Location Location

[Keitha http://groups.google.com/group/ausytaliaradiobroadcastingmoderated]

Location?
For licenced LPONs There are already
some maps showing where available frequencies
will be most likely. Unfortunately, open space
is primarily in rural areas -- there is almost no likelihood of
finding a frequency if you are within 20 miles of the 5 largest cities
i, and very little chance if you are within 30 miles of the largest 10
cities.
But you can still try if you want to.
The Aerial location should be as high an elevation
as possible, and it needs access
to electrical power and a place to put your transmitter
.
A normal FM station transmits at thousands of watts. This level of
power means that the station needs lots of expensive transmitting
equipment, as well as a fairly substantial antenna. It might cost in
the range of a million dollars to get a basic FM station on the air at
this level of power, and it can cover an entire urban area.

That level of investment has several side effects. First, only a
business entity or an extremely wealthy individual can afford to
create an FM station, and the station must, of necessity, be driven by
business logic in order to cover the high operating costs. This limits
creativity and makes it difficult for small organizations or
individuals to get air time.

The LPFM station is designed to let individuals and small
organizations own and operate radio stations for a wide variety of not-
for-profit reasons. In this sense in the us, the FCC is trying to
bring station creation closer to normal people -- in the same way that
anyone can create a Web page. It's not quite that simple, but at least
they are headed in the right direction.

In the USAn LPFM station is a 10-watt or 100-watt transmitter. This
level of power gives the station a range of approximately 3.5 miles
(5.6 km). A transmitter this size and its antenna might cost $2,000 to
$5,000. In a city, the range of an LPFM transmitter can encompass lots
of people, and it can completely cover an entire neighborhood or
community area. The owner/operators of low-power FM radio stations
could include, among others:

* Religious groups
* Local neighborhoods
* Amusement parks
* Sponsored school stations for parents picking up or dropping off
children
* Ethnic organizations wanting to create foreign language
programming
* Race track pit and parking areas, as an extension to a public
address system
* Universities too new or previously unable to get a full-power
license
* Movie-theater schedule information
* Interstate highway rest stops
* High schools Tourist Radio etc

The Mulcher from NZ says Developing a successful mini station involves
much more than simply obtaining a low power FM transmitter, plugging
it in and playing music on air. It is necessary to also consider:

* the likely broadcast area of the station and ensuring the
station does not interfere - or receive interference - from other low
power FM broadcasters in the area, and selecting the most appropriate
frequency to broadcast on
* determining the best studio location and the most optimal
position and angle for the antenna
* what other equipment is needed in the studio, including gear to
adequately compress the broadcast signal
* what software to used to ensure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
trouble-free operation
* ensuring that the station is logically programmed and sounds
professional
* ensuring the station meets broadcast rules and regulations,
governing what content can and cannot be played on air
* how best to generate suitable station stings and branding
material
* ensuring the station has the appropriate licensing agreements in
place to cover the playing of music on air
* ... and a host of other issues that need consideration

When we assist with starting up a low power FM radio station in NZ,
typically the station will include the following features:

* FM broadcast transmitter and antenna system
* robust audio compression hardware
* mixing desk, professional microphones and computer system
* the ability to take phone calls live on air
* the ability for two people to co-host a live to air show
* reliable radio automation software which allows you to easily
schedule exactly what content you want played at what time of the day.
This software ensures your radio station enjoys 24 hours / 7 days a
week trouble-free operation.

With our extensive experience of establishing low power FM stations,
as well as seeing this process through to the full power stage, we
know the most efficient and cost effective way to set up a station. A
low power FM radio station can be set up in as little time as two
weeks.

When we develop LPFM radio stations, the support we offer includes
advice, supplying of all the equipment you'll need, information on
radio spectrum regulations and music licensing requirements,
programming information, details on how to recruit DJs as well as
ongoing technical assistance. We can also install the equipment for
you, and also provide onsite training on using the equipment, as well
as the finer points of radio station management.

Good Luck !!!!! ....