by Subject: Low power FM license & equipment, Info please
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 1994 13:11:34 -0600
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
X-Posting-Agent: The Moderator's Assistant V1.0 (shareware edition)
Apologies if this is a FAQ: let me know if it is on a FAQ list and where.
Without going into too many details, I have a communications problem that
would be best solved by a low-power broadcast station in the FM commercial
band.
I have seen these before, typically running adverti***t tape loops from a
motor vehicle. I have also seen similar stations in the AM band, used for
parking information at airports, stadiums, and amu***t parks, and for
emergency traffic information and NOAA weather radio retransmissions along
interstate highways.
What I am contemplating would be a fixed-point station, operating
intermittently. This would be at one annual event at a known location lasting
2 weeks, plus several other weekend and week-long events nationally (US) at
locations that change year-to-year. Because of this, a license good for
operation nationwide would be preferable.
The purpose of this operation would be dissemination of routine and emergency
information of interest to those within a severely limited geographical area
(typically less than one square mile).
Information I need:
1. What kind of license (if any) do I need for this kind of operation?
a. What FCC regulations apply to this kind of operation?
b. What frequencies are available? (must be accessable by a generally
available receiver)
2. What equipment is available for this kind of operation and at what cost?
a. Does it have to be type-accepted?
b. Can it be homebrew within certain technical limits?
3. What perils/pitfalls can I expect and avoid?
4. What else do I need to know about this type of operation?
I do not normally read these newsgroups, so please respond by email.
Thanks in advance.
Frank Ney EMT-A N4ZHG LPVa NRA ILA GOA CCRTKBA LEAA JPFO 'M-O-U-S-E'
--
"Apparently on New Texas, killing a politician was not _malum in se_, and was
_malum prohibitorum_ only to the extent that what the politician got was in
excess of what he deserved."
-H. Beam Piper, _Lone Star Planet/A Planet For Texans_