Types Of
Broadcast Stations
Low Power FM Radio (LPFM)
The newest of all FCC licensed
services. Low power FM affords broadcast power levels of 100
watts from an antenna height of 100 feet. This enables city
grade coverage of 5-10 miles in all directions depending on
conditions. With a coverage map of 10-20 miles, many
broadcasters find that these stations serve their needs well.
Low power stations can only be licensed to non-profit or educational
institutions. They may also not air commercial announcements.
Licensing occurs during an open LPFM "window" period at the FCC.
-LP100
The larger power of the two classes. LP100 stations are
limited to 100 watts.
-LP10
The smaller of the two classes. LP10s are limited to 10
watts. Often, 10 watts is enough to cover a medium sized town.
A window for this new service has yet to open at the commission.
Part 15 Micro Power Radio
Falling under the rule that allows
"micro power" devices like consumer grade CD to radio transmitters,
cordless telephones and wireless networks, Part 15 allows
coverage of up to 200 feet for FM and 1/4 of a mile for AM.
-Campus Carrier
Campus carrier systems were popularized by colleges in the early
80s as a means to serve the campus grounds with a radio signal.
The method involves "injecting" an AM signal into the electrical
current of a particular location. The signal is heard 200 feet
from every section of the power line. Campus carrier is
limited in that it's signal cannot pass through a power transformer.
-Leaky Cable FM
A method of broadcasting where an FM signal is broadcast into a
"leaky" or radiating cable. The signal then broadcasts 200
feet from every point along ther cable. This system is
approved for indoor only broadcasting- IE a campus building, a mall,
etc.
-Synchronous Part 15 Transmitter Network
Creative engineering can allow a station to broadcast on several
strategically located transmitters all on the same frequency.
All transmitters can be synchronized via satellite and receive a
larger power signal and rebroadcast it. Such a system can be
creatively built to be solar powered and constructed with multiple
methods including campus carrier and independent station. This
concept can be quite effective in covering a small town.
-Mobile
Transmitters can be installed in a car, van or other mobile
device to broadcast at sporting events, festivals or any area where
people are.
Full Power FM
Starting a new FM station varies in
difficulty dependent on your choice of method. If you are a
non-profit or educational station and there is available spectrum,
you could possibly start a NCE FM station without much red tape or
unforeseen difficulty. A commercial band (92.1-107.9)
FM station is another matter. The process is tricky and can
involve a huge upfront expense with no potential payoff.
Full Power AM
While not as desirable a medium as
the "full power FM" service, it is actually more difficult to start
a new AM station. New FM stations can petition to add a
station at any time, while AM stations must wait for a government
assigned window.
Drop us a line and let's discuss which method works best
for you! We may be working on other methods not discussed
above!
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