National Association of Broadcasters ENGINEERING HANDBOOK SIXTH EDITION George W. Bartlett, Editor Vice President for Engineering Published by the National Association of Broadcasters 1771 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 E507Copyright © 1975 by the National Association of Broadcasters 1771 N Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 All Rights Reserved Copyright, 1935, 1938, 1946, 1949, 1960, by the National Association of Broadcasters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This book, o¢ parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission of the copyright owner. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 74-81544 ‘The content of manuscripts provided by individual authors to the National Association of Broadcasters, for inelusion in this publication is solely the effort of those individuals. The National Association of Broadcasters is not responsible for and makes no claim as to the veracity of statements contained there- in or any omissions thereto. E507TO THE PROFESSIONAL BROADCAST ENGINEER Whose adherence to sound engineering principles has created a superb broadcast system in the United States of America “The electromagnetic spectrum is as vital to our national prosperity—and our ultimate survival—as any other natural resource. In trying to capture in one volume the expertise and know-how necessary to understand the countiess applications of radio energy in today’s ever- changing world, the NAB Engineering Handbook provides a unique challenge for broadcast engineers to continue to explore the vast potential of radio and television for public service while encouraging creative technical innovations that will give scope to the almost inconceivable variety that characterizes broadcasting in America.” VINCENT T. WASILEWSKI President, National Association of BroadcastersForeword Modern engineering has been expanding explosively. This has been evident in all fields, particularly in communication, including broadcast engineering. Cut and try experimentation, so productive in the early period of development, has now been replaced by designs of antennas, transmitters, associated equipment, and interconnections based upon a thorough under standing of the principles involved. During the past two decades, the usable spectrum has been expanded to include a portion of the needs for frequency modulation and television, but these needs have expanded even faster than the available bands. Whenever needs increase faster than resources, advanced engineering must be applied ¢o insure the most adequate service available within the limitations imposed by nature (or man). In order to serve the wide range of modern technology, engineers must bbe educated first in fundamentals common to many applications, This is the primary function of the engineering school. But as society demands ever more sophisticated and elaborate systems to meet its needs, each segment of our complex economy must develop means for continuing the education of practicing engineers into the more advanced principles and specialized applications peculiar to that section of industry. I want to congratulate the broadcasting industry on the fact that, through its organization, The Na- tional Association of Broadcasters, it is providing a most convertient means for Keeping its own practicing engineers abreast of the latest developments by the publication of this new edition of the NAB Engineering Handbook. ‘The several sections have been written by outstanding authoritative leaders in each appropriate field. It should go far toward insuring that the best engineering practices are put into effect throughout the industry. I know of no other group where cooperation in the technical field has. been more general. It is a record of which the industry should be proud This handbook is another milestone in technical cooperation and in the literature of its field, W. L, Everitt Dean of Engineering University of llinoisPreface The fundamental purpose of this Handbook is to present in one volume a logical treatment of the broadcast system, both radio and television, stress. ing the practical aspect and the type of information that often is passed along from person to person with no concrete basis for evaluation. In addi- tion, there is great need for authoritative information on the application of mote recently developed methods and techniques. Much of the basis for the contents of this Handbook was provided by many years of correspondence with broadcast engineers relative co their problems in the field. Although theory and mathematics have been included where necessary, the practical, operational aspects have received greatest attention, Theoretical treatment of the various subjects can be found in numerous textbooks readily avail- able, Although this Handbook has been prepared primarily in the interests fof the member stations of the National Association of Broadcasters, it will be available to everyone. The many peculiar engineering problems encoun- tered in foreign countries have been taken into account insofar as possible, without specifically delineating them. To obtain maximum uniformity, emphasis, and coherence, the Hand. ‘book treats subjects in a logical sequence beginning with the Antenna, Wave Propagation, and Field-strength Measurements, then proceeding to the Tower Structure, Transmission Lines, Transmitters, Studio-Transmitter Links, Studios and Equipment, Remote Pickup Facilities, Networking Facil~ ities, and Recent Techniques. Obviously, a complete volume could be written fon any one of these topics. Consequently, the treatment was designed to cover the type of problem and situation that is both fundamental in nature and unusual in circumstances. i has been paramount throughout this Hand- book to avoid the type of information contained in equipment technical mantaals. Any attempt to deal with a broadcast system for both radio and tele- vision inevitably omits certain information that some engineers would like to have covered. This was considered and resulted in the conclusion that certain limitations had to be accepted: It was also impossible to include com- plete information on certain subjects because of the current status of de- velopment and standardization. There has been no vigorous scrutiny to avoid duplication, but very little occurs throughout the Handbook. Jn any manuscript and its processing into a Handbook, errors inevitably occur, although every attempt has been made to eliminate them. The editor will appreciate having them called to his attention when noticed. To all the contributing authors and organizations, the NAB extends its sincere thanks and at the same time apologies for often demanding a great deal in a short period of time. Their patience, cooperation, and willingness to prepare their material while performing their regular duties deserves high praise and appreciation.Contents Foreword y Preface .. . vii 1 FCC Administrative Procedures for AM, FM, TV, and Related Services. ceo 1 2. Frequencies Used by the Broadcast Service. .......00.ccetetsesstetettserecsteee S 3. Index of Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations Used by the Broadcast Services 23 4 Major Standards of Interest to Broadcast Engineers .. 