Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 24 Newsletter April 2009 Madison, Wisconsin Next Meeting FCC SEEKS TO ADD Cast Your Ballot! Tuesday, April 14 MORE DTV ASSISTANCE >>> by Steve Paugh, Nominations Chair >>> by Tom Smith LED Lighting The official ballot for the SBE The FCC has taken two steps to Chapter 24, 2009 election of officers by provide more assistance to viewers is being mailed along with this month’s during the final DTV transition. On meeting notice. The deadline for getting March 26th the FCC asked for proposals your ballot to the nomination chair is (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ noon on Wed., April 22nd, 2009. The attachmatch/DA-09-689A1.pdf) to nominations committee will count the and Chapter Elections provide in-home installation services to ballots on the afternoon of Wednesday, low-income and non-English speaking April 22nd, 2009 at WISC-TV. Middleton based Electronic Theater You may turn in your ballot in person Controls (ETC) is a world famous individuals, senior citizens, minority during the April 14th, 2009 chapter manufacturer of lighting instruments communities, the disabled, and those used in the broadcast, theater and living in rural areas. They plan to get meeting. I will have additional ballots motion picture industry. They have contracts in each of the countries six available at the April 14th business recently acquired a line of LED based regions. The closing date for proposals meeting. If you are unable to attend luminaries now being tested for use in is April 9th. the April meeting, you may mail your television broadcast studio lighting. A The FCC announced on March 27th ballot directly to me at: representative of ETC will explain how that they signed an agreement with Steve Paugh- c/o WISC-TV these energy saving instruments work Ballot and demonstrate them along side AmeriCorps (http://hraunfoss.fcc. gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC- 7025 Raymond Road conventional instruments in the Madison, WI 53719 √ WISC-TV studios. 289629A1.pdf) to provide assistance with members of the FCC staff in Please indicate “Ballot” on the Dutch Treat Dinner at 5:30 PM providing service to the same groups envelope and we will hold your ballot Griff’s Restaurant & Frozen Custard that were to be targeted by the in- unopened until the official counting 1233 McKenna Blvd home installation contractors. With process. Your ballot must be in (across from Elver Park) our possession before we begin the Madison, WI AmeriCorps, the FCC will focus on the 49 least prepared markets, which include counting on April 22nd. Remember No reservations– Just gather together Milwaukee and Chicago. that your membership must be current th to be eligible to vote. Your membership Meeting and Program at 7:00PM On March 5 the Commission held number must be entered on the ballot for WISC Studio C an open meeting in which there were 7025 Raymond Road presentations and discussions by it to be valid. Thanks to the nomination Madison, WI FCC staff and industry and consumer committee members Mike Kulis and Leonard Charles. Park in front parking lot; groups. Speakers included David Rehr enter via front lobby entrance. of the NAB, Kyle McSlarrow of the NCTA representing cable and David In this Issue Donovan of MSTV. Comments of Coming Up the Commissioners and staff and staff From The Chair...... 2 Wed., May 13 Linear Acoustics presentations are on the FCC website Amateur Radio News...... 3 Audio Processing (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ White Space...... 5 Thur., Jun 11 SBE Summer Picnic attachmatch/DOC-288992A1.pdf) along Candidates...... 11 Tues., July 14 TBD with the audio from the meeting. Ballot...... 12 Page 2 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter April 2009 Current SBE members can have their Chapter Contacts From the resume profiles posted at no charge. In a downsizing economy, it is Chapter Leadership Chair important to publicize yourself where prospective employers can readily Chair Dennis Baldridge Dennis Baldridge recognize your skills. It is proper and W: 489-3999 principled to promote your achievements. [email protected] Norman Vincent Peale once said, The SBE can help “Believe in yourself! Have faith in Vice Chair your abilities! Without a humble but Clifford Groth (Clear Channel Radio) W: 274-5450 you find that job! reasonable confidence in your own [email protected] powers you cannot be successful or Are you looking for the right happy.” Secretary occupation? Or perhaps you are an Fortunately, the SBE makes the task Tom Smith (WHA-TV) employer looking for someone to fill of posting your qualifications an easy W: 263-2174 that critical position in your workplace. [email protected] undertaking. Just download the free The SBE’s personal resources section Resume Bank Questionnaire to begin Treasurer at www.sbe.org assists its members in the process. It helps gather the pertinent Leslie Franzen (WMTV-TV) locating available broadcast engineering information about you and your skills. W: 274-1515 positions throughout the country. Additionally, it identifies the type of [email protected] Although referenced in last month’s position you are seeking while selecting