Translators in the SF Bay Area

[NoMoreLurking]

Granted, there aren't a lot of open frequencies in the Bay Area, but there are a couple. Why haven't we seen translators pop up like we've seen in other major markets? You know, broadcasting the HD-3, 4, or 5 channels of stations with more important things to do? Or whatever.

103.3 is one frequency they might pounce on. But...so far, nothing. Or am I just in the wrong location to pick them up?

104.1 *might* be another. But nothing heard here.

 

[K.M. Richards]

I would guess that part of the problem is the multipath issue which has always affected FM in the Bay Area because of the topography. Translators are restricted to operation at 250 watts or less, which is enough of a challenge in more level terrain (low power=difficulty getting reception inside some buildings) and the coverage in and around SF would be very spotty for a translator.

And the higher up the list you get in terms of market size, the fewer available frequencies become available when you factor in contour protection for existing full-power facilities, many of which in the major markets were grandfathered in with higher-than-presently allowed power back in 1962. In Los Angeles, all but two of the translators are in the non-commercial band.

Nevertheless, there is a 103.3 translator in San Francisco, K277CH, which retransmits non-commercial KRSA/89.3 Moss Beach, and a 104.1 translator, K281BU, retransmitting KLVS/107.3 Livermore.

I also found K269FB, retransmitting KSFB/1260 on 101.7 and K265DI on 100.9 retransmitting KVVZ/100.7 San Rafael. The remaining translators within a 50-mile radius of San Francisco are all non-comms.

 

[NoMoreLurking]

Finally heard the 103.3 translator and started a separate thread. It's a strange one.