Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for FM Broadcasting Stations in the

Philippines (1991 Revised Edition)

FM BROADCAST STANDARDS
1. INTRODUCTION
The increasing Importance of the role of FM broadcasting in the Philippines has encouraged
broadcast engineers and the National Telecommunications Commission to pool their resources
together and come up with technical standards and rules and regulations relating to FM broadcast.
These technical standards and regulations were derived from CCIR recommendations, relevant
engineering data and rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Corn- mission, and other
data supplied by manufacturers of radio equipment and by licensees of FM broadcast stations.
These standards and regulations shall be revised from time to time to be effective and compatible with
technical progress.

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS
2.1 FM broadcast band
That portion of the radio frequency spectrum from 88 MHz to 108 MHz. The band is divided into 100
channels.
2.2 FM broadcast channel
A band of frequencies 200 kilohertz wide and is designated by its center frequency. Channels for FM
broadcast stations begin at 82.1 megahertz and continue in successive steps of 200 kilohertz to and
including 107.9 megahertz.
2.3 FM broadcast station
A station employing frequency modulation in the FM broadcast band and intended to be received by
the general public.
2.4 Frequency Modulation
A system of modulation where the instantaneous frequency varies in proportion to the instantaneous
amplitude of the modulating signal, and the instantaneous radio frequency is independent of the
frequency of the modulating signal.
2.5 Center frequency
The carrier frequency allocated by the Authority.
2.6 Frequency Swing
The instantaneous departure of the frequency of the emitted wave from the center frequency resulting
from modulation.
2.7 Antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) means
a. The height of the radiation center of the antenna above the terrain 3 to 16 kilometres from the antenna.
(Generally, a different antenna height will be determined for each radial direction from the antenna.
The average of these various heights is considered as the antenna height above average terrain).
b. Where circular or elliptical polarization is employed the antenna height above average terrain shall
be based upon the height of the radiation center of the antenna which transmits the horizontal
components of radiation.
2.8 Antenna field gain
The ratio of the effective free space field intensity produced at 1.6 kilometres in the horizontal plane
expressed in millivolts per meter for one (1) kilowatt antenna input power, to 137.6 millivolts per meter.
2.9 Antenna power gain
The square of the ratio of the root- mean-square free space field strength produced at 1.6 kilometers in
the horizontal plane, in millivolts per meter for one (1) kilowatt antenna power, to 137.6 millivolts per
meter. This ratio should be expressed in decibels (dB). (If specified for a particular
direction, antenna power gain is based on the field strength in that direction only).
2.10 Effective radiated power (ERP)
The product of the transmitter power (transmitter output power less transmission line loss) multiplied
by (a) the antenna power gain or (b) the antenna field gain squared. Where circular or elliptical
polarization is employed, the term “effective radiated power” is applied separately to the
horizontal and vertical components of radiation.
2.11 Field intensity
“Field intensity” as used in these standards shall mean the electric field intensity in the horizontal
direction.
2.12 Free space field intensity
The field intensity that would exist at a point, in the absence of waves reflected from the earth or other
reflecting objects.
2.13 Service area
As applied to FM broadcasting, means the service resulting from an assigned effective radiated power
and antenna height above average terrain.
2.14 Radio-frequency (R .F.) Protection Ratio
The value of the radio-frequency wanted-to-interfering signal ratio that enables, under specified
conditions, the radio-frequency protection ratio to be obtained at the output of a receiver.
2.15 Percentage modulation
The ratio of the actual frequency swing to the frequency swing defined as 100 percent modulation,
expressed in percentage. For FM broadcasting stations, a frequency swing of 75 kilohertz is defined as
100 percent modulation.
2.16 Multiplexing
In its simplest sense, multiplexing implies that two or more independent sources of information are
combined for carriage over a single medium, namely, the radio frequency “carrier”, and then are
separated at the receiving end. In stereophonic broadcasting, for example, program information
consisting of left and right audio signals are multiplexed onto an FM carrier for transmission to
receivers which subsequently recover the original audio signals.
2.17 FM Stereophonic Broadcast
The transmission of a stereophonic program by a single FM broadcast station utilizing the main channel
and a stereophonic sub-channel.
2.18 Channel
A transmission path. The distinction between the concept of a “Channel” and a “signal” are not always
clear. The usage herein distinguishes between transmission channels; e.g., main channel,
stereophonic subchannel, etc., and left and right audio “signals”.
2.19 Composite Baseband Signal
A signal which is the sum of all signals which frequency-modulates the main carrier. The signal can
be represented by a formula which includes all signal components: the main channel signal, the
modulated stereophonic subcarrier, the pilot subcarrier and the SCA subcarrier(s).
2.20 FM Baseband
The frequency band from 0 Hertz (Hz) to a specified upper frequency which contains the composite
baseband signal.
2.21 Main Channel
The band of frequencies from 50 (or less) Hz to 15,000 Hz on the FM baseband which contains the
main channel signal.
2.22 Main Channel Signal
A specified combination of the mono phonic or left and right audio signals which frequency-modulates
the main carrier.
2.23 Stereophonic Sound
The audio information carried by plurality of channels arranged to afford the listener a sense of the
spatial distribution of sound sources. Stereophonic sound includes, but is not limited to, biphonic (two
channel), triphonic (three channel) and quadrophonic (four channel) services.
2.24 Stereophonic Sound Subcarrier
A subcarrier within the FM broadcast baseband used for transmitting signals for stereophonic sound
reception of the main broadcast program service.
2.25 Stereophonic Sound Subchannel
The band of frequencies from 23 2.34 Cross-talk kHz to 99 KHz containing sound subcarriers and their
associated sidebands.
2.26 Subchannel
A transmission path specified by a subchannel signal occupying a specified band of frequencies.
2.27 Subchannel Signal
Subcarrier(s) and associated sideband(s) which frequency-modulate the main carrier. It is synonymous
with “subcarrier”, as in the stereophonic subcarrier or SCA subcarrier.
2.28 Pilot sub-carrier
A pilot sub-carrier serving as a control signal for use in the reception of FM stereophonic broadcast.
2.29 Left (or Right) signal
The electrical output of a microphone of a combination of microphones placed so as to convey the
intensity, time, and location of sounds originating predominantly to the listener’s left (or right) of the
center of the performing area.

2.30 Left (or Right) stereophonic channel

The left (or right) signal as electrically reproduced in the reception of an FM stereophonic broadcast.
2.31 Stereophonic separation
The ratio of the electrical signal caused in the right (or left) stereophonic channel, to the electrical
signal caused in the left (or right) stereophonic channel, by the transmission of only a right (or left)
signal.
2.32 Frequency Deviation
The peak difference between the instantaneous frequency of the modulated wave and the carrier
frequency.
2.33 Injection Ratio
The ratio of the frequency swing of the FM carrier by a subchannel signal to the frequency swing
defined as 100 percent modulation, expressed in percentage. The total injection of more than one
subchannel signal is the arithmetic sum of each subchannel.
2.34 Cross-talk
An undesired signal occuring in one channel caused by an electrical signal in another channel.
2.35 Linear Crosstalk
A form of “crosstalk” in which the undesired signal(s) is created by phase or gain inequalities in
another channel or channels. Such crosstalk may be due to causes external to the stereophonic generator
consequently it is sometimes referred to as “system crosstalk”.
2.36 Nonlinear Crosstalk
A form of crosstalk in which the undesired signal(s) is created by harmonic distortion or inter-
modulation of electrical signal(s) in another channel or channels. Such crosstalk may be due to
distribution within the stereophonic generator or FM transmitter consequently it is sometimes
referred to as “transmitter crosstalk”.
2.37 SCA
The term SCA is an acronym for a “Subsidiary Communications Authorization.”
2.38 Index of cooperation
As applied to facsimile broadcasting, is the product of the number of lines per inch, the available length
in inches, and the reciprocal of the lineuse ratio (e.g. 105 x 8.2 x 8/7 = 984).
2.39 Line-use ratio
As applied to facsimile broadcasting is the ratio of the available line to the total length of scanning line.
2.40 Available line
Means the portion of the total length of scanning line that can be used specifically for picture signals.
2.41 Rectilinear scanning
The process of scanning an area in a predetermined sequence of narrow straight parallel strips.
2.42 Optical density
The logarithm (to the base 10) of the ratio of incident to transmitted or reflected light.

