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SBE Proposed Constitution Letters to the Editor

Page 12

Higher FCC and NAB Standards Versus FCC Commercial Operator Requirements Page 13 ITr{rï ti1'.i Membership Application Form Page 19

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SOCIETY OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS

THE SOCIETY OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS - Membership Standards Committee -

Steering Committee - Ambrose Kramer - Chairman Box 22 2-b, Rt.l, deFuniak Springs, Florida John H. Battison - Chairman Box 1534, Annapolis, Maryland Fred C. Hervey WHKW, Chilton, Wisconsin Ambrose (Bill) Kramer - Vice Chairman Box 22 2-B, Rt.l, deFuniak Springs, Florida Robert Miers P.O. Box 1051, Wewoka, Oklahoma Charles Hallee 66 Aldrich Road, Portsmouth, N.H. I. S. Rosner 35 W 53rd Street, New York, N. Y. Sid Davidson KOA-TV, Denver, Colorado Leo W. Reetz Ben Wolfe KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids, Iowa KPIX, San Francisco, California Gordon Brown Howard Town WSAY, Rochester, New York NET -TV, Ann Arbor, Michigan

REGIONAL CHAPTERS - Number Five, Atlanta, Ga. Number One, Binghamton, N.Y. Chairman pro tem: Hugo A. Bondy, Chief Chairman pro tem: Charles Hallinan, Chief Engineer, WAGA-TV, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer, WKOP-AM-FM, Binghamton,' N.Y. Number Six, Butte, Mont. Number Two, Scranton, Pa. Chairman, pro tem: Kenneth J. Benner, Con- Chairman, pro tem: Jose Risse, Director sulting Engineer, KOPR, Butte, Mont. of Electronics, ICS, Scranton, Pa. Number Seven, Jacksonville, Fla. Number Three, Hutchinson, Kansas Chairman, rho tem: Martin Sandberg, Chief Chairman, pro tem: Ken Cook, Chief Engineer, WRHC, Jacksonville, Fla. Engineer, KTVH, Hutchinson, Kansas Number Eight, Hollywood, Calif. Number Four, Albuquerque, N.M. Chairman, pro tem: Al Browdy, Director of Chairman, pro tem: Bill Orr, Chief Engineer Engineering, KCOP, Hollywood, Calif. pj LA, Albuquerque, N.M. umber Nine, Phoenix, Ariz. Chairman, pro tem: Albin R. Hillstrom, iE'.a.iL A'_ivlsvn - Director of Engineering, KOOL, Phenix, Q. Smith, Pierson, :3a.i , and Dowd Ring, Building, .t`asi i_nFton, D. C.

EDITED AND PRODUCED BY - John H. Battison

THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS Box 1841, Annapolis, Maryland Telephone CO 3-6860

2 Printed by - Palmer Press, Annapolis, Maryland EDITORIAL CUE LINE YEAR END THOUGHTS the proposed Constitution and By -Laws. Fred Hervey of WHKW was the father, to- As we write this, Christmas is fast gether with his fellow committee mem- approaching, and the year is nearing its bers, and they are to be congratulated end. The past nine months ha seen a on a fine piece of work. Any comments very encouraging increase in memberships. received will be sent on to the commit- The Society now numbers almost 300 mem- tee, and after their consideration and bers, and no doubt we shall have that action the final revision will be pub- number before January 1st, 1965. But we lished in the next issue in time are not exactly overjoyed ----500 was our for the Second Annual Meeting. hoped for goal for the first nine months. We had planned to remove the Also in this issue, and associated with application form from the back of this the Constitution, are the proposed mem- issue, but have decided to leave it in bership standards. Again, after con- with the earnest hope that every member sideration by the membership, a final will tear his out and personally see form will be presented to the general that his associate(s) complete it and membership for final approval. mail it in. Don't forget, membership in the SBE would make a good Christmas gift MEMBERSHIP PINS for your assistant (chief) or otherwise; in fact if the chief engineer is Elsewhere in this issue will be found a not a member, how about getting him as design for an SBE Membership Pin. your Xmas gift to the SBE? Please let us have your comments on it as soon as possible, so that we can NEW CHARTER draw a final design and then have some made up. This month we welcome Chapter Nine, Phoenix, Arizona under the able chair- ENGINEERING STANDARDS manship of Albin R. Hillstrom, Director of Engineering of KOOL Phoenix. We Our lead article this month is a fine hope that you will be able to evoke a approach to a subject that is important lot of interest in the Society, Albin, to us all ---that of an engineer's tech- and get as active a chapter as Number nical ability and responsibility. This One in Binghamton, New York State. should stir up a good deal of controversy among our readers ----and a pro- SBE AMATEUR NET fessional society is not worthy of the name if it does not give its members The idea of an SBE amateur net is still cause to think. No questions of union growing, and two members --Ken Benner pros or cons are involved, merely the K7VJF, KBOW, Butte, Montana, and Fred needs for higher standards of engineer- Hervey of Chilton, Wisconsin W9IIU are ing qualification. At first glance the anxious to set up a schedule on 40 meter idea of a "Supergrade" engineer is very phone. How about it OM's perhaps we acceptable. What do our readers think? could hold some of our meetings that way: SUSTAINING MEMBERS

NEW WORKERS As our members know we had five staunch supporters in our Sustaining Members. Our plea last month did not go unanswer- These members joined as the result of ed ---we now have an associate editor in invitations sent out by the Society. the works, and a book reviewer. Now we We have now had the happy experience of need more authors, and more headquart- receiving an application from CONRAC ers staff. Please? who, having heard about SBE, have now become our sixth sustaining member. We THE CONSTITUTION welcome your membership and thank you for your support. Additional inquiries This issue contains the first draft of regarding advertising in the JOURNAL

