47 C.F.R. Subpart H—Low Power Auxiliary Stations
Title 47 - Telecommunication
Cable television system operator. A cable television operator is defined in §76.5(cc) of the rules. Low power auxiliary station. An auxiliary station authorized and operated pursuant to the provisions set forth in this subpart. Devices authorized as low power auxiliary stations are intended to transmit over distances of approximately 100 meters for uses such as wireless microphones, cue and control communications, and synchronization of TV camera signals. Motion picture producer. Motion picture producer refers to a person or organization engaged in the production or filming of motion pictures. Television program producer. Television program producer refers to a person or organization engaged in the production of television programs. Wireless assist video device. An auxiliary station authorized and operated by motion picture and television program producers pursuant to the provisions of this subpart. These stations are intended to transmit over distances of approximately 300 meters for use as an aid in composing camera shots on motion picture and television sets. (Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, March 16, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 14662, Apr. 7, 1978; 51 FR 4603, Feb. 6, 1986; 51 FR 9966, Mar. 24, 1986; 54 FR 41842, Oct. 12, 1989; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003] (a) Frequencies within the following bands may be assigned for use by low power auxiliary stations:
26.100–26.480 MHz 54.000–72.000 MHz 76.000–88.000 MHz 161.625–161.775 MHz (except in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) 174.000–216.000 MHz 450.000–451.000 MHz 455.000–456.000 MHz 470.000–488.000 MHz 488.000–494.000 MHz (except Hawaii) 494.000–608.000 MHz 614.000–806.000 MHz 944.000–952.000 MHz (b) Operations in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting, listed below, are limited to locations removed from existing co-channel TV broadcast stations by not less than the following distances unless otherwise authorized by the FCC. (See §73.609 for zone definitions.) (1) 54.000–72.000 MHz and 76.000–88.000 MHz:
Zone I 105 km (65 miles) Zones II and III 129 km (80 miles) (2) 174.000–216.000 MHz
Zone I 97 km (60 miles) Zones II and III 129 km (80 miles) (3) 470.000–608.000 MHz and 614.000–806.000 MHz.
All zones 113 km (70 miles) (c) Specific frequency operation is required when operating within the bands allocated for TV broadcasting. (1) The frequency selection shall be offset from the upper or lower band limits by 25 kHz or an integral multiple thereof. (2) One or more adjacent 25 kHz segments within the assignable frequencies may be combined to form a channel whose maximum bandwidth shall not exceed 200 kHz. (d) Low power auxiliary licensees will not be granted exclusive frequency assignments. [52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003] (a) Where two or more low power auxiliary licensees need to operate in the same area, the licensees shall endeavor to select frequencies or schedule operation in such manner as to avoid mutual interference. If a mutually satisfactory arrangement cannot be reached, the Commission shall be notified and it will specify the frequency or frequencies to be employed by each licensee. (b) The selection of frequencies in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting for use in any area shall be guided by the need to avoid interference to TV broadcast reception. In these bands, low power auxiliary station usage is secondary to TV broadcasting and land mobile stations operating in the UHF-TV spectrum and must not cause harmful interference. If such interference occurs, low power auxiliary station operation must immediately cease and may not be resumed until the interference problem has been resolved. [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987] The license for a low power auxiliary station authorizes the transmission of cues and orders to production personnel and participants in broadcast programs and motion pictures and in the preparation therefor, the transmission of program material by means of a wireless microphone worn by a performer and other participants in a program or motion picture during rehearsal and during the actual broadcast, filming, or recording, or the transmission of comments, interviews, and reports from the scene of a remote broadcast. Low power auxiliary stations operating in the 944–952 MHz band may, in addition, transmit synchronizing signals and various control signals to portable or hand-carried TV cameras which employ low power radio signals in lieu of cable to deliver picture signals to the control point at the scene of a remote broadcast. [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 51 FR 4603, Feb. 6, 1986] (a) A license authorizing operation of one or more low power auxiliary stations will be issued only to the following: (1) A licensee of an AM, FM, TV, or International broadcast station or low power TV station. Low power auxiliary stations will be licensed for used with a specific broadcast or low power TV station or combination of stations licensed to the same licensee within the same community. (2) A broadcast network entity. (3) A cable television system operator who operates a cable system that produces program material for origination or access cablecasting, as defined in §76.5(r). (4) Motion picture producers as defined in §74.801. (5) Television