Table 1. ALLOCATION OFFREQUENCIES FOR FM BROADCAST STATIONS

Channel-designation of FM broadcast frequencies are shown in the tablebelow.

Channel No. Frequency (MHZ) Channel No. Frequency (MHZ)

201 88.1 251 98.1
202 88.3 252 98.3
203 88.5 253 98.5
204 88.7 254 98.7
205 88.9 255 98.9
206 89.1 256 99.1
207 89.3 257 99.3
208 89.5 258 99.5
209 89.7 259 99.7
210 89.9 260 99.9
211 90.1 261 100.1
212 90.3 262 100.3
213 90.5 263 100.5
214 90.7 264 100.7
215 90.9 265 100.9
216 91.1 266 101.1
217 91.3 267 101.3
218 91.5 268 101.5
219 91.7 269 101.7
220 91.9 270 101.9
221 92.1 271 102.1
222 92.3 272 102.3
223 92.5 273 102.5
224 92.7 274 102.7
225 92.9 275 102.9
226 93.1 276 103.1
227 93.3 277 103.3
228 93.5 278 103.5
229 93.7 279 103.7
230 93.9 280 103.9
231 94.1 281 104.1
232 94.3 282 104.3
233 94.5 283 104.5
234 94.7 284 104.7
235 94.9 285 104.9
236 95.1 286 105.1
237 95.3 287 105.3
238 95.5 288 105.5
239 95.7 289 105.7
240 95.9 290 105.9
241 96.1 291 106.1
242 96.3 292 106.3
243 96.5 293 106.5
244 96.7 294 106.7
245 96.9 295 106.9
246 97.1 296 107.1
247 97.3 297 107.3
248 97.5 298 107.5
249 97.7 299 107.7
250 97.9 300 107.9

2.43 Experimental Period

The period between 12 midnight to 5:00 a.m. local standard time (1600-2100 (MT). This period may
be used for experimental purposes in testing and maintaining apparatus by the licensee of any FM
broadcast station on its assigned frequency and not in excess of its authorized power, provided no
interference is caused to other stations maintaining a regular operating schedule within such period.

2.44 Operating Power

This is the product of the plate voltage (Ep) and the plate current(Ip) of the last radio stage and
efficiency factor, F, expressed: Operating Power = Ep x Ip x F. This is the indirect method of
determining the operating power of each FM Station for the purpose of specifying the operating power
range of FM transmitters. The factor F shall be established by the transmitter manufacturer for each
type of transmitter and shall be specified in the instruction book (s) supplied to each customer with
each transmitter.
2.45 Last radio stage
The oscillator or radio-frequency- power amplifier stage which supplies power to the antenna.
2.46 Qualified technician
As applied to FM broadcasting means a person who is a holder of any class of Radio Telephone
Operator’s License or its equivalent except those mentioned in Section 7.4 as issued by the existing
regulatory body.

3. ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES FOR FM BROADCAST STATIONS

(See Table 1.)

4. CLASSES OF FM BROADCAST STATIONS

4.1 Class-A Stations
A Class-A station shall have an authorized transmitter power not exceeding 25 kilowatts and an
Effective Radiated Power (ERP) not exceeding 125 kilowatts and limited in antenna height of 2,000
feet above average terrain. The minimum transmitter power shall be 10KW.
Class A station shall only be allowed in Metro-Manila and Metro-Cebu.
4.2 Class-B station
A Class-B station shall have an authorized transmitter power not exceeding 10 kilowatts and an
Effective Radiated Power not exceeding 30 kilowatts, and limited in antenna height of 500 feet above
average terrain. The minimum transmitter power shall be I KW.
4.3 Class-C stations
A Class-C station is a non-commercial, community station having an authorized radiated power not
exceeding 1,000 watts (ERP).
4.4 Class—D Station
A class-D station shall have an authorized transmitter power not exceeding 10 watts.
Educational stations shall be allowed to operate with Class- D transmitter power.
4.5 All classes of FM stations shall be protected to the I mV/m
contour or 60 dBu contour.
4.6 Table of Assignments
The frequency assignments for the cities of Manila, Laoag, Legaspi, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga
shall be selected from table 2.

Table 2
Channel Frequency (MHz)
202 88.3
206 89.1
210 89.9
214 90.7
218 91.5
222 92.3
226 93.1
230 93.9
234 94.7
238 95.5
242 96.3
246 97.1
250 97.9
254 98.7
258 99.5
262 100.3
266 101.1
270 101.9
274 102.7
278 103.5
282 104.3
286 105.1
290 105.9
294 106.7
298 107.5

4.7 Radio Frequency Protection Ratios

4.7.1 The following radio frequency protection ratios (Table 3) provide for the minimum physical
separation between stations and protection of stations from interference.

Table 3
RADIO-FREQUENCY PROTECTION RATIOS (dB)
(based on the horizontal component of radiation) Frequency Spacing (KHz) R.F. Signal Ratio
0 60dBu : 15dBu
200 60dBu : 53dBu
400 60dBu : 80dBu
4.7.2 Intermediate frequency amplifiers of most FM broadcast receivers are designed to operate on
10.7 mega Hertz. For this reason the assignment of two stations in the same area, one with
a frequency 10.6 or 10.8 mega-Hertz removed from that of the other, should be avoided if possible.
4.7.3 FM Broadcast Stations shall not be authorized to operate in the same city or in nearby cities with
a frequency separation of less than 800 kHz.
4.7.4 The nature and extent of the protection from interference accorded the FM broadcast stations is
limited solely to that which results from the application of the radio frequency protection ratio.
4.7.5 A commercial broadcast entity may establish only one primary FM radio station within the
geographical boundaries of any province.
5. Technical Requirements
5.1 Safety Requirements
5.1.1 Conformity with Electrical Wiring Rules All equipment using electrical power shall conform
with the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code and the Philippines Electronics Code so as to
ensure the safety of property, equipment, personnel and the public in general.
5.1.2 All component parts shall be in accordance with generally accepted standards or those of the
International Standards.
5.2 Transmitting Facilities
5.2.1 Location and Layout
a. Any site particularly suitable for FM broadcasting in an area, in the absence of other comparable
sites, may be shared by and be made available to as many applicants as possible.
b. The transmitting site should be selected consistent with the purpose of the station, i.e., whether it is
intended to serve a small city, a metropolitan area, or a large region. The location should be so chosen
that line-of-sight can be obtained from the antenna over the principal city or cities to be served.
5.2.2 Antenna System
a. It shall be standard to employ horizontal polarization. However, circular or elliptical polarization of
the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation may be employed, if so desired.
b. The antenna must be constructed such that it is clear of surrounding buildings or objects that would
cause shadow problems.
c. In the event a common tower is used by two or more licensees for antenna and/or antenna supporting
purposes, the licensee who owns the tower shall assume full responsibility for the maintenance of the
tower structure, its painting and lighting requirements. In case of shared ownership, only one licensee
shall assume such responsibility. For the protection of air navigation, the antenna and supporting
structure shall be painted and illuminated in accordance with ATO regulations.
5.2.3 Transmitter and Associated Equipment
a. Electrical Performance Standards The general design of the FM broadcast transmitting
system (from input terminal of microphone preamplifier, through audio facilities at the studio through
lines or other circuits between studio and transmitter, through audio facilities at the transmitter, and
through the transmitter, but excluding equalizers for the correction of deficiencies
in microphone response) shall be in accordance with the following principles and specifications:
1) The transmitter shall operate satisfactorily in the operating power range with a frequency swing of
±75 kilohertz, which is defined as 100 percent modulation.
2) The transmitting system shall be capable of transmitting a band of frequencies from 50 to 15,000
Hertz. Pre-emphasis shall be employed in accordance with the impedance-frequency characteristics of
a series inductance-resistance network having a time constant of 75 microseconds (See Annex Fig. 2).
The deviation of the system response from the standard pre emphasis curve shall lie between two
limits. The upper of these limits shall be uniform: (no deviation) from 50 to 15,000 Hertz. The lower
limit shall be uniform from 100 to 7,500 Hertz and 3 dB below the upper limit; from 50 to 100 Hertz
and the lower limit shall fall from the 3 dB limit at a uniform rate of 1dB per octave (4dB at 50 Hertz);
from 7,500 to15,000 Hertz, the lower limit shall fall from the 3 dB limit at
a uniform rate of 2 dB per octave (5dB at 15,000 Hertz).
3) At any modulating frequency between 50 and 15,000 Hertz and at modulation percentages of
25, 50 and 100 percent, the combined audio frequency harmonics measured in the output of the
system shall not exceed the root-mean- square values given in the following table:
 Modulator Frequency Distortion
50 to 100 Hz 3.50%
100 to 7500 Hz 2.50%
7,500 to 15,000 Hz 3.00%

