Dielectric Completes OptiLoad Deployments In Texas

Dielectric has completed two high-profile OptiLoad deployments in Texas through broadcast systems integrator Land Communications, including the first installation of the company’s new external OptiLoad Heat Exchanger.

Led by Land Communications owner Donnie Land, the projects demonstrate how broadcasters can configure OptiLoad systems to meet different operational requirements while improving RF system protection, cooling and serviceability.

The first installation of the external OptiLoad Heat Exchanger took place at KAMU-TV in Arlington, Texas, where it was integrated with an OptiLoad Light system supporting a new 80kW transmitter deployment for ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 operations.

A second deployment at KCIT-TV in Amarillo uses the original OptiLoad platform with SNMP and remote monitoring capabilities.

Together, the projects highlight the expanding OptiLoad product family, which combines Dielectric’s water column load technology with intelligent monitoring, automated cooling response and RF system protection.

"At KAMU, we were installing a very large 80-kilowatt transmitter system in an extremely tight equipment room," said Donnie Land, Owner, Land Communications. "There simply wasn’t a practical way to dump that amount of heat into the building and expect the air conditioning to keep up. The external heat exchanger solved that problem completely."

The stainless-steel external heat exchanger transfers thermal energy generated by the OptiLoad system outside the building, reducing the demand placed on HVAC systems in high-power RF facilities.

The self-contained unit is installed outdoors and connects to the indoor OptiLoad Light system using supplied coolant hoses and power connections.

"The system was very straightforward to install," said Land. "It arrives fully assembled and ready to go. Once connected, it operates automatically. The external unit senses rising heat levels and activates only when needed. It’s a very clean, efficient design."

The KAMU deployment also demonstrated the durability of Dielectric’s liquid-cooled water column load technology, which forms the basis of the OptiLoad product range.

"The load element itself is extremely rugged," he said. "Dielectric's water column loads have been proven in the field for decades. That’s one of the biggest advantages of OptiLoad. It’s not relying on traditional resistor elements; it’s built around technology broadcasters already trust."

At KCIT-TV in Amarillo, Land Communications deployed the full OptiLoad system, including SNMP capability, LAN connectivity, remote diagnostics and expanded monitoring functions.

"The standard OptiLoad gives broadcasters access to remote monitoring, internal web interfaces, and more advanced system visibility," said Land. "It provides multiple layers of protection. If operating conditions move outside specifications, whether it’s temperature, coolant flow, or another issue, the system can automatically trigger interlocks to protect the transmitter and RF infrastructure."

Beyond protection, the OptiLoad systems can also be used during routine maintenance, troubleshooting and transmitter testing.

The external heat exchanger extends the OptiLoad platform into higher-power transmission applications where conventional indoor cooling solutions can become impractical.

The KAMU heat exchanger features corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction designed to withstand demanding environmental conditions, including moisture and salt exposure.

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