A current E-Book “Radio World” provides resources for the new generation of low-power FM radio stations currently on the air in the United States. This interview is an excerpt.
Aqua Broadcast is a manufacturer of FM transmitters, amplifiers and audio processors. Brendan Lofty is Business Development Manager.
RW: How can a new station go on air cost-effectively?
Sublime: LPFM is rewarding, but cost issues often play a big role. With careful planning and strategic decisions, launching your station begins with researching equipment options from trusted suppliers and manufacturers. Transmitters, antennas and studio equipment vary in price, but try to understand your local radio market, budget and future when making these decisions.
Buy the most energy efficient appliances possible, including transmitters. Energy costs are constantly rising and are an important consideration. Calculate your total energy costs and combine them with appliances that maximize consumption and provide environmental benefits.
Your transmitter will be in operation for many years, so a quality antenna is also important. You will need EAS and studio equipment. Also ask your equipment dealer about financing options tailored to LPFM.
RW: How can broadcasters maximize the reach of their signal?
Sublime: Use the services of an experienced technical consultant to design a system that maximizes your signal potential. The right antenna is critical.
Choose a location that will maximize your signal within the scope of your license. Your consultant will work with your team to ensure FCC regulations are met from a technical perspective. Don’t forget to bring in a professional attorney to work with from a legal perspective.
Keep cable lengths as short as possible and make sure you maximize your overall performance within regulations. Choose a transmitter that offers multiple types of audio inputs to make the most of the different ways of delivering audio to the transmitter site. And make sure your modulation level is correct.
Radio World: Describe the products you offer that are relevant to low power FM transmitters.
Brendan Lofty: Our corporate planning ensured that the Cobalt FM transmitter was the right transmitter for the LPFM in the US. In early 2023, we heard that there would be a new registration window and the official announcement came sooner than expected. Working with our partners at SCMS, we positioned our products with promotions and stock for the American market. SCMS offers the Cobalt transmitters for all user types as well as LPFM-specific product packages that cover the transmission chain.
Cobalt received a “Best of Show” award from Radio World at this year’s NAB Show.
RW: Are there any common mistakes or misunderstandings that you would like to see cleared up?
Sublime: Only FCC certified transmitters are approved for use with LPFM. These transmitters are provided with an FCC ID label. Do not be fooled by terms such as “type accepted”, “type approved” or “type verified”. A declaration of conformity from the supplier is also insufficient.
Our Cobalt transmitters from 10 watts to 1 kW are FCC certified for LPFM use under Part 73 regulations, so you are prepared for future FCC power adjustments. This means they have been independently lab tested and meet the stringent FCC regulations.
While stations without an FCC ID label may be suitable for other broadcast services such as full-service FM, they may not be legally used in LPFM.
(REC Networks maintains a list of certified LPFM transmitters.)
RW: What technical tips can you give a manager or engineer to help them get the most out of their equipment purchase?
Sublime: Think ahead. How will your station’s content needs evolve? For example, we offer multiple ways to stream audio to your station, with options such as Dante, MicroMPX or an IP codec. This flexibility ensures you can adapt to new formats and delivery methods you need now or in the years to come.
IT security is important for all broadcasters, so our transmitters are equipped with HTTPS and secure email protocols. SNMP v1, v2c and v3 protocols provide advanced control and monitoring capabilities.
Other useful features on our transmitters include a built-in audio processor to optimize your sound, remote access with status alerts and notifications to keep you informed and in control, and silence detection with audio failover.
RW: Is there a station among your customers that you think embodies the best of LPFM?
Sublime: Radio-Radio 101.5 and 107.7 in Greenville, SC are WRTH(LP) and W299BO. They are run not only by modern engineers, but also by programmers. Longtime programmer/engineer Dave Solomon built the station with both mindsets in mind.
As a classic hits station, WRTH offers top-notch Tony Griffin jingles, hourly national news, local news during rush hours, market station weather, local announcers and a full complement of syndicated weekend shows. They also boast of being all digital thanks to upgraded AES/EBU studios and the digital MPX and digital exciter in their new Aqua Broadcast transmitter. Dave told us that the edge signal noise has virtually disappeared, which is important since WRTH is flanked by two co-channel FM repeaters, a new co-channel LPFM and two neighboring transmitters.
“With only 25 watts ERP, we want to do everything we can to deliver as much signal to the audience as possible,” said Dave.
WRTH celebrates its tenth anniversary in July and continues to provide its audience with first-class service at every stage of the broadcast. The staff also oversees LPFM radio and works as an advocate for other licensees, both with the FCC and in the construction and operation of the stations.
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