4) Measurements shall be made employing a 75- microsecond de-emphasis in the measuring

equipment and 75-microsecond pre-emphasis in the transmitting equipment, and without compression,
if a compression amplifier is employed. Harmonics shall be included to 30,000 Hertz.
5) It is recommended that none of the three main divisions of the system (transmitter, studio to
transmitter circuit, and audio facilities) contribute over one-half of these percentages since at some
frequencies the total distortion may become the arithmetic sum of the distortion of the divisions.
6) The transmitting system output noise level (frequency modulation) in the band of 50 to 15,000
Hertz shall be at least 60 decibels below 100 percent modulation (frequency swing of ±75 kilohertz).
The measurement shall be made using 400 Hertz modulation as a reference. The noise
measuring equipment shall be provided with a standard 75- microsecond de-emphasis; the ballistic
characteristic of the instrument shall be similar to those of the standard VU meter.
7) The transmitting system output noise level (amplitude modulation) in the band of 50 to 16,000
Hertz shall be at least 50 decibels below the level representing 100 percent amplitude modulation. The
noise-measuring equipment shall be provided with a standard 75 microsecond de-emphasis; and the
ballistic characteristics of the instrument shall be similar to those of the standard VU meter.
8) Automatic means shall be provided in the transmitter to maintain the assigned center
frequency within the allowable tolerance of (± 2000 Hertz).
9) The transmitter shall be equipped with suitable indicating instruments for the determination
of operating power and with other instruments as are necessary for proper adjustments, operation, and
maintenance of the equipment.
10) Adequate provision shall be made for varying the transmitter output power to compensate
for excessive variations in line voltage or for other factors affecting the output power.
11) Allowances shall be provided in all component parts to avoid overheating at the rated
maximum output power.
12) If a limiting or compression amplifier is employed, precaution should be maintained in its
connection in the circuit due to the use of preemphasis in the transmitting system.
13) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by between 120 kHz, and
240 kHz, inclusive, shall be attenuated at least 25 decibels below the level of the un-modulated carrier.
14) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by more than 240 kHz and
up to and including 600 kHz shall be attenuated at least 35 db below the level of the unmodulated
carrier.
15) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by more than 600 kHz shall
be attenuated at least 43+ 10 Log10 (Power, in watts) decibels below the level of the unmodulated
carrier, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.
b. Construction
In general, the transmitter shall be constructed either on racks and panels or in totally en-closed frames
protected as required by the Philippine Electronics Code and the Philippine Electrical Code and those
set forth below:
The transmitter shall comply with the following:
1) Enclosure. The transmitter shall be enclosed in a metal frame or grille, or separated from the
operating space by a barrier or other equivalent means. All metallic parts shall be connected to ground.
2) Grounding of controls. All external metallic handles and controls accessible to the operating
personnel shall be effectively grounded. No circuit in excess of 100 volts shall have any part exposed
to direct contact. A complete dead front type of switchboard is preferred.
3) Interlocks on doors.
a) All access doors shall be provided with interlocks which will disconnect all voltages in excess of
350 volts when any access door is opened.
b) Means shall be provided for making all tuning adjustment, requiring voltages in excess of 350 volts
to be applied to the circuit, from the front of the panels with all access doors closed.
c) Proper bleeder resistors or other automatic means shall be installed across all capacitor banks to
lower any voltage which may remain accessible with access door open to less than 350 volts within 2
seconds after the access door is opened.
d) All plate supply and other high voltage equipment, including transformers, filters, rectifiers and
motor generators, shall be protected so as to prevent injury to operating personnel.
e) Power equipment and control panels of the transmitter shall meet the above requirements exposed
220 volts AC switching equipment on the front of the power control panels is not recommended
c. Wiring and Shielding
1) The transmitter panels or units shall be wired in accordance with standard switchboard practice,
either with insulated leads properly cabled and supported or with rigid bus bar properly insulated and
protected.
2) Wiring between units of the transmitter, with the exception of circuits carrying radio-frequency
energy, shall be installed in conduits or approved fiber or metal raceways e. Indicating instruments for
protection from mechanical injury.
3) Circuits carrying radio- frequency energy between units shall be coaxial, or two-wire balanced lines,
or properly shielded.
4) All stages or units shall be adequately shielded and filtered to prevent interaction and radiation.
d. Metering equipment
1) All instruments having more than 1,000 volts potential to ground on the movements shall be
protected by a cage or cover. (some instruments are designed by the manufacturer to operate safely
with voltages in excess of 1,000 volts on the movement).
2) In case the plate voltmeter is located on the low potential side of the multiplier resistor with the
potential of the high potential terminal to the instrument at or less than 1,000 volts above ground, no
protective case is required. However, it is good practice to protect voltmeters subject to more than
5,000 volts with suitable over-voltage protective device(s) across the instrument terminal in case the
winding opens.
3) Transmission line meters and any other radiofrequency instrument which may be necessary for the
operator to read, shall be so installed as to be easily and accurately read without the operator having to
risk contact with circuits carrying high potential radio-frequency energy.
e. Indicating Instruments
1) Each FM broadcast station shall be equipped with indicating instruments for measuring the direct
plate voltage and current of the last radio stage and the transmission line radio frequency power.
2) In the event that the plate voltmeter or plate ammeter in the last radio stage is defective, the operating
power shall be maintained by means of the radio-frequency power meter.
f. Installation
1) The installation shall be made in suitable quarters.
2) Since an operator must be on duty at the transmitter control during operation, suitable facilities for
his welfare and comfort shall be provided at the control point.
g. Other technical data.
An accurate circuit diagram, as furnished by the manufacturer of the equipment, shall be retained at
the transmitter location.
5.2.4 Monitoring Equipment
a. Frequency Monitor
1) The licensee of each station shall have in operation, either at the transmitter or at the place where
the transmitter is controlled, a frequency monitor of a type approved by the Commission which shall
be independent of the frequency control of the transmitter.
2) In the event that the frequency monitor becomes defective, the station may be operated without such
equipment pending its repair or replacement for a period not in excess of 60 days without further
authority of the Commission: Provided, That:
a) Appropriate entries shall be made in the operation log of the station to show the date and time the
monitor was removed from and restored to service.
b) The Engineer in Charge of the Region in which the station is located shall be notified both
immediately after the monitor is found to be defective and immediately after the repaired or
replacement monitor has been installed and is functioning properly.
c) The frequency of the station shall be compared with an external frequency source of known accuracy
at sufficiently frequent intervals to ensure that the frequency is maintained within the tolerance. An
entry shall be made in the station log as to the method used and the results thereof.
3) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee or permittee prevent the restoration of the monitor
to service within the above allowed period, informal request may be filed with the Engineer in Charge
of the Region in which the station is located for such additional time as may be required to complete
re pairs of the defective instrument or equipment.

