There have been reports of a rogue LPFM station broadcasting on 106.5 MHz in Mangere Central. The station is identifying itself as 106.5 FM so it is not accidental.
If anyone knows who is responsible for this station please contact the society at webmaster@lpfmnz.com
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The Society recently received a complaint from a new member that another LPFM Station was swamping his signal. A visit by a Society member revealed a different story. The Society member reported back:
It has been reported that the station is now back on air. Another great result from the Society.
There is a new LPFM station broadcasting illegally in West Auckland on 87.5MHZ. The station identifying themselves as Amped or Amp’d FM or broadcasting outside the terms of the GURL. 87.5 is not an available frequency. Society members have idrntified the signal to be coming from around Glengarry Rd.
If you have any information on how to conatact this station please email the webmaster.
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One of the most challenging elements of FM broadcasting is accurately setting up modulation levels. Schedule 1 h of the GURL specifies
(h) Unwanted emissions shall not exceed the limits as follows;
Unwanted Emission Frequency Range Spectrum Analyser
Limits – in the from carrier Resolution Bandwidth
resolution bandwidth
-25 dBW 128 to 240 kHz Not to exceed 10 kHz*
-35 dBW 240 to 600 kHz Not to exceed 100 kHz*
-56 dBW > 600 kHz 100 kHz
* The spectrum analyser shall be set for 5 minute maximum hold.
But what does all this mean? I can guarantee most LPFM broadcasters just plug everything in and adjust the volume to sound similar to another station. The danger of this approach is that many stations use specialised and expensive processing. High volumes are obtained by reducing the dynamic range. Trying to match the volume of a commercial radio station will inevitably lead you to breaching the GURL. With a PIRA75 modualtion monitor you can set your modualtion levels correctly. It will also assist with the ability to deal with interference complaints. This will be available to members.
Another free service to Society Members. Lodge a complaint about an interference issue and we will do our best to analyze the complaint and make recommendations. Be warned though, as part of the process we will also be looking at your station. The complaint form can be found here.
