Good point Bill. I was speaking to more of any potential benefits from HD that can be monetized with unique programming, not in regards for use feeding translators (STL).
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HD Power of Seattle stations
- Thread starter MWDXER
- Start date
Edmonds is an area that creates severe challenges for FM (and TV) signals. If you descend the northwestern slope of the town, signals from Cougar and Tiger become harder to pick up.
That’s partially why I prefer analog over digital. With analog signals, you can at least hear (or see, in the case of TV) something. Not so much with DTV or digital radio.
I've found a few Seattle HD hotspots here in Eastern Washington north and east of Ellensburg, along with an additional hotspot on US-12 west of Yakima. I've also found a couple of Portland and Spokane HD hotspots in the same general vicinity - between the Cascade crest and the Columbia River).
Along the US-2 corridor, a handful of Seattle HDs come in at Stevens Pass but are lost for good east of that point.
No kidding. Back on July 31, I locked in KQOC at a beach in coastal Jefferson County 200 miles up the coast. I caught the analog signal up to Cape Flattery about 250 miles up the coast though it was much weaker and overridden by CBU-2-FM Vancouver HD.
KQOC made it to Pacific Beach/Moclips many years ago as did the other Lincoln City FMs. Analog signal, no HD capability. Water path really helps.
Most Seattle FMs are audible from Astoria, and from Seaside if I recall. Of course, 94.9/93.3/a few others are blotted out by locals. It is good to see you on RadioDiscussions, MWDXER (i.e., Patrick!)
In Yakima, Stephens uses KHHK 99.7 to feed analog HD2-3-4 translators for 106.1, 106.9 and 104.5, albeit the last two are found on AM too. It's the only HD station here in town.
I have heard KPND walloping over KXLE but not until 1-2 miles downslope from I90 Ryegrass (analog signal, of course). That stretch is a lot of fun especially when it's foggy or humid.
Most Seattle FMs are audible from Astoria, and from Seaside if I recall. Of course, 94.9/93.3/a few others are blotted out by locals. It is good to see you on RadioDiscussions, MWDXER (i.e., Patrick!)
In Yakima, Stephens uses KHHK 99.7 to feed analog HD2-3-4 translators for 106.1, 106.9 and 104.5, albeit the last two are found on AM too. It's the only HD station here in town.
I have heard KPND walloping over KXLE but not until 1-2 miles downslope from I90 Ryegrass (analog signal, of course). That stretch is a lot of fun especially when it's foggy or humid.
I concur on the last part, that stretch IS a lot of fun lol KPND is in HD now so with a compatible radio, you could get crystal clear HD down toward Vantage along with KFOO 96.1
KHHK 99.7 currently only has HD1 for some reason, while the HD2-3-4 translators are still in operation.
If it doesn't have the HD2,3,4, then the translators can't operate...
Yet they are still in operation. Here in Tri-Cities, KQFO 100.1 Pasco has HD1 only yet feeds HD2 and HD3 translators. KHSS 100.7 Athena doesn't have HD right now, and feed HD2 and HD3 translators as well. KNHK 101.9 Weston doesn't have HD and feed HD2, HD3 and HD4 translators.
An FM translator is required to have an "originating station". The originating station can be an AM, or FM, or an HD2, HD3, or HD4. Are you saying that the FM translators are originating their own programming, without originating on an AM, FM, or HD channel? HD1 is simply the digital version of the analog main channel.
FM translators aren't specifically classified as "HD" translators. IF the FM station doesn't have HD2 for example, and if the FM translator isn't "translating, ie repeating" but is originating programming, then this is a violation of FCC Regs, and subject to FCC action.
FCC Regs require Call Sign identification. I believe that in the case of an FM translator rebroadcasting HD2 programming, there should be 2 call signs - one airing on the HD channel, "KXXX HD2 Pasco", plus one for the FM translator, "K246CU". Some FM translators have sub-audible call sign capability, which is legal for translators. Also FM translators don't need call sign ID every hour, there are different requirements.
FM translators aren't specifically classified as "HD" translators. IF the FM station doesn't have HD2 for example, and if the FM translator isn't "translating, ie repeating" but is originating programming, then this is a violation of FCC Regs, and subject to FCC action.
FCC Regs require Call Sign identification. I believe that in the case of an FM translator rebroadcasting HD2 programming, there should be 2 call signs - one airing on the HD channel, "KXXX HD2 Pasco", plus one for the FM translator, "K246CU". Some FM translators have sub-audible call sign capability, which is legal for translators. Also FM translators don't need call sign ID every hour, there are different requirements.
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From the Code Of Federal Regulations:
"(a) FM translators provide a means whereby the signals of AM or FM broadcast stations may be retransmitted to areas in which direct reception of such AM or FM broadcast stations is unsatisfactory due to distance or intervening terrain barriers, and a means for AM Class D stations to continue operating at night.
(b) An FM translator may be used for the purpose of retransmitting the signals of a primary AM or FM radio broadcast station or another translator station the signal of which is received directly through space, converted, and suitably amplified, and originating programming to the extent authorized in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section. However, an FM translator providing fill-in service may use any terrestrial facilities to receive the signal that is being rebroadcast. An FM booster station or a noncommercial educational FM translator station that is operating on a reserved channel (Channels 201-220) and is owned and operated by the licensee of the primary noncommercial educational station it rebroadcasts may use alternative signal delivery means, including, but not limited to, satellite and terrestrial microwave facilities. Provided, however, that an applicant for a noncommercial educational translator operating on a reserved channel (Channel 201-220) and owned and operated by the licensee of the primary noncommercial educational AM or FM station it rebroadcasts complies with either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section:"
"§ 74.1231 Purpose and permissible service."