3 BOOK REVIEWS have also been received. These are Standard Electronic Questions and An- truly signs that the SBE is receiving swers, Volumes I and II. Authors: Steve national notice. Elonka and Julian Bernstein. Published 1964 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, 330 W. REFRAINING MEMBERS 42 St., New York 30, N.Y. Price (both volumes) $15.95. Unfortunately a word that rhymes with "sustaining", describes far too many of In simple, non technical language, this our members. These are all good men two -volume set provides comprehensive who have joined and sent in their dues, and dependable coverage of basic and but now they are content to lean back practical electronics for the man en- and wait for the other members to pro- gaged in all fields of technology. The vide the reading material that goes books are broad in scope, andaall major between the covers of the JOURNAL. If topics are presented in easy -to -read, the SBE is to grow and prosper, all the question -and -answer form. A minimum of charter members must help it with deeds, mathematics is used. such as material for the JOURNAL, or at least a new member or two. Unless we Volume I, entitled Basic Electronics, receive some more articles the follow- presents the fundamental principles of ing issue will consist of editorials, electronics simply so that the reader book reviews and chapter news, plus the will easily understand this complex final form of the Constitution and By - science without having to wade through Laws. We know our members do appreci- chapters of mathematics. The material ate the efforts of others in writing covered in this volume includes direct technical articles; for instance, the current, magnetism, inductance, capa- article on line voltage problems in the citance, alternating current, vacuum last issue received a number of plau- tubes, semiconductors and transistors, dits, and resulted in a request, print- voltage amplifiers, and power supplies. ed in this issue, for a subsequent article on telephone lines and their Volume II, entitled Industrial Applica- usage. No, who will help out with that tions, presents the many basic industrial topic for the March issue? We need it circuits in their simplest form and ex- by January 30 at the latestill plains exactly what happens inside each circuit and device to make it function. SECOND ANNUAL MEETING This volume covers oscillators, special circuits, transducers and sensors, con- The Second Annual Meeting of the Society trol systems, closed-circuit and color of Broadcast Engineers will be held in TV, industrial processes and devices, Washington, D.C. during the NAB Conven- and test equipment. tion in March, 1965. At this meeting a report will be made of the progress This has a lot of "meat" even for the to date, the membership will be asked advanced station engineer who may have to ratify the Constitution, By -Laws forgotten some basics; and Membership Standards, and to elect a slate of officers for the coming year. Plan to be present if at all possible. Date is Sunday March 21st, Electronic Analog and Hybrid Computers 1965 - time 2:30 PM. Room location to by Granino A. Korn, Ph.D., Professor of be announced later. Again our meeting Electrical Engineering, University of space is provided through the courtesy Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona, and Theresa M. of NAB to whom we would like to ex - Korn, M.S. 564 pages plus index; 442 express our sincere appreciation. illustrations; 6 x 9, McGraw-Hill; $17.50. Publication date: October 1964 TWO MISSING MEMBERS "Electronic Analog and Hybrid Computers" We have located two of our missing mem- presents authentic, up-to-date design bers (whose records were destroyed in information on hybrid analog-digital the fire), we still need addresses to computing devices and systems, includ- contact Messrs. Roos and Bryen. Where ing circuits for instrumentation, con- are you? trol, and data processing as well as for general-purpose problem solving.

4 SUSTAINING MEMBERS

It is with the greatest appreciation that the Society of Broadcast Engineers lists the following organizations as Sustaining Members. It is their support that has helped make these JOURNAL issues possible, and we hope that from time to time we shall have the pleasure of publishing articles from the pens of their engineers.

The Alford Manufacturing Company 299 Atlantic Avenue Boston 10, Massachusetts Manufacturers of Antenna Systems, transmission lines and equipments, etc.

Burke and James, Inc. 321 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago 4, Illinois Suppliers of every conceivable form of photogra- phic equipment for TV.

Electro Voice Incorporated* Buchanan, Michigan Noted for top quality broadcast microphones and loudspeakers.

Andrew Corporation Box 807 Chicago 42, Illinois Coaxial transmission line, switches, transmit- ting antennas and masts, etc. Auricon Division of Bach- Auricon Corporation 6968 Romaine St. Hollywood, California Everyone knows that this is the home of the trPY.o" and "Super -Pro" 16 mm S -o -P Camer?s for TV

Conrac Division ( Giannini Controls Corporation) Glendora, California. Top quality television monitors and video receivers for rebroadcast purposes.

*Also an advertiser. SBE JOURNAL rates available on request.

NEW PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION SBE EMBLEM The Andrew Corporation of Chicago, Ill. has just is- the sued Andrews Catalog Number 23. This presents Here is a suggestion for an SBE lapel badge or pin. in the widest selection of antenna system equiprrent It represents a microphone with antenna and ground industry. 96 Pages cover complete product information symbols surrounding a TV Camera. Background could and performance data together.with engineering infor- be blue with various colors indicating degrees of mation, on antennas from 2.5 me to 13.2 gc. Trans- membership level. Comments please. missinn line data is also included.

The latest developments in antenna positioners, and associated equipment is also included together with comprehensive user information.

The catalog is available from Andrew Corporation, P.O. Box 807, Chicago, Ill. 60642. PROPOSED CONSTITUTION: THE SOCIETY OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS, INC.