Modulation Monitor
The modulation monitor (deviation monitor) Is an optional requirement for an FM station. The FM
station may refer to the monitoring section of the Authority, to the Standards Authority of the KP or
to other FM stations for modulation measurements.
5.3. Stereophonic Transmission Standards
a. The modulating signal for the main channel shall consist of the sum of the left and right signals.
b. A pilot subcarrier at 19,000 Hertz plus or minus 2 Hz, shall be transmitted that shall frequency-
modulate the main carrier between the limits of 8 and 10 percent.
c. The stereophonic subcarrier shall be the second harmonic of the pilot subcarrier and shall cross the
time axis with a positive slope simultaneously with each crossing of time axis by the pilot subcarrier.
d. Amplitude modulation of the stereophonic subcarrier shall be used.
e. The stereophonic subcarrier shall be suppressed to a level less than
one percent modulation of the main carrier.
f. The stereophonic subcarrier shall be capable of accepting audio frequencies from 50 to 15,000 Hz.
g. The modulating signal for the stereophonic subcarrier shall be equal to the difference of the left and
right signals.
h. The pre-emphasis characteristics of the stereophonic subchannel shall be identical with those of the
main channel with respect to phase and amplitude at all frequencies.
i. The sum of the side bands resulting from amplitude modulation of the stereophonic subcarrier shall
not cause a peak deviation of the main carrier in excess of 45 percent of total modulation (excluding
SCA subcarriers) when only a left (or right) signal exists; simultaneously in the main channel, the
deviation when only a left (or right) signal exists shall not exceed 45 percent of total modulation
(excluding SCA subcarriers).
j. The maximum modulation of the main carrier by all SCA subcarriers shall be limited to 10 percent.
k. At the instant when only a positive left signal is applied, the main channel modulation shall cause
an upward deviation of the main carrier frequency; and the stereophonic subcarrier and its sidebands
signal shall cross the time axis simultaneously and in the same direction.
l. The ratio of peak main channel deviation to peak stereophonic subchannel deviation, when only a
steady state left (or right) signal exists, shall be within plus or minus 3.5 percent of unity for all levels
of this signal and all frequencies from 50 to 15,000 Hertz. m. The phase difference between the zero
points of the main channel signal and the stereophonic subcarrier sidebands envelope, when only a
steady state left (or right) signal exists, shall not exceed plus or minus 3 degrees for audio modulating
frequencies from 50 to 15,000 Hz.
Note: If the stereophonic separation between left and right stereophonic channels is better than 29.7
decibels at audio modulating frequencies between 50 to 15,000 Hz it will be assumed that (I) and\
m. of this section has been complied with.
n. Cross- talk into the main channel caused by a signal in the stereophonic subchannel shall be
attenuated at least 40 decibels below 90 percent modulation.
o. Cross-talk into the stereophonic subchannel caused by a signal in the main channel shall be
attenuated at least 40 decibels below 90 percent modulation.
p. For required transmitter performance the maximum modulation to be employed is 90 percent
(excluding pilot subcarrier) rather than 100 percent.
q. For electrical performance standards of the transmitter and associated equipment, 100 percent
modulation is referred to include the pilot subcarrier.
5.4 Subsidiary Communications Authorization (SCA)
5.4.1 Permissible uses of the SCA must fall within one or both of the following categories:
a. Transmission of programs which are of a broadcast nature, but which are of interest primarily to
limited segments of the public wishing to subscribe thereto. Illustrative services include: background
music, storecasting, detailed weather forecasting; special time signals; and other material of a broadcast
nature expressly designed and intended for business, professional, educational, religious, trade, labor,
agricultural, or other groups engaged in any lawful activity.
b. Transmission of signals which are directly related to the operation of FM broadcast stations; for
example: relaying of broadcast material to other FM and standard AM broadcast stations; remote
cueing and order circuits; remote control telemetering functions associated with authorized STL
operation, and similar uses.
5.4.2 An application for the SCA shall specify the particular nature and purpose of the proposed use.
If visual transmission of program material is contemplated, the application shall include certain
technical information concerning the visual system, on which the Authority shall rely in issuing an
SCA. If any significant change is subsequently made in the system, revised information shall be
submitted. The technical information to be submitted is as follows:
a. A full description of the visual transmission system.
b. A block diagram of the system, as installed at the station, with all components, including filters,
identified as to make and type. Response curves of all composite filters shall be furnished.
5.4.3 SCA operations may be conducted without restriction as to time, so long the main channel is
programmed simultaneously.
5.4.4 Nature of the SCA
a. The SCA is of a subsidiary or secondary nature and shall not exist apart from the FM license or
permit. No transfer or assignment of it shall be made separate from the FM broadcast license and failure
to transfer the SCA with the FM license renders the SCA void. Any assignment or transfer of an SCA
shall, if desired, be requested as part if the main station’s transfer or assignment application. The
licensee or permittee must seek renewal of the SCA at the same time it applies
for its renewal of FM license or permit; failure to renew the latter automatically terminates the SCA.
b. The grant or renewal of an FM license or permit shall not be furthered or promoted by the proposed
or past operation under an SCA; the licensee must establish that his broadcast operation is in the public
interest wholly apart from the SCA activities. 5.4.5 Multiplex Operations Engineering Standards
a. Frequency modulation of SCA subcarriers shall be used.
b. The instantaneous frequency of SCA subcarriers shall at all times be within the range 20 to 75 kHz;
Provided, however, that when the station is engaged in stereophonic broadcasting,
the instantaneous frequency of SCA subcarriers shall at all times be within the range 53 to 75 kHz.
c. The arithmetic sum of the modulation of the main carrier by SCA subcarriers shall not exceed 30
percent: Provided, however, that when the station is engaged in stereophonic broadcasting, the
arithmetic sum of the modulation of the main carrier by the SCA subcarriers shall not exceed 10 percent.
d. The total modulation of the main carrier, including SCA subcarriers, shall meet the requirements of
6.2.2.
e. Frequency modulation of the main carrier caused by the SCA subcarrier operation shall, in the
frequency range 90 to 15,000 Hz, be at least 60 dB below 100 percent modulation: Provided, however,
that when the station is engaged in stereophonic broadcasting, frequency modulation of the main carrier
by the SCA subcarrier operation shall, in the frequency range 50 to 53,000 Hz, beat least 60 dB below
100 percent modulation.
f. The center frequency of each SCA subcarrier shall be kept at all times within 500 hertz of the
authorized frequency.
5.4.6 Facsimile engineering standards
The following standards apply to facsimile broadcasting under SCA operations.
a. Rectilinear scanning shall be employed, with scanning spot progressing from left to right and
scanned lines progressing from top to bottom of subject copy.
b. The standard index of cooperation shall be 984.
c. The number of scanning lines per minute shall be 360.
d. The line-use ratio shall be 7/8, or 315 degrees of the full scanning cycle.
e. The 1/8 cycle or 45 degrees not included in the available scanning line shall be divided into 3 equal
parts, the first 15 degrees being used for transmission at approximately white level, the second 15
degrees for transmission at approximately black level, and the third 15 degrees for
transmission at approximately white level.
f. An interval of not more than 12 seconds shall be available between two pages of subject copy, for
the transmission of a page-separation signal and/or other services.
g. Amplitude or(frequency-shift) modulation of the subcarrier shall be used.
h. Subcarrier modulation shall normally vary approximately linearly with the optical density of the
subject copy. Negative modulation shall be used, i.e., for amplitude modulation of subcarrier,
maximum subcarrier amplitude and maximum radio frequency swing on black; for frequency
modulation of subcarrier, highest instantaneous frequency of subcarrier on black.
j. Subcarrier noise level shall be maintained at least 30 dB below maximum (black) picture modulation
level, at the radio transmitter input.
k. The facsimile subcarrier transmission shall be conducted in the frequency range between 22 and 28
KHz. Should amplitude modulation of the subcarrier be employed the subcarrier frequency shall be 25
Khz with sidebands extending not more than 3 KHz in either direction from the
subcarrier frequency. Should frequency modulation of the subcarrier be employed the total swing at
the subcarrier shall be within the range from 22 to 28 kHz, with 22 kHz corresponding to white and 20
kHz corresponding to black on the transmitted copy. In multiplex operation, the modulation of the FM
carrier by the modulated subcarrier shall not exceed 5 percent. In simplex operation, the
modulation of the FM carrier by the modulated subcarrier shall not exceed 30 percent.
I. During periods of multiplex facsimile transmission, frequency modulation of the FM carrier caused
by the aural signals shall, in the frequency range from 20 to 30 kHz, be at least 60dB below 100 percent
modulation. Frequency modulation of the FM carrier caused by the facsimile signals shall, in the
frequency range from 50 to 15,000 hertz, be at least 60 dB below 100 percent modulation.
5.5 Studio, Equipment & Allied Facilities
5.5.1 The studio being the recognized source of program materials and other forms of intelligence of
various kinds and content, must be properly equipped to faithfully respond to these impressions and
produce the same to the highest degree possible, up to the turnover point which is the transmitter input.
5.5.2 Studio Location and Layout
a. Each studio shall be associated with a control room from which the operational area of the studio
may be viewed with. However, when the studio arid control rooms are integrated into one, an
announcer shall perform simple front panel type functions like level adjustments and switchings during
his/her board hours.
b. Studios and control rooms shall be so constructed that they are adequately insulated from sources of
extraneous noise and vibration, and the acoustic treatment of such studios and control rooms shall be
in accordance with good engineering practice.
5.6 Emergency Equipment & Facilities
5.6.1 Alternate Main Transmitter
a. The regular and the optional main transmitter shall be co-located in a single place.
b. The external effects from both regular and alternate main transmitters shall substantially be the same
as to frequency and stability.
5.6.2 Auxiliary Transmitter
a. An auxiliary transmitter may be provided and may be installed in the same location as the regular
main transmitter or in another location.
b. Its operating power shall not be less than 10% or never greater than the authorized operating power
of the main transmitter.
c. A licensed operator shall be in control whenever an auxiliary transmitter is placed in operation.
d. When installed in a location different from that of the regular main transmitter, a type- approved
modulation monitor and a frequency monitor are required to be installed with it.
5.7 Spare Component Parts
In order to cut down-times during scheduled on-air operations, a reasonable variety and number of
spare components appropriate to the equipment installed at the site shall be kept on hand.

