[cma-l] Signal Strength

Fri May 21 14:25:00 BST 2010

Hi Ian,

I agree that 75dBuV/m is more than enough for modern receivers, after all
the standards were drawn up in the 60s. Also 66dBuV/m is a good working
signal strength however many CRs (including mine) do not achieve that. 

My Point is that it is incorrect to give blanket ERP of 25W is to each CR.
Who is to say that in an extreme case 570W isn't right for a station with
challenging a environment.  

The analogy is, if you're trying to hear a conversation with other people
shouting in the room, then everyone must shout to be heard. The BBC and
early Commercial stations were given very generous TX power and channel
spacing. Hence it is very difficult for the whispers of CR to be heard in
crowd. 

It is logical therefore to increase CR TX allowances to compensate. A
downside may be some adjacent channel interference in marginal areas, but
that is no worst than now and allows better penetration in licensed coverage
areas.  

Alan

From: Ian Hickling [mailto:transplanfm at hotmail.com] 
Sent: 20 May 2010 8:21 AM
To: alan.coote at btinternet.com; cma-l
Cc: Philip Furnivall; neal; robert.pobjoy; Doug Stewart-Hale
Subject: Signal Strength

Alan
This isn't going to happen unfortunately, because CR stations inherently
serve different-sized areas and terrains.
Also, signal strength, measured in dBuV/m is a function of where the
receiver is - not the source ERP.
48dBuV/m in our experience is perfectly adequate for resolved mono and 64
for good stereo.
Raising the standard for stereo to 75 would require a nominal factor of 11,7
increase in transmitter power - taking the usual 50W to 570W.
Not I suggest within the scope of most existing transmitters - and certainly
not within Ofcom's brief or current mind-set!
The solution is better attention to the present FM spectrum - and if course
the full complete and efficient eradication of all illegal broadcasters.
Both an essential part of Ofcom's practical brief in my view.
Ian H

  _____  

From: alan.coote at btinternet.com
To: transplanfm at hotmail.com; jaqui.devereux at commedia.org.uk
CC: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
Subject: RE: [cma-l] CMA Proposals for Jeremy Hunt - Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport
Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 00:24:08 +0100

I agree with Ian, on the Pirate radio issue and add;

I know that Ofcom have an obligation to tackle pirate radio and actively do
so where practical.  The issue of community radio's limited ability to
combat pirate radio is down to the paltry transmitter power and therefore
signal strength. 

We should insisted that ALL community radio stations are permitted to
increase their signal field strength to 75uV - the ITU standard. Currently,
most if not all are significantly less than this and therefore very
susceptible to interference and poor penetration in urban areas. 

The key advantages are that nearly all station will be able make this change
at no cost and increase their viability through better audience reach, while
not effective legitimate broadcaster.  Surely this is a no brainer? 

Regards

Alan

Alan Coote

Managing Director 

The Bay Radio

Office 01202 580200

Studio 01202 571028

Mobile 07801 518858

Email alan.coote at thebayradio.com

Web www.thebayradio.com <http://www.thebayradio.com/>       

The-Bay-logo-small.gif 

From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk
[mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] On Behalf Of Ian Hickling
Sent: 12 May 2010 9:19 PM
To: Jaqui Devereux
Cc: cma-l
Subject: [cma-l] CMA Proposals for Jeremy Hunt - Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport

Yes, Jaqui, there is.
My quoted extract from your response below is not strong enough by a long
way.
Ofcom will never countenance allocating more power to Community Radio
licensees in order to fight pirate radio interference.
That's working backwards.
What it can do, and indeed should do, but what it won't do without the
motivation empowerment and funding from Government is to actively and
effectively eradicate pirate radio and positively source usable FM channels
for new Community Radio stations in every location where there is a demand -
rather than shut the door on applications before it has done its homework.

That's what you should be asking - nay - demanding.

Ian Hickling
Partner
transplan UK

  _____  

> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 19:47:08 +0100
> From: jaqui.devereux at commedia.org.uk
> To: transplanfm at hotmail.com
> CC: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Subject: Re: [cma-l] Jeremy Hunt MP confirmed as Secretary of State for
Culture, 
> Olympics, Media and Sport
> 
> Arguing to ensure that the growth of community media (radio, TV and
> internet based projects) is recognised, valued and funded in
> appropriate ways, through appropriate funding and spectrum allocation
> policies (including power transmission issues for those of you
> fighting pirate radio)
> 
> Let us know if we have missed anything you would like us to put forward.
> 
> Best wishes
> 
> Jaqui
> 
> Director, Community Media Association
> 

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