column, I would like to further focus Past Chair states or areas where you would be Jim Magee on two services specifically designed to willing to work. You can also post your [email protected] enhance your employment. resume online for pertinent parties to SBE Jobs Online lists broadcast peruse. Committee Appointees engineering positions across the United Our jobs are at times uncertain. What States. It is available to members only will happen later this year or next year Program Committee and is updated weekly. The SBE Resume is proctored in providence. As George Steve Paugh 277-5139 Bank features an online posting of Crane once said “There is no future in Fred Sperry 264-9806 anonymous resume profiles (comprised any job. The future lies in the man who Steve Zimmerman 225-1293 solely of SBE members) for prospective holds the job.” When in need, utilize employers to view. Employers can Membership / Newsletter Editor the SBE’s member services to locate Paul Stoffel request the member resumes of their that desired position. It is there to help [email protected] choice from the SBE National Office. you succeed. Sustaining Membership Fred Sperry 264-9806 [email protected] Certification Exam Session Dates Certification & Education Jim Hermanson 271-4321 For more information about SBE Certification, contact Jim [email protected] Hermanson, [email protected], Chapter 24 Certification Frequency Coordination Chair, or contact Megan Clappe, Certification Director at the SBE Tom Smith National Office at (317) 846-9000, or [email protected]. 263-2174 [email protected] Exam Dates Location Application Application Deadline National SBE Chapter Liasion June 5-15, 2009 Local Chapters April 17, 2009 Leonard Charles W: 271-4321 August 7-17, 2009 Local Chapters June 5, 2009 F: 271-1709 Nov. 6-16, 2009 Local Chapters September 18, 2009 [email protected] February 5-15, 2010 Local Chapters December 31, 2009 April 2009 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter Page 3 involved” with the flood operations. “This flooding event is impacting residents in both North Dakota and Minnesota” Amateur Radio News he told the ARRL. “National Weather Service forecasters are predicting that compiled by Tom Weeden, WJ9H the river will crest to 41 feet, maybe even as high as 43 feet, by Saturday.” Johnson said that on March 22, ARRL Comments on FCC’s industry representatives, challenged officials in North Dakota’s Cass the adequacy of the FCC’s BPL Proposed Establishment County and Minnesota’s Clay County interference rules: “On appeal to the requested the assistance of local of Rural Broadband Plan United States Court of Appeals for amateurs. Hams set up local nets on the District of Columbia, the Court In March, the FCC invited comments the W0ILO repeater system, using remanded the ET Docket 04-37 proceeding via a Public Notice concerning the 444.875+ and 145.350-. “Initially, hams to the Commission with some very specific establishment of a comprehensive supported the area, helping out with instructions, including reconsideration rural broadband strategy as part of coordinating food and water requests of assumptions relating to interference the Department of Agriculture’s Food, for the Salvation Army and Red Cross,” mitigation and disclosure of studies that Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, he said. “In addition, Clay County had previously only been released in commonly known as the 2008 Farm hams have been heavily involved with redacted form.” Imlay pointed out that Bill. Per the American Recovery and coordinating sand and sandbag logistics.” almost a year after the Court’s decision, the Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Johnson said that as the river Commission has done “literally nothing” Act), Congress required the FCC to continues to rise and sandbagging to comply with the mandated instructions. develop a “comprehensive national operations near completion, “ham Imlay reminded the Commission broadband plan.” According to the FCC, activity is morphing from dike that President Barack Obama, on his they, Congress, and the Secretary of preparations to developing emergency inauguration day earlier this year, Agriculture “have repeatedly recognized communications for evacuations, in the placed a series of goals on the White the importance of ensuring access to event should that become necessary. As House Web site. “Among these,” advanced telecommunications and of Thursday, March 26, we are currently Imlay said, “was the following, information services to all Americans, communicating between three hospitals, obviously laudable goal: ‘Restore with a special focus on rural and hard- two county Emergency Operation Scientific Integrity to the White to-serve areas.” The opportunity to Centers, volunteer centers, the Salvation House: Restore the basic principle comment on the Public Notice provided Army, the American Red Cross, the that government decisions should the American Radio Relay League Coast Guard and a helipad.” Johnson be based on the best-available, to express concerns about broadband said these are 24 hour operations. scientifically valid evidence and not on over power lines (BPL) that the “As both a ham and a resident of Fargo, ideological predispositions.’ FCC has yet to satisfactorily address. I am deeply touched by the community The Commission has the In the comments submitted by outpouring of support for fellow man,” opportunity to implement this ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, Johnson said. “Volunteers by the goal in this Docket proceeding.” W3KD, the ARRL reaffirms its support thousands have poured into churches of broadband opportunities in rural to help with food, volunteer centers areas. “ARRL is in agreement that North Dakota Hams Help to help fill sand bags and to the front broadband is critical to the health to Head Off River Flooding lines for sand bag placement. Everyone of agricultural and other businesses, pray for us -- we need a miracle for the and to the educational interests of Early on Friday, March 27, the community as a whole to pull this off.” Americans who live in rural areas,” Red River– the natural boundary Amateur >>> continued on page 4 Imlay stated. Imlay commended the separating North Dakota and FCC in looking for broadband solutions Minnesota– rose to 40.32 feet, more on both the short and long term, as well than 22 feet above flood stage and as identifying how Federal programs inches more than the previous high water “might overcome obstacles that currently mark of 40.10 feet set April 7, 1897. impede rural broadband development.” According to Mark Johnson, KC0SHM, Imlay reminded the Commission President of the Red River Radio Amateurs that the ARRL, as well as broadcast (RRRA), hams are “substantially Page 4 SBE Chater 24 Newsletter April 2009
Amateur >>> continued from page 3 impact on the Amateur Radio Service. type of unlicensed intentional radiators The ARRL Executive Committee will authorized in each band and contour maps FCC Proposes New Rules monitor this filing and take action as showing signal coverage and strength. appropriate.” The agencies must also document the f o r M e d i c a l D e v i c e s The FCC is seeking comments on location of fixed transmitters and base Operating on 70 cm Band the feasibility of allowing up to 20 stations. MHz of spectrum in the 413-457 MHz The bill would also require the FCC On March 20, the FCC issued a Notice band to be used under the Medical and the NTIA to have a website for making of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Device Radiocommunication Service the inventory available to the public and proposing to allocate spectrum and (MedRadio Service, formerly the requires that the website be updated in a adopt service and technical rules for the Medical Implant Communications near real-time fashion whenever licenses utilization of new implanted medical Service [MICS]) in Part 95 of the are transferred, auctioned or there is devices that operate on 413-457 MHz Commission’s rules, and seeks comments a change in allocation. Government (70 cm). According to the Commission, on the allocation of four specific users that require protection because of these devices, called implanted segments for this purpose: 413-419 national security would not be included. neuromuscular microstimulators, would MHz, 426-432 MHz, 438-444 MHz The inventory is to be submitted to greatly expand the use of functional and 451-457 MHz. The Commission the Committee on Commerce, Science, electric stimulation to restore sensation, also seeks comments on the prospective and Transportation of the Senate and to mobility and function to those persons service and technical rules that would the Committee on Energy and Commerce with paralyzed limbs and organs; they govern MMN operations, such as of the House of Representatives when would be implanted in a patient and transmitter power, emission bandwidth, completed. function as wireless broadband medical duty cycle, contention protocols, and In both Kerry’s (http:// micro-power networks (MMNs). other operating specifications that kerry.senate.gov/cfm/record. The Amateur Radio Service has a generally comport with the framework cfm?id=310100) and Snowe’s secondary allocation in the 70 cm band. of the existing MedRadio Service. (http://snowe.senate.gov/public/ The FCC said that several proponents index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom. claim that this technology “could (Excerpts from the American Radio Relay PressReleases&ContentRecord_ revolutionize medical treatment League’s
from the March 2009 Business Meeting CHAPTER 24 SUSTAINING The Madison Chapter of the between $75-$125. MEMBERS Society of Broadcast Engineers met Frequency coordinator Tom Smith on March 19, 2009 at the offices of the reported that WMTV was interested Welcome to new Educational Communications Board in 7 GHz usage and asked on the sustaining member: in Madison. 