Article 1. Name: 4. The creation of a working alliance, and a meeting of minds, all aspects of 1. The name of this organization shall broadcasting: including the FCC, other be the Society of Broadcast Engineers, organizations allied to Broadcasting, Incorporated. management groups, and the ultimate and most important facet of all broadcasting, z. As shall be deemed necessary geogra- the listener and listener groups. phical groupings of members shall be authorized by the Officers: Chapters 5. To these ends it shall be the pur- or Regions of the Society of Broadcast pose of the Society to hold meetings for Engineers to encompass natural section- the reading and discussion of professional designations of the United States; al papers, publications, communications Sections, locally organized groups of and for such other professional activi- Members and Associates; and Student ties as shall properly fulfill the ob- Sections, either a part of a regular jects of the Society. Section, or to be established on an accredited university campus under the Article III. Membership: sponsorship of the SBE Regional Officers. The Membership of the Society shall consist of persons elected to the Society 3. The Society shall be incorporated. by procedures set forth in Article I of the By -Laws of this Constitution. The 4. The Society shall be a non-profit rights and privileges of membership corporation, and any assets remaining shall be as hereinafter defined: at a time of dissolution of the society shall be returned in equal shares to all 1. Honorary Member: A person of out- currently paid up members. standing repute and eminence in the Art and Science of Broadcast Engineering or Article II. Objects: any of its allied professions, may be elected to Honorary Membership by the The purposes and objects of the Society Board of Governors (National Officers) of Broadcast Engineers shall be: and thus become entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Society. 1. The diffusion and increase of operational and scientific knowledge, in 2. Fellow: A member who has rendered Broadcast Engineering; and the promotion conspicuous service, or is recognized as and advancement of this science and its having made valuable contribution to the allied arts, in both theoretical and advancement of broadcast engineering, practical applications. dissemination of knowledge thereof, the promotion of its application in practice, 2. The establishment or standards of or having rendered signal service to the professional education, training, and Society, may be elected a Fellow of the competance for engineers engaged in the Society. profession of broadcast engineering; and to afford professional recognition 3. Member: Any person active in Broad- of the achievement of these standards. cast Engineering who has an academic degree in engineering or its equivalent 3. The stimulation of interest in in scientific or professional experience Broadcast Engineering, the encourage- in Broadcast Engineering or a closely ment of the exchange and intercourse of related field or art, shall be eligible ideas among its members, and the promo- for election to Membership in the Soci- tion and maintenance of the highest ety and upon election shall be entitled professional standards among its mem- to all the rights and privileges of the bers. Society. 4. Associates and Students: Any per- designated Governors for the terms of son engaged in the objectives of the their appointments with confirmation by Society, yet falling short of the re- election. quirements of the higher grades may be eligible for election to Associate 2. The terms of office of the President grade. Any person actively engaged in and Vice Presidents shall be for one the study of related Engineering fields year. shall be eligible for election to the grade of Student Member. These two 3. The terms of office of Secretary classes shall not vote in Regional or and Treasurer shall be one year. National elections, nor shall they be eligible to hold office in other than 4. The terms of the elected Governors Student Sections of the Society. shall be for two years.

5. All of the above named classes of 5. With the exception of the Secretary, Membership shall hold a valid radio- Treasurer, and Editor, no Officer or telephone First -Class license, as Governor shall serve consecutive terms. issued by the Federal Communications Commission, unless specifically ex- 6. Each term shall begin and end with empted by the Governing Officers of the the Annual Meeting, the time of which Society. shall be established by the Officers, but no later than the Annual NAB Con- 6. Sustaining Members: Any person, vention. corporation, or organization annually contributing substantially to the 7. No Officer shall receive any emolu- Society shall be eligible to election ment or fee from the Society except as to Sustaining Membership in the Society. authorized by resolution of the Govern- ing Officers and approval by the Mem- Article IV. Dues: bership.

1. The amount and method of collection 8. The Executive Committee shall con- of initiation fee and dues shall be sist of the Elected Officers and the provided for in the By -Laws of the Soci- chairmen of all standing committees. ety. 9. Five members of the Governing 2. The amount of rebate of dues col- Officers shall constitute a quorum. lected from members to local and regional sections shall be determined by 10. The President shall preside at the action of the Governing Officers and regular meetings of the Society or Gov- remitted to these sections. erning Officers, and shall be Chairman of the Executive Committee. 3. Assessments upon members shall be made only upon resolution of the Govern- 11. The Executive Vice President shall ing Officers, and approved by a majori- assume the duties of the President in ty vote of the eligible Membership. his absence or incapacity, and shall otherwise assist the President. Article V. Government and Officers: 12. The Secretary shall be responsible 1. The governing body of the Society for all records and books of account of shall be known as the Board of Govern- the Society, and shall record the min- ing Officers and shall consist of the utes of all meetings of the Society and President, Executive Vice President, the Governing Officers. He shall also Regional Vice Presidents, Secretary, conduct the correspondence of the Soci- Treasurer and such Governors as shall ety and the Governing Officers. All of be deemed necessary at the first or- the Secretary's records shall be open ganizational meeting of the Officers to inspection by members in good stand- Pro Tem, all of which shall be elected ing at reasonable times. by the membership. There shall also be established the office of Editor, to 13. The Treasurer shall generally su- be appointed by the Governing Officers. pervise all accounts and monies of the Chairmen of the Admissions, Nominations, Society, under direction of the Govern- and Finance Committees shall also be ing Officers, and shall establish such

7 accounts as shall be designated by the Article VIII. Regional, Local, Section- Governing Officers. He shall have al Constitution: charge of all funds of the Society, and shall be responsible for the prompt 1. Subdivisions of the Society shall collection of Dues from the Membership. be governed by Constitutions and By - All checks shall require at least two Laws substantially in form and agree- signatures of the Governing Officers ment with this Constitution and By -Laws, for authorization. with such special provisos necessary that will not be inconsistent with this Article VI. Meetings: Constitution.

1. There shall be an annual meeting of 2. The Constitution and By -Laws of the Society at a time and place to be such sub -sections of the Society shall determined by the Officers Pro Tem. be approved by counsel, The Executive The decided date of the meeting shall Committee of the Society or such sub- become a part of this Constitution. committee as they shall designate, and the Governing Officers, before authori- 2. Regular meetings shall be held as zation is granted. determined by the Board.

