In broadcasting, nothing is more critical or more sensitive than the transmitter, and Mike Fusaro's standards are extremely exacting. Prior to joining KTSF, Mike worked for CBS as Chief Engineer for Northern California's first automated recording studio. There's no thought of compromise when you record such stars as Steve Miller, Eddie Money, Sly Stone and Santana.

One of Mike's first acts as Director of Engineering at KTSF Channel 26 was to propose to the Board of Directors that they be the first station on the West Coast to use an advanced transmitting technology employing an Inductive Output Tube. It was a bold move for a new person on the job, but the board knew it would represent a major improvement. They gave their blessing. Mike knew his installation team had to know what it was doing, had to be instantly responsive, and had to be trustworthy enough to communicate honestly and thoroughly. Details could not be overlooked.

Mike had a great deal on the line, when he selected Marina Mechanical. He explains how he made his choice, "It started as a simple service contract. Gradually Marina became my informal HVAC consultant and problem solver. The relationship grew from there. Our personal chemistry worked from the start. Everyone at Marina Mechanical has pride in what they do. They are dedicated to making our system work reliably. My style is to trust them to do a good job. Because I trust them, I listen.

"Keeping this transmitter equipment within a 2 degree range guarantees full power operations at all times and allows the best efficiency and cost savings. Meanwhile the system puts out so much heat that the control room will jump 20 degrees in minutes if there is an A/C failure. The extreme outdoor conditions on the peak of Mount San Bruno must be adjusted for on an ongoing basis because we broadcast 24 hours a day. The transmitting station is unmanned, so everything must be done automatically or remotely."

Mike took these concerns to Marina Mechanical. We designed a custom system filling using conventional air conditioning equipment coupled to an American Automatrix Sage temperature control system. The concept proved to be a major success. Mike sums it up: "We had never done this before, and looking back, I'm not sure I would do anything differently. Our continued success is proof that we made the right decisions. Because they know it's so stable and reliable, the transmitter manufacturer, Comark, uses our installation as its West Coast demonstration site."

One of the system's most interesting features is the "electronic service call". Denny Mann, Marina's service manager explains: "With the Sage system I can make a service call without leaving my desk. I can 'duty cycle' units, respond to alarms, or adjust the controls. The system continuously charts the inside and outside temperatures. We use this data to modify the system to respond automatically to these fluctuations in just the right way and at just the right time."

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