Low Power Television (LPTV)
and Class Stations

If a client has filed an application (for a new or modified facility) which is mutually exclusive with other applications, Smith and Fisher can review those competing applications for engineering errors.

If problems are discovered, we can prepare the engineering support for the filing of an opposition to that application. We can also define the extent to which all applications form a “daisy chain” and offer suggestions, if possible, for ways to extricate a client’s application from the group. If successful, the application can then be granted by the FCC.

Smith and Fisher can help clients determine if the coverage of their station can be improved through power increase, site re-location, antenna change, height increase or a combination of these factors.  Our site location service can help in determining the best site available within the constraints of FCC coverage and interference requirements.

With respect to site changes, if there is an existing tower/tall building within the desired area and it is registered with the FCC, we can provide contact information.  If a new tower must be constructed, we can help define the area in which the tower must be located and assist in the filing for FAA approval and FCC tower registration.

For applications that require a new antenna, we can work directly with any antenna manufacturer to develop an efficient, cost-effective antenna solution that yields the desired coverage.

Many LPTV stations have decided to transition from analog to digital operation with their present facility. This is called a “flashcut”. Smith and Fisher can conduct the interference studies necessary to determine whether or not such a change in the station can be made on the present channel.

This study also reveals the limit of possible coverage on the station’s existing channel and whether or not it would be more advantageous to seek an alternate channel. If a flashcut proposal is feasible, Smith and Fisher can prepare the engineering portion of the application and upload the information into FCC Form 346 (LPTV stations) or FCC Form 301-CA (Class A stations).

There are instances where an LPTV station or authorization can change the operating channel without subjecting the proposal to competing applications. If a station is presently authorized to operate on an “out of core” channel (Channels 52 to 69) it is eligible to seek operation on a core channel (Channels 2 through 51) by filing a displacement application.

Similarly, if a station presently causes or receives predicted or actual interference or is a certain distance from a co-channel full-power digital television station, a displacement application can be filed. Smith and Fisher can conduct the interference studies necessary to determine if a station is eligible for a displacement filing. We can also conduct the channel studies necessary to determine if a suitable in-core channel is available.

If so, Smith and Fisher can prepare the engineering portion of the displacement application and file it on FCC Form 346 (LPTV stations) or FCC Form 301-CA (Class A stations).

Smith and Fisher can prepare the engineering portion of an FCC Application for License and upload the data into the on-line form (FCC Form 302-TV).  We can also help a client determine if a change made between the issuance of the Construction Permit and the construction of the actual facility can be made on a license application or if a modification application must be filed first.

Smith and Fisher can design and prepare the engineering portion of an FCC application for an auxiliary or backup facility.

In some cases, a client needs to put a facility on the air quickly and usually temporarily.  Smith and Fisher can assist in the design of such a facility and then prepare and file the engineering portion of such an FCC application.

With a thorough understanding of the Commission’s technical rules, Smith and Fisher can assist clients with their interpretation and help answer specific questions relating to these sometimes complex regulations.  Studio and transmitter location requirements, transmission standards as well as coverage and interference Rules are a few of the many issues that we can address.

Smith and Fisher can prepare any type of map a client desires.  Coverage contours for any station can be created.  These maps include population values using the latest U.S. Census data and can be used for station advertising.

Smith and Fisher have software that can identify, on a predicted basis, station coverage of a given area or impediments that may adversely affect reception of a particular station’s signal.

These impediments can include terrain obstructions and interference from other co-channel and adjacent-channel facilities.  We provide to our clients detailed maps on which the desire station’s signal strength as well as predicted interference to that signal can be plotted.

Our studies identify the cause of the potential or actual problem and we can offer specific solutions stations can use to overcome the reception issue.

In some cases, it is advantageous to have actual field strength readings in order to clearly define actual coverage and signal reception issues.  Smith and Fisher can prepare a detailed field measurement program that fits the scope of the and then implement that plan in the field, using signal strength meters and receivers to capture both signal strength values and picture quality observations.

Our report of findings not only summarizes the data collected, but also offers solutions to whatever reception problems are identified by the project.   Our firm also specializes in helicopter measurements of in-place antenna patterns.  Signal strength readings are taken as the helicopter flies around a station’s antenna at a given height and distance.

Multiple circuits are conducted and the readings averaged along each azimuth and plotted on a circular graph.  These measurements can then be compared to the theoretical pattern in order to determine if the antenna is performing properly or if there are significant signal degradation effects from the mounting structure.

Smith and Fisher can take the lead management position in the construction of a new or modified television facility. We maintain the software and industry knowledge to be involved in the initiation, development, execution, controlling, and closing stages of any broadcast project.

Smith and Fisher strives to achieve all of the project goals and objectives while honoring the preconceived project constraints, including scope, time, and budget.

Smith and Fisher can site-inspect any station’s studio and transmitting facilities and prepare a report which inventories the equipment (and its condition) associated with it.  This can be important in cases where a station buyer performs a due diligence assessment or a prospective buyer wants to know more about the facility under consideration.

If need be, this service can be combined with a signal measurement or picture quality observation program designed and implemented by us.

If a client is looking to buy or sell a television station, Smith and Fisher can provide a range of services that can be used to compare various stations in the market (or to simply look at a single station) with respect to coverage, interference-free coverage, and improvement possibilities.  Maps and population reports detailing the results of these studies can be provided.

Smith and Fisher can calculate a station’s ground-level RF contribution to the environment surrounding the transmitter site and provide that calculation in an engineering statement.  This can then be used as part of an Application for Construction Permit or an Application for Renewal of License.

Calculations can also be made of complex broadcast sites, where RF contributions from many stations must be considered.  In cases where actual power density values must be determined, we have the expertise and state of the art equipment necessary to conduct detailed RFR measurements and provide guidance to clients to ensure that all areas are compliant with the Commission’s human exposure guidelines and to significantly reduce station liability in this regard.  In complex RF environments, we have the tools to determine individual station contribution to the overall power density in any area.

In cases where a client is considering the construction of a new broadcast tower or an increase in height of an existing tower, Smith and Fisher can file the necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 7460-1 for approval.  In addition, we can work with the client to identify potential aeronautical issues with specific sites and act as liaison with the FAA if problems are identified.

If additional aeronautical expertise is required, Smith and Fisher can provide contact information for various Aeronautical Consultants we routinely work with and coordinate a given project’s FCC allocation considerations with the FAA considerations to arrive at the optimum site location.

Once a new or modified structure receives FAA approval, Smith and Fisher can help the client register the tower with the Federal Communications Commission on FCC Form 854.  Not only is this an FCC requirement, but a broadcast construction permit cannot be issued until such registration is complete.

One benefit to tower registration is that this database is routinely searched by broadcast and non-broadcast telecommunications owners for the co-location of facilities, which can be a source of additional income for the tower owner.

If a technical issue arises involving the Federal Communications Commission, Smith and Fisher can deal directly with the engineers at the FCC.  We have relationships with most of the engineers and Bureau chiefs and we can help stations resolve issues or answer questions raised by the Commission.