3. Meetings of the Governing Officers BY-LAWS OF THE shall be held as necessary, but in no SOCIETY OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS event at intervals of more than one year. Article 1. Membership:

Article VII. Amendments: 1. Honorary Membership: Candidates for election to Honorary Membership 1. This Constitution and By -Laws may shall be proposed in writing by a vot- be amended as follows: On a Resolution ing member. Such proposal shall in- proposed by the Governing Officers, or clude a brief biography of the candidate Petition by not less than twenty-five and the endorsement of ten voting mem- Members in good standing and after bers, and shall be submitted to the approval as to legality by counsel. Govering Officers for consideration. The proposed amendment or amendments or If elected, the candidate shall be copies thereof shall be submitted to notified by the Secretary. The Govern- the Membership for majority approval by ing Officers shall confer the Honorary ballot thereon. Membership in such manner as they deem appropriate. 2. The Amendment Ballot shall be mailed to every Member in good standing, at 2. Fellowship: Candidates for elec- least 30 days but not more than 40 days tion to Fellowship shall be proposed in prior to the date of the election which writing by a voting member. Such pro- shall be determined by the Governing posal shall include a brief biography Officers. The Ballot shall include the of the candidate and the endorsement of date for return to the Society for it five voting members and shall be sub- to be counted. mitted to the Governing Officers for consideration. If elected, the Secre- 3. All Ballots shall be counted within tary shall notify the candidate, and 30 days the of date of the election, the Governing Officers shall confer the and if two-thirds or more of the bal- Fellowship upon the candidate in such lots cast are in favor of the amendment, fashion as shall be deemed appropriate. the amendment shall become part of the Constitution and By -Laws, and shall 3. Membership: Candiates for election take effect 30 days after its adoption. to Membership shall make application to the Admissions Committee on forms pro- 4. Copies of the amendment shall be vided. Upon acceptance by the Commit- distributed to all members as soon as tee, the candidate shall be notified by practicable after passage and enact- the Secretary. ment.

8 4. Associate and Student Membership: advance and shall become due and pay- Candidates for election to the Associ- able on the 1st day of April of each ate grade shall make proper application and every year... to the Admissions Committee upon forms provided. A bill for annual dues shall be mailed Candidates for the grade of Student to each member 30 days before due date. Member shall make proper application to the Admissions Committee on forms pro- A Membership card shall be mailed to vided: However: Students must provide each member upon receipt of dues. the endorsement of their College Advi- sor to certify their Student status. New Members shall receive a diploma - Student membership shall not exceed the type Membership certificate suitably member's term in college or university, engrossed, to indicate their grade of and shall be convertible to Member Membership and year of joining the grade with no further action, provided Society. Charter Members shall be so all membership requirements are met on indicated upon their membership certi- satisfactory completion of their edu- ficates. cation. When a member's dues are two months in 5. All members in all grades shall be arrears, a notice shall be mailed: actively engaged in the art and science when a member's dues are three months of Broadcasting and/or its allied in arrears, a final bill shall be mail- fields, and must be the possesor of a ed. When a member's dues are four valid FCC Radiotelephone First -Class months in arrears, his membership shall license, with the sole exception of be terminated. Honorary and Sustaining Members. Reinstatement and Resignations shall be 6. Sustaining Membership: Upon ac- handled upon a basis to be determined ceptance, by majority vote of the Gov- by the first elected Board. erning Officers of a substantial contribution to the Society by a cor- Military Service: Any Member entering poration, or organization, Sustaining Military Service shall have his dues Membership shall be conferred upon placed in abeyance, with no further such contributor. payments necessary until his release from Military service. His Membership 7. Society members shall be author- shall become inactive until dues pay- ized to use the following abbrevia- ments are resumed. tions or symbols indicating their grade of membership: Dues from local and Regional Sections will be determined and established by Hon. Member S.B.E. the first elected Board. F.S.B.E. M.S.B.E. Article III. Governing Officers: Ass. or Student Mem. S.B.E. Sustaining Mem. S.B.E. 1. Regular Meetings of the Governing Officers shall be held. The right to wear the Emblem of the Society is restricted to Members. 2. The time or place of a regular meeting of the Governing Officers may be Article II. Dues: altered or cancelled by a majority vote of the Governing Officers. The annual dues shall be as determined by the first elected Board 3. Special Meetings may be called by and shall be specified for: the President or any three of the Gov- erning Officers on 21 day notice. Honorary Member - None Fellow - Article IV. Committees: Member - Associate Member 1. Executive Committee: This Commit- Student Member - tee shall execute the policies of the Sustaining Member Society as determined by the Governing Officers. Annual dues shall be payable in 9 2. Chairman of the following committees be entered on the ballot. shall be appointed by the President with the consent and approval of the Govern- 2. Elections shall be by mail ballot ing Officers in majority. which shall be mailed to every voting member in good standing at least 30 days a. Nominations prior to the election date. The votes b. Convention shall be canvassed by a Board of Tellers, c. Admissions consisting of not less than five members d. Membership in good standing, appointed by the Gov- e. Finance erning Officers. f. Papers procurement g. SBE Journal The results of the Election shall be re- h. as required ported by the Chairman of the Board of Tellers to the President within twenty Such other chairmen of committees relat- days of the date of the Election, and ing to any of the subdivisions or branch- shall also report to the Secretary, who es of broadcasting or its allied arts shall notify the membership by mail. and crafts as shall be from time to time determined to be necessary 3. Any vacancies occuring among the officers or the elected members of the All Officers shall be ex -officio mem- Governing Officers may be filled for the bers of the foregoing committees. unexpired term by majority action of the Governing Officers 3. The duties of these committees shall be defined by the Governing Officers.... Frederick C. Hervey, Charter Member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers: Mem- Article V. Order of Business: ber, Admissions Standards Committee. Radio Station WHKW 1. At each annual meeting of the Soci- Route 3 (Quinney Road) ety, the general order of business Chilton, Wisconsin shall be as follows:

