Chapter 24, Inc. Madison, Wisconsin Next Meeting:
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Society of Broadcast Engineers June 2003 Annual Chapter 24 Broadcast Ownership Rules Loosened Picnic By Tom Smith 5:00pm - 9:00pm As expected, the FCC voted on June 2nd to allow a number of rule changes in the broadcast ownership rules. The vote was three to two and followed political party lines. The three republicans, FCC Chairman Michael Powell and Badger Prairie Park, Commissioners Kathleen Abernathy and Kevin Martin voted for the new rules while democrats Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein voted against the Shelter #1, new rules. In May, Copps and Adelstein had asked Chairman Powell to delay the vote on the ownership rules, which the Chairman refused to do. A number Verona of members of the House and Senate also requested a delay. (see map inside) All of the Commissioners released comments on the action with Chairman Powell’s comments in favor taking a page and a half, Abernathy taking four There will be a brief pages and Martin’s taking three pages. Both Copps and Adelsteins objections were much longer then normal. The normal length of either a Commissioner’s business meeting at comments for or against an action is seldom longer then four or five pages, with about 7:00pm. a few going to six or seven pages. Commissioners Adelstein and Copps’ dissents were both 23 pages long and Commissioner Copps issued a six page bench remark along with a separate press statement. In This Issue: The rule changes will allow for common ownership of newspapers, TV stations and radio stations and ownership of two TV stations in a market, with the ownership of three TV stations in some markets. The new rules are as Minutes ...... page 2 follows for the number of stations one can own in a market. Amateur Radio News ...... page 3 • In markets with five or more TV stations, a company can own one of the four top rated stations along with a second lower rated station. FCC Rulemakings ...... page 7
• In markets with 18 or more TV stations, one company could own up to Crowbars Explained .... page 8 three stations with only one being a top four rated station. Local Legals ...... page 9 (continued on page 4)
SBE 2003 Picnic “Sure To Please!” By Kevin Ruppert and trivia. There also will be Name There is a nice play ground setup That Voice and song capsule contests for younger children. There is even a Everyone thought that we hyped it for you to try. You might even win one rumor that the horseshoe tournament quite a bit last year. Here we are of the real prizes we have set aside may return this year. Join us for again, getting ready to hype it again (or have to settle for one of the “not so superb music and an historic look at in 2003! The only real way to find real” prizes!) radio and television! out if it is all hype is to come and see for yourself! The Chapter will supply burgers Because of another commitment and brats for the grill, as well as in July, this year’s Chapter 24 picnic Trailing Edge Entertainment will condiments and buns. The park- will be held on June 17 in Badger provide a unique and intensely provided charcoal grill will be started Prairie park. A map showing roads entertaining aural experience that has at 5:30pm. Paper plates, napkins, and other commonly used only been presented once before. plastic ware, and cups will also be landmarks can be found on the (That was at the 2002 SBE picnic.) provided. Please bring a dish to pass, program flyer inside, for you to use your own drinks (alcohol is allowed), in finding your way to the fun fest We are planning to once again and an entree if you prefer something that we are planning to present to present old radio jingles, air checks, other than brats or burgers. all of you! SBE CHAPTER 24 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
CHAPTER 24 May Business OFFICERS Meeting Minutes
CHAIR: Chapter 24 of the Society of Broadcast Engineers met on Vicki Kipp (ECB-TOC) Thursday, May 22, 2003 at the Wisconsin Public Broadcasting W - 264-9631 Center in Madison, Wisconsin for the chapter’s monthly meeting. [email protected] There were 15 members in attendance, 10 of whom were certified and 4 guests. VICE CHAIR: Tom Smith (WHA-TV) The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chapter Chair W - 263-2174 Vicki Kipp. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as [email protected] published in the May issue of the newsletter.
