[BC] CALLING ALL AM DAYTIMERS

[Phil Alexander]

On 22 Feb 2006 at 10:59, Bailey, Scott wrote:

> Doug,
>    That is still considered a "daytimer". According to the FCC, you do
> not have nighttime authority, you have a nighttime authorization. My
> understanding is there is a difference between the two terms. Stations
> with just nighttime authorization are Class D's, still considered
> daytimers. 
>    My station has 1 KW daytime, and 3 watts at night, with is considered
> just a nighttime authorization, which is unprotected, and you must
> accept interference from co-channel sations. Yours is in the same boat.

Essentially correct, except what Doug does not have is a nighttime
LICENSE. He probably has nighttime authorization which is not recognized
for protection purposes. Also, it does not receive international 
recognition, therefore, his power MUST remain less than the minimum power 
for the channel. Assuming this is a Class D operating on a Class B channel, 
the FCC will not normally authorize more than 240 W. If the station has a
PSSA or PSRA that (those) powers may be for greater "step-up" or 
"step-down," IOW critical hours, powers (generally adjusted in 30 minute 
increments for a period of two hours pre-sunrise or post-sunset). 

The location of the "dominant" station on the channel generally 
determines, with PSRA when the dominant is east and PSSA when it
is west of the station in question. When there are dominant stations 
both east and west, there may be no PSRA or PSSA, and the cut is 
directly to the nighttime power that was authorized under the show 
cause order(s) issued in the late 1980's.

Earlier it was mentioned that waivers of the 80% NIF contour over the
COL were easy to get. However, that depends on the circumstances. If the
COL is served by other nighttime services and the NIF coverage is 
significantly less than 80%, a waiver may not be so simple, and, in fact,
may not be possible. In any case, the FCC now requires a showing by 
stations applying for nighttime licenses, that, in addition to causing 
no increased interference, a grant of the facilities sought will not 
significantly impair other stations who wish to acquire a license for 
nighttime operations. IOW, adding a DA-N can be an expensive set of 
engineering studies before the first piece of equipment is purchased.

That said, the band is quite dynamic with shifts to X-band and stations
going dark or changing nighttime patterns. Because the addition of 
nighttime facilities is generally speaking a minor change under the 
rules, it is advisable to keep an eye on the all changes as they happen
on the channel. If other daytimers are precluded from applying for 
nighttime because there is no possibility of meeting the 80% rule 
and you *can* meet it, it may be worth at least a preliminary 
feasibility study provided the market could support the facility. 
For example, if high school sports is a big thing in the possible NIF 
area or nearby, it may be worth looking into. It may also be worth 
investigation if a nighttime license would significantly increase the 
station's market value. Licensing in the band is no less complex than
maintaining a plant that *is* licensed for nighttime. <g>


Phil Alexander, CSRE, AMD
Broadcast Engineering Services and Technology 
(a Div. of Advanced Parts Corporation) 
Ph. (317) 335-2065   FAX (317) 335-9037





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