Papua New Guinea
LaifFM on 98.3FM broadcasts out of Wewak, Papua New Guinea. Transmissions are 24 hours daily +/- very frequent power outages.
The Radio Transmission are broadcast locally from the Studios at Kreer Heights and we also have a STL (Studio Transmission Link) to a nearby mountain range . At Mt. Mirau there is a larger more powerful Transmitter which is able to cover the wider Sepik region.
The above photo shows the Radio Studios at Wewak in 2017 where the station manager lived in the native built housing to the right of the photo.
Much work has been done over the last few years to improve the compound living quarters and to make the station less dependant on local power. The station now has new housing for the station manager and the staff along with modern cooking facilities and a guest house.
Solar power along with a diesel backup now ensures 24hr non-interrupted transmissions.
***** UPDATE ***** (31 October 2023)
Much has happened over the "Covid" years and any problems have been solved mainly using video links and trying to help the local guys on the ground to fix problems.
The biggest problem was from a very severe storm in 2020 which brought the mains power supply wires down and so the supply line had to be restored at the Transmission site at Mt. Mirau. Along with this was the failure of two of the main Transmitters which meant that for several months we had no Transmission from Mt. Mirau. Fortunately, we could still maintain Transmissions from the Radio site at Kreer Heights, Wewak.
Power, in a limited way, has now been restored at Mt. Mirau and after a few problems were solved we were able to get a replacement Transmitter up and running again. Praise the Lord for His goodness.
***** UPDATE ***** (20 April 2018)
Two brand new high power Transmitters have been bought for Mt. Mirau.
Along with the two Transmitters we have also purchased a high power frequency combiner so that both Transmittesr can operate into a single Antenna.
Substantial lightning protection has been fitted at the site and this should further protect the Transmitters from damage. All going well we should have at least five years of trouble free operation from this new setup.
A more powerful backup Transmitter will be installed at the Station for the new Inspiration Chanel for increased coverage around Wewak when the power fails (a daily occurrence!!)
***** UPDATE ***** (20 October 2017)
Visited Wewak again to repair two of the main Transmitters at Mt. Mirau.
Unfortunately, both of the high power transmitters have to be replaced due to extensive lightning damage..
Both stations are presently running on lower power from the Antennas at the Station.
LaifFM continues with its present format while the new Inspiration Chanel has more local musicians content.
In The Gap Ministries plans to replace the very low power Transmitter being used by the Inspiration Chanel with a more powerful Transmitter so that the coverage will be increased around the town of Wewak.
***** UPDATE ***** (24 April 2017)
In The Gap Ministries has now purchased a high power transmitter to be installed at My Hagen. This transmitter will certainly cover all of Mt Hagen and a good portion of the Highland Region.
The only thing holding back this project at the moment are the considerable airfares required to get from New Zealand to Mt Hagen in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
WHAT NEXT
It is planned to build a Broadcasting and Media Training centre at Wewak when the finances permit so the Nationals can be trained in all aspects of modern Broadcasting and Media.
Land has to be negotiated but there has been a favourable response from local Government towards this end.
Please pray, your prayers are important in spreading the Gospel around Papua New Guinea.