SECRETARY: Newsletter editor Mike Norton announced the deadline for Jim Magee (Avid Technology Inc.) articles for the June issue will be midnight, Friday, May 30th. The W - 288-5152 folding party will be held Wednesday, June 4th at 5:30 PM at [email protected] WKOW-TV. Treasurer Stan Scharch reported a positive balance in the chapter bank account. TREASURER: Stan Scharch (WISC-TV) Program Committee Chair Steve Paugh reported that the next W - 271-4321 meeting will be the Chapter’s annual picnic at Badger Prairie State [email protected] Park on June 17th. Kevin Ruppert and Kevin Peckham will be providing the entertainment. The July meeting will be held on July Past-Chair 15th at the studios of WISC and will be A Taste of NAB presented Tom Smith (WHA-TV) by Larry Bloomfield. [email protected] There were no membership or sustaining membership reports. COMMITTEE APPOINTEES Special Events Chair Lonnie Cooks had nothing to report. Program Committee: Certification Chair Jim Hermanson had submitted his report Steve Paugh 277-5139 that the next local exam dates are June 6-16 but the application Fred Sperry 264-9806 deadline has passed. The next local exam dates are August 15-25 Steve Zimmerman 274-1234 with an application deadline of June 13 and November 7-17 with a Membership: deadline of September 26. The Certification Handbook for Radio Operators is available from the national office for $42 plus shipping Paul Stoffel and includes the exam fee. [email protected]
Sustaining Membership: Frequency Coordinator Tom Smith submitted his report that Midwest Family has requested 950MHz information to apply for a Fred Sperry W - 264-9806 STL from their studios to Sun Prairie for the DeForest FM construction [email protected] permit they hold. He also reminds stations to check the FCC Special Events: Universal License System to see if your licenses are in order. All remote pick-up licenses need to have the coordinates for the Lonnie Cooks W - 264-9631 receiver sites. The FCC needs applications to correct the information [email protected] before October 2003. New ownership rules will be announced on nd Certification and Education: June 2 unless Congress steps in and stops the FCC from acting. Jim Hermanson 836-8340 National Liaison Leonard Charles reported that the deadline for [email protected] nominations for the SBE National Awards is May 31st. Winners will Frequency Coordination: be announced this summer and will be presented their awards during the SBE National Meeting on October 15th here in Madison. Tom Smith W - 263-2174 The candidates for SBE National Offices for 2003-2004 have been [email protected] announced. They are: National SBE Chapter Liaison: President Raymond C Benedict, CPBE, Washington DC Leonard Charles Vice President Samuel E. Garfield, CPBE, Raleigh, NC W - 271-4321 FAX - 271-1709 Secretary Ralph Hogan, CPBE, Pullman, WA [email protected] Treasurer Robert “RJ” Russell, CBTE, Yuma, AZ (continued on next page) PAGE 3 June 2003
May Business Meeting Minutes (continued) AMATEUR RADIO NEWS The Nominations Committee has developed a slate of 13 candidates By Tom Weeden, WJ9H for the six available board seats. • In a compromise with government users, the FCC will soon give amateurs secondary access to five discrete 2.8-kHz-wide channels in the They are: Ralph Beaver, CBT, vicinity of 5 MHz instead of the 150-kHz band requested by the American Tampa, FL; Paul T. Black, CSRE, Radio Relay League (ARRL). The channelized scheme puts unfamiliar Pleasant Hill, CA; Dominic L. technical compliance demands on US hams who have, until now, not had Bordonaro, CSRE, Stratford, CT; to worry much about frequency stability or transmitted audio bandwidth. Peter Boyce, CPBE/CBNT, New The FCC has granted amateurs 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373, and 5405 kHz. Albany, IN; Andrea B. Cummis, CBT, Additionally, the FCC has restricted operation to upper sideband only, with Roseland, NJ; Dane E. Ericksen, PE/ a maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 W. Just when amateurs CSRTE, San Francisco, CA; Clay will get their first crack at 60 meters is not yet clear. The changes to Part Freinwald, CPBE, Seattle, WA; Randy 97 go into effect 30 days after publication of the Report and Order (R&O) in Dale Gehman, CPBE/CBNT, Akron, The Federal Register, which has not yet happened. PA; Jeffrey R. Hugabone, CBRE/ CBNT, Chicopee, MA; David • The FCC has proposed making another 255 MHz of 5-GHz spectrum Hultsman, CSRE, Birmingham, AL; available for unlicensed use at 5.470 to 5.725 GHz. Amateur radio has a Mark S. Olkowski, CPBE, New York, secondary allocation at 5.650 to 5.925 GHz, which it shares with government NY; Henry B. Ruhwiedel, CPBE, and nongovernment radars and—in part of the band—nongovernment fixed Merrillville, IN; and Andrew D. Suk, satellite uplinks. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in ET Docket CPBE, Nampa, ID. 03-122—approved May 15 but not yet released—the FCC suggested that the additional spectrum be made available for use by unlicensed National The WBA Summer Workshop is Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area June 18th at House on The Rock Resort Networks (RLANs), operating under Part 15 of the FCC’s rules. The FCC’s in Spring Green, Wisconsin. action comes in response to a petition for rule making from the Wi-Fi Alliance—an industry coalition formerly known as the Wireless Ethernet Leonard also reported on the Compatibility Alliance (WECA). If the FCC goes through with the proposal— Program Committee of the Broadcast and it appears likely that it will—amateur radio will be left with a 25-MHz Clinic (October 14-16) and that there segment at 5 GHz—5.825 to 5.850 GHz—that’s not already earmarked for will be a Digital Production Clinic unlicensed services. featuring Sonic Foundry and Avid products in addition to the RF (Excerpts from the American Radio Relay League’s “The ARRL Letter” and Maintenance Clinic. The Program the www.arrl.org web site) Committee is working to make the clinic more timely and more affordable. In addition, there will be an early bird Ward, who had worked for the Voice registration discount. A tentative of America and NASA before retiring Thanks to Steve Paugh and Fred schedule and fee information should here in Madison. Sperry for arranging the E2V be on the chapter website the week of presentation for the May meeting. May 26th. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM.