6. BROADCAST AUXILIARY SERVICES

6.1 Broadcast auxiliary services fall under these three categories:
a. Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL)
b. Remote Pick-up Broadcast Station
c. Communications, Coordination, and Control Link.
6.2 The frequency bands and transmitter power output authorized for the above services are as follows:
a. Studio-To-Transmitter Link
Band A 300-315 MHz
Band B 734-752 MHz
Band C 942-952 MHz
The maximum power allowable for STL Bands A, B, and C shall 15 watts.
b. Remote Pick-up Broadcast Station
Band A 315-325 MHz
Band B 450-451 MHz
Band C 455-456 MHz
The maximum power allowable for Remote Pick-up Bands A, C shall be 35 watts.
c. Communications, Coordination and Control Link
Band A 4-12 MHz (non-exclusive)
Band B 25.67-26.1 MHz
Band C 162.235-162.615 MHz
166.250 and 170.150 MHz
Band D 432.5-433 MHz
437.5-438 MHz
The maximum power allowable for Communications, Coordination and
Control Link shall be:
Band A - 100 watts (SBS)
Band B - 160 watts (ERP)
Band C - 160 watts (ERP)
Band D - 200 watts (for repeater)
6.3 The National Telecommunications Commission shall authorize the employment of any one or all
of these broadcast transmission services to a station depending on the necessity and availability of
frequencies for the purpose. Any AM or FM station authorized to operate is entitled to use any
broadcast transmission services relevant to the efficient operation of the station where the use of
physical lines or cables is not feasible.

7. OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Hours of Operation
7.1.1 Minimum Operating Schedule - The licensee of each FM station shall maintain a minimum
operating schedule of two thirds of the total hours that it is authorized to operate, except in emergencies
when, due to causes beyond the control of the licensee, it becomes impossible to continue operating.
The station may cease operations for a period not exceeding 10 days.
7.1.2 Broadcast outside of the authorized regular operating schedule (as before regular sign-on
schedules and/or beyond the regular sign-off schedules) may be aired without prior authorization
from the appropriate regulatory body provided the program falls under an emergency category or of
very important relevance to the station’s existence. The information shall be entered in the program
and operating logs at the time the broadcast was aired.
7.1.3 If a permanent discontinuance of operations is being contemplated, then the licensee shall notify
the appropriate regulatory body in writing, at least two (2) days before the actual discontinuance is
affected.
7.2 Other Operating Requirements 7.2.1 The center frequency of each FM broadcast station shall be
maintained within 2000 Hertz of the assigned center frequency.
7.2.2 The percentage of modulation shall be maintained as high as possible consistent with good quality
of transmission and good broadcast practice and in no case less than 85 percent nor more than 100
percent on peaks of frequent recurrence during any selection which normally is transmitted at the
highest level of the program under consideration
7.2.3 The operating power of each Station shall be maintained as near as practicable to the authorized
operating power, and shall not exceed the limits of 5 percent above and 10 percent below the authorized
power, except that in an emergency when it becomes impossible to operate within the authorized power,
the station may be operated with reduced power.
The operating power of each station shall be determined by the indirect method. This is the product of
the plate voltage (Ep) and the plate current (Ip) of the last radio stage, and an efficiency factor, F; that
is, Operating Power = Ep x Ip x F. The efficiency factor, F, shall be established by the transmitter
manufacturer for each type of transmitter.
7.2.4 The station equipment shall be so operated, tuned and adjusted that emissions outside of the
authorized channel do not cause harmful interference to the reception of other radio stations. FM
broadcast stations shall maintain the bandwidth occupied by their emissions in accordance with the
specifications set forth in this section. Stations shall achieve the highest degree of compliance
practicable with their existing equipment. In either case, should harmful interference to the reception
of other radio stations occur, the licensee may be required to take such further steps as may be
necessary to eliminate the interference.
7.2.5 If a limiting or compression amplifier is employed, care should be maintained in its use due to
pre emphasis in the transmitting system.
7.3 Posting of Station and Operator Licenses
7.3.1 The station license and other instrument(s) of station authorization shall be posted in a
conspicuous place and in such a manner that all terms are visible, at the place the licensee considers to
be the principal control point of the transmitter. At all other control points listed on the station
authorization, a photocopy of the station license and other instrument(s) of station authorization shall
be posted.
7.4 Operators Requirements
7.4.1 Radio Operators holding a valid radiotelephone first class
operator’s license, except as provided for in paragraph 7.4.2 of this section, shall be in actual charge
of the transmitting apparatus and shall be on duty either at the transmitter location or remote control
point.
7.4.2 A station which is authorized with a power of 10 kilowatts or less may be operated by persons
holding commercial radio operator’s license of any class, except those with an aircraft radio telephone
operator authorization or a temporary limited radiotelephone operator class license, when the
equipment is so designed that the stability of the frequency is maintained by the transmitter itself within
the limits of tolerance specified, and none on the operations , except those specified in sub-paragraphs
(a) through (d) or this paragraph, necessary to be performed during the course of normal operation,
may cause off- frequency operation or result in any unauthorized radiation. Adjustments of the
transmitting equipment by such operators, except when under the immediate supervision of a radio-
telephone first class operator, shall be limited to the following:
a. Those necessary to commence or terminate transmitter emissions as a routine matter.
b. Those external adjustments that may be required as a result of variations of primary power supply.
c. Those external adjustments which may be necessary to insure modulation within the limits required.
d. Those adjustments necessary to effect any change in operating power which may be required by the
station’s instrument(s) of authorization. Should the transmitting apparatus be observed to be operating
in a manner inconsistent with the station’s instrument of authorization and none of the above
adjustments are effective in bringing it into proper operation, a person holding other than a radio
telephone first class operator’s license and not acting under the immediate supervision of a
radio-telephone first class operator, shall be required to terminate the station’s emissions.
7.4.3 A station shall employ at least one full-time first class radiotelephone operator whose primary
duty shall be to effect and ensure the proper functioning of the transmitting equipment.
7.5 Log Requirement
The licensee or permittee of each FM broadcast station shall maintain separate program and operating
logs and shall require entries to be made as follows:
7.5.1 In the program log
a. An entry of the time each station identification announcement (call letters, frequency and location)
is made.
b. An entry briefly describing each program broadcast such as “music”, “drama’’, “speech” ,etc.
together with the name at the beginning and ending of the complete program. If a mechanical record
is used, the entry shall show the exact nature thereof, such as “record”, “transcription”, etc. and the
time it is announced as a mechanical record. If a speech i made by a political candidate, the name and
political affiliation of such a speaker shall be entered.
c. An entry showing that each sponsored program broadcast has been announced as sponsored, paid
for, or furnished by the sponsor.
d. An entry showing, each program of network origin, the name of the network originating the program.
7.5.2 In the Operating log
a. An entry of the time the station begins to supply power to the antenna, and the time it stops.
b. An entry of the time the program begins and ends.
c. An entry of each interruption to the carrier wave, its cause, and duration; or an interruption of
program transmission.
d. An entry of the following every 30 minutes:
1) Operating constants of the last radio frequency stage (total plate current and plate voltage)
2) Any other entry required by the Instrument of Authorization.
7.6.3 If a maintenance log is kept aside from the operating log, the following entries are recommended:
a. An entry of the time and result of the test of auxiliary transmitter.
b. A notation of all frequency checks and measurements made independently of the frequency
monitor and of the correlation of these measurements with frequency monitor indications.
c. A notation of the calibration check of automation recording devices. An entry of the data and time
of removal from the restoration to service of any of the following equipment in the event it becomes
defective:
1) Final R.F. stage plate voltmeter readings.
2) Final R.F. stage plate voltmeter readings.
3) Transmission line radio frequency voltage current, or power meter readings.
4) The entries required concerning quarterly inspections of the condition of the tower lights and
associated control equipment and an entry when towers are cleaned and! or repainted.
5) Entries which describe fully any experimental operation of transmitter.
6) Any other entries required by the current Instrument of Authorization of the station and the
provisions of this subpart.
7.5.4 A log must be kept of all operations during the experimental period. If the entries required above
are not applicable thereto then the entries shall be made so as to fully describe the operation.
7.5.5 Logs of FM broadcast stations shall be retained by the licensee or permittee for a period of two
(2) years: Provided, however, that logs involving communications incident to a disaster or which
include communications incident to or involved in an investigation by the appropriate regulatory body
and concerning which the licensee or permittee has been notified, shall be retained by the licensee or
permittee until he is specifically authorized in writing by the appropriate regulatory body to destroy
them: Provided further, that logs incident to or involved in any claim or complaints of the licensee
or permittee has notice, shall be retained by the licensee or permittee until such claim or complaint has
been fully satisfied or until the same has been barred by the statute limiting the time for the filing of
suits upon such claims.
7.5.6 Each log shall be kept by the person or persons competent to do so, having actual knowledge of
the facts required, who shall sign the log when starting duty and again when going off duty. The logs
shall be made available upon request by an authorized representative(s) of the appropriate regulatory
body during reasonable hours of the day.
7.5.7 A log shall be kept in orderly manner in suitable form, and in such detail that the data required
for the particular class of station concerned are readily available. Key letters or abbreviations may be
used if proper meaning or explanation is contained elsewhere in the log.
7.5.8 No log or portions thereof shall be erased, obligated, or will fully destroyed within the period of
retention provided by the rules. Any necessary correction may be made only by the person originating
the entry who shall strike out the erroneous portion, initial the correction made, and indicate the date
of correction. Rough log(s) may be transcribed into condensed form but in such cases the original
rough or memoranda and all portion(s) thereof shall be preserved and made part of the complete log.
7.6 Operation under Subsidiary Communications Authorizations
7.6.1 Operations conducted under a Subsidiary Communications
Authorization (SCA) shall conform to the uses and purposes authorized by the Authority in granting
the SCA application. Prior permission to engage in any new or additional activity must be obtained
from the Authority pursuant to application therefore.
7.6.2 Super audible and sub audible tones and pulses may, when authorized by the Authority, be
employed by SCA holders to activate and deactivate subscribers’ multiplex receivers. The use of these
or any other control techniques to delete main channel material is specifically forbidden.
7.6.3 In all arrangements entered into with outside parties affecting SCA - operation, the licensee or
permittee must retain control over all material transmitted over the station’s facilities, with the right
to reject any material which it deems inappropriate or undesirable. Subchannel leasing agreement shall
be reduced to writing, kept at the station, and made available for inspection upon request.
7.6.4 The logging announcements and other requirements imposed on logs and station identification
are not applicable to material transmitted on authorized subcarrier frequencies.
7.6.5 To the extent that SCA circuits are used for transmission of program material, each licensee or
permittee shall maintain a daily program log in which a general description of the material transmitted
shall be entered once during each broadcast day; Provided however, that in the event of a change in
the general description of the material transmitted, an entry shall be made in the SCA program log
indicating the time of each such change and a description thereof.
7.6.6 Each licensee or permittee shall maintain a daily operating log of SCA operation in which the
following entries shall be made (excluding subcarrier interruptions of five minutes or less):
a. Time subcarrier generator is turned on.
b. Tine modulation is applied to subcarrier.
c. Time modulation is removed from subcarrier.
d. Time subcarrier generator is turned off.
7.6.7 The frequency of each SCA subcarrier shall be measured as often as necessary to ensure that it
is kept at all times within 500 Hz of the authorized frequency. However, in any event, the measure
shall be made at least once each calendar month with not more than 40 days expiring between
successive measurements.
7.6.8 Program and operating logs for SCA operation may be kept on special columns provided on the
station’s regular program and operating log sheets.
7.6.9 Technical standards governing the SCA operation shall be observed by all FM broadcast stations
engaging in such operation.
7.7 Operation During Emergency
When necessary to the safety of life and property and in response to dangerous conditions of a general
nature, FM broadcast stations may, at the discretion of the licensee and without further Commission
authority, transmit emergency weather warnings and other emergency information.
Examples of emergency situations which may warrant either an immediate or delayed response by the
licensee are: Tornadoes, typhoons, floods, tidal waves, earthquakes, extra-heavy rains, widespread
fires, discharge of toxic gases, widespread power failures, industrial explosions, and civil disorders.
Transmission of information concerning school closings and transportation problems is appropriate.
In addition, and if requested by responsible public official, emergency point-to point messages may be
transmitted for the purpose of requesting or dispatching aid and assisting in rescue operations.

