RW Article: Can You Do A Lot With 0.1 Watt?

[Carmine5]

Fascinating article in the latest RW about Pacifica Radio in L.A. using part 15 AM transmitters to broadcast their programming in Spanish. Their transmitter of choice is the Rangemaster. Although they can't cover all of SoCal with part 15 AM they can target specific neighborhoods, which is what they're doing.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/newbay/rw_20110201/#/32

 

[rfry]

Fascinating article in the latest RW about Pacifica Radio in L.A. using part 15 AM transmitters...

The useful coverage areas produced by the unlicensed operation of every installation using an AM transmitter FCC-certified under Part 15 (or not) that meets the 100 mW input power restriction given in Part 15.219 still is dependent on its installation configuration.

Unlicensed users even with AM transmitters that are FCC-certified under Part 15 still can be liable for an FCC citation, depending on their installation of such systems -- as shown by recent FCC actions.

The effects of several installation configurations are shown at this link: http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/rfry-100/150_microvolt_per_meterRadius_Part_.gif

 

[audioguy]

What if a wolf came out of the forest?

Cue the french horns....

 

[Carmine5]

I'd like to know what channel(s) they're using. Everything in Los Angeles is in use except 1500. That is probably the last open channel for AM in the L.A. basin. All of the X-band channels are assigned to TIS stations except for 1650 which is KFOX.

 

[druidhillsradio]

Considering Radio World is an industry publication, there are probably some from the Audio Division who read it. And, since the installation of the Part 15 devices will no doubt be installed by engineers who are familiar with FCC rules, the probability of the FCC rushing down with a measuring tape, is pretty slim, considering the RW article clearly mentioned the 3 meter rule.