For RFB and for Casper, Wyoming, there is something sad in the story.
Perhaps also for Mount Rushmore, the owner of the licensed station that seems to be floundering, but who can speak for a mountain?
So, shutting down the station will increase sales.
This guy has a strange business sense.
Unless I've missed something it seems the operating costs are minimal to keep the temporary operation on the air.
I'll bet this guy also doesn't enjoy fishing.
RFB, I'm really sorry about
your recent turn of events.
However, for a guy like me,
to be able to operate 15 watts
legally on the FM BCB for even just
2 days (from my house!) would be a big deal!
Savor the experience.
Bruce, "W sixty H Z" 1020 CC AM
RFB
after talking with you on the phone , I really thought things were going to be great.
Now that the owner pulled his BS It makes me think more and more about our little stations .
Guys we really need to start working together to bring Radio back.
get them transmitters out there and program you're station with the best programming you can.
Get more than one transmitter to cover more area .
Talk to your friends and show them how you are trying to make things better.
Lets all work together to make Radio alive once again.
"Unless I've missed something it seems the operating costs are minimal to keep the temporary operation on the air."
No, you didn't miss anything. The owner has a history of operating the licensed facilities in this manner.
This time around however, it is a little different. In this particular case, he actually applied for an STA to operate from different facilities other than the licensed facility. Reason for that is because at the licensed facility (11927), there is no transmitting capability, thus the need for authorization to transmit from another location with another transmitter.
In previous cases, where the ability to transmit is still there, he simply fires up for 24 or so hours, shuts off, and then sends in a resume of operations to the FCC as if the station had returned to it's full service license requirements.
For example...the FM in Rawlins. There is no FM transmitter site or transmitter. He defaulted on lease payments, the tower owner filed lease default and won claim to all of the equipment, including feed line and antenna, had power disconnected by the utility, and installed new locks on the door and fence gate. The AM site, same thing, defaulted on the lease payments with the rancher and the rancher also filed liens on the equipment and had that site plowed down.
According to the current filings for those two stations..and others, they had resumed normal operations per license requirements, but not a single one of them are actually on the air, at their full power OR STA'ed for reduced power. They are simply not there.
He had conned someone who could set up a "pirate" like system, roll into those towns, set it up and fire up on those frequencies, run for 24 or so hours, then shut down and file resume of operations. And since the FCC apparently is so trusting in just going by what is filed rather than actually following up on investigations and inspections, this is how he has managed to violate the rules over and over and over again, spanning at least 10 years.
In this case, where there is an actual STA to operate from other facilities, was done no different from the others, run it for a bit, shut it off and later file the resume of operations.
Keep watching the activity on the FCC database for KMLD, it is currently off the air, do not be shocked to soon see that resume of operations on there within a week or two.
Funny..thought that if a station resumes its normal operations per license requirements, that means a full service station must be operating from it's licensed facility or new licensed facility, at full power with full programing etc etc.
Anyone want to place their bets now?
How about predictions?
RFB
"RFB, I'm really sorry about your recent turn of events."
It's ok Bruce. Nothing here was lost at all. In fact, a lot was gained by drawing attention to it. It shows what a Part 15 operation can do to rescue an idiot in self-destruct but the idiot is intent on self-destruct. Again no loss here, I don't have a license to risk, he does.
"to be able to operate 15 watts legally on the FM BCB for even just 2 days (from my house!) would be a big deal!"
It sure was a big deal. Those that have been negative about it are just miffed that something like this won't ever happen for them, but perhaps they can eliminate that notion by simply getting to know the area broadcasters and let them know there are alternatives for them if they so choose to use those alternatives.
Someone said I was over-exaggerating the "making history". I don't think so. It was a history making event. Still is because much of this is part of a bigger picture that is slowly being uncovered and what was needed was some tangible evidence...well, that evidence made itself apparent on Thursday October 18 2012 at the stroke of midnight.
Another plus from this is that the FCC will authorized things under particular circumstances. The bad part here is that this time it is not anyone in the Part 15 world abusing privilege, it is a licensed broadcasting gig abusing the special authorization privilege.
Yet more evidence of the licensed to violate comes shinning through, and think of it, this forum, its membership and visitors get to see it all unfold from front row seating.
RFB
Well, seems to me if the owner can set you up under STA, file with the FCC for resume of operation and then shut down, why can't you file with the owner discontinuance of operation and keep on keepin' on?
Unless the owner files to suspend the STA there is FCC authorization. Seems the owner would be oblivious to the operation anyway.
It may become pro bono, no financial support from the owner, but so what? What costs would be involved? Just tell him you forgot where the OFF button is located.
Chairman MRAM has spotted an excellent set of facts which almost makes it mandatory to keep KMLD turned on. The "Resumption of Operation notice", if sent by the owner to the FCC, imposes the responsibility of actually "resuming". I think RFB should resume.
"Unless the owner files to suspend the STA there is FCC authorization. Seems the owner would be oblivious to the operation anyway."
True, as long as the STA is not filed to be cancelled, it is still in effect till it's expiration date.
The owner's "mini-me" is around so the owner would be informed that the signal is present. Besides that, it would not be legal for me to ignore the licensee's instructions since he owns the license, in turn owns the STA.
I was advised by my FCC Enforcement Division friend to just do what the owner wants and keep them informed, which I did the afternoon prior to the Midnight shut off time.
It's best to not do anything at this point other than let the process work it's whatever it is going to do. Besides, I have already took apart the transmitter system, put back into the "X" closet and restarted my 92.1 239 operations.
RFB
NO. When a Resumption of Operation is filed, it states that the station has resumed "normal" operations per license requirement, which means for KMLD, operating full service 63Kw ERP from the current licensed facility 11927.
I won't partake in Jan's lying and falsifying of official FCC documents and throw myself into the perjury charge basket.
RFB
one word "karma"
in the end they always get theirs.
As the new week approaches, an unusual week closes after running an STA for KMLD 94.5. It was great! And no matter what anyone thinks, it was a history marker for Part 15 operators. Don't let anyone say otherwise!
It is a shame how it ended up. Unfortunately the ownership decided to steer things into the all too well known method of running his stations as he has been for the last 16 years....NAL's and all.
So with that...thus closes a wild ride for a short while. But..some neat things were discovered. There are 4 channels available for the coordinates here in the FM broadcast band.
Perhaps...just perhaps!! 😉
RFB