Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are testimonials intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s articles focus on transmitters.

The author is director of engineering at LECOM Radio.

LECOM Radio has deployed a new Ecreso FM AiO Series 2 kW transmitter at station WVIJ in Port Charlotte, Fla., part of a five-station simulcast of WSRQ Sarasota, serving southwest Florida. 

The installation marks a significant milestone as the first Ecreso 2 kW AiO transmitter on air in the Americas, reinforcing LECOM Radio’s commitment to modern, efficient and highly integrated broadcast infrastructure.

The 2 kW model completes the Ecreso FM AiO Series power range, joining the 100 W, 300 W, 600 W and 1 kW versions. Designed as am integrated, software-defined platform, the transmitter combines multiple broadcast functions into a compact 3RU, 50-pound chassis, dramatically reducing footprint, external equipment and overall system complexity while delivering outstanding on-air sound quality.

LECOM Radio deliberately waited for the AiO version of the 2 kW model, receiving one of the first units from the second production run. This timing proved advantageous, as several refinements were incorporated following the initial rollout. 

Prior to delivery, the transmitter was tested and licensed at WorldCast Systems’ Miami facility, where the Extreme software package was enabled and verified before installation.

The Extreme bundle activates the full feature set including a built-in five-band audio processor, AoIP decoder compatible with APTmpX and uncompressed PCM, AES192 MPX inputs, integrated RDS/RBDS encoder, stereo generator, surge protection and an extended 10-year warranty. 

Importantly, the AiO platform allows broadcasters to upgrade functionality at any time via simple software licensing, with no hardware changes.

Replacing a 2005-era solid-state transmitter of the same power level, the Ecreso unit delivers dramatically improved performance at a fraction of the size and cost. 

Efficiency has been particularly impressive, with measured performance of 83 percent PA efficiency and 95 percent power supply efficiency, translating into reduced operating costs and thermal load. Maintenance is simplified through front-access fan and power supply replacement, and excellent internal access for modules and boards.

Installation was straightforward, completed by two people. The system is fed via AES192 over the public internet, using dual ISPs for redundancy, with additional PCM and analog audio paths configured as backups. 

Monitoring and control are handled through the intuitive web-based GUI, complemented by SNMP support and GPIO integration with LECOM Radio’s Burk remote control system.

Technical support from WorldCast Systems’ Miami team proved responsive and knowledgeable, with local inventory of spare parts and repair capabilities ensuring long-term operational confidence.

After several weeks on air, the Ecreso FM AiO Series 2kW has exceeded expectations. Its combination of efficiency, integration sound quality, and software-driven flexibility positions it as a compelling solution for broadcasters seeking a future-proof FM transmission platform. I believe we will have many years of excellent service from this new 2kW AiO series transmitter.

Info: www.worldcastsystems.com/en

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