Remarks or address of President. Report of Secretary. Report of Treasurer. HIGHER BROADCAST ENGINEERING STANDARDS Reports of Committees. continued from page 18 Results of Elections. Unfinished Business. this article may be wholly or partially New Business. unacceptable or distasteful to a majority of the broadcast industry, how- 2. Robert's Rules of Order, to es- ever it is hoped the discussion may tablish procedure and ensure decorum serve as an invitation to responsible shall govern all meetings of the Soci- persons or groups, among broadcasters, ety and its subdivisions. equipment manufacturers, and the FCC to even more constructive criticism Article VI. Nominations and Elections: and objective thinking concerning these matters. Perhaps a look backward and 1. A nominating committee shall be this quote from President Washington's appointed as provided herein and con- first inaugural address 'terror of sisting of at least ten members opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it", will in- At least 90 days prior to the date spire us toward a more progressive, fixed for the Election of Officers, and equitable, and well oriented industry. shall nominate a slate of officers and notify each member by mail

Any voting Member in good standing, by letter to the Secretary, not less than 60 days prior to the election date may propose and nominate a candidate, and the name of any eligible candidate so proposed by ten members or more shall

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor: member familiar with telephone company equipment on: Activity in this area for the Society seems to be growing rather slowly; al- The proper use of the repeater though the Journal is received and read transformer. by many of the local engineers. The use, by the phone company, of the line equalizer and the losses We should have some basic membership therein. standards in final draft by the time we The proper use of remote lines, have a general membership at the NAB. levels allowed and connections thereto. I do get a bit of comment on the "John" Reetz on the Membership Standards I read with great interest the article Committee. Perhaps it could be changed in the latest issue about mercury vapor in the next issue. rectifiers and changes to solid state. I have checked with my transmitter All of your hard work is very evident manufacturers (Gates) and find that they and much appreciated. do not recommend changing to solid state, but to cut down on the arc back, they Sincerely, recommend the use of the XE8008(Xenon). s/Leo W. Reetz These are directly interchangeable. Al- Chief Engineer though they do not have the lone life KCRG of the 8008 they seem to be more reliable. Editor: Sorry "John"lyou are now "Leo W." again.JHB. I have just gone through the same troubles as shown in the article on line voltage fluctuations. As our transmitter is out in the woods and on a "farm" Editor: line, to help stabilize the line the utility company puts capacitors on the I received the October '64 issue of the line to change the power factor and SBE Journal and noticed that a number of thereby raise and lower the line volt- chapters have been started. I would age, raising havoc with our transmitter like to organize one for Arizona. How output especially around "milking time", would we do it? Could you send me some six oclock at night. This is rough on application blanks; then I could call us as we operate remote from the studio an introductory chapter meeting and get and we have to monitor the output more as many members as possible. often than usual to keep within our limit. The article covers the subject Yours truly, very well. s/Albin R. Hillstrom Director of Engineer- Keep up the good work. I hope the more ing, experienced Engineers will write arti- KOOL, Phoenix, Ariz. cles to help those who are just start- ing in the station engineering business.

Editor: s/Burton B. Landry, Jr. WESO I enjoy the Journal and have learned Chief Engineer quite a bit about subjects that that I Southbridge, Masa. do not come into contact with very often but are necessary to have for later use.

I would like to see an article by a:SBE

11 NEWS OF CHAPTERS The Binghamton Chapter (No. i), Society of Broadcast Engineers held its third The Binghamton Chapter (No. 1), Society meeting of the 1964-1965 season at the of Broadcast Engineers held its second Colonial Motor Inn (Tally -Ho Room), Ves- meeting 27 October 1964 at WKOP Studio, tal, New York, Tuesday, 1 December 1964. Binghamton, New York. Mr. John Gallagher of Visual Electronics The meeting was attended by: gave a talk and demonstration on "Radio Program Automation using KRS Tape Ronald Simpson Cartridge Machines." WPEL Montrose, Pa. Thurlow Greene The Meeting was attended by: WSYE-TV Elmira, N. Y. David Shult Art French WPEL Montrose, Pa. WELM Elmira, N. Y. Charles Lissner Thurlow Greene WDLA Walton, N. Y. WSYE-TV Elmira, N. Y. Franklin Shelly, Jr. Ed Pettingill WINR Binghamton, N.Y. WENY Elmira, N. Y. Louveer Stantz Ronald Simpson WINR Binghamton, N. Y. WPEL Montrose, Pa. Gino Ricciardelle Gino Ricciardelli WINR Binghamton, N. Y. WINR Binghamton, N. Y. Edward Pettingill Wiley Bates WENY Elmira, N. Y. WCHN Norwich, N. Y. Art French Bruce Mackey WELM Elmira, N. Y. WKRT Cortland, N.Y. Robert Fiedler Charles Lissner WPEL Montrose, Pa. WDLA Walton, N. Y. Charles Hallinan Chalres Hallinan WKOP, Binghamton, N.Y. WKOP Binghamton, N. Y. Allen Bell Mr. John W. Beck of Rust Corporation of NY -Penn. Microwave Corp., America gave a talk and demonstration Corning, N.Y. of a new automatic transmitter logging device. Plans for our January meeting have not yet been completed. We propose to dis- The next meeting will be held December cuss the possibility of holding an 1, 1964 at the Colonial Motor Inn, Ves- "Area Meeting" with the Scranton Chap- tal, N.Y. Mr. John P. Gallagher of ter in April or May of 1965. We would Visual Electronics Corporation will give like to include Syracuse, N.Y. if they a talk and demonstration on the KRS ever get a chapter established. Tape Cartridge Machine and some of its applications, including radio station Please forward additional application automation. forms as we would like to increase the number of paid up members. According to our records we now have twelve.

12 HIGHER FCC and NAB BROADCAST ENGINEERING STANDARDS Versus FCC COMMERCIAL OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS

by R. J. Hendrick Bowling Green, Ky.

Three developments, that have taken place within the broadcasting industry and the FCC during the past few years have motivated and given impetus to the ideas, questions, and in- congruities discussed in this article. First; the FCC rules allowing automatic logging of program and operating logs, second; the much discussed problem of overpopulation or "birth control" of AM stations by the industry and the FCC, and third; the recent FCC rule changing commercial radiotelephone operator requirements.

