Why is WAFS 1190kHz AM not signing-off during nighttime? Am I missing something here when I read their FCC listing is for daytime and critical hour operations (25 kW Day, 2.3kW C.H.)? They did apply for nighttime operation at one time, but that was denied by the FCC back in 2005.
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WAFS 1190 Nighttime?
- Thread starter radio.engineer
- Start date
M
Mike_Rose
Guest
They can go two hours post-sunset at a low power and two hours pre-sunset. I think it is 250 Watts.
WGKA does not have Pre-sunrise authority. They do have around 150 watts, as Mike noted, for the first two hours after sunset. After those first two hours they may operate with around 30 watts.
When Mike and I were working at 1190, then WGKA, we used the night hours. We even had a nice vist from Eric, with the FCC , because we were leaving the transmitter on for a hour after sign off. (Mistake in automation programming)
The FCC database does not show any night authorization. This is probably just an error but I'm not certain the authorization is still valid. If they are operating in the morning hours, between 6 AM and sunrise, they should be at around 30 watts. 30 Watts will provide decent coverage in downtown and midtown.
When Mike and I were working at 1190, then WGKA, we used the night hours. We even had a nice vist from Eric, with the FCC , because we were leaving the transmitter on for a hour after sign off. (Mistake in automation programming)
The FCC database does not show any night authorization. This is probably just an error but I'm not certain the authorization is still valid. If they are operating in the morning hours, between 6 AM and sunrise, they should be at around 30 watts. 30 Watts will provide decent coverage in downtown and midtown.
In researching this issue, I noticed that there is a petition submitted to the FCC (RM-11384) to relax the existing Pre-SunRise (PSRA) and Post-SunSet Authorization (PSSA) rules for AM stations:
http://amband.org/files/RM-11384.pdf
http://radiomagonline.com/news/fcc-comment-window-psra-pssa-rulemaking/?cid=topstory072607
This revision of the rules would not only effect WAFS (if they do in fact have current PSRA/PSSA at present), but other AM stations in the area that have to substantially power down. It would allow much higher powers during evenings and pre-sunrise than are currently set by the FCC.
I wonder if this would effect WGST's power during the evenings if allowed by the FCC?
http://amband.org/files/RM-11384.pdf
http://radiomagonline.com/news/fcc-comment-window-psra-pssa-rulemaking/?cid=topstory072607
This revision of the rules would not only effect WAFS (if they do in fact have current PSRA/PSSA at present), but other AM stations in the area that have to substantially power down. It would allow much higher powers during evenings and pre-sunrise than are currently set by the FCC.
I wonder if this would effect WGST's power during the evenings if allowed by the FCC?
My memory may be faulty but I'm thinking WGKA does not have pre-sunrise authority- I may be wrong.
The FCC is in the process of recalculating post sunset power levels - new power outputs for AM stations are coming this fall.
A few months back, the FCC sent new authorizations to AMs with Pre/Post-sunset authority and the power decreases were substantial. Owners howled so loudly that the FCC said "whoops" and cancelled the new authorizations blaming "computer errors" in the new calculated levels.
My understanding is that the new levels will still be substantially lower for most AM stations. This may be the genesis for congressional/FCC action.
The FCC is in the process of recalculating post sunset power levels - new power outputs for AM stations are coming this fall.
A few months back, the FCC sent new authorizations to AMs with Pre/Post-sunset authority and the power decreases were substantial. Owners howled so loudly that the FCC said "whoops" and cancelled the new authorizations blaming "computer errors" in the new calculated levels.
My understanding is that the new levels will still be substantially lower for most AM stations. This may be the genesis for congressional/FCC action.
C
CJ_Jackson
Guest
It signs off at 2 hours past Atlanta sunset. Critical hours (2.3kw) are sunrise to 2 hours after sunrise, and 2 hours before sunset to sunset. There are quite a few psra and pssa power levels involved depending on the month and time of day or night, all low. If you heard it later than usual one night, we had a transmitter building break-in at 1190 the other night early evening before sign-off, the nice almost new Dell Autopilot computer was swiped and things were in a bit of dis-array, including the backup phone line connections, etc. We fixed all that the next morning when we found out at 6am. With WOWO banging in starting late afternoon in the fall/winter months, it renders the pssa pretty useless unless one is close by 
Ah what the heck, with the FCC allowing HD interference on the AM band, it should now be LID OFF!
Everyone should be allowed either 50kw or 25kw day/night...GO! Tongue planted firmly in cheek, but at the same time, what's going on with the AM band is nothing short of destruction.
I've heard AM IBOC, and while it's impressive...it's destructive to analog service and it's supposed to be IBOC...AM HD is actually IBWTFOC.
That stands for in band wtf off channel.
The mere fact that it's destructive to existing service should have made it OFF THE TABLE to begin with!
Everyone should be allowed either 50kw or 25kw day/night...GO! Tongue planted firmly in cheek, but at the same time, what's going on with the AM band is nothing short of destruction.
I've heard AM IBOC, and while it's impressive...it's destructive to analog service and it's supposed to be IBOC...AM HD is actually IBWTFOC.
That stands for in band wtf off channel.
The mere fact that it's destructive to existing service should have made it OFF THE TABLE to begin with!
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