15 members present of status of the 2 GHz transition and GEPCO International, Inc. which 11 where certified. There was Tom Weeden and Leonard Charles one guest in attendance. said it was completed. Tom said that Recent Renewals: Chairman Dennis Baldridge called there should be a meeting in the near maney-logic the meting to order at 7:00pm. He future concerning updating the 2 GHz asked if there was anyone guests band plan and creating a 7 GHz band WMTV-DT 15 present and Duane Grotophorst plan. from Avid introduced himself as a Leonard Charles, Chair for Thanks to all our new member. Steve Paugh made the WBA-SBE Engineering Sustaining Members the motion to accept the February Conferences, asked that members Alpha Video minutes as published in the newsletter keep June 17th open for the WBA and the motion was seconded by Clif Summer Conference and Engineering Belden Groth. Workshop and that the agenda was Broadcast Richardson Treasurer Leslie Franzen gave complete for the conference. Clark Wire and Cable the current balance in the chapters Tom Weeden passed out flyers for checkbook. Leonard Charles reported an upcoming Hamfest. Full Compass Systems that the National SBE was mainly Program Chair Steve Paugh gave Heartland Video Systems preparing for the NAB 2009 and the the list of programs for upcoming Madison Video Repair National Meetings in Las Vegas. meetings with the April meeting Sustaining membership Chair being on LED lighting from ETC Midwest Media Group Fred Sperry reported that there were and the May meeting’s program Resonant Results, Ltd. four recent renewals: WMTV, Ross being giving by Linear Acoustics. Roscor Wisconsin Video, Maney Logic and Gepco. Both meetings will be at WISC-TV. Ross Video He also reported that there was one The June meeting will be the annual representative for Belden in the area picnic. Scharch Electronics and that Belden would only have one Steve Paugh also asked for Bios Sound Devices, LLC business card instead of two in the from those running for office in the Token Creek Productions chapter’s newsletter. upcoming election. Certification Chair Jim Hermanson The meeting was adjourned on a WISC-DT 3 reported that the next exams will be motion by Tom Weeden and a second WKOW-DT 27 held between June 5th through 15th, by Mike Kulis. WMSN-DT 47 with applications due before April The program was presented by 17th. He also announced that Dennis Megan Bradley of Digital Broadcast Wisconsin Public Television Baldridge has passed the exam for on video servers and archiving. © 2009 by SBE Chapter 24, Inc. Views expressed herein do Digital Radio Certification. Jim not necessarily reflect the official positions of the Society, its officers, or its members. SBE Chapter 24, Inc. regrets, mentioned that the SBE had started Respectfully submitted by but is not liable for, any omissions or errors. The Chapter the on-line SBE University which 24 Newsletter is published twelve times per year. Other Tom Smith, Secretary SBE Chapters are permitted to use excerpts if attributed currently has 4 courses costing to the original author, sources, and SBE Chapter 24. April 2009 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter Page 7
White >>> continued from page 5 the tests the FCC conducted during the Soon Parting with Rulemaking. Other petitioners included Fiber an Old Friend Erickson, and a filing from the law firm Tower with Sprint-Nextel, which asked >>> by Paul Stoffel of Cohen, Dippell and Everist PC. for up to 6 channels to be reserved for Community Broadcasters Association I was working on the computer putting licensed fixed point-to-point back-haul expressed concerns about unlicensed together the newsletter and also recording for cell systems. Another petitioner devices operating on channels adjacent the final episode of NBC’s ER on the was Keybridge which would like to to low-power TV stations and asked for DTVpal DVR when the neighborhood provide database services and asked that more protection. DirecTV and Dish power went out because of a car verses the Commission to consider database utility pole accident. (It was a good asked for the same protection for all security in their Rules. reminder that I really do need to purchase a other multi-program video providers The White Space proponents in their UPS for the computer and DVR.) as the Rules afford to cable providers. petitions asked that the Commission I located a flashlight that helped me Cohen, Dippell and Everist express give the incumbents in the band, TV locate the candles and matches. It was concerns that the FCC did not sufficiently stations and wireless mike users less approaching 9:00pm and an option to pass consider the effect on reception by time would be to listen to the portable, protection, and asked for greater power current TV antennas particularly the battery-powered TV-band radio tuned to and antenna height. The current users of amplified indoor antennas that are now Fox47’s evening newscast to listen for a the TV band asked for more protections common. They noted that there were news update as to when my power would and questioned many of the assumptions many viewers unhappy with DTV be restored. that the FCC used in creating the Rules. It occurred to me that my friendly because of reception issues. SBE also With a new Chairman and a number of Radio Shack TV-band radio will be of less noted that TV antennas were not as good new Commissioners, there is no telling value to me after June 12’s analog TV shut- as the FCC suggested, used the wrong if the Commission will revisit the Rules, off. No problem... when I get a chance, desired to undesired signal ratios and less but with the interest in increasing Internet I’ll buy a new radio that