Just to set the record straight and requirements are set forth for the auto- move any chips that may already be perch- matic logging of the operators' log, ed upon some shoulders (since I know briefly it is required that each parame- station owners and managers are also ter be logged a minimum of once each ten numbered among readers of this publica- minutes if a continuous aural alarm is tion) let me say that this article in no not provided to warn the operator if any way intends to reflect the thinking of of the operating constants are out of union or non-union groups. It is pre- tolerance at any time. sented in the hope of stimulating some objective thinking and perhaps provide Now, in what position does this place some motivation and incentives for seek- the station licensee as far as complying ing more realistic solutions to the with the present FCC rules? He is ex- problems that are plaguing the industry actly where he has always been, respon- and the FCC. I have been employed in sible for logging all required entries the broadcast industry for twenty years on the program and operator logs, wheth- and have never been a member of any er manual or automatic means of logging" labor union - not. that I am particularly is employed. No provision has been made against the unions, "the cookie just to protect him if his automatic logging crumbled that way." equipment fails, and that includes the two days each week that he is not re- AUTOMATIC LOGGING quired to have the transmitter equipment inspected and logged in the maintenance The subject of automatic logging is men- log if the station falls in this class. tioned here to question, and perhaps to emphasize, some of the inconsistencies Since the FCC has seen fit to permit the in the approach of broadcasters to the use of automatic logging devices, and in subject and some unclear points and lack some instances relaxation of operator of up -dating of the FCC rules and regu- requirements, it seems that a logical lations. So far as this writer has been sequence to these decisions would be able to determine no rules or regula- amended FCC rules and regulations, giving tions in the present FCC Standards re- station licensees some form of relief in lieve the station licensee of the case of automatic logging equipment responsibility of logging the entire failure. program content of broadcast day, including ID's, spot announcements, mech- A few specific instances that might get anical transcriptions, et cetera, in a station involved in logging violations other words he must account for every or lack of logs, under present FCC rules second of programming and the time it due to automatic equipment failure would. was on the air. Somewhat similar re- be during an inspection by an FCC Field

13 Engineer, at license renewal time if the defective stage? (with everything point- composite week logs were not complete, ing to a bad tube). A first, and then a or during routine FCC monitoring. Of second new tube off the shelf is sub- course failure to log at any time is a stituted and the trouble still persists, violation; the three instances mentioned now he really begins to get upset, and are just more likely to be checked and loses time by checking other components noticed. Assuming that the preceding only to come back later and try a third statements are essentially correct, the new tube - and behold everything is nor- recent actions of the Commission and the mal again. This is not too unusual a subsequent necessary revisions of the situation to occur in newly installed regulations to protect the licensee in electronic equipment or replacement com- case of automatic equipment failure ponents (although in all fairness to would be tantamount to lowering the en- equipment and component manufacturers gineering standards. These developments the percentage is very low). lead to one question. How can the FCC and the NAB, which proposed and sanc- Another incident, I am sure everyone is tioned these actions of the commission, familar with, occurred during the space reconcile these proceedings with pre- flight of Gordon Cooper in May 1963. viously released information that the Although the flight was not directly FCC and the NAB were for the most part associated with broadcasting, much of agreed that the logical and most practi- the electronic equipment used in the cal means of dealing with AM station spacecraft and ground station installa- overpopulation and deteriorating opera- tions is very similar to components used ting practices, was by implementing and in broadcasting, and must pass a much enforcing higher engineering standards? higher reliability and performance Incidentally, a considerable group of standard. Yet, with hundreds of mil- responsible broadcasters and profession- lions of dollars invested in this space al engineers have insisted that there project, equipment failure did occur. would be no overpopulation problem in During orbit number nineteen Cooper ad- AM if the FCC, over the years, had stuck vised the ground station that the lamp to engineering standards. indicating a re-entry sequence was on. This threw the ground station personnel -EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY into a frenzy. Luckily only a section of the electronic equipment had failed; I would be the last person to deny that however ground telemetry control, and tremendous improvements and increased the automatic control in the spacecraft reliability in modern broadcast equip- were inoperative, which meant that ment have occurred since the early days Cooper with the aid of a fellow astro- of broadcasting, in fact greater strides naut giving instructions from a station have been made along these lines since aboard a ship at sea had to attain his World War II than at any other period. re-entry maneuver and position manually. The beautiful, sleek, and highly depend- In other words with all the planning, able present day equipment from the huge monetary investment, and every microphone and camera, to the transmit- means of avoiding failure by the use of ter, is a far cry from the massive and back-up systems, if it had not been for at times crude installations of the the "human element" of engineering know- stations thirty or thirty-five years ledge to manually operate the system, ago. If you have ever had the (pleas- Cooper and spacecraft Faith VII would ure?) of maintaining or possibly build- undoubtedly still be orbiting the earth ing one of these old time composite because of "automatic" equipment fail- rigs, you can have no doubt or reserva- ure. tion about the tremendous progress that has been made in the performance stand- Now, I do not mean to suggest that fail- ards of equipment. ure of automatic or regular broadcast equipment would create the type of haz- However, equipment failures still occur ard just discussed, (although some sta- and in many instances under odd and tion managers and program directors sometimes weird circumstances. What have been known to exhibit similar broadcast technician or engineer "worth states of frenzy when an off the air his salt" has not found himself sweating outage occurs). and fuming over an audio amplifier or transmitter knowing he has isolated the The preceding example was given only to