In new business, Chapter Chair The program this month was a Thanks to WKOW-TV for providing Vicki Kipp announced that she would technical presentation by Greg Morton copying and folding facilities for the try to keep the business portion of the and Hal Spooner of e2v Technologies Chapter 24 newsletter! meeting under 30 minutes. on IOTs. Pizza and soda before the meeting had been graciously been Thanks to WISC-TV for maintaining For Professional Announcements, provided by e2v Technologies. the web server for the Chapter 24 Member Herb Jordan introduced a Web page! fellow amateur radio enthusiast, Doug Submitted by Jim Magee, Secretary
Alan Tanielian Power Tubes • IOTs • Radio & TV Transmitters Midwest Regional Sales Manager • IP/Digital Satellites • NLE Video Editing • Broadcast and Communications Products Division Webcasting • Studio Eqiupment
#206 Telephone: 800-737-6937 • Fax: 630-208-2662 655 Deerfield Road - Suite 100 Christine Chinchilla (ext. 2738; [email protected]) Deerfield, IL 60015 Tel: (847) 945-8923 Fax: (847) 945-8943 Dave Ross (ext. 2375; [email protected]) E-mail: [email protected] LaFox, IL 60147 www.fujinonbroadcast.com www.broadcast-richardson.com SBE CHAPTER 24 NEWSLETTER PAGE 4
Broadcast Ownership Rules Loosened (continued from page 1) In determining the station count, one may own 5 stations with 3 of one and the five Commissioners were to both commercial and non-commercial type. meet with the Senate on June 4th. In stations will be counted. The FCC also the May hearing, members of both adopted a waiver process to allow two The FCC will create a modified parties stated their opposition to the top rated stations to merge in markets contour method for non-Arbitron prospect of more consolidation. with 11 or few stations. markets until it holds a inquiry to create new rules for those markets. These The FCC meeting and vote was The FCC also modified the national were the only action in the notice that covered live on C-Span, and shortly TV ownership limits. The changes are increased ownership restrictions. after the FCC meeting and vote as follows. The FCC raised the limit on Senators Trent Lott (R), Ernest Hollings the number of homes one company’s The final rule changes will allow for (D), and Byron Dorgan (D) appeared stations can reach, from 35% of the common ownership of TV and radio on C-Span and made statements nation’s homes to 45% of the nation’s stations and newspapers in the same condemning the new rules. homes. The FCC also retained the market. 50% UHF discount rule. That rule The FCC also released a notice states that a UHF station is only able • In markets with fewer than 3 TV freezing all new form 314 and 315 to reach half of the homes in a market, stations, no common ownership of a applications for ownership changes so if the local VHF station is credited newspaper and either a TV or radio until new forms are adopted to reflect for reaching one million homes, the station will be allowed. the rule changes. Pending UHF is credited for reaching a half a applications using those forms may million homes. • In markets with 4-8 TV stations, amend their applications to one could own a newspaper, a TV demonstrate compliance with the new The FCC modified the rules station and up to on half of the number rules. The full report has not been concerning the number of radio of radio stations allowed in that market. published, but a ten-page press stations that could be owned in one release has been issued describing market by changing the way • Or, they may own a newspaper the new rules. ownership limits are figured. The and the full limit of radio stations and no FCC will change from using signal TV. From FCC Releases (www.fcc.gov) contour overlap, which led to a number of stations taking advantage of • Or, one could own two TV stations loopholes in the rule. The new rule and the full limit of radio stations and no 2003 Broadcast Clinic will limit the number of stations for newspaper. Early Bird Notice one owner to be based on the number of stations in a geographic market In markets with more than 8 TV By Leonard Charles area as defined by the Arbitron rating stations, the FCC is using a “Diversity service. Index” to determine the ownership limit The 2003 Broadcast Clinic will in those markets. This “Index” uses a take on a new format this year, • In a market with 45 or more stations, mathematical formula based on including a lower fee structure and one could own up to 8 stations with no audience share to determine whether a conjunctive digital video more then 5 of one type, AM or FM. one could own a newspaper and production workshop. The National broadcast facilities, and how many one SBE Meetings will also be held at • In a market with 30-44 stations, could own. the Clinic this year. one could own up to 7 stations with up to 4 stations of one type. The new rules are controversial and Please check out the early bird we will hear much about then in the program schedule at • In a market with 15-29 stations, weeks to come. The FCC received www.sbe24.org, click on 2003 one could own 6 stations with 4 of one hundreds of thousands of comments Broadcast Clinic, then mark your type. on the proposed rules, mostly against calendar to take advantage of the the proposals. Congress held early bird registration discount. In markets with less then 14 stations hearings in May on the proposed rules,
