How to start a 950MHz type STL link?

[callfm]

What is the process to apply for, plan, and get a license to install a Mosely/Marti type 950 MHz composite signal STL link for an FM station? What bureau of the FCC accepts these applications? Cost for the license?

How well do these things work? I assume that the composite signal (L and R plus 19kHz pilot, and RDS) is produced at the studio and carried over the STL.

Is there any delay with these systems; is off-air monitoring possible for remotes and studios without an annoying delay?

 

[Andy_Brown]

Contact the frequency coordination person for your market. The easiest way to find out who this is would be to contact a local station that has an engineer on staff. They will probably know who it is. You can also find out who it is through the FCC website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/microwave/coordinators.html

Full time service in the 950 region in busy markets requires establishing a frequency that can be used without crossing paths or blanketing other services and equipment. Once you have a frequency and a rough idea of location, you must establish exact geographical coordinates for transmitting and receiving ends, which in itself can be quite a chore since it may involve leasing space on an existing tower or rooftop, etc. There are many free sight path profile websites to verify the usability of your locations and heights once they are determined and to establish what power and antenna gain you will need. Once you've gotten that far, you'll be familiar with the quantities (electrical and geographic) you'll need to fill out an application.

See Part 74 for the rules. http://wireless.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/wtb...s.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/47cfr74_00.html

Form 601 http://wireless.fcc.gov/feesforms/

 

[boiseengineer]

And you have to be a licensed broadcaster to get an STL license.

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/get-cfr.cgi?TITLE=47&PART=74&SECTION=532&YEAR=2000&TYPE=TEXT

 

[rfburns]

STL licensing is much more involved now that prior coordination with other STL users within a certain radius is required. Most folks are using companies like Terrestrial RF Licensing or Comsearch.

RFB

 

[littlejohn]

If cirecumstances permit (path availability and digital ability) you might investigate the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz spread spectrum stuff. No license required, and they work quite well. Proxim, AdTran, and Red Line all three make them, with carriage of up to 8 T1 links... and they're bidirectional.