]1+ emphasize that equipment is not yet fail - adhere to the standards and enforcement proof. Apparently many broadcasters procedures are rather lax, although the have reached the devious conclusion that FCC has tightened its checks somewhat in the "pinnacle of perfection" and the recent years. As was mentioned earlier ultimate in equipment design, develop- it seems that the NAB has taken a total- ment, and performance has been attained. ly contradictory attitude toward the Admittedly the use of automatic logging technical operation of broadcast sta- is a technological advancement and de- tions. NAB is apparently operating on finite advantage to many stations when the principle of not letting its right properly integrated with their particu- hand know what the left hand does. To lar operation. Equipment reliability be specific, NAB has established a com- and performance standards have risen mendable set of engineering standards sharply, but on the other hand the equip- for broadcast equipment and then plays ment is much more intricate, and compli- "the ostrich gamer" by hiding its know- cated, requiring technical personnel ledge of factual information and pro- with higher qualifications than the motes and endorses an action by the usual VOM, soldering iron, screwdriver, Commission, that in this writer's opin- and plier type technician. It is hoped ion, actually leads to lower standards, that broadcasters will not go overboard (recent operator requirement changes). on the reliability angle and drop their guards on proper maintenance and employ- A recent controversy that developed ment of qualified technical personnel between broadcasters and some advertis- and discover too late that they have ing agencies over disc -to -cartridge created a state of pandemonium for them- transfer quality somewhat substantiates selves with the FCC. the preceding condemnation of NAB policies, and emphasizes the need for a EQUIPMENT STANDARDS stepped up effort of controlling the technical standards of all stations. Broadcast engineering standards are Recent efforts of the NAB have been dir- specified by the Federal Communications ected toward setting up acceptable Commission, and promoted by the National standards for disc -to -cartridge trans- Association of Broadcasters dedicated to fer and also issues a guide for techni- up -grading and improving the industry cal personnel intended to aid them in through self -regulation. this task, but neglects to specify personnel qualifications. The FCC sets specific and minimum acceptable standards that equipment manufac- It appears that if the NAB is really turers must meet for transmitters, fre- sincere in promoting higher engineering quency monitors, and modulation monitors standards, a plan similar to the present as well as minimum performance standards system of the NAB Code Authority for for all other equipment from microphone controlling program and commercial ma- and camera to transmitter. The NAB sets terial could be incorporated as a tech- minimum industrywide technical require- nical department within the scope of ments for all types of audio amplifiers, the NAB Code Authority. Member stations disc recorders, tape recorders, turn- could be checked by the Code Authority tables, pick-up arms and cartridges and for the performance of equipment and in addition specifies recording stand- qualifications of personnel with suit- ards for disc and tape and many other able penalities levied against viola- standards too numerous to mention. Ob- tors. viously the NAB standards are not bind- ing but since this organization's PRESENT OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS activities are generally respected and accepted by broadcast equipment manufac- The end of World War II brought an up- turers and the FCC, NAB specifications surge to our domestic economy and many are more or less a guide for the indus- businesses and industries boomed, broad- try. casting being one of them. The FCC was besieged with applications for new AM Now all of these fine standards and stations. This was the beginning of the technical requirements for broadcast proliferation of these facilities which equipment should provide the industry exists today and as mentioned previous- with an excellent technical image. How- ly the cause for considerable concern ever the fact that many stations.do not by the Commission and the NAB. Follow -

15 ing the wholesale granting of new sta- Are the above conditions and procedures tion facilities there soon emerged a the intent of the FCC as set forth, or "new breed" of first class licensed op- implied, in the rules and regulations? erator, namely; the combination operator or "combo man" as he is commonly known. Recent FCC changes in operator require- Prior to this time this class of station ments effective April 19, 1964 will do personnel was practically non-existent little to alleviate the inadequacies as a predominate type. discussed in previous paragraphs. Re- placement of the restricted operators At the present time there are over 5000 permit with a third-class radiotelephone authorized AM, and FM stations and lit- license with broadcast endorsement re- erally hundreds of combination operators. quiring applicant to take a written ex- Combination operators are employed at amination of elements 1, 2, and 9, all classes of stations from 250 watt to raises the standards at the lower end 50 kw, and directionals. Station owners of the scale. and managers are largely responsible for the improper use of these men. "Shoe- But the five day a week inspection of string operators" and promoters usually the transmitter by first class operators with only one first class licensed man for some classes of stations, and allow- use him as a salesman, announcer, pro- ing part time or contract basis employ- gram director, copywriter and anything ment of first class operators for else they can find for him to do with certain other class stations could in little or no time to devote to mainte- effect lower the standards at the upper nance and equipment care. This is far end of the scale. Although it is true removed from the implied standards of that the five day a week transmitter the FCC. maintenance log puts a more rigid burden of proof on all stations and a The increased demand for combination op- greatly added burden on certain sta- erators has led to the intensive train- tions using remote control, particular- ing, --- drill and test --- type of ly certain FM stations; it is highly school, which is nothing more than a probable the contract operator provi - "license mill." These training courses sions of the regulation will result in usually guarantee a first class license more serious abuses of the operator and within five to six weeks. Let me em- maintenance requirements of the FCC phasize that the nationally know accred- than the previous full time first class ited technical and trade schools, operator requirement. resident and home study, that offer courses in technical training leading The unfairness and the inequities of to a first class license, rarely, if the operator burden upon various class- ever offer a "quickie" course of this es of stations created by the new rules type. The preceding statements are in becomes of considerable magnitude and no way a reflection on the high stand- importance, particularly in multi -sta- ards of these fine schools which have tion, highly competitive markets. A trained thousands of highly qualified typical example would be three AM sta- technical personnel throughout the tions operating in a city under 50,000 years. population. One station, a full time class IV; another, a class III 1 kw Many "combo men" readily admit that non -directional day, directional at they know relatively little regarding night; and the third a class III 1 kw maintenance and technical operation of directional full time. Now these three a station and have no desire to pursue stations are on a fairly equal basis as this line of employment. The only rea- far as power and coverage are concerned, son they secured their first class but the class IV station has a definite license was to enhance their ability to advantage with respect to operator re- get a job, or an increase in pay, plus quirements. Of course the major advan- the fact that the license was not too tage gained with the new rules is the difficult to secure. I personally know five day transmitter inspection re- men who have held a first class license quirement gained by the class IV sta- for ten years or longer to find them- tion, the other two stations continue selves completely helpless when a tech- to have to employ one or more first nical breakdown occurs. At the risk of class licensed operators seven days a being repetitious, I pose this question. week. Many stations are affected in