can tune to DTV separation distances between TV’s and access, expect to see Rules that allow audio. (Believe it or not, their is a minority these devices that afforded for computers of us who like to listen to TV on a portable some sharing of the TV band with other and other electronic devices. Rudman device.) users. Licensing of others using the TV and Erickson noted a number of issues A quick web search revealed that there band would be the best outcome as far including that there were few if any is no such thing as a portable radio with as broadcasters are concerned. It would available channels in many large markets, a DTV tuner. The closest thing I found make it possible to deal with interference was a portable ATSC the devices tested were not any thing like in a timely matter. LCD TV. (http://www. what would be marketed, that the FCC did To read to the petitions go to lcddigital.tv/7_tv_ not investigate interference complaints, the read comment page on the FCC digital.html) There no FCC database of cable head-ends, lack website (http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ are also ATSC tuners of definition of a “Professorial Installer” ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi) and type 04-186 that can plug into a and no anti-tampering protection. They USB slot of a laptop. in the box in the upper left corner. also expressed concern about the FCC Or, I could use a Slingbox and view DTV remotely through a PDA/phone with an signal computations and possible charges EVDO aircard or G3 network. for use of the database. Shure asked But the great thing about the portable for more rigorous testing, adjacent radios with the TV band meant I could channel protection, tougher sensing listen to Bob Lindmeier give live severe requirements, real-time database access, weather updates and, most importantly, the doubling of wireless mike protection batteries lasted a long time. Powering an zone and protection for all wireless LCD screen on a portable ATSC LCD TV mikes. is going to chew up the batteries. Besides, The NTCA filed a 144-page petition, I do not need to watch an LCD screen while which raised issues concerning ingress I am waiting for the power to return, or the storm to pass, or while I pulling weeds in into TV’s and cable systems from the garden. unlicensed devices and protection of If anyone comes across a portable radio cable head-ends. The petition actually with a DTV tuner let me know. In the was 20 pages with an appendix of 124 meantime, I will use the portable radio, my pages of test results. The tests and the old friend, for listening to radio. results look to be more detailed than Page 8 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter April 2009
coverage with their digital signal. All under the DTS. The Commission will markets were required to have one major also consider phased transition for station FCC network station provide regular program with unique challenges. Rulemakings service or enhanced nightlight service This notice needs to be read to th. compiled by Tom Smith until June 12 completely understand all of the actions Stations that have made the transition of the Commission. Many of the Rules do not have to provide transition have numerous intricacies that cannot FINAL RULEMAKING information, but they must provide be explained in a short summery of the consumer information if their digital Report and Order. MB Docket No. 09-17: service provides reduced coverage Implementation of DTV Delay Act to more then 2% of analog viewers. MB Docket 05-312 MB Docket No. 07-148: DTV Stations must also provide information Digital Television Distributive Consumer Education Initiative on antennas and rescanning of sets and Transmission System Technologies converter boxes. Locations and hours MB Docket No. 07-91: Third of walk-in centers, the phone number On February 27th, the FCC announced Periodic Review of the of the FCC Call Center and the station’s (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ Commission’s Rules and Policies consumer call number must also be attachmatch/DOC-289481A1.pdf) Affecting the Conversion to Digital promoted. that they would begin accepting DTS Television Stations that still need to make the applications. Stations that previously MB Docket No. 05-312: transition will no longer need to do the received special temporary authorizations Digital Television Distributed 100-day countdown, but will need to do to operate a DTS system must now apply Transmission Systems a 60-day countdown. Stations shutting for a regular license. DTS stations th Technologies down on June 12 would do the full operate as part of the regular station 60-day countdown, but stations shutting license and can consist of one high-power st On March 13, 2009 the FCC down before June 1 (http://hraunfoss. transmitter and one or more low-power adopted and released a report and order fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ transmitters or two or more low-power (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ DA-09-589A1.pdf) would start on April transmitters. All of the transmitters st attachmatch/FCC-09-19A1.pdf) which 1 and count the number of days they operate on the same frequency and are