8. FM BROADCAST TRANSLATORS AND SIGNAL BOOSTERS

8.1 Definition of Terms
8.1.1. FM Broadcast Translator. A station in the broadcasting service operated for the purpose of
retransmitting the signals of an FM radio broadcast station without significantly altering any
characteristic of the incoming signal other than its frequency and power output, in order to provide FM
broadcast service to the general public.
8.1.2. Commercial FM translator station. An FM broadcast translator station which rebroadcasts the
signals of a commercial FM radio broadcast station.
8.1.3. Non-commercial FM translator station. An FM broadcast translator station which rebroadcasts
the signals of a non- commercial FM radio broadcast station.
8.1.4 Primary FM station. The FM radio broadcast station radiating the signals which are retransmitted
by an FM broadcast translator station or by an FM booster station.
8.1.5. FM broadcast booster station. A station in the broadcasting service utilizing a signal booster that
operates on the same frequency as the primary FM station.
8.1.6. Rebroadcast. Means reception by radio of the program of a radio station, and the simultaneous
or subsequent retransmission of such program by a broadcast station.
8.2 Licensing Policies
8.2.1 Purpose and Permissable Service - FM Translators provide a means whereby the signals of FM
broadcast stations may be retransmitted to areas within the province in which direct reception of
such FM broadcast stations is unsatisfactory due to distance or intervening terrain barriers. The FM
translator shall be located within the province in which its primary station is located. The maximum
translator power allowable is 100 watts. A maximum of 2 translator stations may be licensed for each
primary station.
8.22. An FM translator may be used only for the purpose of retransmitting the signals of an FM
broadcast station which is received directly through space, converted, and suitably amplified.
8.2.3. The transmissions of each FM translator shall be intended for direct reception by the general
public and any other use shall be incidental thereto.
8.2.4. The technical characteristics of the retransmitted signals shall not be deliberately altered so as
to hinder reception on conventional FM broadcast receivers.
8.2.5. An FM translator shall not deliberately retransmit the signals of any station other than the station
it is authorized by license to retransmit. Precautions shall be taken to avoid unintentional
retransmission of such other signals.
8.2.6. FM broadcast booster stations provide a means whereby an FM radio broadcast station may
provide service to areas of low signal intensity in any region within the province. An FM broadcast
booster station shall be located within the 1 millivolt per meter predicted flat terrain contour and within
the province in which its primary station is located. An FM broadcast booster station is authorized to
retransmit the signals of the primary station only. It shall not retransmit the signals of any other station
nor make independent transmission, provided, however, that locally generated signals may be used to
excite the booster apparatus for the purpose of conducting tests and measurements essential to the
proper installation and maintenance of the apparatus. The maximum allowable power of a booster
station is 100 watts. A maximum of 2 booster stations may be licensed for each primary station.
8.2.7 The transmission of an FM broadcast booster station shall be intended for direct reception by the
general public. Such stations will not be authorized to establish a point-to-point FM radio relay system.
8.2.8 An FM broadcast translator station or an FM booster station with a power of 100 watts or less
may be operated by a person designated by and under the control of the licensee and need not be a
licensed operator.
8.2.9 An authorization for a commercial FM translator station or booster station shall not be granted if
its signal shall interfere with any existing principal station, FM booster station or FM translator station
as provided for in the FM radio frequency protection ratio.
8.2.10 An authorization for FM translator station or booster station shall not be granted should the
predicted 1 millivolt per meter field strength contour extend into the boundary of another province.
8.2.11 Each application for an FM broadcast booster station shall include a statement concerning the
steps which have been taken in the design and location of the equipment to ensure that the areas of
service from the primary FM station will not be degraded by operation of the FM booster station.
8.3 Operational Requirements
8.3.1 Unattended Operation
A station authorized under this subpart may be operated without a licensed radio operator in attendance
if the following requirements are met:
a. The translator shall be equipped with suitable automatic circuits which will place it in a non-radiating
condition in the absence of a signal on the input channel.
b. The on-and-off control (if at a location other than the transmitter site) and the transmitting apparatus
shall be adequately protected against tampering by unauthorized persons.
c. The Authority shall be supplied with the name, address and telephone number of a person or persons
who may be contacted to secure suspension of operation of the translator promptly, should such action
be deemed necessary by the Authority. Such information shall be kept by the licensee.
d. An application for authority to construct a new station pursuant to this subpart or to make changes
in the facilities of such a station, which proposes unattended operation, shall include an adequate
showing as to the manner of compliance with this section.
8.3.2 Power Limitations
a. The power output of the final radio frequency amplifier of a station authorized under this subpart
shall not exceed 100 watts.
1) Stations employing multiple radio frequency amplifiers will be licensed as a single station provided
that the total power output shall not exceed 100 watts.
2) No limit is placed upon the effective radiated power which may be obtained by the use of
horizontally and vertically polarized directive transmitting antennas.
8.3.3 Emissions and Bandwidth
a. The license of an FM translator or FM booster station authorizes the transmission of either F3 or F9
emission (frequency modulation).
b. Standard width FM channels will be assigned and the transmitting apparatus shall be operated so as
to limit spurious emissions to the lowest practicable value. Any emission including intermodulation
products and radio frequency harmonics which are not essential for the transmission of the desired
aural information shall be considered to be spurious emissions.
c. The power of emissions appearing outside the assigned channel shall be attenuated below the total
power of the emission as follows:

