Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014 Madison, Wisconsin
coordinates 43-0-16 N 88-13-39 E when Next Meeting LPFM Grants it should have been 43-0-16 N 88-13-39 Continue W. The wrongly listed coordinates placed >>> by Tom Smith the transmitter site in northwestern China. Thursday, March 13 They currently have a 13 watt class D FM station operating on 104.5 MHz and The FCC continues to process LPFM had planned to give up its license for the applications at a record pace. It has been higher power LPFM license. reported that the FCC has granted over 1000 construction permits out of the 2800 applications. The FCC has also dismissed a fair number of applications and even Caption Rules has accepted a few applications for Updated licenses from those holding construction >>> by Tom Smith permits. In the Madison area, three more applications for constructions permits John Calder of Minnesota-based have been granted. The grants were to On February 24th, the FCC released Acoustic Geometry will give us a Madison Christian Low Power FM for both a Report and Order and a Notice multimedia presentation on the 103.7 MHz with the transmitter at the of Proposed Rulemaking (http:// transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/ general principles of acoustics, intersection of Broadway and Bridge Road in Monona, the First Unitarian Daily_Business/2014/db0224/FCC-14- problems we can encounter in our 12A1.pdf ) concerning closed captioning listening environments and steps Society of Madison at 102.9 MHz with the transmitter on the Concourse Hotel, of television programming. The 153-page we can take to solve them. and Portage Educational Broadcast, notice covers new rules requiring the John will demonstrate several Inc with the transmitter east of Portage captions for prerecorded programming solutions and will have examples on Highway 33. Madison Christian to have accurate captions which would of various treatment materials Low Power FM is on a second adjacent require all dialog, sound effects and lyrics available. This discussion will be channel to WZEE-FM and First Unitarian to be captioned, including some misspeak of value to both the professional Society of Madison is on a second such as most false starts and repeated words. Captioning would have to be as audio engineer, as well as the adjacent channel to WNWC-FM. Both synchronous as possible to the words home theater enthusiast. required waivers to operate on their spoken, not cover visual elements such as respective frequencies. onscreen graphics and be complete for the We will also be taking nominations Other Wisconsin LPFM construction for the office of Treasurer. permits were granted to applicants from >>> Caption continued on page 5 Silver Lake at 101.5 MHz, Franklin for Dutch Treat Dinner at 5:30pm 101.7MHz, Stevens Point for 105.9 MHz Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta and the University of Wisconsin, La In this Issue 7952 Tree Lane Crosse received a permit for 89.9 MHz. (Mineral Point at Beltline) The permits for Franklin and Stevens Meeting Minutes...... 2 (near Brothers Main Appliance) Point were for local governments. Amateur Radio News...... 4 Carroll University’s application for 104.5 Madison, WI FCC Proposes Reform...... 5 MHz was dismissed (http://licensing. fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/ Meeting and Program at 7:00PM prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_ Coming Up Full Compass Systems letter_id=46931) due to an error in the 9770 Silicon Prairie Parkway coordinates which could not be corrected Wed., April 16 TBD— Elections (use main entrance) with an application for a minor change. Wed., May 14 NAB Wrap-Up Madison, WI They put down in their application the Thur., June 13 SBE Summer Picnic Page 2 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014 Chapter Contacts Meeting Minutes Chair Kevin Trueblood Wisconsin Public Radio from the February 2014 Business Meeting 608-345-3248 [email protected] At 7:00pm Wednesday, February 12th the SBE Chapter 24 meeting was called to Vice Chair order by Vice Chair Kevin Ruppert at Full Compass Systems in Madison. There was Kevin Ruppert, WISC-TV one sustaining member and also 13 members attending, 10 of whom are certified. W: 608-271-4321 As last month’s meeting was canceled due to weather there were no minutes [email protected] published. Fred Sperry e-mailed a sustaining member’s report listing renewals as: Resonant