The FCC released a tool to look for channels where a translator could be put in for a given transmitter site.
https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/fm-translator-channel-finder
It could be useful for part 15 FM operators in at least two ways.
First it could help find a channel where part 15 FM operation will have minimal impact on licensed stations. It is not full proof, but using the tool would add to a case of employing good engineering practices for setting up the part 15 transmitter.
Second, it will let you know what translators could pop up in your neighborhood. If you have a class D or C AM near you and there is a green channel the AM will probably scoop it up so having long term plans for that channel for part 15 use will lead to heart break. If you have a class B or A near you and a C or D does not scoop it up, in the 2nd window it may go.
If you have a quiet channel and it is not listed on the tool that is golden. Somehow you have found a hole in the FM dial that a translator probably won’t get shoehorned into.
Thanks for sharing that link.
I see that my proposed FM channel is open for the time being.
Bruce.
This is a great link, thanks.
Just an update.
I have done some research on the channel I said was open in my earlier post and found a local station is operating two channels above that frequency that the FCC says is open, that station's studios are within eyesight of my house, so I am not sure why the FCC database says that channel is open for a possible FM translator at my location. I have delibrately left out any indication of that channel because I wish not to feed the trolls.
At any rate, be careful to do a lot of research before jumping on any vacant FM channel, even one shown at that website, because your transmitter might just prevent your next door neighbor from listening to their favorite local station even if it's two channels away from your proposed one.
I am surprised that the data base does not show 2nd adjacent protection for that station's frequency from above or below their channel in my area.
Some channels are actually protected against 3rd adjacents, but this one in particular, has no protection on its 2nd adjacent which makes no sense to me.
Bruce.
Via Radio World:
FCC Translator Tool Is of “Limited Value”
An AM owner gives first impressions of this new offering.
Excerpt: : I am very disappointed because I thought it could at least be used to get you in the ballpark. But this thing is so wrong that it is nothing more than a toy and good for entertainment value only.
I realize this guy is talking about their AM tool, but it might indicate the FM one as just as skewed
He's talking about the same tool Rich P.
He is correct, this tool is completely worthless and useless. It is so far from hitting the mark even remotely. The biggest reason is whoever designed the darned thing thought 10 watts at 10 meters was a GREAT idea for the basis of the channel search.