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The Next Great Translator Invasion

It’s one case where 250 watts is more valuable than 10000 watts
There are many benefits to choosing a food truck over a traditional restaurant. I believe that's what happen with 250 watts Transalators and the 10,000 watts AM stations.
 
A lot of 10000 watt stations were/are Class D on Clear Channels. But there are 50000 watt stations with 250 watt translators, and mainly position with the translator frequency. WGTO/WFLF 540 is an example.
 
hey @ContinuousWave maybe you can use a translator with the 1300 when you get it back.
I understand that he already did that, and his application was rejected for an engineering or minimum spacing error with regard to his frequency selection.

However, he didn't apply for it in the 2003 filing window, but more than a decade later. Which leads me to believe that an AM statiion licensee automaticallt qualifies by virtue of being an AM licensee, and therefore is not required to file within the "filing window."
 
I understand that he already did that, and his application was rejected for an engineering or minimum spacing error with regard to his frequency selection.

However, he didn't apply for it in the 2003 filing window, but more than a decade later. Which leads me to believe that an AM statiion licensee automaticallt qualifies by virtue of being an AM licensee, and therefore is not required to file within the "filing window."
That is not the case.
 
Not saying that many would not push it further if they could get away with it, but a 250 watt translator at 348 meters/1142 feet HAAT is already the equivalent of a 3000 watt/100 meter HAAT (pre 6000 watt reference) Class A, 24.223 km to the 60 dBu contour. So if they are on a TV transmitter tower or tall building, they're above that 1000 watt equivalent. And I don't see the point of originating programming on the translator if the AM is "worthless" like many believe.

Plug in the numbers if you are skeptical.


The other thing with over power translators is the IF Beat Frequencies (10.6/10.8 MHz) created by them. These are normally restricted to 99 watts or less ERP. I also suspect many of those are cheating with 250 watts. And those situations do create problems on many receivers.

And of course the interference to full power stations 40 some miles away. The model used for F(50,50) and F(50,10) did not anticipate that cochannel Class A equivalent translators would operate at three or four times the neighboring market HAAT. At 250 watts, or even 99 watts, they do interfere with these, as the lower HAAT stations have terrain holes and shadows where the translators interfere within their supposed to be protected 60 dBu or 54 dBu contour.

There is the celebrated case of WIOT 104.7 successfully getting a cochannel translator to reduce ERP because of this. But listeners in the Detroit Area thought the format was so wonderful that WIOT, but not other stations, should be protected. There is no such thing as a "sacred cow" format that can't be interfered with.
 
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I understand that he already did that, and his application was rejected for an engineering or minimum spacing error with regard to his frequency selection.

However, he didn't apply for it in the 2003 filing window, but more than a decade later. Which leads me to believe that an AM statiion licensee automaticallt qualifies by virtue of being an AM licensee, and therefore is not required to file within the "filing window."
I didn't own the station in 2003!! 🙄
 
Understood. However, you -did- apply for a translator during the time period when you did. Which leads me to believe that filing for an FM translator by a bona-fide AM radio station licensee can be accomplished at any time. not just during the "window."
I applied in the last window...not 2003...it was dismissed because I failed to file the long form due to the death of my brother.. Not because of short spacing Mr know-it-all..
 
It will be nice when the RO/Cox deal finally closes. Then we can discuss the changes happening to 92.1 and 97.1.
Next week I would imagine. I'd also expect the LMA to begin on (or right near) August 1st for SBS on 92.1, and then we can all find out that Hope springs eternal for Country Legends. The replacement mouse was finally delivered last week.
 
Next week I would imagine. I'd also expect the LMA to begin on (or right near) August 1st for SBS on 92.1, and then we can all find out that Hope springs eternal for Country Legends. The replacement mouse was finally delivered last week.
I expect something to happen on 97.1 in mid August...stay tuned
 
I expect something to happen on 97.1 in mid August...stay tuned
Radio One and Cox are taking their time on closing. Logistical issues? Now keeping an eye on July 31 or August 1.

Might take a couple of weeks for the Sugarland Station Trust to get LMAs in place. Could be November before the subsequent resales to SBS and ??? get FCC approval. Assume the necessary paperwork has already been drawn up, and is just awaiting the proper dominoes to fall in place.
 
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