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Office/Warehouse: 3617 OAKTON STREET 4905 Voges Road Phone: 608-838-6837 SKOKIE, IL 60076 Madison, WI 53718 Fax: 608-838-0404 847.568.7195 OR 888.255.8755 FAX: 847.674.7485 Web Site: www.nationaltowerservice.com E-Mail: [email protected] PAGER: 708.988.1934 e-mail: [email protected] MADISON PAGE 5 June 2003
HD Radio™ Inevitable By Vicki W. Kipp In addition to improved audio quality, Accuweather, news from the Associated HD Radio includes wireless data Press (AP), sports data from Bluestreak The proprietary standard initially services. Traffic updates, station Media, enhanced advertisements and known as In-Band On Channel (IBOC) program schedules, weather, breaking distribution from dMarc Networks, has been re-titled “HD Radio” by news, sports highlights, financial market material from Hollywood.com, material iBiquity. Whether you refer to it as updates, mobile commerce, and artist from MovieTickets.com, reading for IBOC or HD Radio, there is no question and song information will be available people who are blind by Sun Sounds of that this standard will catch on. upon request. Arizona and International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS), Created in 2000 when USA Digital FCC APPROVED and the programs “All Things Radio and Lucent Digital Radio Considered” and “Car Talk” from merged, the privately held iBiquity In October of 2002, iBiquity’s HD National Public Radio (NPR). Digital Corporation holds exclusive Radio was approved by the FCC as the licensing rights to HD Radio digital AM/FM IBOC digital broadcast HD Radio has its own custom XML- AM/FM broadcast technology. The technology. On March 20, 2003, the based markup language. HD introduction of HD Radio marks the first FCC gave iBiquity a further boost by BML™(Broadcast Multimedia time that broadcasters have to pay a relieving stations of the obligation to Language) is part of the Synchronized fee to use a modulation scheme. Based acquire a Special Temporary Authority Multimedia Integrated Language in Columbia, Md., iBiquity Digital from the FCC to broadcast HD Radio. standard for web-based delivery of Corporation developed a digital AM/ In lieu of getting an STA, stations only multimedia content. HD BML™can be FM radio technology that fits within an needed to notify the FCC within 10 used to create real-time or on-demand existing analog AM or FM channel days of commencing digital operations. interactive audio programming with can be broadcast simultaneously with wireless data. HD Radio content is the analog signal. THEY’VE GOT BACKING produced on a D.A.V.I.D. studio automation system with iBiquity’s HD MOTIVATION With an ever-growing group of BML authoring system. D.A.V.I.D. investors, manufacturers, vendors, studio automation can create enhanced As the last remaining major analog content providers, and broadcast metadata tagging without human technology, terrestrial broadcast radio partners creating iBiquity-licensed intervention. This tagging enables is due to undergo a digital conversion. products and services, the alliance of smooth integration of programming- Improvements to signal quality and people who want HD Radio to succeed specific audio and content. wireless data transmission are among keeps gaining momentum. Thus far, the impetus for radio’s transition to iBiquity has licensed 7 component Software from Command Audio digital. HD Radio enables AM and FM manufacturers and 12 receiver allows iBiquity listeners to store digital to broadcast digital quality audio, manufacturers. More than 130 radio radio signals on their stereo’s hard drive, within the spectrum that they are stations in over 40 markets in 25 states similar to using a Personal Video already using for analog radio have purchased a license to broadcast Recorder (PVR) for television. broadcast, concurrently with their HD Radio from iBiquity. analog program. Tangible Media giants such as ABC, Beasley, improvement has been promised: AM IBiquity received funding from Bonneville, Citadel, Clear Channel, Cox will sound like FM, and FM will sound investors such as J.P. Morgan Partners, Radio, Cumulus, Emmis, Entercom, like a CD. Digital radios can overcome Pequot Capital, and New Venture Hispanic Broadcasting, Radio One, signal multipath interference. Partners. Regent, Saga, Susquehanna, and According to iBiquity, HD Radio will Viacom are amongst iBiquity’s spare the listener from signal fades, Application developers and service broadcast partners. static, hiss, and pops. The HD Radio providers have signed on with iBiquity receiver should be able to dynamically in a commitment to create content. HD Harris Corporation, BE Corporation, change between digital or analog Radio listeners will be offered content and Nautel Corporation have signed reception on signal fringe areas to such as traffic information from pull in the best signal. TeleAtlas and dMarc, weather from (continued on page 6)
HARRIS CORPORATION John Reuter Director of Technology Broadcast [email protected] Communications Division 1913 Fairoak Road 7711 Computer Ave. Naperville, IL USA 60565 1355 ARMOUR BOULEVARD Edina, MN 55435-5494 MUNDELEIN, IL 60060-4401 TOM HARLE phone 1-630-420-8899 (800) CABLE-IT • (847) 949-9944 p 952.896.9898 District Sales Manager–Radio cell phone 1-630-235-8126 FAX: (847) 949-9595 f 952.896.9899 fax 1-630-420-9171 E-MAIL: [email protected] c 612.889.6540 [email protected] WWW.CLARKWC.COM www.harris.com SBE CHAPTER 24 NEWSLETTER PAGE 6
