USA Radio Network to get a translator at 99.1 FM.

[TheBigA]

I say that the translators are mainly non starters also, except in smaller markets with few FMs.

That may be, but they've been approved by the FCC, and they're receivable using most conventional radios. That was the goal in the AM Revitalization plan.

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

Many translators are limited to 99 watts due to 53 and 54 channel IF restrictions.

In the case of additional expanded bandwidth, they could let the translators run on both frequencies for several years like the AM expanded band.

But considering the results with the AM expanded band, you have a point.

And in reality, the HD signals and formats have mainly devolved into feeder signals for translators.

 

[TheBigA]

And in reality, the HD signals and formats have mainly devolved into feeder signals for translators.

Exactly, because consumers aren't buying new radios. That same problem would also limit reception of an expanded FM band. The translator is the best option.

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

I stopped reporting the AM stations that had dropped IBOC, as it seems that it alerted iBiquity that they were off, and seemed to show up offering help to get them back on the air. In Detroit Metro, all the stations except WJR are still using it, 7 are still using it, and some are low power and the detectable HD signal only gets out a few miles, and the number of receivers have stagnated at best. They blot out several adjacent channel stations from adjacent markets that were previously receivable. At least 5 Daytime signals have been lost to this. The Skywave IBOC has made several PSSAs and even stations on first adjacents useless. Canada has reportedly looked the other way when their stations continue to operate with Day facilities at Night, higher power and less directional DAs, or nondirectional, and are noticeably interfering with cochannels.

Remember that the people who post here are radio geeks, and have better FM radios than the rest of the populace, so we may be underestimating the 400 kHz adjacent channel problems.

 

[TheBigA]

Remember that the people who post here are radio geeks, and have better FM radios than the rest of the populace, so we may be underestimating the 400 kHz adjacent channel problems.

All of the major radio companies interested in expanding programming outlets beyond HD or translator have gone to some form of online or podcast. That is the direction for the future, not broadcast. Online radio stations can be heard through smart speakers, while broadcast cannot. Smart speakers are the only radio-type devices being bought today.

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

Before somebody notices, 250 watts is 23 dB below 50000 watts, not 26. But I still maintain that there will be problems tuning in between full power stations, even considering that they are at 3-4 kW from the Willis Tower.

The Chicago executives and politicians over on the East Lake Michigan Shoreline may be able to hear it with a good directional antenna, if they can null out the Buchanan 99.1.