program producers as defined in §74.801. (6) Licensees and conditional licensees of stations in the Service and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service as defined in §21.2 of this chapter, or entities that hold an executed lease agreement with an MDS or MMDS licensee or conditional licensee or with an Instructional Television Fixed Service licensee or permittee. (b) An application for a new or renewal of low power auxiliary license shall specify the frequency band or bands desired. Only those frequency bands necessary for satisfactory operation shall be requested. (c) Licensees of AM, FM, TV, and International broadcast stations; low power TV stations; and broadcast network entities may be authorized to operate low power auxiliary stations in the frequency bands set forth in §74.802(a). (d) Cable television operations, motion picture and television program producers may be authorized to operate low power auxiliary stations only in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting. (e) An application for low power auxiliary stations or for a change in an existing authorization shall specify the broadcast station, or the network with which the low power broadcast auxiliary facilities are to be principally used as given in paragraph (h) of this section; or it shall specify the motion picture or television production company or the cable television operator with which the low power broadcast auxiliary facilities are to be solely used. A single application, filed on FCC Form 601 may be used in applying for the authority to operate one or more low power auxiliary units. The application must specify the frequency bands which will be used. Motion picture producers, television program producers, and cable television operators are required to attach a single sheet to their application form explaining in detail the manner in which the eligibility requirements given in paragraph (a) of this section are met. (f) Applications for the use of the bands allocated for TV broadcasting must specify the usual area of operation within which the low power auxiliary station will be used. This area of operation may, for example, be specified as the metropolitan area in which the broadcast licensee serves, or the usual area within which motion picture and television producers are operating. Because low power auxiliary stations operating in these bands will only be permitted in areas removed from existing co-channel TV broadcast stations, licensees have full responsibility to ensure that operation of their stations does not occur at distances less than those specified in §74.802(b). (g) Low power auxiliary licensees shall specify the maximum number of units that will be operated. (h) For broadcast licensees, low power auxiliary stations will be licensed for use with a specific broadcast station or combination of broadcast stations licensed to the same licensee and to the same community. Licensing of low power auxiliary stations for use with a specific broadcast station or combination of such stations does not preclude their use with other broadcast stations of the same or a different licensee at any location. Operation of low power auxiliary stations outside the area of operation specified in the authorization, or in other bands is permitted without further authority of the Commission. However, operation of low power auxiliary stations shall, at all times, be in accordance with the requirements of §74.882 of this subpart. Also, a low power auxiliary station that is being used with a broadcast station or network other than one with which it is licensed, must, in addition to meeting the requirements of §74.861 of this subpart, not cause harmful interference to another low power auxiliary station which is being used with the broadcast station(s) or network with which it is licensed. (i) In case of permanent discontinuance of operations of a station licensed under this subpart, the licensee shall cancel the station license using FCC Form 601. For purposes of this section, a station which is not operated for a period of one year is considered to have been permanently discontinued. (j) The license shall be retained in the licensee's files at the address shown on the authorization, posted at the transmitter, or posted at the control point of the station. [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 9221, Mar. 4, 1982; 47 FR 21503, May 18, 1982; 47 FR 55938, Dec. 14, 1982; 51 FR 4603, Feb. 6, 1986; 51 FR 9966, Mar. 24, 1986; 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987; 55 FR 46012, Oct. 31, 1990; 58 FR 19776, Apr. 16, 1993; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 69 FR 72045, Dec. 10, 2004] (a) Special temporary authority may be granted for low power auxiliary station operation which cannot be conducted in accordance with §74.24. Such authority will normally be granted only for operations of a temporary nature. Where operation is seen as likely on a continuing annual basis, an application for a regular authorization should be submitted. (b) A request for special temporary authority for the operation of a remote pickup broadcast station must be made in accordance with the procedures of §1.931(b) of this chapter. (c) All requests for special temporary authority of a low power auxiliary station must include full particulars including: licensees name and address, statement of eligibility, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station (if any), type