Coming Soon, the 2003 WBA-SBE Summer HD Radio Engineering Workshop (continued from page 5) By Leonard Charles for AM, VHF, and UHF will be license agreements with iBiquity. discussed, as will basic tower Andrew Corporation, Armstrong, The WBA-SBE Summer construction and associated Federal Continental Electronics, D.A.V.I.D. Engineering Workshop is drawing near. requirements for tower marking, Systems, Dielectric, ENCO, Energy- The event will be held Wednesday, painting, and protection of the public Onix, Jampro RF Systems, LPB, June 18th at the House On The Rock from RF radiation. Also to be treated Moseley Associates, MYAT, Orban, Resort in Spring Green. This year’s will be the upcoming ATSC DTV and QEI, RCS, Shively Labs, and Telos/ program will consist of an all-day tutorial IBOC conversions and their impact Omnia have strategic alliances with presented by Terry Baun. This program upon RF systems. iBiquity. is designed to present the fundamentals of RF systems design and maintenance The seminar is designed for those Ford Motor Company’s affiliated to broadcast engineers and operators who are currently employed in component supplier Visteon who may not normally deal with those broadcast operations/engineering, but Corporation and General Motor’s issues on an everyday basis. who are not necessarily RF engineers. affiliated component supplier Delphi Consequently, a basic understanding Corporation will make components for Studio and operations personnel of broadcast technology is assumed. HD Radio automotive receivers. who may be controlling transmission ALPS, TOKO, TBK, Kiryung plants as part of their assigned duties Handouts will be provided as will a Electronics Microtune, Personal need to have an understanding of the Certificate of Completion for those who Telecom, and Ty Telestar will also RF system to permit them to ascertain complete the seminar. manufacture electronic parts for HD proper system performance, control Radio receivers. operation within legal limits, understand Check out the day’s schedule at environmental effects, and possibly www.sbe24.org by clicking on Summer HD Radio receivers will be sold by perform first level maintenance utilizing Engineering Workshop. The cost of Alpine, Clarion, Fujitsu Ten proper safety procedures. This seminar registration remains at a low $25 for the (manufacturer of ECLIPSE brand), is designed to provide that level of day. Check it out then call the WBA to Harman Kardon, JVC, Kenwood USA, information. register and reserve your seat. Call Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. 608-255-2600, or 800-236-1922, or go (manufacturer of Panasonic brand), In addition, RF propagation issues to http://www.wi-broadcasters.org. Orient Power, Sanyo, and Yamaha. Due to the extra processing chips required, HD Radio receivers will cost SBE Short Circuits – June 2003 about $100 more than a similar analog radio. For the foreseeable future, By John L. Poray, CAE vehicles will contain a mix of either or SBE Executive Director NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND both analog and HD Radio stereos. HOSTS CONVENTION During the transition, car stereo SBE SIGNAL NOW BI-MONTHLY technicians will have the challenge of The Northern New England supporting both systems. Beginning with the June issue, the Broadcasters’ Show will be held SBE Signal will now be published every June 19 at the Center of New Since analog stereos will continue other month. It has been a quarterly Hampshire in Manchester. For more to be functional as long as publication for many years. The information, contact Betty Teffner at broadcasters transmit analog radio expanded SBE Signal will offer more (802) 253-4766 or Bob Ross at (603) signals, consumers are likely to information and news on more topics of 332-8931. replace stereos over time. Some interest to members. predict that the HD Radio conversion CERTIFICATON EXAM SESSION will take 10- to 15- years. While the RENEW MEMBERSHIP TODAY! DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2003 transition may proceed in a gradual manner, I think that the outcome is Members who have not yet The SBE National Certification certain. renewed their membership can still Committee has announced exam do so and not miss out on valuable session dates for the remainder of 2003. Information for this article came member benefits like The SBE Signal, Check the list at www.sbe.org for the from: FCC Public Notice: DA 03-831, discounts on publications and exam period that is best for you. For March 20 2003, OMB Control No. certification, access to SBE more information about SBE 3060-1034; “Tower of Power” by JobsOnline, Resume Service or life, Certification, see your Chapter Lindsay Chappell, Crain Automative health or business insurance. If you Certification Chair or contact Linda News Oct. 21, 2002; need a new form, call or e-mail Angel Baun, Certification Director at the SBE www.iBiquity.com; “Soundbytes” by Bates at the SBE National Office at National Office at (317) 846-9000 or Justin Hibbard, Issue 120, Dec. 2002 (317) 846-9000 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Redherring. PAGE 7 June 2003
1FCC FCC Rulemakings
