Exploring a Historic Abandoned Radio Broadcast Station in Detroit (ALL Equipment Left Behind!)

In this Episode I'll be exploring an abandoned radio station in Detroit.
This historic broadcast station is one of Detroit's best kept secrets. Tucked away in a suburban neighborhood, this station had received very little foot traffic since it's time of closing. Equipment was stashed away in every single corner and space, decaying, rotting, molding. The station sits idly waiting it's ultimate demise. The last broadcast, nothing but history now.
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[@WhoFlungPoo2024]

I'm a former TV and FM radio technician.They could have recovered some decent money had someone with DPS used their head when the station was closed. Stupidity, I'm sad to say, and very sad now that everything has been so vandalized.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Sadly stupidity seems to be the state of that whole region's system of governance to include the school system. It's not just there though. Locally we have a high school with a 400 watt FM and about all they do is play music with no locally informative programming about the school, the local area or anything except some rebroadcasts of NPR content on Saturdays. IMHO they should lose their authorization.

[@awaismushtaq5719]

My sympathies exactly. I'm a radio engineer's son. It gives me a heartache to see such decent and vintage tech vandalised. They could have auctioned loads of that stuff for reasonable amount. How can they be so thick-headed? Looking at the state of things in this video, if I were given a chance and ample time, I could have made not all but many of that to work.

[@michaeladamcik7475]

Still worth saving that Optimod and TV equipment

[@BobBurnham-ro2zp]

I was one of the last designated Chief Engineers at WDTR. They had a very servicable Harris transmitter -- not as old as the BE, but tube type -- that was deemed not suitable for WRCJ. I also completely re-built their main studio with an AudioArts 15 channel board. This was also analog, and not suitable for WRCJ. We also had an entry level Audio Vault system in both the main studio and Production. All the "good" stuff seems to have disappeared. I was told the lack of heating/cooling in the building and growing mold damaged the equipment beyond use. The BE transmitter was back-up only and it put out bad spurs -- but it worked. Although everyone was afraid of it, I had it on the air for a short time.

[@DetroitEXP]

Did you work in this specific location? That's fascinating! I bet you have some stories.

[@darjiaethera]

That vintage equipment.... and those beautiful RCA vacuum tubes. All left to rot and destined for the dump. Oh, my heart.... :(

[@DetroitEXP]

It's a very sad sight. I wish this equipment was rescued and reused. Thanks for watching

[@darjiaethera]

As long as you're posting, I'll keep watching.

[@DetroitEXP]

darjiaethera I'll keep that in mind. Lots more to come.

[@willrobbinson1]

i too seen them same feeling :(

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

Man I’d put those oscilloscopes to use where’s this located?

[@peterq.george6834]

That beautiful Optimod and the BE exciter, I would grab it in a heartbeat. A real shame.

[@DetroitEXP]

And it sucks because most of it is gone by the time this video was released.

[@chrisc1553]

I would love that GE console

[@edwardbyard6540]

A lot of those logs and notes should go to a museum. Please make it happen. Once it's gone, its gone for good.

[@user-ty1zt2ii5k]

Great video . I worked at the Lawton building in the late 60's & early 70's . In the 60's we did 40 live TV programs a week and WDTR was on the air 8 hrs a day .

[@rustymotor]

Thanks for the fascinating tour, lots of lovely old equipment wanting a good home before being destroyed.

[@DetroitEXP]

+rustymotor Thanks for watching, we like giving you the tours.

[@sebastianguevara3615]

@@DetroitEXP It's Sad What Has Happened To The City Of Detroit, Michigan In General Over The Years.

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

7:45 A Heathkit HERO Jr. robot! So much stuff that needs to be rescued and put into a museum or something, not just left to decay. :(

[@smallenginedude71]

people like me would kill for alot of that equipment

[@DetroitEXP]

Very unfortunate to see it in this condition. Thanks for watching :)

[@plaguex1]

Same here. Very sad to just see it left to rot. Beautiful photography but still very sad.