updated the Rules for shutting off analog have left from that date. All stations normally operate in some synchronized th transmissions in light of the extension ‘til transitioning after February 17 would fashion. June 12th — the final shutdown date. The also need to produce a new 30-minute Rulemaking>>> continued on page 9 Report ran 46 pages and did not contain video with the new transition dates. the normal legal disclaimers that take Stations wishing to fill in their several pages at the end of most FCC problem coverage areas with Distributive Rulemaking notices. Transmission System have until th All stations were required to notify December 14 to apply for transmitters the Commission by March 17th of their intentions on when they planned to shut down analog transmissions. They needed to fill out a new form called an Analog Service Termination Notification form. Society of Broadcast 5727 Tokay Boulevard Commercial Stations could not shutdown Madison, Wisconsin 53719 Engineers, Inc. before April 17th. Non-commercial WKOW Madison (608) 274-1234 stations could shut down before April Fax: (608) 274-9514 17th after filing for hardship or technical 9102 N. Meridian St. relief. They had to wait to shut down Suite 150 until after March 27th. All stations had to Indianapolis, IN 46260 air the equivalent of 30 days of shutdown RON LEWANDOWSKI Office: 317-846-9000 notices with the additional requirement of Senior Broadcast Technician (608) 274-3464 (800) 810-5865 notifying the public of any loss of service Fax (608) 274-3176 Fax: 317-846-9120 www.madisonvideorepair.com if more then two percent of their analog [email protected] viewers lost service because of decreased 1409 GREENWAY CROSS MADISON, WI 53713 Web: www.sbe.org Page 9 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter April 2009
Rulemaking >>> government use and a portion of the land continued from page 8 mobile band. In the government band, PROPOSED RULEMAKING they wish to use: the 413-419 MHz band which is used mainly for government MB Docket No. 09-29 land mobile; the 426-432 and 438-444 Implementation of the Child Safe MHz bands which are used for radar Viewing Act; Examination of Parental service; and the 451-457 MHz part of the 450-470 mobile band. Broadcasters Control Technologies for Video or are assigned the 450-451 and 455-456 Audio Programming MHz portions of the land mobile band for remote aural pick-up. 316 N. Milwaukee St. #567 On March 2, 2009, the FCC adopted Milwaukee, WI 53202 The proposed service would be NED WHITE Tel 414.266.2226 x26 and released a Notice of Inquiry REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Fax 414.266.2181 used to provide communications with Cell 414.397.9556 (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ [email protected] implanted electronic stimulators to aid www.mwmg.com attachmatch/FCC-09-14A1.pdf) asking in the treatment of a number of muscle for information on technologies to and nerve diseases and injuries. The allow parents to prevent certain types transmitters would operate at power of programming from being seen by levels of 1 milliwatt or less with external children. The technologies proposed transmitters operating at the higher extend beyond that of the V-chip in powers and implanted devices operating 7847 BIG SKY DRIVE televisions. The Commission would at in the microwatt range. MADISON, WISCONSIN 53719 like these technologies to extend to This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (608) 833-0047 • FAX (608) 833-5055 Cable set-top boxes, satellite receivers, (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/ DVD players, Internet devices (including attachmatch/FCC-09-20A1.pdf) was computers), MP3 players, cell phones adopted on March 17, 2009 and released and any other electronic devices one can on March 20th. In another action, the think of. They would like video devices FCC allotted additional spectrum to 821 University Ave. Madison WI 53706 to delete foul language based on closed the 402-402 MHz medical band for www.wpt.org captions and devices that would prevent both implanted and external medical Phone 608.263.2121 Fax 608.263.9763 viewing or listening by children without transmitters. They added one megahertz the need of ratings information from the to both ends of the band extending it program producer or programmer. to 401-406 MHz. These transmitters This Inquiry is required by a law operate at nanowatt and microwatt passed by Congress called the Child levels. This action was adopted on Safe Viewing Act which was adopted March 19th and released on March on December 2, 2008. Comments are 20th. The Docket number is ET 06-135 due on April 16, 2009 and replies due Investigation of Spectrum Requirements on May 18, 2009. for Advanced Medical Technologies and RM-11271 Amendment of Part 2 and 95 ET Docket No. 09-36; RM-11404 of the Commission’s Rules to Provide Amendment of Part 2 and 95 of Additional Spectrum for Medical Device the Commission’s Rules to Provide Radio Communication Service at 410- Additional Spectrum for Medical 402 and 405-406 MHz (http://hraunfoss. Device Radio Communication fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ Service in the 414-457 MHz Band DOC-289481A1.pdf).