and manufacturer of equipment, power output, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed to be used, commencement and termination date, location of proposed operation, and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification. (d) A request for special temporary authority shall specify a frequency band consistent with the provisions of §74.802: Provided, That, in the case of events of wide-spread interest and importance which cannot be transmitted successfully on these frequencies, frequencies assigned to other services may be requested upon a showing that operation thereon will not cause interference to established stations: And provided further, In no case will operation of a low power auxiliary broadcast station be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life and property. (e) The user shall have full control over the transmitting equipment during the period it is operated. (f) Special temporary authority to permit operation of low power auxiliary stations pending Commission action on an application for regular authority will not normally be granted. [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 9221, Mar. 4, 1982; 47 FR 55939, Dec. 14, 1982; 58 FR 19776, Apr. 16, 1993; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003] (a) Applications for new low power auxiliary stations will not be accepted unless the transmitting equipment specified therein has been certificated for use pursuant to provisions of this subpart. (b) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may apply for certification for such transmitter following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. Attention is also directed to part 1 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations which specifies the fees required when filing an application for certification. (c) An applicant for a low power auxiliary station may also apply for certification for an individual transmitter by following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. The application for certification must be accompanied by the proper fees as prescribed in part 1 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. (d) Low power auxiliary station equipment authorized to be used pursuant to an application accepted for filing prior to December 1, 1977 may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees: Provided, however, If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. (e) Each instrument of authority which permits operation of a low power auxiliary station using equipment which has not been certificated will specify the particular transmitting equipment which the licensee is authorized to use. (f) All transmitters marketed for use under this subpart shall be certificated by the Federal Communications Commission for this purpose. (Refer to subpart I of part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations.) (Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 43637, Aug. 22, 1977; 43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998] (a) The licensee of a low power auxiliary station may make any changes in the equipment that are deemed desirable or necessary, including replacement with certificated equipment, without prior Commission approval: Provided, The proposed changes will not depart from any of the terms of the station authorization or the Commission's technical rules governing this service: And provided further, That any changes made to certificated transmitted equipment shall be in compliance with the provisions of part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations concerning modification of certificated equipment. (b) Any equipment changes made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall be set forth in the next application for renewal of license. (Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998] (a) Transmitter power is the power at the transmitter output terminals and delivered to the antenna, antenna transmission line, or any other impedance-matched, radio frequency load. For the purpose of this subpart, the transmitter power is the carrier power. (b) Each authorization for a new low power auxiliary station shall require the use of certificated equipment. Such equipment shall be operated in accordance with the emission specifications included in the certification grant and as prescribed in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section. (c) Low power auxiliary transmitters not required to operate on specific carrier frequencies shall operate sufficiently within the authorized frequency band edges to insure the emission bandwidth falls entirely within the authorized band. (d) For low power auxiliary stations operating in the bands other than those allocated for TV broadcasting, the following technical requirements are imposed. (1) The maximum transmitter power which will be authorized is 1 watt. Licensees may accept the manufacturer's power rating; however, it is the licensee's responsibility to observe specified power limits. (2) If a low power auxiliary station employs amplitude modulation, modulation shall not exceed 100 percent on positive or negative peaks. (3) The occupied bandwidth shall not be greater than that necessary for satisfactory transmission and, in any event, an emission appearing on any discrete frequency outside the authorized band shall be attenuated, at least, 43+10 log10 (mean output power, in watts) dB below the mean output power of the transmitting unit. (e) For