35 5S NAB Operating and Maintenance Log Recommendations ....0.-....0e0cscereeeeeee 89 6 Standard Frequency Transmissions = 105; 7 Wave Propagation, Radiation, and Absorption .........0+00ccsecseeeeeteeeeesee HID 8 Design, Erection, and Maintenance of Antenna Structures .... .147 9 Standard Broadcast Antenna Systems cece eeee ee IBS 10 Power Dividers for Directional Antenna Systems .........0005 see eee ett ee sees e253 11 Maintenance of Directional Antenna 267 12 Transmission Lines for Broadcast Use-........++ cece : 283 13. Antennas for FM Broadcasting . 307 14 Antennas for Television Broadcast ....2.0.ceccee secs ceeeetteeeeeeeeetee sees R29 15. The Measurement of FM and TV Field Strengths (54-890 MHz)....... 6 377 16 Field-Strength Measurements (540-1600 kHz) . cece eee e tte ceee e387 17 Standard Broadcast Transmitters . aul 18 FM Broadcast Transmitters. ...0..06260cceceseees voceveee essen AQT 19. Television Transmitters 475 ix1 FCC Administrative Procedures for AM, FM, TV, and Related Services GENERAL Any qualified citizen, firm, or group may apply to the Federal Comminications Commission for authority (o construct a standard (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or television (TV) broadcast station. Licensing of these facilities is prescribed by the ‘Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which sets up certain basic requirements. In general, applicants must satisfy the Commission that they are legally, technically, and financially qualified, and that the operation of the proposed station would be in the public interest. The licensing procedure is detailed in Part 1 of the Commission's rules, “Practice and Proce- dure.” Station operation is covered by Part 73 “Radio Broadcast Services.” This includes tech- nical standards for AM, FM, and TV stations, and TV and FM channel (frequency) assignments by states and committees. Copies of these rules are available from the Government Printing Gifice, Washington, D.C. Most applicants employ engineering and legal services in preparing their applications. ‘The Commission does not make technical or other speciai studies for prospective applicants nor does it recommend individual lawyers or engineers. However, names of firms and individuais practic- ing before the Commission may be found in various trade publications. The following is a summary of the consecutive steps to be followed in applying for authorization to build and operate @ broadcast station. The application procedure is substantially the same whether the facility sought is AM, FM, or TV. SELECTING A FACILITY ‘An AM applicant must make his own search for a frequency on which he can operate without causing or receiving interference from existing stations and stations for which applications are pending. AM broadcast stations operate on “ocal,” “regional,” or “clear” channels. Stations of 250-watt power for nighttime broadcasting and upto I-kilowatt daytime broadcasting serve small communities; stations of S00-watt to S-kilowatt power cover centers of population and surround- ing areas; stations of 10- to $0-kilowatt power are for large atea coverage, particularly at night. An FM station applicant must request an FM channel assigned to the community in which he proposes to operate, or a place within a 10-mile radius (for Class A FM stations) or a 15-mile radius (for Class B or Class C FM stations), which has no FM channel assignment. Power, antenna height, and station separation are governed by the zone in which the station is jocated. There are three classes of commercial FM stations and three zones. Class A stations use power from 100 watts to 3 kilowatts to cover radius of about 15 miles; Class B stations, 5 kilowatts to 50 kilowatts for 40-mile service and Class C, 25 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts for 65-mile range. Noncommercial educational FM stations are in a separate category and may operate with power as [ow as 10 watts. Commercial and educational FM stations may apply for a “Subsidiary Com munications Authorization” (Form 318) to furnish certain supplemental services. FM sta- tions may engage in stereophonic broadcasting, for which no special application is required. ‘An applicant for a TV station must request a VHF (Very High Frequency) or a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channel assignment to the com- munity in which he proposes to operate, or a place having no channel assignment within 25 miles of that community. Power depends upon the kind of channel sed (VHF or UHF), and station separa- tion is determined by three zones. TV ““trans- lator” stations serve remote communities by picking up and rebroadcasting the programs of outside stations, with the latter's permission. ‘They operate on any VHF channel ot on any unassigned UHF channel between 55 and 69, or on any assigned channel. Certain channels are assigned for noncommercial educational TV operation, There is a “Community Antenna Relay Service” for noncommon carrier microwave facili ties to relay TV signals to community antenna (CATV) systems,2 FCC Administrative Procedures APPLYING FOR A CONSTRUCTION PERMIT After a prospective broadcaster has decided upon the type of station he desires and the place where it would be located, he should ascertain the programming needs of the locality he intends to serve and devise plans to meet these needs. The next step is to apply for a construction permit. ‘This is done on FCC Form 301, “Application for Authority to Construct a New Broadcast Station or Make Changes in an Existing Station,” which covers AM, FM, or TV broadcast, except educa- tional applications which use FCC Form 340, FM and TV translators (Form 346), and FM booster stations (Form 349P), These forms require in formation about the citizenship and chatacter of the applicant, as well as his financial, technica}, and other qualifications, plus details about the transmitting apparatus to be used, antenna, and studio locations, and the service proposed. Com- ‘mercial broadcast applicants are required to show their financial ability to operate for one year after construction of the station. Triplicate copies are required. Nonprofit educations! institutions apply for new or changed instructional TV fixed sta- tions on Form 330-P. APPLICANTS MUST GIVE LOCAL NOTICE Applicants for new broadcast stations, license renewals, station sales, or major changes in existing stations must give local public