The FCC is asking for comment on May ‘09 Chapter 24 whether they should allow very low Newsletter Deadline: power medical devices to operate in Friday, May 1 the 413-457 MHz spectrum. They are [email protected] particularly interested in using three edited using Adobe InDesign CS4 bands in spectrum that is reserved for Page 10 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter April 2009
of Mayville. Their analog channel operating from one of his neighbors. Local is channel 68. Both transmitters are The FCC left or mailed several currently dark and WWAZ-TV has notices to his home but did not enter Legals petitioned the FCC to have their digital the home or seize the equipment used. compiled by Tom Smith channel changed to channel 5. It was Mr. Stalecki’s response to the Their current digital channel is second notice, which was mailed and adjacent to WWRS-TV in Mayville. signed for, that claimed the signal was PROPOSED WWRS-TV is on channel 43 and their coming from a neighbor. transmitters sites are next to each other. The FCC tracked signals coming Boscobel, WI: New FM Because they are adjacent channels from Mr. Stalecki’s home three more they are limited on how far they can times in the next year. The FCC issued The FCC will conduct an auction be separated from each other. a notice of liability on December 14, (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_ According to the translator 2007 and issued a forfeiture order on public/attachmatch/DA-09-422A1. applications, WWAZ-TV would like March 14, 2009. It was released on pdf) to grant construction permits to build their channel 5 transmitter in March 17, 2009. for 122 new FM stations. In our Milwaukee in the existing tower farm. (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_ area there is a license to be auctioned The translators would cover areas public/attachmatch/DA-09-588A1. for Boscobel. It is one of three that the channel 68 analog transmitter pdf) licenses (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/ would presently serve but the DTV edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09- transmitter would lose coverage to that from FCC Releases (www.fcc.gov) 422A2.pdf) in Wisconsin with the other area with the move to Milwaukee. two being in Tigerton and Owen. The two translators would be Don Heinzen The proposed Boscobel station is a located in Ripon and Columbus. The Sales Representative Direct: 608.848.2001 class C-3 which is allowed to operate Ripon Translator (http://fjallfoss. [email protected] with 25 kilowatts at 100 meters. The fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/ 9001 Hawks Reserve Lane Unit 103 new station will operate on channel getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_ Verona, WI 53593 Office: 608.848.2001 244 which is 96.7 MHz. id=733878&formid=346&q_ Fax: 608.848.2001 The minimum bid is $40,000 for num=5100) would operate on channel the Boscobel station. The minimum 15 with 7 kW at 147 meters above bid for the Tigerton station which is average terrain at a site southwest 1355 Armour Blvd. a class A (6KW at 100m) is $30,000. of Ripon. The Columbus translator Mundelein, IL 60060-4401 (800) CABLE-IT And the Owen station which is another would operate on channel 30 with 5 (847) 949-9944 Fax: (847) 949-9595 class C-3 having a minimum bid of e-mail: [email protected] kW at 87 meters above average terrain. www.clarkwire.com $50,000. The Auction is to start on The translator would be located west September 1st with comments due on of Columbus with a cardoid pattern the auction procedures by March 20th which is pointed west and would cover and replies to be in by April 1st. The an area from Markesan to Madison. Notice was released on February 27th. WWAZ-TV plans to provide Spanish programming to the Milwaukee area WWAZ-TV Fond Du Lac, WI with the proposed move.