[@DetroitEXP]

It's a shame nobody is here helping pick up the pieces.

[@YU5KBM]

So it is a duel....???

[@Karlfalcon]

Truth. That GE mixing console in particular.

[@maryrafuse3851]

I hope folks don't mind me sharing? My husband's dad managed a chiefly GATES/RCA powered AM radio station back in the day. The chief engineer was the confident type and would replace a monitor volume pot while the GATES board was still on the air. The old school engineers did things differently, by their own book, and deserve to have their stories told while people can remember them. I'd love to hear more station engineer stories from both the US & Canada.

[@DetroitEXP]

Oh that's really interesting. I love hearing stories like this.

[@PrestonHazard]

I always feel so bad for those Otari machines. Every time I watch an abandoned radio station video, there’s always at least one MX series mix down machine discarded away. It’s unbelievable sad, they’re such good machines. Save the Otari’s

[@bradleysmith681]

Thanks for video.. It hurts to see all the vintage equipment, which could have been restored... That Optimod, console, reel-to-reel, and TV control surface almost drove me to tears...

[@DetroitEXP]

And unfortunately most of it is destroyed or scrapped.

[@bradleysmith681]

Detroit EXP Sad.. But a cool video.. Thanks for reply

[@DetroitEXP]

Thanks for watching :)

[@jhallo7740]

I can cry to see that beautyfull orban optimod waiting for destruction.😭

[@DetroitEXP]

+JH allo I completely agree 😪

[@mikeerickson9025]

Is it possible to salvage it?

[@DetroitEXP]

I am going to say no, because since this video has been filmed, almost 100% of this stuff featured in this video has been scrapped out.

[@sonus289]

oh god I know...and that console!!!

[@googlephill]

Sad

[@mikeburch2998]

That was another great tour! Nicely done. It sure is too bad that such an (electronic/informational) effort was completely wasted on a mismanaged city and a low end population. You guys did a great job in there and thanks for showing us that. Greetings from Arizona.

[@grbloopers]

Heartbreaking... I wish I didn't watch it. Such a pity to see a part of history become like that. I really hope that someday it gets restored.

[@DetroitEXP]

+grbloopers Such a common theme..so depressing to see stuff like this.

[@radioman1170]

I can't believe that so much was left intact and bet it's now been destroyed. Amazing!

[@sondrayork6317]

you should ask the district if you crank take that video camera, that'd be a piece of tv/radio history right there if you gotta crank it to move the tape along to the next frame,. i've never seen a camera like that either.

[@omaimakhan4451]

This is so cool I'm definitely gonna be checking this place out

[@DetroitEXP]

Definitely awesome to check out. We were grateful to be able to see this place.

[@adamstanley4209]

I went here over the summer, crazy experience. It was interesting seeing this kind of building abandoned

[@DetroitEXP]

Yeah it's a very interesting experience. Not use to this style of abandoned building.

[@sondrayork6317]

wow, everything is still there. transmitter even i bet u.

[@joesantangelo1]

All of those old vintage power amp and preamp tubes... guitarists heaven right there

[@DetroitEXP]

+Joe Santangelo It was definitely full of cool stuff!

[@joesantangelo1]

Detroit EXP if you guys want any rock based/heavier dark music in your videos let me know. I’d be interested in helping with that if that peaks your interest guys! I’m a local Detroit metro area guy myself!

[@DetroitEXP]

+Joe Santangelo I would definitely love to hear a sample!

[@joesantangelo1]

If you want to shoot me a message of what you’re looking for, and shoot me some ideas, I could get to working on something for you!

[@fredbissnette3104]

imagine the jazz collection this place had

[@DetroitEXP]

I am sure it was immense lol

[@Gerk8]

As a record collector it would’ve been tough for me to leave those records behind. Even the vintage PSAs or station IDs would be cool to hear and should be salvaged.

[@miguelsalami]

You hit the motherload with all those RCA TUBES still in the box. If they are still there take some empty cardboard boxes & load every one of those RCA TUBES. You can sell them in lots or individually on eBay. Cryin shame they will be destroyed if nobody gets them & RCA made some excellent tubes back in the day.