notice of their plans and also of any subsequent designa- tion of their applications for hearing. This is done over the applicant's local station (if any) and by advertising in the local newspaper. It affords interested persons an opportunity to comment on these applications to the Commission. Applicants and stations must also maintain public reference files in their respective localities. APPLICATION PROCESSING All broadcast applications (except translators) are reported twice by the Commission—first when the application is received and, again, when the application is formally accepted for filing. An application is not acted upon until at least 30 days after the Commission gives public notice of its acceptance. During that time objecting petitions may be filed. Competing AM applications may be filed wp to a date in a notice of AM applications ready for processing. It usually is about 30 days following that notice. Competing FM and TV applications may be filed up to the day the initial application is ready far Commission consideration. Applications ate, in general, processed in the order in which accepted. They are reviewed for ‘engineering, legal, and financial data by the Broadcast Bureau which, under delegated author- ity from FCC, acts on routine applications and reports to the Commission applications involving policy or other particular considerations. If an application has no engineering or other conflicts and no valid protests have been received, the applicant is found qualified. Assuming all other requirements are met, the application may be granted without hearing and a construction per- mit issued, All such grants are announced by the Commission. Petitions for reconsideration of grants made without hearing can be filed within 30 days after the grant is made, however, peti- ers must give valid reasons why these objec tions were not raised before the grant was made. HEARING PROCEDURE Where it appears that an application does not conform to the Commission's rules and regula- tions, that serious interference would be caused to another station or if other serious questions of a technical, legal, or financial character develop, a hearing is usually required, The Commission must accord a hearing if two or more competing applicants seek the same frequency or immedi- ately adjacent frequency which could cause inter- ference, before tre Commission renders its deci- sion. In designating an application for hearing, the Commission gives publie notice of the issues for the information of the applicant and others concerned. The hearing notice generally allows the applicant 60 days or more in which to prepare. Even after the hearing has been set, an applicant may amend his application to resolve engineering or other problems. (Commission approval is required for all mergers or situations in which a competing applicant withdraws on payment of expenses.) Hearings on competing applications are nor- mally held at the Commission's. Washington offices. Hearings on license revocations and re- newals are held in the communities affected. Heasings are customarily conducted by an examiner. He has authority to administer oaths, examine witnesses, and rule upon the admission of evidence. A prehearing cotlerence is held to reach agreement on procedural matters, Within 20 days after the close of a record by the hearing examiner, each party and the Chief of the Broadcast Bureau of the Commission can file proposed findings of fact and conclusions to support their contentions. After review of the evidence and statements, the hearing examiner issues an initial decision. If the applicant wishes to contest the initial decision, he or any other interested party has 30 days from the date on which the initial decision‘was issued to file exceptions. In all cases heard by an examiner, the Commission, or its Review Board may hear oral argument on timely request of any party. After oral argument, the Commis- sion ot the Review Board may adopt, modify, or reverse the hearing examiner's initial decision. In cases where the Review Board has acted on the exceptions, an appeal of the Board's decision may he taken to the Commission within 30 days. The Commission may, however, deny an appeal for review without stating reasons for such action. Court appeals can be taken within 30 days following release of the final decision, in which case the Commission's action is stayed pending court determination. CONSTRUCTION PERMIT When an application is granted, a construction Permit is issued. The new permittee may then Fequest call letters which, if available and con- forming to the rules, are issued. «A period of 60 days from date of the construction permit is provided in which construction shall begin, and ‘maximum of six months thereafter as the time for completion (or eight months in all). Application to make changes in act existing station is made on the same form used in seeking initial construction authorization (Form 301). Application to modify a broadcast construction authorization or to modify a license is made on Form 301-4 “Request for Modification of Broadcast Station Authoriza- tion.” If the permittee is unable to build his sta- tion within the time specified, he must apply for extension of time on Form 701 (“Application for Additional Time to Construct a Radio Station”), giving reasons, Upon completion of construction the permittee conducts equipment (not program) tests LICENSE Original ‘The final step in obtaining permission to operate a station is to apply for the actual license ‘on Form 302 ("Application for New Broadcast Station License”), or Form 341 (for Noncommer- cial Educational FM stations), Form 347 (lor TV and FM transfators), or Form 349L (for FM boosters). Applicants must show compliance with all terms, conditions, and obligations set forth in the original application and the construction permit. Not until he applies for a ficense can the holder of a construction permit request authority to conduct program tests. The license application form provides a space for program test requests, or it can be made separately. A station license and rogram test authority are issued if no new cause or circumstance has come to the attention of the Application Fees 3 Commission that would make operation of the station contrary to public interest. Renewal Applicants for renewal of station license must show that they have operated according to the terms of their original authorizations and the promises they made in obtaining them, Most renewal applications are made on Form 303 (‘Application for Renewal of Brozdcast Station License}. Noncommercial educational licensees, however, use Form 342; TV and FM translators Form 348 and FM boosters Form 349R. Pending the disposition of any Commission hearing or other proceeding involving license renewal or revocation considerations, the station