FM translator stations are subject to specific height (HAAT) and power limitations, which are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Here’s an explanation of these limitations:
FAQ Tag: power
Considering that the regulations prohibit an LPFM station from also being the licensee of a full-service FM station, what is the process for filing during the NCE window?
An LPFM licensee has the option to apply during the NCE filing window. However, to do so, they must provide information regarding their current LPFM station license and commit to divesting it before initiating program testing for the NCE facility.
Is it legally permissible to increase the transmitter’s power to well over 100 watts when using a single bay antenna (like a Nicom BKG-77) with 150 feet of LMR-600 cable and a lightning arrestor?
In the case of a single bay Nicom BKG-77 configuration, it’s essential to note that it operates with a gain of -3 dB, effectively causing a loss. To illustrate this further, let’s consider a scenario where your feedline exhibits a loss of 0.8 dB per 100 feet, and the lightning arrestor contributes a 0.1 dB loss. With 150 feet of LMR-600 cable, you’ll encounter a 1.2 dB loss from the cable alone, and when factoring in the lightning arrestor, the total loss amounts to 1.3 dB.
Is it possible for a translator that rebroadcasts an LPFM station to have a higher power output than the LPFM station it is rebroadcasting?
It’s important to note that while translators can operate at power levels exceeding 100 watts at 30 meters HAAT, these higher power levels are subject to necessary contour protections based on their specific location and channel assignment.
Why does New Zealand have a license-free 1-watt LPFM service on dedicated frequencies while the United States does not offer a similar service?
The availability of license-free low-power FM (LPFM) services, such as the 1-watt service you mentioned in New Zealand, is determined by the regulatory policies and priorities of each country’s telecommunications regulatory authority. In the case of the United States and New Zealand, there are different considerations that influence the approach to LPFM licensing.
Why was my station authorized with a very low power level?
The power level authorized for your LPFM radio station might be due to several factors. Here are some common reasons for low power authorization for LPFM (Low Power FM) stations: