Welcoming Pleasant Gap Community Radio to this forum, recently introduced.
This statement appeared on the Introductory Entry from PGCR
Welcoming Pleasant Gap Community Radio to this forum, recently introduced.
This statement appeared on the Introductory Entry from PGCR
PGCR operates at 87.5 Mhz in compliance with the forthcoming changes to Part 15 rules, pursuant to FCC R&O/FNPRM 10-16, utilizing a Comtek BST-25 transmitter.
I don’t think we’ve head a notice posted here about the forthcoming changes. Can anyone provide this information?
Forthcoming?
FCC-10-16 has been around for some time, and it has been discussed extensively on several Part 15 forums, including this one. It has to do with removing wireless microphones from the 700 MHz band and moving them to the former TV channels 5 and 6 frequencies. Does that ring a bell?
I personally wouldn’t operate wireless microphone equipment as a low-power (50 mW output) broadcast station until the legalities are cleared up.
Understood
Thank you Ermi Roos for connecting this to those previous forum discussions, which I do remember very well.
What has confused me is that since all that was talked about I’m fairly sure we have seen a few operators told to close their low power operations on the frequencies 87.5 to 85.9mHz, which seemed to make it clear that Part 15 is not among those entitled to operate there.
So with this new posting I naturally wondered if something new had happened. Over eager.
Innovation on the TV bands
§ 15.215 Additional provisions to the general radiated emission limitations.
(a) The regulations in §§15.217 through 15.257 provide alternatives to the general radiated emission limits for intentional radiators operating in specified frequency bands.
Unless otherwise stated, there are no restrictions as to the types of operation permitted under these sections.
PGCR is not an FM broadcast station, but complies with 15.3 and 15.238. I would be glad to demonstrate compliance to any FCC agent that asks. Remember, 15.239 covers operation in the band 88 to 108 Mhz. The fact that 85-90% of FM receivers can pick up 87.5, is a bonus. FCC 10-16 actually provides a waiver for operation presently, until the FCC’s permanent decision comes down. The legalities are clear.
Don’t forget, the FCC has authorized Part 15 TVBDs, which may operate at a much higher power level than 50mw, over 6 Mhz chunks of spectrum at a time, on the same frequencies.
The times, they are a changing! Perhaps I am eager. Why wait and get left in the dust?
Have fun with your whip and mast ground leads…
Interruptible Foldback
This is basically a 50mw base station for communicating with crews at TV,/radio stations, sports broadcast crews, ENG trucks, etc. As it stands temporarily, I believe that’s what the waiver is set up for. Of course, you could plug in a line-level source.
But I don’t think you’d want to be trying to use it for ‘community broadcasting’, music, talk shows, etc., at this time.
All the research I’ve done so far reveals that the most professional Part 15 FM transmitters out there are mf’d by DECADE, albeit they are spendy.
Consumer grade: http://www.decade.ca/en/products.php?prd=587575038
Pro grade: http://www.decade.ca/en/products.php?prd=2450369694
Top of the line: http://www.decade.ca/en/products.php?prd=777560932
All of these can be configured to conform to Part 15 specs. I would probably choose the MS-100 if I were going that way … it’s mid-price and has a good track record, lots of field evaluations.
But you should rather talk to current or past users.
Remote Program Monitoring
From FCC 10-16:
“With respect to unauthorized operations of wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary stations, we waive our Part 15 rules for a limited period to permit unauthorized users of wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary stations to operate on an unlicensed basis under Part 15 pursuant to certain specified technical requirements — in the 700 MHz Band until June 12, 2010, and in the core “TV bands” until the effective date of the Commission’s actions in response to the Further Notice.”
I don’t see the words ‘for IFB use by TV/Radio stations’ anywhere in that waiver. The waiver applies to using a ‘low power auxiliary’ transmitter as a Wireless Audio Device, as defined in the revised Part 15.3(hh).
The Decade transmitters sure are nice, but would be non-compliant for use under the waiver, as they are not certificated for use on 76-88 Mhz . Rather, they are certificated for use under 15.239 in the 88-108 Mhz band.
According to Comtek, the BST-25 is the ‘finest remote program monitoring transmitter available’ and is certificated for use in the 76-88 Mhz range.
While I agree it is wise to err on the side of caution, we’re talking 50mW max here, not 50kW. I would think that many here would welcome this. After all, it is operation under Part 15 of the rules…
Comtek BST-25
Hi tbone903!
I think it’s cool that you have a BST-25.
If I had one, I think I would be afraid to
transmit any distance – but the money
is not there anyway. So MICRO1690/1700
will probably never have one.
I do have a question though – just curious.
What kind of transmitting antenna is permitted
with that 50 mW rig?
Also, I like the picture of the vacuum tube that
comes up with your posts.
Best Wishes, MICRO1690/1700
Aerials and such…
Hi, Bruce!
I’m glad you asked!
The Comtek uses it’s lengthy self contained, collapsable whip antenna, which screws onto a stud mounted directly on the circuit board, through the top of the case of the transmitter. A remote antenna, the PRA-5/6 antenna is available.
http://www.comtek.com/pra56.html
With the “Phase Right Antenna”, ranges equal to or better than any commercialy available Part 15 AM transmitter can be achieved.
BTW- I got my BST-25 at a price less than half of what most certified Part 15 AM transmitters on the market cost. As a matter of fact, the one on E-bay recently, went for $300. Surely, that wouldn’t break the bank!
hmmm
I seen this a long time ago, but wasn’t aware if it had passed yet.
I can hear it Now … “87.7 The Crow! Now With More Pow-pow-pow-POWER!”
Hi Guys!
Thanks tbone903 for the info.
Well… I sure would like to see it
happen. But there is no official
take on it and no accepted
universal opinion on it either.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see
what happens.
Sorry it took me so long to get
back to your reply.
Best Wishes To All
Bruce, MICRO1690/1700