[@chrismhp]

Damn, this place got scrapped up already then? What shame. Thanks for sharing the explore.

[@DetroitEXP]

I'm sure right now, this place looks 100% different from this video. Unfortunate..

[@musicman257]

TThanks for sharing really enjoyed looking at the old equipment left behind

[@Wtmuradiotvcom]

Not only radio because that optimod was for the fm and is worth lots but also looks like they also broadcasted tv too

[@JamesJ7851]

Nice vintage stuff. At 6.45, you may have missed the big transmit tubes sitting on the floor. Tons of good salvageable parts in that facility, going to waste. :(

[@TempoDrift1480]

Yep it's sad. I wish I'd know it was there when I lived in the area.

[@terencehayes9840]

Great video

[@CMExploration]

Nice! Very cool place 👌

[@maryrafuse3851]

I really don't think any company could rival Gates & RCA for tough broadcast equipment back in the day.

[@DetroitEXP]

I would love to learn more about that, I know nothing about the equopment in here.

[@williamjones4483]

Western Electric. A manufacturer many people don't know of.

[@maryrafuse3851]

@@williamjones4483 How true. I'd love to know more about Western Electric although my husband, through his dad, was raised on GATES & RCA broadcast equipment.

[@davidcarson4421]

Gates was ok, but also popular because it was cheap.

[@7viewerlogic670]

Cool place!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Great video guys Thanks

[@tonib9261]

It’s now 2024 and I really enjoyed that video. Seeing a lot of old equipment I know of. But what worried me was the tower. Okay, you can leave a once valuable optimod to rot and die, and that’s a shame, but you can’t leave a tower without maintenance, or eventually, it will fall over. It’s also looked like it might be 200foot or more tall, in which case it needs to have working aircraft warning lights.

[@DetroitEXP]

Yes, you are correct about the tower. They had to come out and demo the tower shortly after the video since it was left in a dark state.

[@musicman257]

what gets me is why didn't they sell of the equipment and always wonde why the cut the power chord on the equipment

[@jvolstad]

What a cool building. I like the lack of gang graffiti. Those were better times.

[@DetroitEXP]

Thank you so much. I totally agree about the graffiti.

[@Wtmuradiotvcom]

Sad and truthful the government let Detroit go to waste

[@postersm7141]

You can always tell people know nothing about vinyl when they call them vinyls

[@xaenon]

Language evolves. Try not to take it personally.

[@DetroitEXP]

Lol I know nothing about vinyl. So lots of vinyl = vinyls.

[@PaulCasaliMusic]

The Reel to Reel machine appearing at 5:47 was an MCI JH-110 stereo master recorder, a classic, incredibly well built and long lasting piece of machinery. I bet it would have turned on, for sure. Sony Corporation bought MCI in 1982, so this unit must be from the late 70's. 6 grand of history left to rot and be scrapped. Hope it got saved by someone...

[@DetroitEXP]

I think it got saved, the equipment was scrapped out. Hopefully it went into good hands and not sold for raw materials.

[@AlexS-lu2ry]

Круто! Спасибо за видео)

[@nordland2235]

Detroit is sooo depressing.

[@ahsulak]

Great find guys!

[@DetroitEXP]

Thank you, sir :) Appreciate you taking a look!

[@Piecemaker1623]

Hello. Nice to see the vintage media equipment. Just curious.. how many people in the core group of Detroit Exp?

[@DetroitEXP]

All the videos are filmed and edited by one person. There are plenty of close friends with me though that explore very frequently so they're usually always featured on my videos.

[@Piecemaker1623]

That is nice to know. I just wanted to learn a little bit more about your channel. May you always have save exploring.

[@DetroitEXP]

Thank you very much!!

[@ericundertaker4994]

I actually helped do there back in the early 90s. the all new hip hop show.

[@hmbpnz]

Oh man, an Optimod FM, and all of those tubes!!! Why were they just left behind??????

