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NCE FM Translator window 88.1 - 91.9 band. August 2026

F

Francis1026

The FCC has announced a new filing window for NCE FM translators in the reserved band (88.1–91.9 MHz). As I understand it, eligibility is limited to existing licensees of reserved-band NCE FM stations, LPFM stations, and AM stations.

I have a question regarding the technical limitations that apply to non-fill-in NCE FM translators.

I understand there are restrictions involving ERP and HAAT, but I am still confused about how those limits are applied in practice. Specifically, if I were to propose a non-fill-in NCE FM translator in the Boston area, would it be permissible to operate with 250 watts ERP at 107 meters HAAT, assuming the proposal fully protects all co-channel, adjacent-channel, IF, and other required facilities?

Or are non-fill-in translators subject to a maximum HAAT or another ERP/HAAT limitation that would prevent such a facility?

If an engineer familiar with the FCC's reserved-band translator rules could clarify how these height and power limits work, I would greatly appreciate the explanation.

Thank you.
 
This is the wrong sub forum on this site for the question, engineering would've been better and get it seen more.. but @fybush is the man with all the answers
 
I wonder if an LPFM Station in Greenville SC (WRTH-LP "Kool FM") would be eligible to upgrade, to add a simulcast channel under this proposal window. Right now they broadcast on 101.5 with only 25 watts, and that barely reaches Downtown Greenville. They also have a translator, W299BO on 107.7 with a legal limit of only 10 watts - which (I was told) that limit is due to high HAAT / height from on top of Paris Mountain (with a directional signal that's pointed away from Greenville, also barely reaches a few miles.) Maybe they can add a signal in Spartanburg or Anderson (or full power HD).
 
Last edited:
KyleSmith1988 said:
I wonder if WRTH-LP in Greenville SC - "Kool FM" would be eligible to upgrade, or add a simulcast channel under this proposal window. Right now they broadcast on 101.5 with only 25 watts, and it barely reaches Downtown Greenville. They also have a 10 watt translator, W299BO on 107.7 - I was told that the 10 watt limit is due to high HAAT / height on top of Paris Mountain (and is directional away from Greenville, and barely reaches a few miles.) Maybe they can add a signal in Spartanburg or Anderson (or full power HD).
Click to expand...
WRTH-LP has an opportunity to get 2 additional translators to expand its coverage under this window. 10 watts is not a limit, that depend of the HAAT, if you will be in a tall tower around 115 meters above the ground, then, you may be 10 watts, it depends height of the terrain, but I'll check WRH-LP and come with an idea about what you may do.
 
Francis1026 said:
WRTH-LP has an opportunity to get 2 additional translators to expand its coverage under this window. 10 watts is not a limit, that depend of the HAAT, if you will be in a tall tower around 115 meters above the ground, then, you may be 10 watts, it depends height of the terrain, but I'll check WRH-LP and come with an idea about what you may do.
Click to expand...

I have talked to the station owner, so I can let him know about it, if he is interested.
 
KyleSmith1988 said:
I have talked to the station owner, so I can let him know about it, if he is interested.
Click to expand...

Trust me, he knows. Dave Solomon is a radio pro and does some of his own engineering but alot of the filing work is done by LPFM/non com pro Michi Bradley from RecNEtworks
 


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