Compiled by Tom Smith The FCC is also issuing a Further by Part 15 devices. This band goes Notice of Rulemaking on the from 5.470 GHz to 5.725 GHz and is FINAL RULEMAKINGS development of a mechanism to create adjacent to 5.725-5.850 GHz band. This a marketplace for available Spectrum. band would be used by computer WT Docket No. 00-230 The Commission also seeks comment network devices such as Wi-Fi Promoting Efficient Use of on expansion of leasing to other computer networks and Radio Local Spectrum Through Elimination of services and other issues relating to Area Networks. This new band will Barriers to Development of transfer of control. better match those in other countries Secondary Market and allow for more products that can be This Notice was adopted and used in both the United States and The FCC has adopted rules that released on May 15, 2003 other nations. would allow for the leasing of spectrum. In this action, the FCC is allowing PROPOSED RULEMAKING This notice of proposed rule making licensees in the Cellular, Personal was adopted and announced on May Communication Services (PCS), ET Docket No.03-65; FCC 03-54 15, 2003. Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR), Local Interference Immunity Performance Multipoint Distribution (LMDS), fixed Specifications For Radio Receivers ET Docket No. 03-126 microwave, 24 GHz and 39 GHz bands Unlicensed and Unshackled: A —and other fixed and mobile services The FCC has published their Notice Joint OSP-OET White Paper on with exclusive rights to their assigned of Inquiry concerning the creation of Unlicensed Devices and Their spectrum— to enter into leasing receiver performance specifications into Regulatory Issues arrangements for their spectrum to other its spectrum policy. The Commission users. Broadcast spectrum is not believes that by setting standards for The FCC, through the Office of covered in the ruling. receivers, the spectrum could be used Strategic Planning and the Office of more efficiently. Much of the allocation Engineering Technology, have The FCC will require application to policies are determined by interference published a white paper on unlicensed the Commission to enter into a lease to the receiver due to poor selectivity, devices: what they are, rules concerning agreement, but the process will be sensitivity, and rejection of spurious such devices, the market for them, and streamlined in relation to the standard signals, and not by the limitations regulatory issues including interference ownership transfer (not longer then 21 caused by the noise in the atmosphere. caused by such devices. There is a days). The lessee will be responsible This notice was discussed in the April history of the regulation of unlicensed for violations of the FCC rules. The newsletter. devices, description of the various original licensee will only be held frequency bands covered under Part accountable if they have knowledge of Comments are due on July 21, 2003 15 of the rules, and facts and figures on the violation. If the lessee is for a short and replies are due August 18, 2003. the size of the market for unlicensed term of under 360 days, the processing The notice was published in the devices. time of the application will be 10 days FEDERAL REGISTER on May 5th on under the FCC’s rules for Special pages 23,677-23,686. This white paper is 61 pages long Temporary Authority (STA). The lessee and gives the reader some idea of will still be responsible for compliance ET Docket No. 03-122 future rules concerning Part 15 to the rules, except for rules pertaining Revision of Parts 2 and 15 of the unlicensed devices. The FCC is to certain use restrictions, designated Commission’s Rules to Permit seeking comment on the paper with the entity/entrepreneur policies, and Unlicensed National Information comments due on August 21, 2003. policies concerning spectrum Infrastructure (U-NII) Devices in the There is no reply date. aggregation will not be applied to the 5 GHz Band lessee. The FCC can investigate and From FCC Releases (www.fcc.gov) and nullify a leasing arrangement if it violates The FCC is proposing to add an the FEDERAL REGISTER public interest concerns. additional 255 MHz of spectrum for use (www.access.gpo.gov)
John J. Jennings 800 West Thorndale Avenue Director of Sales Operations Itasca, Illinois 60143-1356 Fax 630.787.0805 630.787.0800 ext. 333 Video 700.737.5253 Web www.swid.com Email [email protected]
423 Summit Avenue West Chicago, ILL 60185 Sales • Service • Rental • Engineering • Scott Snedden Tel: (630) 562-2063 Integration Regional Sales Manager Fax: (630) 562-2241 821 University Ave. Phone 608.263.2121 [email protected] Cell: (630) 408-4960 Madison WI 53706 Fax 608.263.9763 P.O. Box 220, 8 John Street, Iroquois, ON. Canada K0E 1K0 www.wpt.org Tel: (613)652-4886 Fax: (613)652-4425 Web: www.rossvideo.com Audio • Video • Multimedia • Tele/Data Communication Solutions SBE CHAPTER 24 NEWSLETTER PAGE 8
TRANSMITTER CROWBAR EXPLAINED By Vicki W. Kipp reservoir that will gradually break down. voltage to ground, this is referred to as The hydrogen thyratron is considered crowbar “firing.” A typical crowbar should Define Crowbar the more elaborate crowbar because it be able to tolerate being fired about 50 demands isolated high voltage power times before needing to be replaced. Although I was familiar with a and has many components floating at The crowbar is connected to a relay that crowbar as a device for prying, I wasn’t high voltage levels. tells the transmitter to attempt to restart as familiar with the transmitter crowbar. after the crowbar finishes shorting the Inquiries about the crowbar yielded Not A Fuse high voltage. If the transmitter does not various definitions- all correct, but not restart successful before the crowbar all relevant to the transmitter. The A crowbar is different than a fuse has fired three times, then the brooding band Crowbar, a sludge metal because a fuse creates an open circuit transmitter tube will be shut down band from the 1990s, played the club in the event of a voltage surge, while a entirely. If the tube hasn’t overcome circuit and not the transmitter circuit. crowbar