Theory of Operation
The system monitors conditions such as voltage, current, and temperature within the transmitter cabinet or enclosure, and often has external sensors as well, particularly on the antenna. Some systems have remote monitoring points which report back to the main unit though telemetry links, particularly for lower radio frequencies like AM radio where propagation changes from day to night.
Advanced systems can monitor and often correct other problems which are considered mission-critical, such as detecting ice on antenna elements or radomes and turning on heaters to prevent the VSWR (power reflected from a mismatched antenna back into the transmitter) from going too high. High-power stations which use desiccation pumps to put dry nitrogen in to their feedline (to displace moisture for increased efficiency) can also monitor the pressure. Generators, batteries, and incoming electricity can also be monitored.
If anything goes wrong which the ATS cannot handle, it can send out calls for help, via pager, telephone voice message, or dedicated telemetry links back to a fixed point such as a broadcast studio. Other than possibly listening for dead air from the studio/transmitter link, an ATS does not cover the programming or the studio equipment like broadcast automation, but rather only the "transmitter plant".
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