our old BE FM10S, and after a year of research, we chose the STX 10. The team at BE walked us through the options and answered all our questions. With BE’s help, the installation went smoothly and we were off the air only a few seconds. Beyond the hardware, the web interface is a nice upgrade. It will save engineering trips to the tower and make it easier for our volunteer programmers to take readings. We are also happy that the BE FM10S, which had served reliably for almost 20 years, will stay on as a full-power backup."

The STX 10 is part of Broadcast Electronics' STX transmitter family, which is designed to improve efficiency and simplify maintenance for broadcasters. The platform delivers up to 72% AC-to-RF efficiency to help reduce power consumption, while incorporating a Direct-to-Channel (DTC) digital modulator designed to provide precision and audio performance.

The transmitter also features hot-pluggable power supplies and front-access RF modules, supporting easier servicing and improved uptime for broadcast operations.

With the STX 10 now on air, KOPN has strengthened its transmission capabilities while maintaining the reliability of its existing BE infrastructure through the continued use of the FM10S as a backup system.

bdcast.com