low power auxiliary stations operating in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting, the following technical requirements apply: (1) The power of the measured unmodulated carrier power at the output of the transmitter power amplifier (antenna input power) may not exceed the following: (i) 54–72, 76–88, and 174–216 MHz bands—50 mW (ii) 470–608 and 614–806 MHz bands—250 mW (2) Transmitters may be either crystal controlled or frequency synthesized. (3) Any form of modulation may be used. A maximum deviation of ±75 kHz is permitted when frequency modulation is employed. (4) The frequency tolerance of the transmitter shall be 0.005 percent. (5) The operating bandwidth shall not exceed 200 kHz. (6) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean output power of the transmitter in accordance with the following schedule: (i) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 25 dB; (ii) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 35 dB; (iii) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 43+10log10 (mean output power in watts) dB. (f) Unusual transmitting antennas or antenna elevations shall not be used to deliberately extend the range of low power auxiliary stations beyond the limited areas defined in §74.831. (g) Low power auxiliary stations shall be operated so that no harmful interference is caused to any other class of station operating in accordance with Commission's rules and regulations and with the Table of Frequency Allocations in part 2 thereof. (h) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized frequency band causes harmful interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference. (Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended at 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998] Television broadcast auxiliary licensees and motion picture and television producers, as defined in §74.801 may operate wireless video assist devices on a non-interference basis on VHF and UHF television channels to assist with production activities. (a) The use of wireless video assist devices must comply with all provisions of this subpart, except as indicated in paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section. (b) Wireless video assist devices may only be used for scheduled productions. They may not be used to produce live events and may not be used for electronic news gathering purposes. (c) Wireless video assist devices may operate with a bandwidth not to exceed 6 MHz on frequencies in the bands 180–210 MHz (TV channels 8–12) and 470–698 MHz (TV channels 14–51) subject to the following restrictions: (1) The bandwidth may only occupy a single TV channel. (2) Operation is prohibited within the 608–614 MHz (TV channel 37) band. (3) Operation is prohibited within 129 km of a television broadcasting station, including Class A television stations, low power television stations and translator stations. (4) For the area and frequency combinations listed in the table below, operation is prohibited within the distances indicated from the listed geographic coordinates. Note to the following table: All coordinates are referenced to the North American Datum of 1983. (d) Wireless video assist devices are limited to a maximum of 250 milliwatts ERP and must limit power to that necessary to reliably receive a signal at a distance of 300 meters. Wireless video assist devices must comply with the emission limitations of §74.637. (e) The antenna of a wireless video assist device must be attached to the transmitter either permanently, or by means of a unique connector designed to allow replacement of authorized antennas but prevent the use of unauthorized antennas. When transmitting, the antenna must not be more that 10 meters above ground level. (f)(1) A license for a wireless video assist device will authorize the license holder to use all frequencies available for wireless video assist devices, subject to the limitations specified in this section. (2) Licensees may operate as many wireless video assist devices as necessary, subject to the notification procedures of this section. (g) Notification procedure. Prior to the commencement of transmitting, licensees must notify the local broadcasting coordinator of their intent to transmit. If there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, licensees must notify all adjacent channel TV stations within 161 km (100 mi) of the proposed operating area. (1) Notification must be made at least 10 working days prior to the date of intended transmission. (2) Notifications must include: (i) Frequency or frequencies. (ii) Location. (iii) Antenna height. (iv) Emission type(s). (v) Effective radiated power. (vi) Intended dates of operation. (vii) Licensee contact information. (3)(i) Failure of a local coordinator to respond to a notification request prior to the intended dates of operation indicated on the request will be considered as having the approval of the coordinator. In this case, licensees must in addition notify all co-channel and adjacent channel TV stations within 161 km (100 mi) of the proposed operating area. This notification is for information purposes only and will not enable TV stations to prevent a WAVD from operating, but is intended to help identify the source of interference if any is experienced after a WAVD begins operation. (ii) If there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, failure of any adjacent channel TV station to respond to a notification