continues to operate even though its license term may have expired. SALES AND TRANSFERS. Ifthe holder of a construction permit or license desires to assign it to someone else, he makes application on Form 314 (“Apptication for Con sent to Assignment of Radio Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License”). Should the permittee of licensee wish to transfer corporate control, he applies on Form 315 (“Application for Consent to Transfer Control of Corporation Holding Radio Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License”). Form 316 (“Application for Assignment or Transfer—Shert Form") may be used when the transfer or assignment involves no substantial change in interest. Sales of stations held less than three years are subject to hearing except in cases of death, hardship, or other mitigating circumstances beyond the licensee's control. CONSTRUCTION CHANGES Applicants for authority to make construction changes in existing stations apply on the same form used for a construction permit for the type of station invoived. APPLICATION FEES! Since March 17, 1964, the Commission has charged fees for most application filings in order to comply with government policy to charge for certain federal services, On July 1, 1970, a new fee schedule was adopted for broadcast. stations, which includes three types of charges: (1) a filing fee (the only type of fee previously charged) payable when the application is tendered; (2) a "Te Fee schedule is santinually revised. See the Cont- mission's rules forthe current schedule4 FCC Administrative Procedures grant fee, payable when the application is granted; and (3)2n annual operating fee, paid by all commercial AM, FM, and TV stations, in lieu of the renewal application fee previously charged. Application filing fees for construction permits, generally considerably higher than those previously charged, vary with the type of station, from $25 for a daytime-only 250-watt nondirec- tional AM station permit and $100 for a Class A FM, to $5,000 for a VHF TV permit in the top-50 markets (in TV, though not in radio, fees v with market size; top $0, next 50, and other; ané there is also a VHF-UHF difference). An extra filing fee of $50 is charged for a directional antenna application. Applications for major changes are charged the sime fee as those for new stations, The grant fee is charged on the same scale, nine times the amount of the application fee. For assignments of licenses and transfers of control (other than involuntary transfers), the filing fee is $1,000 (per license) and the grant fee is two percent of the consideration (selling price) for the assignment or transfer, payable on consum- mation. The annual operating fee is based on a station's highest commercial announcement rate: in AM and FM, the highest one-minute rate moltiplied by 24 and in TV the highest 30-second rate multiplied by 12, with a minimum of $52 in radio and $144 in’ tele «ion, Most “other” applications, such as for covering licenses and minor changes, entail a filing fee of $50 and no grant fee; requests for important Special ‘Temporary Authorizations (STAs) or waiver of the rules in the broadcast services require a filing fee of S50 and a grant fee of $25; involuntary assignments or transfers of control requise a filing fee of $250 (per station where more than one is involved) and no grant fee; and applications for subscription television authorizations entail a ‘$1,000 filing fee but no grant fee. Translators and noncommercial educational stations are exempt from fees. In adopting the new fee schedule, the Commission recognized that the amont of fee for assignment/transfer grants— two percent of consideration—may be difficult to determine where the consideration includes elements other than cash ot property with an ascertainable market value. The Commission stated that a rule of reason would be followed. In difficult cases, parties are invited to consult with Commission personnel with respect to the value to be attributed. ‘August 1, 1970, was the generally effective date of the new schedule, Grant fees were not charged where the application was on file betore July 1, 1970. The annual operating fee for broadcast stations is due each year on the anniversary of the station's license expiration date. For the first year, the fee will be a pro rata share of the annual fee from August 1, 1970. ‘The fee schedule will be subject to continuing review, to determine whether changes in overall or comparative levels are in order. PRINTED RULES FCC rules may be obtained only through the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The rules on FCC practice ané procedure ase contained in Volume I, which is available for 38.00 per copy; the broadcast rules are contained in Volume III, for $18.50. Orders should be sent to the Government Printing Office direct (not through the FCC). The printed rules are sold on a subscription basis, which entitles the purchaser to receive subsequent amendments to the rale part purchased until an overall revised issue is printed,2 Frequencies Used by the Broadcast Service STANDARD BROADCAST (AM) STATIONS Classes and Power of ‘Standard Broadcast Stations' () Clear channel. A clear channel is one on which the dominant station or stations render service over wide areas, and which are cleared of objectionable interference within their primary service areas and over all of a substantial portion of their secondary service areas. Stations operat- ing on these channels are classified as follows: (1) Class T station. A Class 1 station is a dominant station operating on a clear channel and designed to render primary and secondary service over an extended area and at relatively long distances. Its primary service area is free from objectionable interference from other sta- tions on the same and adjacent channels, and its secondary service area iree from interference except from stations on adjacent channels, and from stations on the same channel in accordance with the channel designation in Sections 73.25 or 73.182 FCC Rules and Regulations. The operat ing power shall not be fess than 10 kilowatts nor more than 50 kilowatts. Q) Class I station. A Class II station is a secondary station which operates on a clear channel (see Section 73.25) and is designed to render service over a primary service area which is limited by and subject to such interference as may be received from Class I stations. Whenever necessary @ Class II station shall use a directional antenna or other means to avoid interference with Class I stations and with other Class II stations, in accordance with Section 73.182 (and Section 73.22 in the case of Class II-A stations). Class Il stations are divided into three groups: (i) Class I-A station. & Class II-A station is an unlimited time Class II station operating on one of the clear channels listed in Section 73.22 and assigned to a community within a state specified in the Table contained in that section. A Class ILA station shall operate with power of not less all section tions used by bers teferf0 the FCC Rules and Regul he Rroadeast Services than 10 kilowatts nighttime nor more than SO kilowatts at any time. Gi) Class 1-B station. A Class 11-B station is an unlimited time Class II station other than those included in Class 1-4. A Class II-B station shall operate with power not less than 0.25 kilowatts nor more than SO kilowatts. (iil) Class IED station, A Class II-D station is a Class II station operating daytime or limited time. A Class [LD station shall operate with power not less than 0,25 kilowatts nor more than SO kilowatts, (b) Regional channel, A regional channel is one ‘on which several stations may operate with powers not in excess of 5 kilowatts. The primary service area of a station operating on any such channel ‘may be limited to a given field intensity contour as a consequence of interference. (1) Class IIT station. A Class II station is a station which operates on a regional channel and is designed to render service primarily to a principal center of population and the rural area contiguous thereto, Class IIT stations are sub- divided into two classes. () Class IIA station. A Class IIL-A station is a Class IIT station whieh operates with power no¢ less than J Kilowatt nor more than S kilowatts and the service area of which is subject to interference in accordance with Section 73.182. Gi) Class II-B station. A Class III-B station is a Class III station which operates with power not less than 0.5 kilowatt nor more than 1 kilowatt night and 5 kilowatts daytime, and the service area of which is subject to interference in accord- ance with Section 73.182. (} Local channel. A tocal channel is one on which several stations operate with powers no greater than provided in this paragraph. The primary service area of a station operating on any such channel may be limited to a given field intensity contour as a consequence of inter- ference. Such stations operate with power no greater than 250 watts nighttime, and no greater than 1 kilowatt daytime (except that for stations in an area in the State of Florida south of the parallel 28° north latitude, and between the6 Frequencies Used by the Broadeast Service meridians 80° and 82° west longitude, power is limited to 250 watts, daytime and nighttime). (1) Class TV station. A Class IV station is a station operating an a local channel and designed to render service primarily to a city or toxn and the suburban and rural areas contiguous thereto. The power of a station of this class shall not be less than 0.25 kilowatt, and not more than 0.25 Kilowatt nighttime and { kilowatt daytime, and its service area is subject to interference in accord- ance with Section 73.182. Stations which are licensed to operate with 100 watts day or night may continue to do so. Assignment of Class ll-A Stations (a) Table of assignments. One Class II-A sta- tion may be assigned on each channel listed in the following table within the designated State or States: Chan- | Location of State(s) in which nel | existing Class1 | Class I-A assignment, (kz) station ‘may be applied for 670... | Chicago, i idaho, 720... | Chicago, IN. Nevada or Idaho. 780. .. | Chicago, Il, Nevada 880...) New York, N.Y. . | North Dakota, South Dakota, ox Nebras- ka, 890... | Chicago, IL Utah, 1020. . ) Pittsburgh, Pa. New Mexico. 1030. . | Boston, Mass. Wyoming. 1100. . | Cleveland, Ohio . . | Colorado. 120. - | St. Louis, Mo. California or Oregon. 1180, | Rochester, NY. . | Montana. 1210. | Philadelphia, Pa. : | Kansas, Nebraska, o1 Oklahome. (©) Minimum service 10 "white" areas. No Class [I-A station shall be assigned unless at least 2S percent of its nighttime interference-free ser vice area or at least 25 percent of the population residing therein receives no other interference- free nighttime primary service. (©) Power. Class I1-A stations shall operate with not less than 10-kilowatt power nighttime. (a) Protection. (1) Protection by Class H-A stations 10 other stations, The co-channel Class ILA station shall be protected by the Class I-A station to its 0.1 mv/m contour daytime and its 0.5 mv/m $0 percent skywave contour nighttime. Al other stations of any class authorized on or before October 30, 1961, shall normally receive protection from objectionable interference from Class II-A stations as provided in Section 73.182. (2) Protection to Class I-A stations. A Class MA station shall normally receive daytime pro- tection to its 0.5 my/m groundwave contour and nighttime protection to the contour to which it is limited by the co-channel Class I-A station. (©) Applications not complying with this section. Applications for Class i1-A stations which do not meet the requirements stated under Minimum Service and Power sections will be returned without further consideration. Time of Operation of Standard Broadcast Stations The several classes of standard broadcast stations may be licensed to operate in accordance with the follows (a) Unlimited time permits operation without a ‘maximum limit as to time. ©) Limited time is applicable to Class II (sec~ ondary) stations operating on a clear channel with facilities authorized before November 30, 1959. It permits operation of the secondary station during daytime, and until local sunset if located west of the dominant station on the channel, or if located east thereof, until sunset at the dominant station, and in addition during night hours, if any, not used by the dominant station or stations on the channel. (©) Daytime permits operation during the hours between average monthly local sunrise and average monthly local sunset. (@) Sharing time permits operation during hours which are so restricted by the station license as to require a division of time with one or more other stations using the same channel, (€) Specified hours means that the exact oper- ating hours are specified in the license. Specified hours stations operating on local channels, except those sharing time with other stations may operate at hours beyond those specified in their licenses to carry special events programming. To the extent that such operation is conducted during the nighttime hours, the station’s au- thorized nighttime facilities must be used. Minimum Operating Schedule {@) All standard broadcast stations are re- guised to maintain an operating schedule of not less than two-thirds of the tetal hours they are authorized to operate between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time, and two-thirds of the total hours they are authorized to operate between 6 p.m. and midnight, local time, each day of the week except Sunday: Provided, however, that stations author- ized for daytime operation only need to comply with the minimum requirement for operation between 6 a.m, and 6 p.m.Channel 540 550 560 570 580 590 600 610 620 630 640 650 660 670 680 690 700 710 720 730 740 750 760 770 780 790 800 810 820 830 840 850 860 870 80 890 900 910 920 930 940 950 960 970 980 AM/FM SECTION Frequencies Used for Standard Broadcast Stations AM/FM Section 7 ‘The band 535-1605 kHz is used for standard broadcasting. It is divided into 107 channels of 10 kHz. each. Following is a list of standard broadcast channels and the conditions under which each may be used in the United States. For further reference and additional information, see FCC Rules, and the 1950 North American Regional Broadcast Agreement. Classificat Cheae Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Gear Clear Clear Regional Clear Clear Clear Gear Clear Clear Clear Ctear Gear Clear Regional Regional Regional Clear Regional Regional Regional Regional ion NARBA Class I Priority Canada (I-A) Mexico (I-A) Cuba (-C) Cuba (ID) Cuba (I-D) Dominican Repubtic (-C) Cuba (1-D) USA (I-A) Canada (I-B) Cuba(1-C) USA (L.A) USA (LA) A (I-A) USA (I-B) Canada (I-A) Cuba (1-C) Mexico (IB) USA (I-A) USA (I-B) USA (I-A) exico (I-A) mala (I-A) Cuba (I-D) USA (LA) USA (LA) USA (LA) USA (LA) Mexico (I-A) USA (LB) USA (La) USA (L.A) USA (LA) USA (I-B) Mexico (1-B) Canada (I-A) Cuba (LC) USA (a) Usa (ha) USA (FA) Mexico (I-A) Cuba (LD) Canada & Mexico (IB) Cuba (ID) Cuba (FD) Use Under FCC Rules ul HLA, ULB, WEA, ILB. HEA EB IEA, ULB. HLA, MLB, HLA, ULB TILA, IB HLA, II-B HLA, ULB, ait uit uu ul Lu ul iu Lil Li fd u Mul Lu a) uu TILA, LB, u iu a ul ui Lu w ul La Lit ul HFA, ULB, TILA, LEB. HLA, ULB Lu HEA, 1B. AULA, IB. HLA, HLB MLA, EB See Footnotes (2) 8) (12) (4) 21) (4) (5) (11) @aD, @aan (al) (ay an) i) (4) (5) (11), @Maay (5) (6) (8) ©) (10) (19) (22) 26) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (22 (6) (8) (9) (19) (19) (22) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) (10) (11) (13) (19) (26) ()3)(5) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (22) (10) (11) (13) (19) 26) (6) (8) (928) C19) (23) (14) 21) (5) ()(3) (7) (6) (8) (2) (10) (19) (22), (6) (8)(9) 0) (19) 22 (6)(8) (9) (20) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) @) (11), (14) (21) (25) (10) 23) (19}(26) (6) (8) 9) (10) (19) (6){8) @)20) (19) (6)(8) ©) 40) (19) ¢ (20) (13) (19) (26) (1) (3) (5), (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (22) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) (6) (8)(9) 10) 19) (23) genes @ Cb @)@ Ca) (Ql) (19) (26) Aad @an @an (Ly)8 Frequencies Used by the Broadcast Service Channel 990 1000 1010 1020 1030 1040 1050 1060 1070 1080 1090 1400 1110 1120 1130 1140 1150 1160 3170 1180 $190 1200 1210 1220 1230 1240 1250 1260 1710 1280 1290, 1300 1310 1320 1330 1340 1350, 1360 1370 1380 1390 1400 1410 1420 136, 1440 1450 1460 1470 1480 1490 1500 1510 1520 1530 1540 1550 Classification Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Gear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Regional Clear Cleat ear Clear Cheas Clear Clear Local Local Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Local Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Local Regional Regional Regional Regional Local Regional Regional Regional Local Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear NARBA Class I Priority Canada (I-A) Mexico & USA (I-B) Canada (I-A) Cuba (1-B) USA (LA) USA (A) USA (I-A) Mexico (I-A) Mexico & USA (I-B) Canada & USA (I-B) USA (LB) Mexico & USA (I-B) USA (I-A) USA (IB) USA(-A) Canada & USA (I-B) Mexico & USA (LB) USA (I-A) USA (IB) USA (I-A) Mexico & USA (I-B) USA (I-A) USA (LA) Mexico (I-A) USA (LB) USA (L-B) USA (LB) USA (1B) Baharnas (L-A) USA (1B) Canada & Mexico (-B) Use Under FCC Rules Lt tl ia nil tu 0 a uu ni tll Lu Lut Lal Lu il {1-A, LB itt til Ui ui Ltt Ll iH wv Vv UA, ULB, HA, ULB, UA, ULB, IEA, ULB, 11a, IIL-B TEA, LB, MLAB. HLA, ULB, Ma, HEB v MILA, ULB T-A,ILB HLA, LB, UA, LB. WEA, TB. Vv HLA, LB, LAA, HLB AWA, IB ILA, ULB, Vv UA, ULB. TA, ULB. MILA, HEB Iv Lu Lu Lu ian ti in See Footnotes ()G) (10) (13) (19) (26) HEyAs) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) (6) (11) (13) (16) (20) (23) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (22) (14) 17) (21) (25) (10) (13) (19) (26) (10) (13) (19) (26) (10) (13) (19) (26) (10) (13319) (26), (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) @3) (10) (13) (19) (26) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) (10) (13) (19) (26) (10) (13) (19) (26) (4) (11) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (22) (10) (13) (49).26) (6) (8) (9) (10) (19) (23) (10) (13) (19) (26) (6) (8) (@) (10) (19) (22) (6)(8) (9) (0) (19) (23) (14) (18) (21) (25), @) (1) (a) (11) @ Cl) (@) C1) (Cy (a) (1) Cy ay aan aman @) (1) @an aap @an @ay @al) Cn) @an @any @at) May (13) (19) 26) (13) (19) 26) (13) (19) 26) (13) (19)(26) (19) (24) (19) 26)AM/FM Section 9 Use Under Channel Classification NARBA Class | Priority FCC Rules: See Footnotes 1560 Clear USA & Cuba (1-8) ul (249) 26) 1570 Clear Mexico (I-A) it a) QD 25) 1580 Clear Conida (FA) in We) 1590 Regional MLA, ULB (@)(11) L600 Regional Ma,weB G1) Note 1. For Clas [I stations which will not deliver over 5 microvolts per meter groundaave er 25 microvolts per mister 10 percent tine sky wave at any point on the Canadian border and provided Sat suich stations operating nighttime (k., SOnset to Sngise atthe location af the Class Il stajon) ave deated not Tess than 650 miles from the nearest Canadivn border. 2, Subject 19 abe condition that no harmful interference be caused fo services operating on $00 kilz and inthe band 510-535 ke. 3, Proposed rule making in Docket 10453 provides for certain assignments on this channel 1p be subunitted to the Canadian government for comments, taking into account daytione skywave, No applications are being granted at this time whieh are notin contarmity with the proposals contained in Docket 10453, 4. Cass IV stations presently operating on this channel are allowed {0 continue operation, but are not protected sgtinst interference (rom Clas Il stations. No new Class LV stots will be assed the channel. '. New asszments may not deliver over 25 microvalts per meter 10 percent tine skywave ut ay point on the border of the connny Jewwing priority for a Class IC station on this channcl. For detinition of tis class of sation and requizements for daytime protection, sec 1950 North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement 6. Class Il stations may operate presuntise with 3 power not in excess of S00 watts rom 6 a.m, focal time to sunvise where such stations are located west of the Clas FA station. 