Secretary Results, Ikegami Electronics, Heartland Video, WISC-TV, WKOW-TV, WMTV-TV, Pete Deets, WMTV Clark Wire & Cable, W: 608-274-1515 Scharch Electronics, Sound Devices and Ross Video. We currently have 20 sustaining [email protected] members. Paul Stoffel noted the deadline for the next newsletter is March 3rd. Treasurer Matthew Glissendorf, AT&T Certification Chair Jim Hermanson reported there will be one person so far taking 608-252-1227 an exam. The next exam session will be at NAB with a March 31st deadline for [email protected] application. The following exam period will be June 6th - 16th with an April 11th deadline. Past Chair Under Frequency Coordination Tom Smith noted that the Commission is issuing Bill Hamilton, Wisconsin Eye construction permits to new low power FM’s. 608.957.2449 National Liaison Leonard Charles reported that for those going to NAB there will [email protected] be a special SBE 50th Anniversary Membership meeting followed by a reception on Tuesday, April 8th. The meeting starts at 5:30 and the reception at 6:30 in LVCC S225 Committee Appointees and S219. Prizes will be awarded. Program Chair Steve Paugh reports the next meeting will be Thursday, March 13th Program Committee and include a 2nd call for nominations and a program on acoustics. Steve Paugh 277-5139 The first call for nominations has been made and the incumbent Chair, Vice Chair [email protected] and Secretary will stand for election. Elections will be held April 16th. Volunteer for the No new or old business was brought up and there were no technical announcements. program committee! The meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm and a program was presented by Kevin Peckham and Erik Higgs of full Compass Systems and Dan Walsh of Marshall Membership / Newsletter Editor Electronics on h.264 and video streaming. Paul Stoffel [email protected] Respectfully submitted, M. L. Deets, Secy. Sustaining Membership Fred Sperry 608-264-9806 [email protected] WISC-TV CBS Certification & Education Jim Hermanson [email protected] 7847 BIG SKY DRIVE Frequency Coordination MADISON, WISCONSIN 53719 (608) 833-0047 • FAX (608) 833-5055
Tom Smith MADISON 608-837-2729 [email protected]
Webmaster Leonard Charles W: 608-271-4321 F: 608-271-1709 [email protected] Page 3 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014
James Daniels, Jr. (J.D.) Midwest Regional Sales Manager
IKEGAMI ELECTRONICS (U.S.A.), INC. 16206 Hunter Court, Orland Hills, IL 60487
Tel: (708) 460-1451 www.ikegami.com Fax: (630) 248-5185 E-mail: [email protected]
821 University Ave. Madison WI 53706 www.wpt.org Phone 608.263.2121 Fax 608.263.9763
Shane Collins Clark Wire & Cable Sales Unit A 408 Washington Blvd Mundelein, IL 60060-4401 (800) CABLE-IT (847) 949-9944 Fax: (847) 949-9595 e-mail: [email protected] www.clarkwire.com
Antenna System Specialist
TV Troubleshooting FM Sweep Testing >>> Newspaper ad from early 1953 AM Infrared Testing courtesy of www.facebook.com/LostMadisonWisconsin www.ResonantResults.com Richard Wood (608)839-3950
Remember “Buy a TV, get a bike!” in the 1970’s and 80’s? >>> by Stan Scharch
Well did you know in the early 1950’s it was “Buy a 21-inch TV, get a fringe VHF lowband antenna!” There are still some of those American TV antennas around Madison (and competing antennas too, with similar configuration). Pointed toward Milwaukee, to pick up WTMJ-TV (on channel 3 until July 1953, then moved to channel 4), which was the only TV station reliably received in Madison until WKOW- TV-27-CBS and WMTV-33-NBC went on the air in mid-1953. Up to the end of analog TV in 2009, some homes in Madison were still receiving WISC-TV channel 3 off the back end of a low band antenna pointed toward Milwaukee. The next time you are out in an older residential area, look at the rooftops and you may see a few. And yes, some of them are still pointed to the east. Page 4 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014
