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Just trying to stay legal

S

secondchoice

I know of a station that is having issues. I am not sure how many of the rules have changed since I have been out of the business.

What is the “time / day” limit a station can be off the air without filing an STA?*

If an AM is feeding a FM translator and there is a “catastrophic” transmitter failure can you get a STA run the FM translator only?

If you get a STA for 25% power on the AM can you still run the translator using the “25 mile” rule.

Is there a FCC “pamphlet, guide or PDF” in simple English that I can give a “novice” station manager who is clueless about the technical issues of running a radio station?

*I have was fortunate to work at stations that never took a severe lighting hit, and had generators or real reliable power.
 
secondchoice said:
I know of a station that is having issues. I am not sure how many of the rules have changed since I have been out of the business.

What is the “time / day” limit a station can be off the air without filing an STA?*
Click to expand...

Off the air/silent, or operating at reduced power: 10 Days

secondchoice said:
If an AM is feeding a FM translator and there is a “catastrophic” transmitter failure can you get a STA run the FM translator only?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I would get an STA so the Commission knows you will be running in that condition. 'AM transmitter failure, but still operating on associated licensed translator'. You may only get a 60-90 day authorization to operate in this mode though.

secondchoice said:
If you get a STA for 25% power on the AM can you still run the translator using the “25 mile” rule.
Click to expand...

That depends on the class of station and associated protections for the AM. The translator coverage can't exceed the normal AM coverage. If the owner is trying to game the system by shutting off, or keeping the AM silent while making up the difference by altering the licensed performance of the translator, then the Commission will see right through it. Best to be open and honest as to the intent. Remember, the Translator is just another licensed station. In the eyes of the Commission, the translator will be still operating at the licensed values. That's why chances are the Commission will only give them an STA for 60 or 90 days, before they'll have to re-apply with good reason.

secondchoice said:
Is there a FCC “pamphlet, guide or PDF” in simple English that I can give a “novice” station manager who is clueless about the technical issues of running a radio station?
Click to expand...

HA! No, not really. That's like asking whether there is a handbook for women explaining how men think, or the other way around.

secondchoice said:
*I have was fortunate to work at stations that never took a severe lighting hit, and had generators or real reliable power.
Click to expand...

You must be doing the Contract Engineer thing for a small market station.
 
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