creates a controlled short when the problem within three attempts, it is Likewise, the Canadian blues-rock band a voltage surge occurs. The crowbar likely that there is a very serious problem Crowbar was well known in the 1970s, shorts high voltage to ground by that could damage the tube if it but of no use in a transmitter. The discharging the capacitor bank when a continues to operate while impaired. practical crowbar tool, a flat metal lever voltage surge occurs. with a chiseled end, is helpful for prying Days Numbered but should not be used with a The crowbar device is unique to transmitter. Inductive Output Tube (IOT) As the energy-efficient Multi-Stage transmitters. Klystron tube transmitters Depressed Collector (MSDC) As it relates to a transmitter, the and solid-state transmitters don’t use a transmitter tube catches on for use in crowbar is named for the concept of a crowbar. IOT transmitters require a digital transmission, the crowbar is grounded metal bar touching all the crowbar because the tubes are very being excluded from these new transmitter terminals when a high small and if gas builds up inside the transmitters. voltage surge occurs. Transmitters tube, there is not enough room for the running at extremely high voltage need tube to diffuse the accumulation. If not Crowbar firing is stressful for a to be shut down immediately in the for the crowbar, the amassing gas would transmitter. Additionally, a crowbar is event of a component problem or seriously harm the IOT tube. The IOT a common source of problems in IOT voltage surge to prevent damage to the would create a voltage surge that could transmitters. Excluding the crowbar will transmitter. Upon a surge, the crowbar melt transmitter components if not increase transmitter reliability—at least swiftly diverts the voltage to ground immediately shorted to ground. that’s what MSDC transmitter vendors and drains voltage from the transmitter’s claim. Not having a crowbar spares capacitor bank. The crowbar isn’t really Crowbar Firing the transmitter from extended periods a metal bar at all. In the case of my of downtime when the crowbar fires employer’s Comark IOT and Acrodyne When the crowbar shorts, there is a and then attempts to restart the tube. Diacrode transmitters, the crowbar is a violent reaction. The crowbar is draining Several vendors are using fast switching small gas-filled tube. 32 kV (or more) of electricity to ground power supplies that create an open in less than 10 milliseconds. This rapid circuit in the high voltage power circuit Two generations of shunt crowbars shunting of extremely high voltage in a matter of nanoseconds— versus have been developed. The triggered strains the equipment. To test that the milliseconds a crowbar needs to spark gap is a first generation crowbar. their crowbar is working properly, react— when a problem occurs. The This crowbar works well enough when engineers can run a 40-gage wire (the fast acting power supplies pass the 40- it works. Unfortunately, the triggered diameter of a human hair) from the gage wire test, and make the crowbar spark gap crowbar is not infallible and transmitter power supply to ground. unnecessary. ages each time it fires. The second- For correct operation, the crowbar must generation crowbar is the hydrogen short the high voltage to ground before Information for this article came thyratron. Operating ten times faster the 40-gage wire burns up. from: Dave Schilz of WHA-TV; Thales than a triggered spark gap crowbar, the Broadcast & Multimedia; ARRL Extra thyratron has an active cathode and When the crowbar shorts high- Class License Manual.
SCHARCH ELECTRONICS COMPANY AT&T * AVAyA * Lucent Technologies Business Communications Service since 1983
1105 Middleton St.,Madison, WI 53717 Tel: 608 831-2266 or 800 831-2266 5727 Tokay Boulevard Fax: 608 831-7581 or 800 831-4542 Madison, Wisconsin 53719 www.Scharch.net
Stan Scharch WKOW (608) 274-1234 [email protected] Madison Fax: (608) 274-9514 PAGE 9 June 2003
LOCAL LEGALS the stations in Northern Wisconsin CHAPTER 24 1FCC under the name Raven Broadcasting Corporation. SUSTAINING Compiled by Tom Smith WRDB operates on 1400 kHz, MEMBERS GRANTED WNFN operates on 104.9 MHz, WBDL operates on 102.9 MHz and W23BW (LPTV) Channel 23 W290AL operates on 105.9 MHz. RECENT RENEWALS: Madison, WI These applications were Roscor Wisconsin Three Angels Broadcasting announced on May 8, 2003. Network has been granted a THANKS TO ALL OUR modification for its construction permit WIBU (AM)/WNNO-FM Wisconsin SUSTAINING MEMBERS: by an amended application. The Dells, WI; WBKY(FM) Portage, WI effective radiated power is to be 38.5 Alpha Video kW instead of the 70.5 kW as stated Magnum Communications (David Belden Wire and Cable in the original application. Action Magnum) wishes to transfer it Broadcast Richardson announced on May 15, 2003. licenses to Mid-West Management, CTI Inc. Magnum Communications also PROPOSED owns WTMB (AM)/WBOG(FM)/ Clark Wire and Cable WXYM(FM) Tomah, WI which it is Fujinon Inc. WPDR(AM)/WDDC(FM) selling to Family Radio Inc. and Graybar Portage, WI WAUN(FM) Kewaunee, WI. Harris Corporation Heartland Video Systems Kramer Broadcasting Inc. (Ed Mid-West Management Inc. owns maney-logic Kramer) wishes to transfer its WPDR/ WTDY(AM)/WTUX(AM)/ WDDC to Zoe Communications Inc. WMGN(FM)/WWQM(FM)/ National Tower Service (Michael Oberg), for $1.1 million. Zoe WJJO(FM) Madison, WI and a Norlight Telecommunications Communications owns WCSW (AM)/ construction permits for new FM Ross Video WGMO (FM) Shell