7. Now assignments may not deliver over 50 microvolts per meter 10 percent in ‘of the countey having prinrity for a Class HD station on this channel. For definition of for daytime protection, see 1950 North American Resionst Broadcasting Agreet 8, One Class 1 and one ar more Cli II stations may be assigned on this channel, Class Il stations are restricted to limited gave or daytinie only operation i the continental linits of the United States. There may be assigned to this frequency Chss 11 stations operating unlimited time in Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Iuids, and Puerto Rico which will nt deliver over 5 miecovolts per meter groundvave day or night or 25 microvolts per meter 10 percent time skywave at night al any point ‘within the continental limits of the United States, ‘3, Power shall not be less than $0 kilowatts For Class stations on this channel, 10, Pending finalization of Docket 6741, action is Beins withhek? an applications for new daytime os limited time assignments, changes in frequency te operate Gn this channel, oF applications for modification of facilities which would Jerease radiation 0: chgnge stations location, TE. Class Ill station may commence operation with their daytime antenna systems at 6 a.m. local time, ané eontinue sesh option un Loa sus proved that Me presunsis pows not exeeed 300 wats ors ess pater as may be jetermined. 12. Chass IL stations shall not deliver a sisaal of more shan $ miezovolls per meter groundwave or 25 microealts per meter 10 percent skywave at any point on the Canadian botder, nor more than 10 miesovults pet meter daytime or 50 imictovolts per meter nighttime at any point on the Mexican border pruvied that stations operating at night shall be located within the continental United States inckaing Alaska and not les tag 650 miles from the nearest point on dhe Canadian border and ny af che parallel 35 degrees north if west of the meridian 93 degrees west of north of the parallel 30 dearees north if east of sid meridia. 13. One or more Class 1 stations may be assigned co this channel, Class [applications ate subject t» the some provisions as stated in Footnote 10 Td. To continental US., for Clas If stations which operate daytime only with power not in excess af £ Kilowatt and which will not deliver over 5 iicrovelts per meter groundwave at any point un she Mesican order, and i Alssks, Hawall, Puerto Rico, and the Virin Islands, far Chas Il siations which will not deliver aver § mirovolts per meter sroundsve or 23 imictovolts per meter 10 percent time sky wave at any point on suid bur der 15. 8 scaeion on 1010 kHz slall also protect a Class [-B station at Hav 16. Under terms of te 1950 North American Regional Broadcasting assiuned fo USA, however, FCC Rules continue to classify 1030 kHz a5 Class |-B, pending ralifiation of the 19: 17. The Us, is permitted undey the “Gentlemen's Agrecinent” to continue operation of one $0 kilowat! fullime Class 1 station with digetional patlesn that wil direct the shat to the northeast and protect the Mesicay station’ sgn in the US. as much as possibile, 18. The USS, is permitted under the “Gentlemen's 4greement’ dlircetional antenna that wil disce ce as posible, 19, All new assignments on this channel must be in acoordance with Section 73.187. 20. Two Chse I stations willbe assigned this frequency. 21, The United States may assign slations to operate with powers not in excess of S kilowatts daytime an ehis troquency. Stations with powers in excess of 1 Kilowatt muy not be assigned! in areas within Nhe Fofowing distances of the locations specified skywave at any point on the bord: sof station and reqizen (0 assign 4 station inthe Detroit, Michizan, area with a to the nosthward and protect the Mexiean station's coverage in the U.S. ax much 800 kHe~820 mies from Ciudad Suazer, Chihuaba 2650 Kr 620 miles from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 1570 kilz620 miles roan Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila 22. Docket 6741 proposes no action a this time But introduces subject of increased power 23. Unlimited Chas IF-A stations Wil be assigned in underserved areas.10 Frequencies Used by the Broadcast Service 24. Clas [and I stations on 1540 ki shall deliver not over $ microvolis per meter groundwave of 25 microvolls per meter 10 percent skywave at any point of land ia the Bahama Islands and such station operating nighttime (.e., sunset 10 sunrise at the location of the Class Il station shall be Jocated nol les than 650 miles from the nearest point of land in the ghar Islands, 25. Class II stations are permitted to operate on Mexican Clas [-A clear channels commencing at 6 2m, oval time with theit daytime antenna system and to continue such operation until the sunvse time specified in their basic instrument of authorization provided that the power not exceed 500 watts, ‘26. Presueuise aperation is permitted on this Frequency provided « special showing is made, FM STATIONS. ‘Classes and Power of FM Stations Class A station. A Class A station is a station that operates on a Class A channel and is designed to render service to a relatively sinall community, city, or town, and the surrounding rural area. A Class A station will not be author- ized to operate with effective radiated power (ERP) greater than 3 kilowatts, and the coverage of a Class A station may not exceed that obtained from 3 kilowatts effective radiated power and antenna height of 300 feet above average terrai ‘A Class A station will not be ticensed with more than 3 kilowatts effective radiated power or less than 100 watts effective radiated power. Class B station. A Class B station is a station ‘that operates on a Class B-C channel in Zone 1 or Zone I-A and is designed to tender service to a sizable community, city, or town, or to the principal city or cities of an urbanized area, and to the surrounding area, No Class B station will be authorized with effective radiated power (ERP) gfeater than SO kilowatts and the coverage of a Class B station must not exceed that obtained from 50 kilowatts effective radiated power and 500-foot antenna height above average terrain. A Class B station will not be licensed with more than 50 kilowatts effective radiated power or less than 5 kilowatts effective radiated power. Class C station. A Class C station is a station that operates on a Class B-C channel in Zone TI and is designed to render service to a community, city, or town, and large surrounding areas. No such station will be authorized with an effective radiated power (ERP) greater than 100 kilowatts, and the coverage of a Class C station may not exceed that obtained from 100 kilowatts effective radiated power and antenmia height of 2000 feet above average terrain. A Class C station will not be licensed with more than 100 kilowatts effective radiated power or less than 25 kilowatts effective radiated power. Time of Operation (@) All FM broadcast stations will be licensed for unlimited time operation. All FM stations are required to maintain an