[@fnordhorn]

Dam and all them good Valve (tubes) give it 6 month and you most likely find them smashed on the floor. And someone like me how restores old radio equipment has problems getting them now

[@badboys239730]

Wish we could've seen the tower more.

[@DetroitEXP]

It was hard to shoot in the sun like this. It wasn't coming out too well because of how tall it was.

[@jabberwocky1707]

5:08 Valves, valuable valves now! • Hard to get Was that entire building used for the radio station? - Apparently TV too, any more info on that?

[@DetroitEXP]

The entire building was for the station yes. And since we filmed that place has been scrapped out, we got there very early

[@xmttrman]

Even if the building and contents were in perfect condition, the television equipment would be useless for broadcast today due to the DTV standards, though the radio equipment could probably be repurposed.

[@videolabguy]

Wow. The arrogance of youth. That equipment is highly sought by collectors. But, fools like you will walk right past it and fixate on the irrelevant junk. Just wow. I've been in the TV racket from before transistors too modern digital HDTV. In fact, I was a member of the committee that established some of the new standards. That facility needs to be preserved. But, it woun't be. May you all get what you deserve for your closed minds.

[@karlament6939]

IF I WAS THERE SOME OF THAT SHIT WOULD BE COMING HOME WITH ME IT LOOKS LIKE AN OLD TV STATION I WORK ON CRAP LIKE THAT 35 YEARS LOL

[@DetroitEXP]

+Karl Ament Unfortunately most of the stuff you saw in this video has long been gone.

[@karlament6939]

that is sad i love old vintage systems when you where showing the rf switching system and the audio and video patchbay system look cool thanks for the video i just wonder how many more places like this does exist

[@DetroitEXP]

+Karl Ament It's certainly my goal to find them all.

[@raul6562]

No pude contener mis lágrimas al contemplar semejante tesoro ante tamaña ignominia.

[@crtsaretubular3940]

Is it still around?

[@WeaponizedExplorer]

Someone left a fucking optimod and that lovely tape machine?!?!?!?!?!

[@DetroitEXP]

Yes unfortunately it's all been destroyed or taken at this point

[@jasongreene303]

2:44 The kids uncle must have been Mr. Potato Head

[@gary-kr7dm]

Such a shame 🥲

[@DetroitEXP]

Totally agree!

[@stevegladden1364]

Not sure how anyone on those closing shots would not have moved the camera to show up to the top of the tower. Had a few chances/shots and they stopped no higher than half-way up. They probably had no idea that these things use antennas and towers.

[@josephjames259]

Lots of good equipment going to waste. A room full of new vacuum tubes and other goodies.

[@DetroitEXP]

Unfortunately most of this equipment has been smashed and removed from the building. Terrible.

[@robvanderweijden5391]

What I do not understand? the money light at your feet? I see things that make money with ease! Friendly greetings from The Netherlands! Rob.

[@DetroitEXP]

Thanks for watching, Rob! :)

[@woodstock69girl55]

Can you fire up the transmitter.

[@sassysue6472]

Sad! That equipment was built to last. Too bad it went to waste!

[@DetroitEXP]

If this place was secured from day one, I think you could have started the machines up and began broadcasting.

[@rgarito]

Looks like a HeathKit HERO robot at 7:46

[@sopaman1234]

2:19 freeze it there those song titles are mainly from the late 1940's thru the 1950's

[@DetroitEXP]

Did not even notice! That's really cool.

[@YU5KBM]

I cried just for the SO239s i cant eave speak about the rest.....

[@DetroitEXP]

So much good equipment left.

[@YU5KBM]

To bad it is just rusting away...

[@metalmanjakson01]

Fuckin A! All those vac tubes just laying around!!

[@tomwaalkens9560]

Those audio consoles sell for good money. Damned shame. I bet it is all trashed by now.

[@Mr39036ce]

Pretty sad,the whole country is in decline.

[@Bobbo6665]

my dad use to sell those tubes in the day, now a days some of those tubes are worth hundreds of dollars a piece on eBay. shame

[@DetroitEXP]

The worst part is, mostly all of these have been removed or scrapped by now.