* LithuanicaSAT-1 carries an FM transponder (uplink 145.950 Amateur Radio News MHz/downlink 435.180 MHz) and an AX.25 packet transponder compiled by Tom Weeden, WJ9H (uplink 145.850 MHz/downlink 437.550 MHz). The CW beacon is on 437.275 MHz. Several Amateur Radio CubeSats, radiator on 433 MHz; the manufacturer · * Litsat-1 carries an SSB including Lithuania’s first satellites, has since shifted to a licensed Part 90 transponder (uplink 435.180 LituanicaSAT-1 and Litsat-1, have frequency. According to the terms of MHz/downlink 145.950 MHz) been deployed into orbit from the the arrangement, EnerTrac will admit International Space Station. NASA no wrongdoing, agree not to break and an AX.25 packet transponder reported that the nanosat deployments the rules in the future, and make a (uplink 437.550 MHz/downlink took place February 26, 27, and “voluntary contribution” of $13,000 145.850 MHz). 28, as the onboard Expedition 38 to the US Treasury. In return the FCC * ArduSat-2 will transmit 9.6 crew prepared for the arrival of a will drop the entire matter. MSK CCSDS data on a 437 US commercial cargo craft and the As the FCC pointed out in the MHz downlink. Its mission is departure of three crew members. The Consent Decree, intentional radiators to provide a platform on which ISS crew also released ArduSat-2, must first receive FCC certification the students and DIY space UAPSat-1, Chasqui-1, and the before being marketed in the US. enthusiasts may design and run nonamateur 915 MHz SkyCube. While the Amateur Service enjoys their own space-based Arduino In addition to the CubeSat privileges on 70 centimeters on a experiments. deployments from the ISS, seven secondary basis, many unlicensed Part * UAPSAT will carry an Japanese Amateur Radio satellites 15 devices operate in the vicinity of AX.25 packet transponder launched successfully from Earth 433 MHz on a non-interference basis. (uplink 145.980 MHz/downlink February 27. They include the In July 2012, the FCC received a 437.385 MHz). Developed by ARTSAT: INVADER CubeSat (call complaint that the Big Drops System the Universidad Alas Peruanas sign JQ1ZKK) and six other Amateur was not operating within the terms in Peru, the satellite includes Radio satellites, along with the Global of its authorization. The Commission magnets to align the satellite with Precipitation Measurement (GPM) issued a Letter of Inquiry to EnerTrac, Earth’s magnetic field. core observatory satellite. which reminded the FCC that the 433 * Chasqui-1, developed The other Amateur Radio satellites MHz Big Drops System had been by scientists at the National are OPUSat, STARS-II (comprises tested for compliance with Part 15 University of Engineering (UNI) mother and daughter satellites), rules and had been certified by the in Peru, will transmit AX.25 TelkyoSat-3, ITF-1, and ShindaiSat-1. FCC. The FCC’s Office of Engineering format data on 437.250 MHz. The launch took place from the and Technology (OET) tested the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the system, however, and determined that Tanegashima Space Center. More it exceeded Part 15 emission limits, suggesting that there may have been Don Heinzen information and frequencies for these Account Manager satellites are on the AMSAT-UK differences between the unit tested for Enterprise Soutions Division Direct: 608.848.2001 website
FCC Proposes Reform various industries the FCC regulates to a >>> Caption continued from page 1 >>> by Tom Smith longer schedule, such as every two years instead of yearly. whole program, which means no running On February 14th, the FCC issued a Besides making the rulemaking more over the end of the program or segment as 92-page report (http://transition.fcc.gov/ uniform with more defined deadlines, it to be cut off by the next program element Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2014/ was proposed to allow stakeholders to such as a commercial. The rules allow participate in the rulemakings earlier in db0214/DA-14-199A2.pdf) on process for more errors in live programming and the process. This would allow groups reform. The paper discussed goals of near-live programming (recorded less such as industry standard committees and reforming FCC processes to make them than 24 hours before airing). technical experts to offer input at an earlier more efficient and transparent. The Stations in markets under the top stage of the rulemaking course. The working group responsible for the paper 25 can use captions created from their Commission has used this process in the listed six goals. news scripts. The weather and some past, but would like to do it more often. parts of the sports segments were exempt They are as follows: An example of stakeholder involvement 1) Improving the efficiency and would be in the creation of the DTV rules because they were mainly adlib due to the effectiveness of how the agency with the ASTC. While allowing for more information needed to be updated close to conducts