WWAZ-TV has applied for two Milwaukee Pirate Fined translators under the new fill in rules for DTV stations. The FCC adopted The FCC has fined a Steven Stalecki rules to would allow stations to build $10,000 for operating a pirate FM translators to fill in dead spots in their station on 92.9 MHz. The FCC coverage or extend their DTV signal to tracked a signal to his home on several match their previous analog coverage. occasions starting on March 25, 2006. WWAZ-TV is on DTV channel 44 But Mr. Stalecki denied operating with their current transmitter site south the illegal transmitter claiming it was SBE Chapter 24 the State of Wisconsin. He started with a Broadcast Technology CANDIDATE his career nearly 30 years ago as a Management major and a graphic arts 2nd generation broadcaster in the St. minor. BIOGRAPHIES Louis, Missouri television market. He worked as an MCO at Fred Sperry – Candidate There he worked for television WISN-TV/Milwaukee, and is for Chairperson stations; KDNL, KTVI and KETC, currently a staff engineer at the Fred has been in the broadcasting cable companies, in post production Educational Communications Board business since graduating from the and in corporate video. While there Telecommunications Operation Center Milwaukee Area Technical College he held a variety of positions from for Wisconsin Public Broadcasting in with an Associate Degree in Broadcast operations to Engineer in Charge and Madison. His current duties include Communications in 1984. Fred Chief Engineer. He also worked on electronic maintenance for radio and worked for radio stations in Platteville several broadcast installation projects, television equipment, automation, and Fort Atkinson before going to including the design and installation of DTV encoding, and satellite uplink work with his current employer the a 3 edit suite production house. systems. Educational Communications Board Since moving to Wisconsin in Mike has been an SBE member (ECB)/Wisconsin Public Broadcasting 2005, he has worked for SignaSys, since 1992, was the SBE Chapter 24 in 1986. in San Jose, CA as an instrumental newsletter editor from 1996 through Fred was involved in the part of the team assembled to create 2006, and is currently certified at the original construction of the ECB’s and present training to broadcasters CSTE and CBNT levels. Telecommunications Operations in the use of digital ENG equipment, required by the FCC mandated BAS Center in 1988 and was involved in Kevin Trueblood – relocation. This included creating the operations and maintenance of this Candidate for Treasurer facility. The ECB moved into a new the course curriculum and designing the supporting hardware system. Kevin is one of Madison’s newest “digital” Operations Center in 2006 engineers, having just moved here in where Fred continues his role in the Following that he was at AZCAR in Pittsburgh to work on restating the December to become an Engineer for operations and maintenance of the Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s 8 facility as part of the technical support BAS relocation/digital ENG training program, where he managed the stations. staff. Though still considered a “pup” Even though Fred is still adjusting construction and commissioning of the technology used. He also assisted he’s in his 12th year in radio, starting to the world of computer n the modern at a group of stations in Galesburg, broadcast facility, he is enjoying the with the development of the trainers and training materials. IL while still in high school. From transition to digital TV and is intrigued there to college at Northern Illinois and challenged by the technology. At Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree University while working for stations the same time, Fred still occasionally in Rockford, DeKalb and Chicago and longs for the good old days of from Southern Illinois University. He has an FCC General Class was hired to be an OM/PD right after broadcasting –especially in radio graduation. and misses the days of turntables, RadioTelephone License and a SBE CBT certification. He is a member Most recently Kevin worked for cart machines and live overnight a group of stations in Bloomington, announcers! of SBE, IEEE and SMPTE. He received a local Emmy nomination for IL where he accomplished “the Fred has been a member of SBE crowning achievement of his career”: Chapter 24 since arriving in Madison editing and his animation work was showcased by Adobe at NAB. Remodeling a studio, installing in 1988. During that time, he has held 4 generators, flipping 2 formats, all the officer positions at one time or installing a new automation system, another (including Chair) and has bee Mike Norton – Candidate recovering from devastating lighting a sustaining membership chair since for Secretary damage at the studio, and getting 1995. Mike has been working in radio married...all within 3 months. and television broadcasting for the In late 2007 he started his first full- Bill Hamilton – Candidate past 16 years. He started as an on- time engineering job as an Assistant for Vice Chair air DJ while attending college. Also Engineer and IT Manager for public while a student, he held the technical Bill Hamilton is the Technology station WGLT in Bloomington, putting operations director and station Manager of WisconsinEye, an all the station’s HD signal on the air manager positions at WSUP-FM/ digital HD television station that is with 2 multicast stations last summer. Platteville. He earned a Bachelor of a privately funded “State Span” for Kevin lives in Madison with his wife Science degree from UW-Platteville, and tower inspection dog in training. 2009 SBE Chapter 24 Election Ballot
You must be a current member of SBE Chapter 24 to be eligible to vote.
Please include your SBE member number: ______Voter names will not be identified.
VOTE FOR ONE FOR EACH OFFICE. MARK AN “X” NEXT TO YOUR SELECTION.
CHAIRPERSON
______Fred Sperry
______(write-in candidate)
VICE CHAIR
______Bill Hamilton
______(write-in candidate)
SECRETARY
______Mike Norton
______(write-in candidate)
TREASURER
______Kevin Trueblood
______(write-in candidate)
Elections will take place during the April chapter meeting. If you cannot attend that meeting, you may send your completed ballot to the address below. Please vote only once.
Steve Paugh - c/o WISC-TV Ballot 7025 Raymond Rd. Madison, WI 53719
All ballots must be received by noon, Wednesday, April 22, 2009.