D.J. Frankenstein, POP Radio update, radio towers, and a Moose

Frank van Zandwijk on Morrisey Tower in BC
Photos contributed by Frank van Zandwijk

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Frank van Zandwijk also known as D.J. Frankenstein is the former operator of 102.3 FM Pop Radio in Pincher Creek.  In May of this year Industry Canada Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) shut down Pop Radio.  (Click here for that story)

Looking over Fernie

"The radio station project has been on the back of my mind but is not something I am actively focusing on. So no updates so far and there probably won't be for a while, once I get some time on my hands I might get working on that some more,"  explained Zandwijk.  There were also a number of costs involved with getting federally licensed that stalled some of his enthusiasm.

Since then, fifteen year old Frank has embarked on a career with Tough Country Communications, a local telecommunications business.  Tough Country owner Brock Lounsbury was willing to invest in local talent.  "I am still in a learning phase," said Zandwijk.  "Mostly sitting in the office, but I am sure that will change once I know what to do out in the field. Yesterday I was out in BC because we only have one technician out there, he needed an extra hand, and I was available, resulting in a nice 4x4 drive up a mountain."

While traveling through BC for work Zandwijk took most of the photos accompanying this article.

According to Frank he is taking his Comp TIA A+ certificate, after that he will be taking the Network+ certificate and then the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching certification for entry-level network engineers.  He also plans to finish high school in the next three years.