"(a) FM translators provide a means whereby the signals of AM or FM broadcast stations may be retransmitted to areas in which direct reception of such AM or FM broadcast stations is unsatisfactory due to distance or intervening terrain barriers, and a means for AM Class D stations to continue operating at night.
(b) An FM translator may be used for the purpose of retransmitting the signals of a primary AM or FM radio broadcast station or another translator station the signal of which is received directly through space, converted, and suitably amplified, and originating programming to the extent authorized in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section. However, an FM translator providing fill-in service may use any terrestrial facilities to receive the signal that is being rebroadcast. An FM booster station or a noncommercial educational FM translator station that is operating on a reserved channel (Channels 201-220) and is owned and operated by the licensee of the primary noncommercial educational station it rebroadcasts may use alternative signal delivery means, including, but not limited to, satellite and terrestrial microwave facilities. Provided, however, that an applicant for a noncommercial educational translator operating on a reserved channel (Channel 201-220) and owned and operated by the licensee of the primary noncommercial educational AM or FM station it rebroadcasts complies with either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section:"
Oh I'm aware of the regulations on this. I was pointing out that my region has multiple violators.
Travelled thru tri-cities today. KQFO is just not operating HD at all yet the translators are on air.
KQFO does transmit in HD but it's VERY weak (as if it's transmitting separately from the analog), and the analog audio is not clipped so it covers the sidebands. There are no HD subchannels and if you happen to lock it in, the audio is distorted most of the time.
So no possible way these could be operating legal.
That is correct. To make matters worse, it's not the only violation. I have never heard the two translators relay EAS tests, and K285FN 104.9 plays uncensored music including uncensored F-bombs.
FCC would have a field day if they ever came to Tri-Cities. It seems as if Townsquare and Stephens are the only major FM broadcasters that appear to be in full compliance around here aside from EMF, Bustos and NWPB.
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My Pioneer can't do HD, so thanks for letting me know regarding KHHK, Kyle! They still put out enough HD hash that 99.5 and 99.9 are unusable unless it's a spectacular E skip opening. Albeit I picked up KZZL Pullman in Selah on Friday morning during nice enhancement to the Palouse. 99.7 is a Stephens Media Group station, so there isn't any excuse. If the FCC had actual investigators, they could fine Stephens for not having the HD2-4 stations operating while translators are. But it's the Wild West now, so no one cares. The next president should strengthen the FCC and get it back to what it used to be...handling cases of *illegal* radio operations.
Most of the Jacobs Radio stations in Tri-Cities are also liable for this. 107.3 'The Beat' is classic hip hop and blots out reception of KFFM. Originator? KWCQ Condon OR, up river from the Columbia and Arlington OR. What's on 106.1 on the Gorge? Hissssssssss...and brief bursts of Christian music from a Tri-Cities translator that operates legally (K291BS // KALE-960, The Bridge). 95.3 'U-Rock' Radio, Classic Rock. Should be originating from KLKY Stanfield on 96.1, but they quietly went to Regional Mexican a few months ago. 95.3 *should* be playing Regional Mexican music. They aren't. It's a wonder that 102.3 and 93.5 (Tri-Country) are doing the right thing. 102.3 relays 93.5 KTRI, ex-KWDR, the parent station in Royal City. When Jacobs had Smooth Jazz on 102.3 for a few years, 93.5 was NOT originating the smooth jazz format! They were for a while, then broke the simulcast to air Spanish Religion.
This reminds me of the KGHO translator fiasco on the westside, part of the forum that I am replying to. Blatant violations feeding translators from an LPFM.
The 104.9 K285FN situation is totally illegal, and the FCC could easily fine them thousands of dollars. Top 40, even rap, must be clean. NO F-BOMBS.
Most of the Jacobs Radio stations in Tri-Cities are also liable for this. 107.3 'The Beat' is classic hip hop and blots out reception of KFFM. Originator? KWCQ Condon OR, up river from the Columbia and Arlington OR. What's on 106.1 on the Gorge? Hissssssssss...and brief bursts of Christian music from a Tri-Cities translator that operates legally (K291BS // KALE-960, The Bridge). 95.3 'U-Rock' Radio, Classic Rock. Should be originating from KLKY Stanfield on 96.1, but they quietly went to Regional Mexican a few months ago. 95.3 *should* be playing Regional Mexican music. They aren't. It's a wonder that 102.3 and 93.5 (Tri-Country) are doing the right thing. 102.3 relays 93.5 KTRI, ex-KWDR, the parent station in Royal City. When Jacobs had Smooth Jazz on 102.3 for a few years, 93.5 was NOT originating the smooth jazz format! They were for a while, then broke the simulcast to air Spanish Religion.
This reminds me of the KGHO translator fiasco on the westside, part of the forum that I am replying to. Blatant violations feeding translators from an LPFM.
The 104.9 K285FN situation is totally illegal, and the FCC could easily fine them thousands of dollars. Top 40, even rap, must be clean. NO F-BOMBS.
Here's a screenshot I just took of KQFO's HD signal. I'm running the autologger right now which explains the partial waterfall as I was trying to beat the timer.
With KQFO in such close proximity, those HD sidebars should be white or yellow (representing a strong signal) yet most of the time I struggle to get a couple of bars on my receiver.
With KQFO in such close proximity, those HD sidebars should be white or yellow (representing a strong signal) yet most of the time I struggle to get a couple of bars on my receiver.
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