J
JimmyJames
Guest
Can someone tell me the actual FCC regulations on transmitter readings? Are air talent required to take them once per shift?
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When I first started in radio in 1972, it was required every HALF HOUR (talk about a pain in the butt).
As of about 10 years ago, I believe the FCC revised the rules to require it once every three hours, but I'm sure someone out there a bit more recently in the know will correct me if I'm wrong.
As of about 10 years ago, I believe the FCC revised the rules to require it once every three hours, but I'm sure someone out there a bit more recently in the know will correct me if I'm wrong.
The only transmitter logging requirements that remain are daily tower light check and all EAS tests received and activations sent. HOWEVER, it is incumbent that operation be maintained within licensed parameters, and the best way to demonstrate that is a transmitter log. As usual, there is somewhat conflicting information in the FCC rules. 73.1820 addresses the Station Log, yet 73.1400 permits "Automatic Control". Pertinent FCC regulations:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.64&idno=47
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.27&idno=47
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.28&idno=47
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.64&idno=47
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.27&idno=47
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=47:4.0.1.1.2.8.1.28&idno=47
Back in the FBDs (Fred Broce Days) for Region four, the Enforcement folks would happily tell you, the onus of proper operation is on the licensee, and he may comply in any manner he sees fit... but must comply. The old Rules met the requirement. If you want to do it differently, fine... but you know you're covered if you keep up the way you were.
The guy who replaced me in Tulsa when I changed jobs got flagged once because the meter readings hadn't changed in several months. He took the Inspector over to the RFplabnt and demonstratedf the transmitter sitting there happily producing the same readings. He was satisfied.
The guy who replaced me in Tulsa when I changed jobs got flagged once because the meter readings hadn't changed in several months. He took the Inspector over to the RFplabnt and demonstratedf the transmitter sitting there happily producing the same readings. He was satisfied.
Slightly drifting off topic...
A FCC inspector paid a visit to our stations about fifteen years ago. The AM jock, who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, was asked by the inspector to perform a set of meter readings (AM directional). As he nervously read the meters and wrote down the readings the inspector asked if meter readings were using the direct or indirect method. The jocked answered, "I look directly at the meters!". You have to laugh
A FCC inspector paid a visit to our stations about fifteen years ago. The AM jock, who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, was asked by the inspector to perform a set of meter readings (AM directional). As he nervously read the meters and wrote down the readings the inspector asked if meter readings were using the direct or indirect method. The jocked answered, "I look directly at the meters!". You have to laugh
radiorob2.0 said:Slightly drifting off topic...
A FCC inspector paid a visit to our stations about fifteen years ago. The AM jock, who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, was asked by the inspector to perform a set of meter readings (AM directional). As he nervously read the meters and wrote down the readings the inspector asked if meter readings were using the direct or indirect method. The jocked answered, "I look directly at the meters!". You have to laugh
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D
That was hillarious!
R
My previous favorite FCC inspection incident was when the guy looked at an AM base current meter that was normally reading in the lower 1/3 of it's scale (not acceptable). No citation...just a simple "these things are hard to read sometimes"...my kind of inspector! But "I look directly at the meter" leaves my tale in the dust...
You must log all EAS tests and re-transmitted alerts. You must check the tower lights each day and LOG any problems and call the FAA.
Think of the FCC this way; The road you travel has a speed limit. The cop with the radar does not care if you have a speedometer or not or if you look at it. The speed limit is the same and you will get a ticket if you break the law. Same with your Stations License and the FCC rules. They tell you your "speed limits". It's up to you to choose how (or if) you are going to comply.
Stu
Think of the FCC this way; The road you travel has a speed limit. The cop with the radar does not care if you have a speedometer or not or if you look at it. The speed limit is the same and you will get a ticket if you break the law. Same with your Stations License and the FCC rules. They tell you your "speed limits". It's up to you to choose how (or if) you are going to comply.
Stu
It's my understanding there are no minimum logging requirements for transmitter readings.
What is required is you must fix any non-compliance issues (overmodulating, overpower, underpower, etc...) within three hours. A transmitter remote control with telemetry and an alarm will suffice to meet this kind of requirement.
However, we require the station operator-on-duty to check readings every 3 hours. In addition, at dusk/before sunrise check the lights, and EAS activity is logged on the same sheet.
Having a transmitter log is not required, but it's certainly a good idea.
What is required is you must fix any non-compliance issues (overmodulating, overpower, underpower, etc...) within three hours. A transmitter remote control with telemetry and an alarm will suffice to meet this kind of requirement.
However, we require the station operator-on-duty to check readings every 3 hours. In addition, at dusk/before sunrise check the lights, and EAS activity is logged on the same sheet.
Having a transmitter log is not required, but it's certainly a good idea.
Countrykev said:
Agreed! The FCC may not require it, but a tech trying to troubleshoot a problem would likely appreciate it.
R
If I'm not mistaken, it's a 3 hour/3 minute rule regarding problems. You have three hours to correct a problem or shut down. However, if the FCC gets involved you have 3 minutes to correct or shut down.
When the rules on unattended operation went into effect a dozen years ago the owner I worked for celebrated this new directive. From an operating cost I understand and most owner/operators today do have effective means of transmitter control with auto dial notification and a back up system. However, it seems since the rules have changed I've seen more situation where an owner/operator has no control of their transmitter and doesn't seem concerned.
As far as I'm concerned a paper trail is your friend. At the least in today's world, transmitter parameters should be documented once a day along with EAS, tower lights and pattern changes for AM DA system. Oh yeah, don't forget a log book.
(Documenting pattern change if it happens at all is a thread all of its own)
When the rules on unattended operation went into effect a dozen years ago the owner I worked for celebrated this new directive. From an operating cost I understand and most owner/operators today do have effective means of transmitter control with auto dial notification and a back up system. However, it seems since the rules have changed I've seen more situation where an owner/operator has no control of their transmitter and doesn't seem concerned.
As far as I'm concerned a paper trail is your friend. At the least in today's world, transmitter parameters should be documented once a day along with EAS, tower lights and pattern changes for AM DA system. Oh yeah, don't forget a log book.
(Documenting pattern change if it happens at all is a thread all of its own)
New rules!
Some of the highlights:
"3 minutes" (still there but for what looks like catistrophic failures)
"Ratio's +-15 % Phases +-10 Deg"
"Monitor Points over by 125%
"24 hrs"
"up to 30 days before a request for Special Temporary Authority (STA) must be filed"
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2007/db0525/FCC-07-97A1.doc
Adopted: May 22, 2007 & Released: May 25, 2007
"IT IS ORDERED that the rules adopted herein WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE thirty days after publication in the Federal Register."
Can't find if they've been published yet.
Some of the highlights:
"3 minutes" (still there but for what looks like catistrophic failures)
"Ratio's +-15 % Phases +-10 Deg"
"Monitor Points over by 125%
"24 hrs"
"up to 30 days before a request for Special Temporary Authority (STA) must be filed"
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2007/db0525/FCC-07-97A1.doc
Adopted: May 22, 2007 & Released: May 25, 2007
"IT IS ORDERED that the rules adopted herein WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE thirty days after publication in the Federal Register."
Can't find if they've been published yet.
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