[BC] A Few Translator Questions

[Mark Humphrey]

The following modifications are considered minor changes and can be
applied for at any time:

1)  A change in frequency plus or minus three channels, or 53/54
channels  (the IF channels)

2)  A change in transmitter location and/or community of license, as
long as the 60 dBu (1 mV/m) contour from the proposed site partially
overlaps the presently licensed 60 dBu contour.  Distance isn't an
issue as long as some overlap can be shown using the standard FCC
F(50,50) prediction method.   For translators, there's no minimum
signal strength requirement over the COL, but the FCC expects the 60
dBu to come reasonably close.

3)  A change in primary station, as long as the licensee of that
station provides consent.  Only commercial stations may be rebroadcast
by translators in the 92-108 segment, but noncommercials can operate
anywhere in the band.  However, noncommercials using "alternate signal
delivery" (fed by satellite, STL, Internet, etc.) must operate in the
88-92 segment.

The applicable rule is 73.1233.  Other changes are considered "major"
and must wait for a filing window.

There are no minimum distance separation requirements for FM
translators other than the IF spacing requirements (which only apply
if the translator's ERP is at least 100 watts; see 74.1204(g)) and the
TV 6 protection requirement for non-coms in the 88-92 segment (see
74.1205).  However, contour protection to other FM facilities must be
demonstrated (as discussed in 74.1204) unless you can show no affected
population in the overlap area.

Mark




On Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 7:07 PM, Dan Kelley <djkelley at frontier.net> wrote:
>> What is the limit on moving a translator distance wise? I know an AM in
>> Pennsylvania changed the city of license and moved it 10 or 15 miles. So,
>> lets say I bought a translator, whats the farthest I could move it if I
>> had to change city of license?