WPCR was established on November 17, 1968 by Ed Simmons, the founder of Plymouth State College’s radio club. The station originally used an amplitude modulation system (AM) with the call numbers 640 KC AM. The station’s funds were tight: most records were donated, and its broadcasting power was limited to a 50-watt carrier current.
Jeff Keen and Jim Gelinas helped facilitate WPCR’s transition from a college club to a full-fledged radio station with 14 on air announcers. The station initially broadcasted from the basement of Mary Lyon Hall and quickly became popular on campus and among the community.
WPCR shifted to a frequency modulation (FM) system on September 27, 1973, which increased the quality of transmission sound. To achieve a 10-mile broadcast range, the station placed its tower on the roof of Boyd Hall. The station utilized a Wilkinson 10E transmitter with a Shivley 6812 three bay antenna to operate at 10-watts.
On March 1, 1978, WPCR implemented a stereo system three years in the making. Several upgrades were needed to integrate the new technology, including a stereo transmitter and a stereo generator made by Orban. WPCR still maintains the original Orban as a backup generator.
To pay for the new equipment, WPCR took out a loan of $4,100 at the recommendation of the Student Senate. The station could now broadcast at a radius of 20-30 miles, reaching areas like Waterville Valley, Wentworth, and Ashland.
After facing roadblocks for two years, WPCR got approval from the FCC to increase the station’s wattage in spring 1984. With more power, the station broadcast at an effective radian range of 215-watts, which remains its broadcast range today.
In 1988, WPCR celebrated the station’s 20-year anniversary.
WPCR moved from its broadcasting home to the HUB when it opened in 1991.
The 1990s also saw the addition of a new 12 channel radio broadcast console sound mixer, the AudioArts A-50. The console featured professional grade technology at a lower cost, which made it a perfect choice for a small college radio station.
The A-50 console (pictured below in the exhibit) was donated to the Spinelli Archives in 2023.
WPCR upgraded their broadcasting equipment in Fall 2023. Jonah Rosenberg, general manager, says the radio station uses the latest professional technology: “Our new technology makes us the most advanced we have ever been and even more up to date than WKNH [Keene State College ]and WUNH [UNH], the other USNH stations. Our new equipment rivals that of professional commercial stations, and we practice industry standards that are transferable across the field.”
The new tech set-up includes: 12 channel mixing consoles, multi-media capabilities, 155 watt advanced transmission with RDS, and worldwide internet streaming that allows them to broadcast from anywhere. Future upgrades are planned that will increase broadcast power, like replacing the antenna and transitioning the cooper link from the HUB to Boyd with an IP link over the internet.
You can find out more about WPCR's current lineup and listen to streaming radio online from anywhere at https://www.plymouth.edu/wpcr