Paying a Call at Shine 800 AM Radio Station

Radio Engineer Mark Persons Explored Island Broadcasting Facility PJB3, Operated by Trans World Radio on the Caribbean Isle of Bonaire

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2025 September 3 . 10:48 AM

2 min read

Paying a Call at Shine 800 AM Radio Station

In the heart of the Caribbean, on the island of Bonaire, a Trans World Radio (TWR) AM station named PJB3 is making waves. This powerful radio station, located approximately 50 miles north of Venezuela and about 850 miles north of the equator, transmits Christian-based radio on 800 kHz.

PJB3 has a rich history, with TWR, the organization operating the station, having been broadcasting to the world since 1952. The Bonaire operation of TWR started in 1964 with a 500 kW tube-type transmitter, which was later downgraded to 100 kW. However, in 2018, the station underwent a significant upgrade, switching to a Nautel NX-400 solid-state transmitter, which produces 440,000 watts of RF.

The station's broadcast hours see a surge in power demand, with the local power company prepared to handle the load. In fact, the Bonaire facility is said to have the largest AM transmitter in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a bank of five diesel generators that can produce 14 megawatts of power, along with solar and wind turbines with batteries for consistent power day and night.

The station's programming is mixed for airing using an Axia IQ console. It broadcasts in English to the Caribbean islands from 7:30 to 8 p.m., switches to Spanish programs for the northwest from 8 p.m. to midnight, and sends Portuguese programs as far as 1,200 miles into Latin America from 4:30 to 6 a.m.

PJB3's directional antenna system is a testament to engineering prowess. It uses a four-tower directional antenna system engineered by Kintronic Labs, involving careful pattern control with parasitic tower elements to beam signals efficiently toward Latin America and the Caribbean. This technique is common among high-power AM stations worldwide, particularly clear-channel stations in North America, to optimize coverage and minimize interference.

The station's maintenance is no less meticulous. The towers undergo serious maintenance every four years, with rusty parts replaced and scraping and painting. This job requires 2,500 labor hours.

Despite the station's size and power, its operation has become more streamlined over the years. Today, the current operation of PJB3 requires only one engineer and a few production staff, compared to the 100 people needed in the past. Recorded audio from reporters is sent via FTP to Bonaire for broadcasting.

In case of bad weather or emergency, the Netherlands government advises citizens from Saba to Aruba to tune to 800 kHz for accurate information. This underscores the importance of PJB3 not just as a broadcasting powerhouse, but also as a vital source of information for the region.

Matt Folkert, who has a history in broadcasting, is one of the dedicated individuals keeping PJB3 running. He has worked with HCJB radio, Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and has volunteered with Reach Beyond, Far East Broadcasting Company, and TWR at various locations. Climber Lionel Cicilia, whose climbing gear is shown in Fig. 5, is another key figure in the station's operations.

In summary, PJB3 is a beacon of Christian-based radio in the Caribbean and Latin America, leveraging advanced technology and dedicated personnel to reach millions of people. Its unique directional antenna system, coupled with its powerful transmitter, makes it a standout in the world of high-power AM radio stations.