LPFM (Low Power FM) consists of two classes recently established by the FCC. The LP100 class operates with a maximum of 100 watts effective radiated power (ERP) at 30 meters (98 feet) above average terrain (HAAT). The LP10 class operates with a maximum of 10 watts at the same HAAT. If an application specifies a HAAT higher than 30 meters, then the ERP must be reduced commensurately.

LP100 stations can be expected to cover a radius of 3.5 to 5 miles, and LP10 stations will cover 2 to 3 miles.

Who is eligible to apply for an LPFM license?

LPFM licenses are granted to groups, not individuals. Applicants must be (government or non-government) nonprofit educational organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, or groups proposing radio service relating to public safety. All LPFM's are strictly non-commercial. Your group must be a presence in the community where you wish to broadcast, and a majority of your members must live within ten miles of the proposed station. If the FCC receives competing applications for an available channel, a "point system" established by the FCC will be used to determine the licensee.

How does an organization apply for an LPFM construction permit?

Application is made on FCC form 318, filed in triplicate. There is no fee charged. All necessary information and forms relating to LPFM application are available on-line from the FCC at: www.fcc.gov/mmb/prd/lpfm or www.fcc.gov/mmb/asd/lpfm

When are applications accepted for filing?

Applications are accepted only during each of five short filing windows, corresponding to five groups of states which were determined by lottery (only LP100 applications will be accepted initially). The next filing window opens on June 11, 2001 and closes on June 15, 2001. Application in this window may be made for the group including the following territories and states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Guam, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.

PLEASE NOTE : The FCC has combined Filing Window 4 and Filing Window 5.

Filing windows for states not listed above have closed and are not available for LP100 applications. The FCC has not yet announced a timetable for LP10 applications.

I'm interested - How do I get started?

To see if an LPFM channel is available in your area, click on: LPFM...THE EASY WAY

What about equipment?

Any radio station, including an LPFM station, requires two categories of equipment:

A) Transmitting, or "RF" equipment, B) Audio, or Studio equipment

A) LPFM RF equipment would include:
Processor/Stereo Generator
Transmitter
Coaxial Cable, Connectors, and Accessories
Antenna
Antenna supporting structure (usually a tower)

Click on: LPFM PERFECT PACKAGE to view a typical LPFM RF equipment package, ideal for the majority of installations. Note that transmitter power output is not the same as FCC defined effective radiated power (ERP).

Click on: LPFM TRANSMISSION CONFIGURATIONS to view various combinations of transmission line, antennas and transmitters.

B)LPFM studio equipment would include:
Microphone
Mixing Console
Audio Sources, Typically, CD Player, Cassette Player, etc.
Telephone Hybrid (For call-in shows)
EAS System (Required by FCC rules)
Monitor Amp and Speakers
Accessories (Headphones, on-air light, microphone arms, etc.)

Click on: LPFM STUDIO EQUIPMENT to view representative packages.

How much will the basic equipment cost?

Depending on the LPFM transmission configuration, the RF equipment should not exceed $7,000.

The studio equipment can range from less that $2,500 for consumer-type or "Disco" equipment, to upwards of $10,000 for professional broadcast equipment.

One of the advantages of the Energy-Onix Perfect Package approach is that limited capital can be concentrated in getting you "on the air", and the studio equipment can be upgraded over time as finances permit.