Distance of emission Minimum Attenuation between unmodulated carrier

from center frequency
120 to 240 kHz 25 dB
over 240 and up to 600kHz 35 dB
over 600khz 60dB
d. Greater attenuation than that specified in paragraph c) of this sub-section may be required if
interferences result outside the assigned channel.
8.3.4 Consideration should be given to accessibility of the site at all times of the year and to the
availability of facilities for the maintenance and operation of the FM translator.
8.3.5 Equipment and Installation
a. Applications for new station or for changes in the facilities of existing stations will not be accepted
for filing unless the transmitting apparatus to be employed is type-accepted.
b. Transmitting antennas, antennas used to receive signals to be rebroadcast, and transmission lines are
not subject to the requirement for type-acceptance.
c. The following requirements must be met before the translator or booster equipment will be type-
accepted by the Authority.
1) The frequency converter and associated amplifiers of an FM translator shall be so designed that the
electrical characteristics of a standard FM signal, including stereophonic subchannel, introduced into
the input terminals will not be significantly altered by passage through the apparatus except as to
frequency and amplitude. The overall frequency response of the apparatus within its assigned channel
when operating at its rated power output and measured at the output terminals, shall provide a smooth
curve, varying within limits separated by no more than 3 decibels.
2) Radio frequency harmonics at the output terminals of the transmitter shall be attenuated at least 60
decibels below the fundamental output carrier level. All other emissions appearing outside the assigned
channel shall conform with the specifications set forth in paragraph (3) below.
3) The local oscillator or oscillators employed in the translator equipment shall, when subjected to
variations in ambient temperature between minus 30 degrees and plus 50 degrees Centigrade and in
primary supply voltage between 85 percent and 115 percent of the rated value, be sufficiently stable to
maintain the output carrier frequency of the translator within plus or minus 0.005 percent of its
assigned frequency, assuming zero variation of the received primary station signal from its assigned
frequency.
4) The apparatus shall contain automatic circuits which will maintain the power output constant within
2 decibels when the level of the signal at the input terminals is varied over a range of 40 decibels and
which will not permit power output to exceed the maximum rated power output under any condition.
If a manual adjustment is provided to compensate for different average signal levels, provision shall
be made for determining the proper setting for the control and if improper adjustment of the control
could result in improper operations, a label shall be affixed at the adjustment control bearing a suitable
warning.
5) The apparatus shall be equipped with automatic controls which will place it in a non radiating
condition when no signal is being received on the input channel, either due to absence of a transmitter
signal or failure of the receiving portion of the translator or booster. The automatic control may include
a time-delay feature to prevent interruptions in the operation of the station caused by fading or other
momentary failures of the incoming signal.
6) The amplifying devices employed in the final radio frequency amplifier shall be of the appropriate
power rating to provide the rated power output of the translator or booster. The normal operating
constants for operation at the rated power output shall be specified. The apparatus shall be equipped
with suitable meters or meter jacks so that appropriate voltage and current measurements may be made
while the apparatus is in operation.
7) Wiring, shielding, and construction shall be in accordance with accepted principles of good
engineering practice.
d. The exciter employed to provide a locally generated and modulated input signal to the Translator
shall be type- accepted and shall meet the following specifications for type-acceptance by the Authority.
1) The local oscillator or oscillators employed in the exciter, when subjected to variations in ambient
temperature between minus 30 degrees and plus 50 degrees centigrade, and in primary supply voltage
between 85 percent and 115 percent of the rated value, shall be sufficiently stable to maintain the
output center frequency of the exciter within plus or minus 0.005 percent of the frequency assigned to
the primary station.
2) Automatic means shall be provided for limiting the level of the audio frequency voltage applied to
the modulator to ensure that a frequency swing in excess of 75 kHz will not occur under any condition
of modulation.
3) Wiring, shielding, and construction shall be in accordance with accepted principles of good
engineering practice.
e. Type-acceptance will be granted only upon a satisfactory showing that the apparatus is capable of
meeting the requirements of paragraphs c) and d) of this subsection. The following, procedures shall
apply:
1) Any manufacturer of apparatus intended for use by a station authorized under this subpart may
request type acceptance by following the procedures set forth by the Authority.
2) Apparatus for use by stations authorized under this subpart which has been type-accepted by the
Commission will normally be authorized without additional measurements by the applicant.
3) Other rules concerning type-acceptance, including information regarding withdrawal of type-
acceptance, modification of type-accepted equipment and limitations on the findings upon which type-
acceptance is based, are set forth by the Authority.
f. The installation of an FM translator or booster station employing type-accepted apparatus may be
made by a licensed technician or licensed engineer.
g. Simple repairs, such as the replacement of tubes, fuses or other plug-in components and the
adjustment of non critical circuits which require no particular technical skill may be made by a
qualified person. Repairs which require the replacement of attached components, adjustment of
critical circuits, or technical measurement, shall be made only by a licensed technician or licensed
engineer.
h. Any test or adjustment which require the radiation of signals for their completion and which could
resulting improper operation of the apparatus, shall be made by or under the immediate supervision of
a licensed First-class radio-telephone operator or licensed engineer. The transmitting antenna may be
designed to produce either horizontal or vertical polarization, or a combination of horizontal and
vertical polarization. Separate transmitting antennas are permitted if both horizontal and vertical
polarization is to be provided.
8.3.7 Equipment Changes
a. No change, either mechanical or electrical, maybe made in the FM translator or booster apparatus
which has been type accepted.
b. Formal application is required for any of the following changes to be made on NTC Form in the
case of FM broadcast translator stations and FM broadcast booster stations:
1) Replacement of the translator or booster as a whole.
2) A change in the transmitting antenna system, including the direction of radiation or directive antenna
pattern.
3) Any change in the overall height of the antenna structure.
4) Any change in the location of the translator or booster except a move within the same building or
upon the same pole or tower.
5) Any horizontal change in the location of the antenna structure which would (i) be in excess of 500
feet or (ii) would require notice to the Air Transportation Office (ATO).
6) Any change of input or output frequency of a translator.
7) Any change of primary station of a translator.
8) Any change of authorized transmitter operating power output.
9) Any change in authorized principal community or area being served.
10) Other equipment changes not specifically referred to above.
8.4 Technical Operation and Operators
8.4.1. Frequency tolerance
The licensee of an FM translator station shall maintain the center frequency at the output of the
translator within 0.01 percent of its assigned frequency. The output frequency of an FM booster station
shall be the exact frequency of its primary station.
8.4.2. Frequency monitors and measurements
a. The licensed of a station authorized under this subpart is not required to provide means for measuring
the operating frequency of the transmitter. However, only equipment having the required stability will
be approved for use by an FM translator or booster.
b. In the event that a station authorized under this subpart is found to be operating beyond the frequency
tolerance prescribed in Subsection 8.4.1. The licensee shall promptly suspend operation of the station
and shall not resume operation until the station has been restored to its assigned frequency. Adjustment
of the frequency determining circuits of an FM translator or booster shall be made by a licensed
technician or licensed engineer in accordance with Subsection 7.3.5.C
8.4.3. Time of operation
