What is Part 15 & LPFM? Let me Tell you.

[NickolasM.]

Alright I am going to tell you what I know about Part 15 & LPFM (From Searching the internet For Half an hour), To Read what the FCC has to say on them Use the link below:

http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/

 

LPFM, is simple, It stands for Low Power Frequency Modulation.

 

Low Power Frequency Modulation, Is A Radio Station That broadcast's to a small area, That's the point of Low Power. LPFM's Cost Less to operate then a Normal FM Station. License's are free for the LPFM's but not everyone can use them. Because of the low power, It does not broadcast very far.

 

 

"100-watt stations, which reach an area with a radius of approximately three and one-half miles, and 10-watt stations, which generally reach an area with a radius of between one and two miles."

- FCC

 

Check out this link from the FCC About Who can get the free license:

 

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lpfm.html

 

For some more specific's on what they can be used for check out this link:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question330.htm

 

To Learn about some organization's that use them follow the link below:

http://www.angelfire.com/nj2/piratejim/lpfm.html

 

If you are interested in using a LPFM Station, This page below will tell you the equipment needed to Broadcast:

http://www.hourofthetime.com/lowpower.htm

 

Yet... In this world we have scam's everywhere we look. Take a look at this page from the FCC about scam's they have encountered and how to minize the risk of it happening to you.

 

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lpfmScam.html

 

 

TIP: IF YOU PLAN ON USING A LPFM I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GET YOUR LICENSE FIRST BEFORE PURCHASING ANY ITEMS

 

Reasons Why:

First You don't want the FCC Knocking on your door for buying them, I'm guessing a hefty fine will follow if they find you broadcasting.

 

Second you don't want the get the Equipment and then not getting Approved for a license.

 

Questions?

Search Google, Or Ask here.

 

Comments?

Post.

[Lloyd]

This could be useful for local radio stations? as in ones that broadcast only very local news? or use to warn people about up coming disasters?

Sorry, dont know much about the use of radios in USA - whether or not there used to warn people.

 

Also, im assuming that this is FM only? Also, what happens what all the stations are taken? Well, it wouldn't matter too much over a large area, but what if all the 'slots' are taken within a small city?

[NickolasM.]

This could be useful for local radio stations? as in ones that broadcast only very local news? or use to warn people about up coming disasters?

Sorry, dont know much about the use of radios in USA - whether or not there used to warn people.

 

Also, im assuming that this is FM only? Also, what happens what all the stations are taken? Well, it wouldn't matter too much over a large area, but what if all the 'slots' are taken within a small city?

 

I Only Know what I posted above but I will awnser your question's to the best of my knowledge.

 

This could be useful for local radio stations? as in ones that broadcast only very local news?

 

I would Say No, Unless it is a Small town under three miles.

 

"100-watt stations, which reach an area with a radius of approximately three and one-half miles, and 10-watt stations, which generally reach an area with a radius of between one and two miles."

- FCC

 

use to warn people about up coming disasters?

I would also have to say no on this one. LPFM Radio's As stated above only reach out three miles at the most. I would personally want to ensure that I am in range of one if I was in a disaster area, I would think Nation Weather Services have a Full FM Channel.

 

Sorry, dont know much about the use of radios in USA - whether or not there used to warn people.

I live in Eastern USA, There Is a Radio Station, But they Mainly Use TV,

 

im assuming that this is FM only?

Yes Only FM, "Low Power Frequency Modulation" (LPFM)

 

what happens what all the stations are taken?

I Highly Doubt All the Station's Would be Taken, It would Have to be Around (Personal Guess) 20 Station/3 mi Radius

 

what if all the 'slots' are taken

Slots? Hehe. I don't like FM Station's Have slots?

The only place around me that uses LPFM that I know of is my Drive-In's

 

As Posted in My Sig, Any Question's Or Comments Feel Free to post them or PM me.

[DJSPYDER]

Ok i appreciate all the info but i am still kinda lost. let me ask you some questions and hopefully you guys can help me.

 

i currently have a online station.me and my partners decided we wanted to take it to the next level and try to have a little station or at least have our online station be on the radio (FM) with at least a 3miles radius.

 

from what i have read these LPFM are for

 

government or non-profit educational institution

 

non-profit organization, association or entity with an educational purpose

 

government or non-profit entity providing local public safety or transportation service

 

which i believe we are not in these categories.we are simply a group of young adults who listen to a genre of music that doesn't get support from radio stations so we want to have our own station where we can tune it to and listen to our type of music.

 

so my question is how would we go about this.i have no idea what to do and really don't understand much about the process and qualifications we need to be able to setup our own little local station here in new york (bronx). is this a dead end for us or there is a way to actually be able to set somethin legally that is local and would not cost us an arm and a leg lol ?????

 

also when they say non-commercail - do they mean we cant actually have commercials playing on the station ? since commercials are paid for.

[alba]

This is a small, but well built and reliable part-15 compliant package, with high quality stereo transmitter (with LED vu meter), mains power supply and convenient magnet-base antenna. This package can be powered either from a car battery or mains power supply. Magnet-base mobile antenna can be either used in a car or in indoor situations since the heavy antenna base with built-in magnet ensures convenient.

ADVANTAGES

Good audio quality, enough power for covering a house with small property.

Fully portable and can run from car battery or battery pack. Includes everything, even coaxial cable and antenna. Unit is small and can be placed next to your home stereo without spoiling the looks, on the contrary, LED VU meter and illuminated LCD display will even enhance the appearance of your stereo setup.

AVAILABLE MODELS

This popular unit is now available in 3 versions which differ only in the type of antenna included

- Model A: Simple wire antenna, transmits in all directions equally

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- Model C: PCS0205 directional antenna + 5m of coaxial cable and all connectors, most of the signal is transmitted in one direction only, but gives best range