HomeMy WebLinkAboutLow Power Radio Broadcast System INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
CITY OF PALM DESERT
TO: CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR
SUBJECT: LOW POWER RADIO BROADCAST SYSTEM
DATE: DECEMBER 8 , 1994
Recommendation:
By minute motion, appropriate $10 , 000 . 00 from the unobligated
general fund for a low power radio station.
Background:
What is Low Power Radio (LPR) ?
A low watt output with limited broadcast area on the AM Radio
frequency. It has four basic components : an audio recorder to
capture and repeatedly playback voice messages, an antenna, AM
radio transmitter and roadway signs alerting potential listeners to
broadcast . These systems are easy to use and inexpensive to
operate . They come in basically two types : a 0 . 1 watt and a 10
watt station.
10 Watt Station
With more power, the 10 watt LPR covers a 2 . 5 mile radius . Because
of the wider broadcast area, the uses are geared towards traveller
information. The system drawbacks include :
o FCC licensing is required;
o Cannot be portable (must be at a fixed location) ;
o Cannot include any commercial promotions;
o No music or other sound effects to enhance the broadcast;
o LPR AM frequencies are 530 KHZ, 1610 KHZ, and 1620 KHZ;
o The FCC licensing process takes about three months and a
fee of approximately $200 . 00 .
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CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 8 , 1994
The expanded range allows a greater audience for local points of
interest, activities, road and weather conditions, cultural, and
lodging information.
Basic site installation requirements for the 10 watt station is :
o 120 volt AC electrical power source;
o A telephone line for remote access;
o One of the following installations :
A. Roof top style;
B. Yard style;
C. Isolated style .
o Good signage alerting potential listeners;
o A site must be selected carefully to produce the best
clear quality broadcast signal;
o Both sides of the AM frequency must be checked so there
is not interference with another broadcast signal .
System Options :
There are several options available . These options listed are the
most important :
A. Remote Access;
B. Total Message Time;
C. Recording Time;
D. Live Broadcast Feature .
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CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 8 , 1994
Recommended Configuration for a 2 . 5 Mile Radius Low Power Radio
System
2 . 5 mile AM Station $ 4 , 389 . 00
Roof top mounted 235 . 00
Remote control 495 . 00
Format sequencing N/C
Total recording time (5 . 3 min. ) 550 . 00
Power meter 195 . 00
Professional cassette recorder & cable 350 . 00
NOAA weather radio receiver 495 . 00
FCC use 180 . 00
Miscellaneous installation 2 , 000 . 00
8 , 889 . 00
approximate tax 670 . 00
$ 9, 559 . 00
REVIEWED AND CONCUR:
TH R. ELLER BRUCE A. ALTMAN
EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR CITY MANAGER
PAUL GIBSON
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
KRW/rgf
CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED ✓ DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
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VERIFIED BY: 11-1/4
Original on File 1
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