Valcom Whip Antenna Authorized

[dbdigital]

I noticed that the FCC approved the Valcom whip antenna for AM use. However, while the 85 ft. antenna can be cut and tuned to channels down to 540, according to the manufacturer, the FCC only approved it's use down to 1200 Khz. Why not the lower channels?

The 75 ft. can be used for channels 1390 to 1700.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-448A1.pdf

Also, the FCC's authorization calls for the Valcom whip to be used in a ND installation. Why couldn't this antenna be used for a DA installation?

Would this antenna work for HD or C-Quam? I believe the 85' is rated for up to 5kw.

At any rate it is an intriguing antenna; no need for lights, no guy wires, no FAA notification and no need to paint it since it's fiberglass with impregnated paint.

Given all the check list hoops the FCC puts station owners and engineers through, I would think that the Valcom whip could offer a little relief in this regard.

db

 

[CW]

I noticed that the FCC approved the Valcom whip antenna for AM use. However, while the 85 ft. antenna can be cut and tuned to channels down to 540, according to the manufacturer, the FCC only approved it's use down to 1200 Khz. Why not the lower channels?

The 75 ft. can be used for channels 1390 to 1700.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-448A1.pdf

Also, the FCC's authorization calls for the Valcom whip to be used in a ND installation. Why couldn't this antenna be used for a DA installation?

Would this antenna work for HD or C-Quam? I believe the 85' is rated for up to 5kw.

At any rate it is an intriguing antenna; no need for lights, no guy wires, no FAA notification and no need to paint it since it's fiberglass with impregnated paint.

Given all the check list hoops the FCC puts station owners and engineers through, I would think that the Valcom whip could offer a little relief in this regard.

db

Why not the lower channels?? Radiation efficiency and minimum RF levels for freqs and class of stations come into play. To be accepted, it must radiate at that level...below 1200kHz, it cannot do that and stay within FCC limits, even though it CAN radiate down to 540; but then so can a piece of spaghetti...just not that WELL! Above 1390, the 75 ft will do the the required mv/m/km signal level but 1200-1380, it won't.
To be used in a DA, there are more issues and they will have to do more testing. The ND certification is ALWAYS issued 1st for new antenna designs.

Yes, it would work for IBOC or CQUAM depending on the reactance curve of its sideband freq response...since it is a low impedance radiator, the reactance will rise quickly either side of resonance, this making this a narrow bandwidth antenna. IBOC or CQUAM may not like it (more pronounced at the lower freqs...in the Xband, it should work ok and BETTER work w/ CQUAM since AM Stereo is still mandated there in Part 73; I dont think that rule has been modified or deleted yet but then since its only rated at 5KW, XBands cannot use it for daytime operation since they are normally 10KW)

Oh yeah, this is basically a rubber stamp for ND AMs who need a tower in a certain area but cannot get (or afford) a traditional 1/4wave radiator. Definitely simplifies the paperwork. NOTE this will still need a 120radial system so it will not take any less real estate (except vertically).

 

[LA_Guy]

Once again, the FCC makes no sense!

WFYL PA KING OF PRUSSIA USA
Daytime

Licensee: LANGER BROADCASTING GROUP, LLC

1180 kHz Licensed
Domestic Station Class: D Region 2 Station Class (corresponds to W. Hemisphere): B
Coordination Status: Canada: - Mexico: - Region 2: -
File No: BL-20070417ADB Facility ID No.: 22896
CDBS Application ID No.: 1182976

40° 08' 6.00 " N Latitude Power: 1.0 kilowatts (kW) Daytime
75 ° 23' 27.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)

NDD - Non-directional Antenna: Daytime only

RMS Standard: 0.00 mV/m at 1 kilometer
RMS Theoretical: 286.40 mV/m at 1 kilometer

1 tower CDBS Ant. System ID: 98777

Tower information: Tower No. Field Ratio Phase (deg) Spacing (deg) Orientation(degrees) Electrical Height (deg) Twr Ref. -No Top Loaded or Sectionalized Tower(s)- Antenna Structure Registration Number (#0) A B C D 1 1.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 40.60 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00






WFYL is on 1180. WFYL uses an 85 foot Valcom. WFYL proved, through exhaustive field intensity measurements that they meet the required FCC efficiency.

The FCC licensed WFYL. YET...even though they KNOW that the 85 foot Valcom works FINE at 1180, they cut off its use at 1200???!

What is the FCC smoking?

 

[CW]

Re: Once again, the FCC makes no sense!

WFYL is on 1180. WFYL uses an 85 foot Valcom. WFYL proved, through exhaustive field intensity measurements that they meet the required FCC efficiency.

The FCC licensed WFYL. YET...even though they KNOW that the 85 foot Valcom works FINE at 1180, they cut off its use at 1200???!

What is the FCC smoking?

There isnt a day that goes by that I havent asked myself that same question
Hadnt seen this case.....VERY interesting.....If they were drinking, I say "Lets get some of that!"......
(or as Lewis Black would ask, "where does one find such a drug that makes oneself so........dellusional?"