Just heard the FCC is going to make another visit. Hearing that there is some over powering of stations. There have been some complaints. Anyone else hearing this?
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FCC coming to town?
- Thread starter Paperback writer
- Start date
Apparently, there was a complaint.
Paperback writer said:
I'm assuming that you know who made the complaint, or else you wouldn't be aware of it.
Anyway, I'd much rather go to the engineer of the alleged offending station first, as a matter of courtesy, and use the FCC as a last resort. When the FCC gets involved, any and all stations in the area can expect a visit, not just the station that has the complaint against it. It is quite a drive from the nearest field office, and the agent will make the best of his visit. I'd never turn another broadcaster in unless I knew that broadcaster was doing something illegal intentionally, and that broadcaster had been given the opportunity to correct the issue.
As for a station being over power, it can be checked a couple ways. Most newer transmitters have a direct output power reading built in. That should match the TPO (transmitter power out) on the license. In most cases, unless the station has a 3 or 4 bay antenna, the TPO will be higher then the effective radiated power due to losses in the line and antenna gain.
The TPO can also be calculated using the transmitter's voltage, current and known efficiency, or an external meter.
If someone is running over power, it would be easy to tell by the readings. Field strength tests could also reveal an over-power situation.
I understand your point. I do not know who made the actual complaint. I can make a good guess but, it would only be a guess. It has been suspected for awhile and, someone is pissed about it.
Maybe Mr. On The Sidelines knows?
considering every broadcaster, knows the others in town (it's a little incestuous), and the people making allegations have virtually no posting history... who's stirring the mud and hiding behind a new s/n?
Station(s) are over powering is what I heard. I know of some stations that are being interfered with because of this. That is all I know.
Paperback writer said:
I find that hard to believe. Let's look at the FM dial in Binghamton. There's plenty of spacing between full power stations, so if there was interference, it would have to be from a station being off frequency. Translators (FX) have no protection from interference, and must not interfere with full FM stations. Is the complaint against a translator?
http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/locate?select=city&city=13790&state=NY&x=0&y=0
This may be the exception to the rule, but I've been through two FCC inspections (WGR) in Buffalo, where the FCC office is "just down the street." We were given advance notice of each visit. Each was a market-wide sweep. Maybe the "courtesy" was extended because of the market. Perhaps it was because our Chief frequently consulted with the Buffalo office and was known to them. In each case, EAS and Public File were the primary concerns, along with remote monitoring equipment and a trip to the transmitter. We passed each inspection with flying colors. If FCC agents walk into your station (unannounced), treat them with respect and courtesy, offer a cup of coffee, don't panic and above all, answer all questions truthfully.Jon Scaptura said:
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If your house is clean, then why worry?Paperback writer said:
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