[@hugoromeyn4582]

Orban Optimod 8100... Also left behind...

[@DetroitEXP]

Lots of equipment left behind.

[@leakesonasucs]

Thanks for showing me this now I can salvage what I can get and the entire building will be empty and I'll be awesome, btw I live not that far from Detroit so yeah.

[@DetroitEXP]

You're unfortunately about 6 months too late! All of the equipment in the video has long been removed. Thank you for your consideration though :)

[@caroltenge5147]

3:13 blue face Optimod. Dumb to leave it behind.

[@DetroitEXP]

We never take anything from these properties. We respect it and leave things how they were originally.

[@mikegrosz6127]

cool

[@TempoDrift1480]

Too bad they all got their Rodney King on after it was shut down. The rest of it would probably all still be there. I fucking left Detroit for one reason. Actually one big group of the same reason.

[@hallodanke-]

Why did that radio station stop

[@Channel-cm7yc]

It hasn’t stopped. This is the stations’ former facility.

[@howardoller443]

Thank you for this video, but please either control your tongue or censor the obscenities (e.g. 1:45).

[@xaviersmith5567]

You were exploring, but your buddies were ransacking and Vandalizing the place thieves!!!! Respect Abandon Places Don't Steal or Destroy anything.

[@DetroitEXP]

We were respectful of the building and it's belongings. No stealing here.

[@YouzTube99]

00:15 Small correction; WRCJ (90.9 FM) is alive and well, not past tense: www.wrcjfm.org/ Digital too!

[@DetroitEXP]

Thank you thank you! I just realized I didn't make it clear enough that the station still broadcasts.

[@YouzTube99]

LOL! Just adding 'ed' instead of 's' to the end of the word 'play' put them out of business!

[@Channel-cm7yc]

I’m surprised no one in the city has made it a priority to drop that tower. Wow!!

[@karlament6939]

OH JUST TO LET YOU KNOW IT IS FROM THE 60S AND 70S ERA

[@nordland2235]

I would love to have a Opti-mod AM.

[@DetroitEXP]

Is that a piece of equipment you saw?

[@Channel-cm7yc]

You saw an Optimod FM.

[@stevek8]

Holy christ. Why is every statement in the beginning a question????

[@DetroitEXP]

Not sure lmao. This video is old and it sounded like I had a head cold when I recorded audio.

[@jtsgarage2999]

where is this

[@DetroitEXP]

Detroit's West side. The building looks almost nothing like this, a lot of major scrapping has ravaged anything that's left.

[@drobichovideo]

intact is a bit of a stretch lol

[@DetroitEXP]

You should see it now lol.

[@aronlinderhof8030]

please bring me the Orban

[@sonus289]

that transmitter ,optimod,reel to reel and console makes me very sad..... all those tubes.......man

[@sonus289]

quite a few pcs of very useable gear there..... is this still standing?

[@DetroitEXP]

It's still standing, but we went to this place pretty early and caught it in good condition. Now most of this equipment is scrapped or destroyed.

[@shawnaburns5158]

I'd loved to have all the vintage gauges and meters!!!

[@ST-zc5br]

Good old BE FM Transmitter. Maybe 30 kW TPO?. I will grab that Orban Optimod FM. Clean it up, re-cap it, and it makes a great standby processor when your $15,000 Omnia 11 goes tits up.

[@DetroitEXP]

Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately this building was ransacked almost immediately after people found out about it.

[@googlephill]

. I will grab that Orban Optimod FM Me To

[@ChazSeamus28]

What is that thing use for? I see a compression and a limiter but what's it main purpose?

[@wisteela]

Such a waste

[@51nw]

all that gear deserves to be given to or sold to people who need the parts or for restoration and use. not rotting away in some abandon building. pshhh, ridiculous

[@DetroitEXP]

Totally agree. It's already been looted pretty much fully, very sad.

[@crissdrums3975]

Great video

[@DetroitEXP]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it!