its business input by technical and other experts, the airtime. The new rules will now require 2) Processing items before the public’s ability to provide input in some of that they need to be scripted, but do not agency more quickly and more the rulemaking processes could be limited have to match the actual speaker word for transparently as much of the rulemaking discussion word. Crawls and other graphic elements 3) Streamlining agency processes and would occur before the public comments. will be needed to convey pertinent data collections There is discussion on a number of information not in the script. There are 4) Eliminating or streamlining other proposed changes to the FCC, no new penalties for issues arising from outdated rules including internal operations of the FCC. these new rules. 5) Improving interactions with Many of the proposals that the working In the Notice of Proposed external stakeholders group proposed would make dealing with Rulemaking, comments were requested 6) Improving the internal management the Commission easier, but if past history on further strengthening the current of the agency is an example, the number of proposals captioning rules including the newly- that are enacted will no doubt be less than updated rules, reporting captioning Most of the actions discussed in the those that were proposed. But do expect problems and outages to the FCC and paper include setting standard deadlines more filing of forms by the Internet, as this to the public, consumer complaints, for conducting rulemakings, shortening has been an objective with the FCC for eliminating the different exemptions to the time it takes to process various rulings some time. the rules, passing some of the burden and other actions, including licensing, Comments are due on March 31st. for the broadcaster/cable provider to eliminating paper and using electronic (http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/ the program provider for some of the filing of applications and communications, Daily_Business/2014/db0214/DA-14- captioning problems. Comments for including FCC releases exclusively. 199A1.pdf) technical standards for 3D and ultra high Also proposed is standardizing data definition were also requested. and documents to standard formats in Comment date has not been set. appearance that are searchable and easy to work with by others. That would mean using common word processing and data formats that users could modify as needed. Also making all FCC forms computer compatible. As part of the upgrading of the use of electronic filings and communications, the working group proposed the upgrading of the Commissions computer systems and databases, some of which have been in use for some time, including automating the computer systems so that it is easy for the public to check on the status of their filings. Gepco International, Inc. 500 Thorndale Avenue, Suite F Other changes would be standardizing Wood Dale, IL 60191-1267 fees for similar filings among the different Tel: 1-630-496-0486 Matt Hayes www.Gepco.com services, and asking Congress to change Inside Sales some data collections and reports on [email protected] Page 6 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014 Notice of Elections By Steve Paugh, Nominations Chair In April we will hold elections for Chapter 24 offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer for the 2014-2015 term. We are still seeking a nominee the office of Treasurer. Our current nominations for officers are:
Candidate for Chair- Kevin Trueblood Candidate for Vice Chair- Kevin Rupert Candidate for Treasurer- accepting Nominations Candidate for Secretary- Pete Deets Appointed Officers The appointed offices do not fall under the jurisdiction of the nominations committee and are appointed by the Chair of Chapter 24. Traditionally, the existing appointed officers continue for another term automatically. If you are a current appointed officer and would like to step down, please contact the current Chair Kevin Trueblood. If you would like to serve as an appointed officer please make your desire known to the Chair. The current appointed offices are Program Committee Chair- Steve Paugh and we have two vacancies on the on the Program Committee, Newsletter Editor- Paul Stoffel, Membership Chair- Paul Stoffel, Sustaining Membership- Fred Sperry, Certification and Education- Jim Hermanson, Frequency Coordination- Tom Smith and National Liaison- Leonard Charles.