16 this manner and a definite and unjust tion operators at additional stations economic and operational advantage is not now permitted to do so. It seems afforded those stations that are able to feasible that this class of operator avail themselves of the new operator re- could be used at some directional and quirements. higher power stations for periods of possibly six hours or less, as long as SUGGESTED OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS an operator with a higher class license was readily available at all times, and After serious review and evaluation of who checks the equipment at several key existing FCC rules and regulations re- intervals during the broadcast day. lating to operator requirements and This line of reasoning agrees with the qualifications, the following facts are concept that modern broadcast equipment believed to be most pertinent in achiev- is more reliable and is based upon the ing a more practical and realistic fact that with higher technical qualifi- approach to operator standards. No cation standards these lower grade op- faults of any consequence could be found erators will have the equivalent or with the type or the material content of better technical knowledge than many the present FCC examinations for the first class operators on duty today. various classes of licenses. However, the type of examination lends itself It is also recommended that the rules well to the "license mill" type schools be revised to require at least one per- mentioned earlier. The one glaring son holding the proposed Engineer grade weakness is the Commissions qualifica- license be employed by AM stations with tion requirements (or lack of require- directional arrays or with 10 kw power ments) in order for an applicant to or higher, FM stations with 25 kw power take an examination. The only qualifi- or higher, FM stereo or multiplex sta- cations necessary relate to citizenship, tions, and all TV stations. character, age, physical fitness, and ability to read and write. No minimum The preceding changes and revisions are educational background, technical or considered to be of prime importance as otherwise or previous experience is re- a means of providing qualified operators quired. for all classes of stations with the greatest degree of fairness as possible The Commission by revising the rules and with minimum burden placed upon stations regulations of Section 13.5 to include and operators consistent with maintain- a minimum educational or experience re- ing high engineering standards. A tran- quirement for applicants seeking opera- sitional period of perhaps three to tors licenses before being permitted to five years would be necessary to give take an examination could be an effec- holders of existing operator licenses tive step toward providing the answer and stations maximum opportunity to to the industry's problems, of AM sta- meet the requirements listed in Table I. tion overpopulation and higher engineer- A grandfather clause would allow pre- ing standards and also serve to sent first class license holders meet- strengthen the industry and the FCC's ing the requirements to automatically control in these areas in the foresee- receive the Engineer grade license with- able future. out examination. Any first or second class license holder not meeting the Table I lists suggested revisions of new requirements for their class of FCC operator qualifications and also an license at renewal time would automat- additional higher class license, de- ically be reduced to the next lower signated FCC Radiotelephone Engineer. grade, subject to restoration of the This higher grade license would require higher grade upon meeting the qualifi- passing a written examination on a new cations and passing a re-examination element (possibly being designated 10) test. covering advanced material on directional antennas, FM stereo and multi- CONCLUSION plex, and TV operation and theory, in addition to elements 1, 2, 3, and 4. The enforcement of existing higher tech- By incorporating these operator stand- nical standards for stations and the ards in the FCC rules and regulations, updating of operator qualifications are it would be practical to utilize second long past due. The criteria, changes, and third class operators as combina- and remedial processes mentioned in

17 Table I

SUGGESTED CHANGES IN FCC LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL BROADCAST OPERATORS

Minimum Education or Experience To Be Class of License Submitted On Revised FCC Operators License Application Form 756.

At least 6 weeks study with successful Third Class completion of course for FCC elements 1, Radiotelephone 2, and 9 at an accredited school, either Operator resident or home study or affidavit from 1st class radiotelephone operator attesting Broadcast to at least 3 months training and super - Endorsement vision indicating adequate knowledge to operate and attend licensed equipment.

Second Class At least 3 months study with successful Radiotelephone completion of course for FCC elements 1, Operator 2, 3, & 9 at an accredited school, either resident or home study or affidavit from Broadcast 1st class radiotelephone operator attesting Endorsement to at least 6 months training and super- vision indicating adequate knowledge to (NEW) operate and perform limited maintenance on class of licensed equipment covered.

At least 6 months study with successful completion of course for FCC elements 1, 2, 3, fe 4 at an accredited school, either First Class resident or home study or affidavit from Radiotelephone 1st class radiotelephone operator attesting Operator to at least 1 years training and super- vision indicating adequate knowledge to operate and maintain the class of licensed equipment covered.

At least 1 years study with successful completion of Communications Electronics or similar course at an accredited school, FCC either resident or home study or affidavits Radiotelephone from at least two competent persons; con - Engineer suiting engineers, 1st class radiotelephone operators, station managers etc., attesting that you have held a 1st class license for at least 5 years, performed installation (NEW) and maintenance duties at one or more of the following class stations. AM stations with 10 kw. or higher power or employing DA, FM stations with 25 kw. or higher power or utilizing stereo or multiplex, or TV stations.

continued on page 10 THE INSTITUTE OF BROADCAST ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1841, Annapolis, Md.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Application is hereby made for membership in the Institute of Broadcast Engineers with the grade of * The following information is supplied to assist the admissions committee in assessing my qualifications.

Name

** Address

Position

Employer

** Address

Engineering Qualifications Degree? University Year

FCC Licenses Years of Responsible Engineering Experience Brief Professional History

Fields of Engineering Activity...Radio....Television....Transmission

Studio....Other

Two References who are Familiar with my Work

Name and Address

Annual Dues of $10 are enclosed herewith (no action can be taken if dues

do riot accompany application). I agree to follow the Constitution and By -

Laws of the Institute if admitted. Signed Date

Admissions Col littee Action. Date Approved for Grade....Approved for Grade indicated Action deferred for more information Canditate Notified Chairman's Signature Entered in Records

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