I dug up an old FCC memo related to a NAL. The content at the top is not relevant to my question. Buried at the bottom, note 2 is of interest. http://transition.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/fcc0082.html
It says “[…]free to file an application along with a request for a waiver of the power limits for low power broadcasts contained in Part 15 of the Rules […]”.
How would someone apply to request such a waiver?
It seems like it should be simple enough to request a longer antenna for a part 15 AM install or more power. (I would not want to try to demonstrate to the FCC waiver for part 15 FM power could be granted; translators are being shoe horned in with 250W and as much as HAAT as possible making a mess of the “open” space in the FM band). In the AM band, some modeling could show that a modest increase in power or antenna length would not negatively impact any licensed broadcasters. (Keeping in mind TIS stations need to be considered.)
Interesting
This is fascinating and deserves further study.
Going by my rusty memory there is (or was) a provision whereby one can request a waiver of the FCC rules for certain purposes. These are temporary, must be issued by a Field Office Engineer in Charge, and must include a log of dates and times of operation submitted to the EOC. These are usually only granted to educational institutions for research purposes. I looked into this in the early 70s and I think this is what is being referenced in the link.
If this is the case then this waiver would not be of much use to a hobby broadcaster.
Neil
Radio8Z, I may be a hobby broadcaster, but I am founder of Home School College, not a physical academy unless you count all my books, but a lifestyle of learning.
We do research here on antennas and concepts.
Even the topic of "hobby" can be studied in a scholarly way.
I want a waiver.
I want a waiver.
Only the FCC can grant legal waivers to Part 15. That would require a justifiable reason for them to do so.
Probably just the need or wish of the applicant to increase the coverage area of their unlicensed station beyond that permitted by FCC Part 15 won't be sufficient.
Rich, your comment here:
"Probably the "need" of the applicant to increase the coverage area of their unlicensed station will not be sufficient."
Gives me the opportunity to ask...
What would serve as a sufficient reason to request a waiver?
What would serve as a sufficient reason to request a waiver?
Suggest that you query the FCC about this.
Rich "knows" that my "need" for a power increase might not be sufficient to request a waiver.
But...
"Suggest that you query the FCC about this."
Rich doesn't know what would serve as sufficient reason.
Rich doesn't know what would serve as sufficient reason..
The FCC is the only source of accurate information on this subject.
Quote..
Although Rev. Valentin is free to file an application along with a request for a waiver of the power limits for low power broadcasts contained in Part 15 of the
Rules, Hippolito Cuevas, 13 FCC Rcd 25289 (Mass Med. Bur. 1998)
"Having worked his way through virtually every Spanish-language radio station in Greater Hartford, Hipolito decided to start his own radio station in the late 1990’s. Because the station was unlicensed (commonly referred to as “pirate radio”), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) tried to close it down. A long legal battle ensued and Hipolito became a hero figure to many seeking less restrictions on radio in the United States. When the FCC finally allowed low-power radio stations to go on-air, Hipolito started broadcasting to the Frog Hollow neighborhood from a small studio on Arbor Street. He also operated an online television station and an online newspaper from the same location."
http://hartfordinfo.org/issues/documents/neighborhoods/htfd_news_072210_1.asp
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/24/nyregion/a-small-radio-station-speaks-loudly.html
Well, to get more info on this, I emailed the FCC and asked them about it. Specifically, I emailed Ajit Pai.
I would question the use of the word "accurate" when dealing with the FCC
"I would question the use of the word "accurate" when dealing with the FCC"
Could you say more? Personally, I have not had accuracy problems when dealing with the FCC.
Neil
Good Afternoon, For starters, the Enforcement Bureau citing 15.239 when inforcing radiated emission limits on 87.9 MHz.. The FCC says 15.209 is the applicable the limit. So is part 15 operation on FM permitted on 87.9 or not? 15.239 says 88-108 not 87.9 to 108.