a. An FM translator is not required to adhere to any regular schedule of operation. However, the
licensee of an FM translator is expected to provide a dependable service to the extent that such is within
its control and to avoid unwarranted interruptions to the service provided.
b. If an FM translator station is inoperative for 10 days or more, the licensee shall promptly notify the
Authority in writing where the station is located, promptly describing the cause of the in operation and
the steps being taken to place the translator in operation again and the licensee shall promptly notify
the Authority promptly when operation is resumed.
c. Failure of an FM translator station to operate for a period of 30 days or more, except for causes
beyond the control of the licensee, shall be deemed evidence of discontinuance of operation and the
license of the station may be cancelled at the discretion of the Authority.
d. An FM translator shall not be permitted to radiate during extended periods when signals of the
primary station are not being retransmitted.
8.4.4. Station inspection
The licensed of a station authorized under this subpart shall make the station and the records required
to be kept by the rules in this subpart available for inspection by representatives of the Authority.
8.4.5. Posting of station license
a. The station license and any other instrument of authorization or individual order concerning the
construction of the station or the manner of operation shall be kept in the station records file maintained
by the licensee so as to be available for inspection upon request, to any authorized representative of
the Authority.
b. The call sign of the translator or booster together with the name, address, and telephone number of
the licensee or local representative of the licensee, if the licensee does not reside in the community
served by the translator or booster, and the name and address of a person and place where station
records are maintained, shall be displayed at the translator or booster site on the structure supporting
the transmitting antenna, so as to be visible to a person standing on the ground at the transmitter site.
The display shall be maintained in a legible condition by the licensee.
8.4.6 Operator requirements
a. An operator holding a valid restricted radio telephone operator permit shall observe the operation of
a station authorized under this subpart by obtaining reception of its transmissions.
b. In the event of malfunction, or upon notice by the Authority, the operator shall immediately cause
the operation of the station to cease until the malfunction is corrected or until the conditions requiring
suspension of operation are corrected.
8.4.7 Additional orders
In cases where the rules contained in this part do not cover all phases of operation or experimentation
with respect to external effects, the Authority may make supplemental or additional orders in each case
as may be deemed necessary.
8.5 Other Operating Requirements
8.5.1. Station Records
a. The licensed of a station authorized under this subpart shall maintain adequate station records,
including the current instrument of authorization, official correspondence with the Authority,
maintenance records, contracts, permissions for rebroadcast, and other pertinent documents.
b. The records to be maintained where an antenna structure is required to be marked or lighted shall be
governed by the provisions of the Air Transportation Office (ATO).
c. Station records shall be retained for a period of 2 years.
8.5.2 The licensee of an FM translator shall not rebroadcast the programs of any FM broadcast station
without obtaining prior consent of the primary station whose programs are proposed to be retransmitted.
The Authority shall be notified of the call letters of each station rebroadcast and the licensee of the FM
translator shall certify that written consent has been received from the licensee of the station whose
programs are retransmitted.
8.5.3 An FM translator is not authorized to rebroadcast the transmissions of any class of station other
than a primary FM broadcast station.
9.6 PUBLIC INFORMATION FILE
An updated Public Information File shall made available at all times to the NTC inspector or to any
interested party. The Public Information File shall be kept on file at each broadcast station and shall
contain the following:
a. A copy of the station license.
b. Documents as to mode of ownership whether partnership, corporation or single proprietorship
including trade name as registered in the Department of Trade.
c. Documents on all changes of transmitter equipment, including the incorporated changes in the
license and the corresponding construction permits.
d. Copies of the Program Standards, the Technical Standards, the NTC compilation of laws, regulations,
circulars and memoranda.
e. Evidence of membership in the KBP, or any other broadcasters’ organization.
10. ANNEXES
A. Prediction of Coverage
Figure 1. F(50,50) Field Strength Chart for FM Channels and Sliding scale for use with Figure 1.
Figure 2. Standard Pre-Emphasis Curve
Figure 3. Sample Form For Prediction of Service Area and interference Studies.
ANNEX A
1. Prediction of coverage
A.1.1 All predictions of coverage made pursuant to this section shall be made without regard to
interferences and shall be made only on the basis of estimated field strengths.
A.1.2 In predicting the distance to the field strength contours, the F(50, 50) field intensity chart (figure
1), shall be used. If the 50 percent field intensity is defined as that value exceeded for 50 percent
of the time, this F(50, 50) chart gives the estimated 50 percent field intensities exceeded at 50 percent
of the locations in decibels above 1- microvolt per meter. The chart is based on an effective power of
1-kilowatt radiated from a half wave dipole in free space which produces an unattenuated field strength
at 1.6 kilometers of about 103 dB above 1- microvolt per meter (137.6 millivolts per meter).
A.1.3 To use the chart for other powers, the sliding scale associated with the chart should be trimmed
and used as the ordinate scale. The sliding scale is placed on the chart with the appropriate graduation
for power in line with the horizontal 40 dB line on the chart. The right edge of the scale is placed in
line with the appropriate antenna height graduations, and the chart then becomes direct reading (in
microvolt per meter and dB above 1 microvolt per meter for this power and antenna height.) Where
the antenna height is not provided, the signal strength or distance is determined by the interpolation
between the curves connecting the equidistant scale. Dividers may be used in lieu of the sliding scale.
In predicting the distance to the field strength contours, the effective radiated power to be used is that
in the horizontal plane in the pertinent direction. In predicting other field strengths over areas not in
the horizontal plane., the effective radiated power to be used is the power in the direction of such areas;
the appropriate vertical plane radiation pattern must, of course, be considered in determining this power.
A.1.4 The antenna height to be used with this chart is the height of the radiation center of the antenna
above the average terrain along the radial in question. In determining the average elevation of the
terrain, the elevations between 3 and 16 kilometers from the antenna site are employed. Profile graphs
shall be drawn for eight radials beginning at the antenna site and extending 16-kilometers there from.
The radials should be drawn for each 45 degrees of azimuth starting with True North. At least one
radial must include the principal community to be served even though such a community may be more
than 16-kilometers from the antenna site. However, in the event none of the evenly spaced radials
include the principal community to be served, then one or more such radials are drawn in addition to
the eight evenly spaced radials, such additional radials shall not be employed in computing the antenna
height above average terrain. The profile graph should indicate the topography accurately for each
radial, and the graphs should be plotted with the distance in kilometers as the abscissa and the elevation
in meters above mean sea level as the ordinate. It is not necessary to take the curvature of the earth
into consideration in this procedure as this factor is taken care of in the charts showing signal strength.
The average elevation of the 13-kilometer distance between 3 and 16 kilometers from the antenna site
should then be determined from the profile graph, for each radial. This may be obtained by averaging
a large number of equally spaced points, by using a planimeter, or by obtaining the median elevation
(that exceeded for 50 percent of the distance) in sectors and averaging these values.
A.1.5 In cases where the terrain in one or more directions from the antenna site departs widely from
the average elevation of 3 to 16 kilometers sector, the predicted method may indicate contour distances
that are different from what may be expected in practice. For example, a mountain ridge may indicate
the practical limit of service although the prediction method may indicate otherwise.
Reprinted from FCC 73.313