Del Dayton is our AM RF engineer and comes to IL from Eau Claire, WI.  He offered some tips from recent FCC inspections…

If you’ve had a state broadcast voluntary inspection and passed in the last 2-3 years, you probably will only have to show the FCC the certificate, and they will be on their way (EXCEPTIONS: if the inspection is NOT a routine inspection, i.e. a complaint, interference, or obvious condition such as EAS not being sent, monitor points being out, overmodulation, etc-things they can see or measure outside the station).

You will want to go over the checklist, as it seems different inspections I’ve heard about are emphasizing different areas.

The BIGGIES I’ve seen and heard about from the engineers who have been inspectect in the recent inspections are:

AT TOWERS:

1. Antenna Structure Registration numbers Posted conspicuously at each tower base.
2. Tower lights working and being inspected daily.
3. Tower location agrees with license (GPS Coordinates)
3. Tower painting correct and paint not faded excessively.

TRANSMITTERS:

1. DOCUMENTATION: Licenses,STA’s etc are current and posted or in a manual at the “remote control point”
(can be in a file, just be sure someone knows where they are kept in case you aren’t in the office). I generally recommend COPIES be kept in the public file.

Makes them readily accessible, but DON’T put originals there, in case they get misplaced.

ALSO, NRSC measurements should be readily available, with the last 2 years kept on record.

2. FM Power correct. Rules require it to be as close to 100% as possible, with 90 to 105% as extremes.
Also, you would need to explain the method of determination (direct off meter-I believe we use this method; or indirect using formula plate voltage X current = Power (this is usually from a chart). It is important the inspector feels you KNOW exactly how your power is being determined when you log it and that you are aware of te 90-100-105% info above.

3. AM Power correct (same limits as FM, but it will be measured as the Common Point AMPS on the phasor. They will also check the antenna monitor readings to be within 5% on the ratios and 3 degrees (STA will exempt this requirement-but NOT the monitor point readings!) on the phase and will want you to take them to the Monitor Points and insure they are in limits. Your knowledge you have gained over the years on this matter will be invaluable in this case!

4. AM transmitter is switching power at correct times.  Low power transmitter is going off the air at the proper time (Did you get a chance to set up the second timer on it?). Unplugging it is fine in the months that it never gets used (it is the cord you would have plugged into the NEW timer).

AT STUDIO

1. EAS System working properly and monitoring correct stations. 2 tests being received and one sent each week plus Monthly test being received and sent every month. Any missing tests received or sent should have a note in that week’s log explaining why and what was done to correct the problem.

2. EAS Checklist (downloadable from FCC website) is posted in the control room and operators are aware of procedures.

3. The State’s EAS plan should also be available. Most state EAS plans are available through your broadcast association or EAS websites.

Public File

All info, but a couple areas some stations seem to tend to overlook:

1. The Public and Broadcasting, a procedure manual. Downloadable from the FCC website.

2. Quarterly Issues and Programs report (not up to date or insufficient or incomplete)

3. Latest Ownership Reports