rjr@mgweed.UUCP (Bob Roehrig) (11/01/84)
After receiving many calls from people in various parts of Batavia and Geneva, IL., concerning TVI to channel 5 (Chicago's NBC outlet) I started searching with a spectrum analyzer. I saw the interference at my tv also. The problem turns out to be a 30 watt paging link transmitter on a tower next to our county sheriff's office. The paging transmitter is on 75.8 MHz. I have contacted both the tower owner and the FCC, so we shall see what happens. The system has been on the air for 6 months and the local hams have been getting the blame for it all along. We are about 40 miles West of the channel 5 transmitter and the paging signal is about 10dB stronger than the tv signal at my house, about 3 miles away....... Apparently, this spectrum has just recently been authorized for this type of service. Wonder what we are in for!!!!!!! I have beeen told that these stations first go on the air as a developmental station and they must determine that they are not causing interference. Looks like these guys didn't care..... Bob K9EUI
lbv@sdchema.UUCP (Gordon Schlesinger) (11/01/84)
This sort of problem is nothing too new, Bob. Private Land Mobile has used the 72-76 MHz "gap" between TV Channels 4 & 5 for point-to-point links for a number of years. Check Part 90 of the FCC Rules for the requirements for the PLMRS not to cause interference to Channels 4 & 5; they exist, but I can't quote them from memory. Of course, these same requirements won't apply to paging, which comes under the Common Carrier rules, but the PLMRS rules will give you a clue as to what standards exist. I wouldn't be too optimistic about getting the FCC to do something about the problem, given their budget-driven low visibility status. What might do some good would be to complain to Chicago's TV 5 management; they have a vested interest in seeing their signal "get through" and may be able to get both the network and the National Association of Broadcasters to lean on the FCC. Good luck, and post a follow-up with the (successful) resolution. Gordon Schlesinger, WA6LBV ........!ucb!sdcsvax!sdchema!lbv "Better things.....for better living.....through chicanery"