Here’s a quick snapshot of evenings on the Eau Claire FM radio dial as it was in November, 1982. WIAL had just gone live as “I-94”, directly targeting Z100 WBIZ. WMEQ “Stereo Q-92” was going strong in neighboring Menomonie. WUEC was training the next generation of broadcasters at UW Eau Claire. WWIB was providing inspirational programming from nearby Ladysmith. And of course, WAXX was WAXX. Same country powerhouse that it’s always been!
I recorded this from Apple Valley, Minnesota. Approximately 20 miles south of Minneapolis. Equipment used was a Pioneer SX-3900 receiver, Winegard 10-element FM yagi antenna, Alliance antenna rotor, and Belden ultra low loss RG59 coaxial cable. The recording was made on a Technics stereo cassette deck with TDK SA90 tape. There is a bit of background noise, but not too bad considering I was about 100 miles distant from the transmitters. The fact that I was even able to hear WUEC at 740 watts is a testament to the signal-seeking power of this receiver and antenna combination. Also a bit of tape distortion since this is a second generation dub. The original Scotch Dynarange 90 minute cassette was destroyed long ago. Still, this recording has held up pretty well over 38 years.
Eau_Claire_Composite_November_1982