Re: [IRCA] Of AM Translators and LPFM Stations
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Re: [IRCA] Of AM Translators and LPFM Stations



Paul,

Thanks for the solid synopsis. Perhaps I should have been more specific---I simply don't feel that there is room on the FM dial for the additional LPFM (I've seen estimates of 1800 coming online this year) and a significant number of AM Translators.

While a lot of what I hear on FM channels may be non-local, they're still near enough to cause interference. There are literally no vacant channels on FM anymore with a decent receiver, such as in a car. Even on portable radios, it can be hard to find channels that don't have signals.

Has anyone seen estimates on how many AM stations might want to apply for a translator? I imagine it's a significant number. I've also heard about removing the protection for Class A (Clear Channel) stations on AM. Can you imagine the chaos that would be?


Les Rayburn, Director
High Noon Film
130 1st Avenue West
Alabaster, AL 35007-8536
(205) 621-7500
(205) 621-7505 FAX
(205) 253-4867 CELL
http://www.highnoonfilm.com

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On 4/9/2014 6:51 PM, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote:
LPFMs and translators are two different things.

LPFMs are 100 watt community stations and they are non commercial, so an AM
station can't get one.

A translator is a commercial 250 Watt signal meant to rebroadcast an AM or
Fm station but can't originate it's own programming.

Increase power to overcome noise? Seriously? That will just create more
interference and raise the noise floor.

LPFM's and translators BOTH have a well defined and well served purpose..
WHEN USED LEGALLY AND PROPERLY, AS INTENDED.

LPFM's are great for those genres/ethnicities/communities who feel they are
underserved. Translators are great for those commercial stations, AM or
FM.. who feel they need to fill in a hole in their coverage area.

Signed,
A Broadcaster of 10 years
Paul Walker


On Wed, Apr 9, 2014 at 7:24 PM, <martinfoltz@xxxxxxx> wrote:

I don't see what they are fixing by adding LPFM stations. The AM band will
remain the same. The addition of a LPFM station will keep more AM stations
on the air that would go out of business. You're right Les, the FM band
will suffer. I think the fix for AM is to increase powers to overcome
noise, get rid of IBOC and figure out a way to reduce the number of
stations. Stations will need to have programming that attracts listeners
and make it available on the Internet and Phones. Eventually Internet and
Phones will dominate and they can turn off their AM station. Remember, a
radio station is in business to make money by advertising during
programming that has an audience. AM radio is one of the ways to deliver
their programming and it might not be their best long term mode of delivery.

I'm with my grandkids and my grandson just asked me if I brought my radio.
He pointed to his Tablet and said this is what we use for entertainment now.

Martin

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:43:20 -0500
From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "am@xxxxxxxxxxx" <am@xxxxxxxxxxx>,        "irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
       <irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,        "abdx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <
abdx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [IRCA] Of AM Translators and LPFM Stations
Message-ID: <5345B0E8.3030005@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Like many AM DX'ers I've been following the recent FCC filing period
concerning the future of AM Radio with great interest. One band-aid
solution that seems to have great favor with broadcasters is that of
allowing stations to apply for FM translators to cover their primary
service area, especially at night.

The economic advantages of that are obvious, but I really wonder where
all this spectrum is going to come from. I live just outside of a small
city, Birmingham, and last Christmas I had a very difficult time finding
a clear spot where I could broadcast my Christmas lights display music.
This due to the addition of a couple of new translators and a LPFM
station.
I've been reading that we have a new LPFM coming on the air this summer
on 99.1 FM (www.aphradio.org). Most cities that I have visited in the US
are in similar circumstances. I just don't see how many AM stations
could add translators without the FM band quickly becoming a crowded
mess like the AM band.

What am I missing?


--
73,


Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL
EM63
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--
73,


Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL
EM63

Member NRC, IRCA, & Medium Wave DX Circle
Former CPC Chairman for NRC/IRCA

Perseus SDR, SDR-IQ,Funcube Pro, Wellbrooke ALA-1530+ loop, LF Engineering Active Whips,
Quantum Phaser, Kiwa Loop, Palstar MW Pre-Selector

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