[IRCA] "Decoding" AM Authorizations

[Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Forgive me fellow DXâers, for I have sinned. Despite AM DXing for several years now, I confess that Iâve never quite learned how to decipher the FCC databaseâs designations for AM authorizations. 

For instance, tonight iâm listening to 1550 AM a lot. I notice that WAZX 1550 in Smyrna, GA is authorized to run 50000w/16w DA-2B. Now I know this vaguely means that they can run 50,000 watts in the daytime, but only 16 watts at night. But I have no real idea what âDA-2 Bâ refers to. 

Meanwhile, KCOM 1550 in Comanche, TX is authorized to run 250w/54w ND D. Say what? Iâll take a stab that means 250 watts in the daytime, and 54 watts at night. Non-directional? 

I know this stuff is important. But Iâve been using the hunt and peck method of DXing for years. Not targeting stations as Iâm doing now, so itâs becoming more important. 

Is there a âFCC Lingo for Dummiesâ guide on the web somewhere? Can someone post some Cliff Notes? 





73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 
EM63nf

Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA. 

Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip. 


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