Lake, WI and stations in DeForest and Mount Scharch Electronics WRDN (AM)/WJRV (FM) Durand/ Horeb. They also own WLMV(AM) Sony Broadcast Menomonie, WI. WPDR operates at which carries Spanish Programming Sound Devices, LLC 1350 kHz with 1 kW day and 41 watts producted by an outside local group. Swiderski Electronics at night. WDDC operates on 100.1 Mid-West Management bought the MHz with 3 KW at 374 ft. HAAT. construction permit for Mount Horeb Token Creek Productions from Magnum Communications in WISC-TV 3 This application was announced the Fall of 2002. WKOW-TV 27 May 7, 2003. WMSN-TV 47 WIBU operates on 900 kHz, WMTV-TV 15 WRDB(AM)/WNFN(FM)/ WNNO operates on 106.9 MHz, and Wisconsin Public TV WBDL(FM) Reedsburg, WI WBKY operates on 95.9 MHz. W290AL (FM translator) Baraboo, WI This application was announced on May 9, 2003. http://www.CTIinfo.com New Radio Group, LLC owned by email - [email protected] Quass Communications, LLC seeks From FCC Releases CTI Phone - 608-831-4636 to transfer these and seven other AM (www.fcc.gov) with additional Fax - 608-836-1840 and twelve other FM licenses located information from Broadcasting and VCR Controllers in Wisconsin and Illinois to Alta NGR Cable magazine and WI. Character Generators Holdings, Inc. Quass Broadcasters Association 2002- Satellite Antenna Controllers Communications operated three of 2003 Directory Broadcast / Cable Television Consulting
Tom Sibenaller Sales Representative Chapter 24 Web Site SBE PAT KELLER http://www.sbe24.org : SALES REPRESENTATIVE COMM/DATA Steve Paugh is the editor for the 1301 W. BADGER ROAD ROSCOR W ISCONSIN MADISON, WI 53713 W6428 Schilling Road HTML Version of this Newsletter, 608-255-0005 OR 800-825-1505 Onalaska, WI 54650 available monthly on the SBE FAX 608-255-3656 phone: 608-784-6702 CUSTOMER SERVICE 800-955-1330 fax: 608-785-0505 CUSTOMER SERVICE FAX 414-778-1495 Chapter 24 web page. EMAIL [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] SBE CHAPTER 24 NEWSLETTER PAGE 10
SONY Kevin Peckham Account Manager Broadcast Products Division
Sony Communications Products Company 1200 North Arlington Heights Road Itasca, Illinois 60143 SBE Telephone (608) 271-3778 (708) 773-6046 7847 BIG SKY DRIVE Service Center (708) 773-6037 MADISON, WISCONSIN 53719 NATIONAL Emer. Tech. Assist. (201) 833-9533 National Parts Center (800) 538-7550 (608)833-0047 • FAX(608)833-5055 - Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. MOBILE TELEVISION 9247 North Meridian St. incorporated www.sounddevices.com John Salzwedel Portable Audio Products for Suite 305 Radio, Television, Film, and Music Production Sound Devices, LLC 3893 Terrace Circle, DeForest, Wisconsin 53532 300 Wengel Drive Indianapolis, IN 46260 Office: (608) 238-7575 Fax: (608) 238-4955 Cell: (608) 235-9632 Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA Web Page: www.tokencreek.com E-Mail: [email protected] ( (608) 524-0625 www.belden.com Mark Bartolotta Office (317) 846-9000 Regional Sales Manager Heartland Video Systems, Inc. Fax (317) 846-9120 Belden Electronics Division 1311 Pilgrim Road 2020 Lincoln Road Plymouth, WI 53073 Monroe, Wisconsin 53566 Tel 800.332.7088 920.893.4204 : Direct: 920.8939594 ext 13 Telephone: 608 329 4660 Cell: 920.912.1064 Facsimile: 608 329 4667 Fax: 920.893.3106 EMAIL: [email protected] http://www.sbe.org Don Heinzen Ph Ml: 800 241 7564 Box 2378 Sales Representative [email protected] DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Broadcast/Professional
SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter SBE 2029 Greenway Cross #11 Madison, WI 53713-3000 FIRST CLASS MAIL
Newsletter edited on Pagemaker 7.0 by: Mike Norton Contributors this month: Leonard Charles, Vicki W. Kipp, Jim Magee, Kevin Ruppert, Tom Smith, and Tom Weeden. Thanks to Leonard Charles for his work on the Chapter 24 WWW page.
© 2003 by SBE Chapter 24, Inc. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the Society, its officers, or its members. SBE Chapter 24, Inc. regrets, but is not liable for, any omissions or errors. The Chapter 24 Newsletter is published twelve times per year. Other SBE Chapters are permitted to use excerpts if attributed to the original author, sources, and SBE Chapter 24. JUNE MEETING and PROGRAM Society of Broadcast Engineers SBE CHAPTER 24 MADISON, WISCONSIN Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Annual Chapter 24 Picnic
The Chapter will supply burgers and brats for the grill, as well as condiments and buns. The park-provided charcoal grill will be started at 5:30pm. Paper plates, napkins, plastic ware, and cups will also be provided. Please bring a dish to pass, your own drinks (alcohol is allowed), and an entree if you prefer something other than brats or burgers.
There is a nice play ground setup for younger children. Bring your own games or join in the entertainment. Again this year we will be treated to the Kevin and Kevin show.
Brush up on your TV, radio, and music trivia. There is even a rumor that the horseshoe tournament may return this year.
Come for the food and company, stay for the entertainment!
5:00pm - 9:00pm Badger Prairie Park, Shelter #1, Verona No Park Admission is required. There will be a brief business meeting at about 7pm.
Visitors and guests are welcome at all of our SBE meetings! 2003 UPCOMING MEETING/PROGRAM DATES: Day Date Program Tuesday July 15, 2003 Taste of NAB Wednesday August 13, 2003 Richardson Broadcast Thursday September 18, 2003 WMMM-WOLX Studio Tour
Program Committee: Steve Paugh Fred Sperry Steve Zimmerman 277-5139 264-9806 274-1234