operating schedule of not Jess than 8 hours between 6 a.m, and 6 p.m., local time, and not less than 4 hours between 6 p.m. and midnight, local time, each day of the week except Sunday. {o) in the event that causes beyond the control of a permittee or licensee make it impossible to adhere to the operating schedule in paragraph (a) of this section or to continue operating, the station may limit or discontinue operation for a period of not more than 10 days, without further authority of the Commission. If causes beyond the control of the permittee or licensee make it impossible to comply within the allowed period, informal written request shall be made to the Commission in Washington, D.C. no later than the 10th day for such additional time as may be deemed necessary Subsidiary Communications Authorizations (SCA) FM broadcast stations may engage in “fune- tional (background) music” operations in addi- tion to their regular FM broadcast service. The SCA will run concurrently with the FM broadcast license, and may not be renewed unless the FM broadeast license is also renewed, Stereophonic Broadcasting FM broadcast stations may, without further authority, transmit stereophonic programs in accordance with the Commission's technical standards provided that the Commission is noti- fied within 10 days of the installation of accepted stereophonic transmission equipment or any change therein. Frequencies Used for FM Broadcast Stations ‘The band 88-108 MH? is reserved for the FM Broadcast Service. These are 100 channels of 200 kHz each (80 for commercial broadcasting and 20 for educational broadcasting). Educational channels are in the 88-92 MHz portion of the FM band, and commercial broadcasting is alloted the remainder, 92-108 MHz.Stations 11 Frequency Frequency Channel No, (in MHz) For Class Channel No. (in MHz) For Class 21 92.1 278 103.5 Be 2 923 279 103.7 BC 223 925 280 103.9 A naa 92.7 281 108.1 BC 225 929 282 108.3 BC 226 93.1 283 108.5 Be 277 93.3 284 108.7 BC 228 93.5 285 108.9 A 209 93.7 286 105.1 Be 93.9 287 105.3, BC 941 288 105.5 A 943 289 105.7 BC 945 290 105.9 BC 94.7 201 106.1 BC 94.9 292 106:3 A 95.1 293 106.5 Be 953 204 106.7 BC 95.5 295 106.9 Be 95.7 296 107.1 A 95.9 207 1073 Be 96.1 298 1075 BC 96.3 299 107.7 BC 96.5 300 107.9 BC 96.7 969 Note: to Hawaii, the frequency band 98-108 MERE is on alos or nnbiedas ie. The eguenes, 96 we tough 107.9 Mw nod tm Hawait for 975 Alisa, the frequency band 88-100 MHz is allocated 977 exclusively to government radio services and. aongovern: 979 tment fixed service. The > equencis 88,1 rough 99.9 98.1 Se wi at Be signed i lsh For ue By FM ra 98.3 ‘The frequency 89.1 Mitz is reserva in the New York 98.5 axea for the se of the United Nao 98.7 3 TELEVISION STATIONS Sos Minimum and Maximum Visual 99.7 Effective Radiated Power (ERP) 99.9 ee Minimum 100.3 Applications will not be accepted for filing if 100.5 they specify less than—10 dbk (100 watts) visual 100.7 effective radiated power in any horizontal direc 100.9 tion. No minimum antenna height above average 11 terrain is specified. 1013, 1015 ‘Maximum’ 101.7 , to19 Channel Nos. Maxum Visual ERP 102.1 BC 26 20 dbk (100 Kw) 1023 A 73 25 dbk (316 Kw) 102.5 BC 14.83, 37 dok (5000 Kw) 102.7 BC aoa 19 be Uphe maxinum visual elective radiated power of tle- Vision broadcast stations operating on Channels 1483 103.1 A within 250 miles of the Canadian-USA border may not be 103.3 BC in excess of 30 dbk (1000 Kilowatt).12 Frequencies Used by the Broadcast Service Time of Operation All television broadcast stations are licensed for unlimited time operation. Each station must maintain a regular program operating schedule as follows: First 18 months of aperation: Not less than 2 hours daily in any five broadcast days per week. and not less than a total of 12 hours per week. Each successive 6-month period. Not less than 2hours daily in any five broadcast days per week, and not less than a total of 16 hours, 20 hours, ‘and. 24 hours per week, respectively. Third year of operation ard thereafter: Not less than 2 hours in each of the seven days of the week, and not Jess than a total of 28 hours per week. Frequencies Used for Television Stations ‘There are 82 channels in the Television Broad- cast Service, 12 for VHF television and 70 for UBF television. Each channel has a bandwidth of 6 MHz. Assignment of a channel to an applicant is made in accordance with the Table of Assign- ments given in FCC Rules. “The channel numbers and frequency bands for television stations are as follows: Frequency Frequency Channel Band Channel Band No. (in Miz) No. (in MHz) 2 54-60 43 644-650 3 60-66 44 650-656 4 66-72 45 656-662, HI 76-82 46 662-668 6 82-88 47 668-674 7 174-180 48 674-680 8 180-186 49. 680-686 9 136-192 30 686-692 10 192-198 5h 692-698 "1 198-204 52 698-704 12 204-210 33 704-710 13 210-216 54 710716 rr 470-476 55 716-722, 15 416-482 56 722-78 16 482-488 7 728-734 7 488-494 58 734-740 18 494-500 59 740-746 19 500-506 60 746-152 20 506.512 61 152-758 21 512518 62 758-764 2 518-524 63 764-770 23 524-530 64 770-776 ” 530-536 65 776-782 25 536-542 66 782-788 26 542-548 67 788-794, 20 548-554 68 794.800, 28 554-560 69. 800-806 29 560-566 70? 806-812 Frequency Frequency hannet Band Channel Band No, (in Mitz) No. (iu Mitz) 30 566-572 72 812-818 31 572-578 m2 818824 32 578-584 73? 824-830 33 584-590 742 830-836 34 590.596 752 836842 35 596-602 Ter 42.848, 36 6602-608 7? 848854 37 608-614 782 854-860 38 614-620, 79? 860-866 39 620-626 80? 866-872 40 626632 812 872.878 4 632-638 82? 878.884 42 638-644 83? 884.890 in Alaska and Haveli, the frequency bands 76-82 MHz and 82-88 MHz are allocated for nonbroadcast use, These frequency bands (Channels 5 and 6) wall not be assigned in Alaska of Hawali for use by television broadcast stations. 2No new transhitor authorizations ate being issued on channels 70 through 83. Frequency Selection Service Choice AM Broadcasting Applicant must specify fre ‘quency. Search must be made for an available Trequency by applicant, Applicant must select any un- assigned channel from table of assignments, FM Broadcasting ‘TV Broadcasting Applicant must select any un- assigned channel from table of assignments. TRANSLATOR STATIONS Definition A television translator is a station in the broadcasting service operated solely for the pur- post of retransmitting the signals of a television broadcast station or another television broadcast translator station, by means of direct frequency conversion and amplification of the incoming signals and without significantly altering any characteristic of the incoming signal other than its frequency and amplitude, for the purpose of providing television reception to the general public. Power A television broadcast translator station will not be authorized to operate with a transmitter power output in excess of the rated power output