Voting Thanks to the efforts of nominations committee member Leonard Charles, we will again have on-line voting! We will also publish the election ballot in the April on-line newsletter. You can either vote on-line or print the on-line ballot and mail it in to the Nominations Chair. Ballots will also be available at the April meeting for on-site voting. The deadline for nominations and the submission of biographies will be March 28th, 2014. The nominations committee consists of Steve Paugh (Chair), Mike Kulis and Leonard Charles.
March meeting location at Full Compass Systems Portable, Professional Audio Sound Devices, LLC E7556 State Rd. 23/33 P.O. Box 576 Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 www.sounddevices.com Phone: (608) 524-0625 Fax: (608) 524-0655
5727 Tokay Boulevard Madison, Wisconsin 53719
WKOW (608) 274-1234 Madison Fax: (608) 274-9514 Page 7 SBE Chapter 24 Newsletter March 2014 Spring Membership Meeting and 50th Anniversary Reception SBE
SBE members and guests are invited Bookstore to the spring SBE Membership Browse books by title at: Meeting, to be held on Tuesday, http://www.sbe.org/sections/ April 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in store_books_listings.php room S-225 of the South Hall, Las CHAPTER 24 Vegas Convention Center. The meeting is held in conjunction with SUSTAINING the 2014 NAB Show. Sponsored by Vislink Broadcast, the meeting will MEMBERS include recognition of SBE chapter certification chairmen who have Recent Renewal: achieved milestone service years, AVI Systems updates on implementation of the society’s strategic plan, programs GEPCO International, Inc. and government relations efforts. WMTV-TV 15 Prizes will be given away, including April 2014 Chapter 24 three $25 dinner gift cards and a Newsletter Deadline: $350 gift card to Fry’s Electronics. Thursday, April 3 Thanks to all our The meeting will be followed [email protected] Sustaining Members: immediately by a special SBE edited using Adobe InDesign CC 50th Anniversary Reception, held just across the hall in Room S-219 Alpha Video from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Beverages Thanks to Leonard Charles Belden, Inc. and “finger food” will be provided. for maintaining the Chapter 24 Members of the SBE and quests are Clark Wire and Cable web site and to Steve Paugh invited and no RSVP is required. for mailing the meeting Full Compass Systems The reception is being made possible reminder postcards. in part, with support from Gold Heartland Video Systems Sponsor - Vislink Broadcast; Silver Ikegami Electronics (USA), Inc Sponsor – Comrex, and Bronze © 2014 by SBE Chapter 24, Inc. Views expressed Sponsors – AC Video Solutions, herein do not necessarily reflect the official positions Joseph Electronics Blackmagic Design, Econco and of the Society, its officers, or its members. SBE Chapter 24, Inc. regrets, but is not liable for, any maney-logic Wide Orbit. Five $50 bills will be omissions or errors. The Chapter 24 Newsletter is published twelve times per year. Other SBE given away during the reception. Chapters are permitted to use excerpts if attributed Resonant Results, Ltd. to the original author, sources, and SBE Chapter 24. Ross Video Certification Exam Session Dates Scharch Electronics For more information about SBE Certification, contact Jim Hermanson, Sound Devices, LLC Chapter 24 Certification Chair, [email protected] or contact Token Creek Productions Megan Clappe, Certification Director at the SBE National Office at (317) 846-9000, or [email protected]. WISC-TV 3
Exam Dates Location Application Deadline WKOW-TV 27 April 8, 2014 NAB Convention March 31, 2014 WMSN-TV 47 June 6-16, 2014 Local Chapters April 11, 2014 Wisconsin Public Television August 8-18, 2014 Local Chapters June 6, 2014