request prior to the intended dates of operation indicated on the request will be considered as having the approval of the TV station. (4) Licensees must operate in a manner consistent with the response of the local coordinator, or, if there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, the responses of the adjacent channel TV stations. Disagreements may be appealed to the Commission. However, in those instances, the licensee will bear the burden of proof and proceeding to overturn the recommendation of the local coordinator or the co-channel or adjacent channel TV station. (h) Licenses for wireless video assist devices may not be transferred or assigned. (i) The product literature that manufacturers include with a wireless assist video device must contain information regarding the requirement for users to obtain an FCC license, the requirement that stations must locate at least 129 kilometers away from a co-channel TV station, the limited class of users that may operate these devices, the authorized uses, the need for users to obtain a license, and the requirement that a local coordinator (or adjacent channel TV stations, if there is no local coordinator) must be notified prior to operation. [68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 69331, Dec. 12, 2003] (a) For transmitters used for voice transmissions and having a transmitter output power exceeding 50 mW, an announcement shall be made at the beginning and end of each period of operation at a single location, over the transmitting unit being operated, identifying the transmitting unit's call sign or designator, its location, and the call sign of the broadcasting station or name of the licensee with which it is being used. A period of operation may consist of a continuous transmission or intermittent transmissions pertaining to a single event. (b) Each wireless video assist device, when transmitting, must transmit station identification at the beginning and end of each period of operation. Identification may be made by transmitting the station call sign by visual or aural means or by automatic transmission in international Morse telegraphy. (1) A period of operation is defined as a single uninterrupted transmission or a series of intermittent transmissions from a single location. (2) Station identification shall be performed in a manner conducive to prompt association of the signal source with the responsible licensee. In exercising the discretion provide by this rule, licensees are expected too act in a responsible manner to assure that result. [68 FR 12774, Mar. 17, 2003]
Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 74—EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES
Subpart H—Low Power Auxiliary Stations
§ 74.801 Definitions.
§ 74.802 Frequency assignment.
§ 74.803 Frequency selection to avoid interference.
§ 74.831 Scope of service and permissible transmissions.
§ 74.832 Licensing requirements and procedures.
§ 74.833 Temporary authorizations.
§ 74.851 Certification of equipment.
§ 74.852 Equipment changes.
§ 74.861 Technical requirements.
§ 74.870 Wireless video assist devices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excluded Excluded channels Area North latitude West longitude frequencies ----------------------------- (MHz) 200 km 128 km 52 km----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Boston, MA.................... 42°21[min]24.4 71°03[min]23. 470-476 14 ........ ........ [sec] 2[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 ........ 15 ........ .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........Chicago, IL................... 41°52[min]28.1 87°38[min] 470-476 14 ........ ........ [sec] 22.2[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 15 ........ ........ .................. ................. 482-488 ........ 16 ........Cleveland, OH\1\.............. 41°29[min]51.2 81°41[min]49. 470-476 14 ........ ........ [sec] 5[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 ........ 15 ........ .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........Dallas/Fort Worth, TX......... 32°47[min]09.5 96°47[min]38. 476-482 ........ 15 ........ [sec] 0[sec] .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........Detroit, MI \1\............... 42°19[min]48.1 83°02[min]56. 470-476 ........ 14 ........ [sec] 7[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 15 ........ ........ .................. ................. 482-488 ........ 16 ........ .................. ................. 488-494 17 ........ ........Gulf of Mexico................ .................. ................. 476-494 ........ ........ 15, 16, 17Hawaii........................ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ ........ 17Houston, TX................... 29°45[min]26.8 95°21[min]37. 482-488 ........ 16 ........ [sec] 8[sec] .................. ................. 488-494 17 ........ ........ .................. ................. 494-500 ........ 18 ........Los Angeles, CA............... 34°03[min]15.0 118°14[min]31 470-476 14 ........ ........ [sec] .3[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 ........ 15 ........ .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........ .................. ................. 500-506 ........ 19 ........ .................. ................. 506-512 20 ........ ........ .................. ................. 512-518 ........ 21 ........Miami, Fl..................... 25°46[min]38.4 80°11[min]31. 470-476 14 ........ [sec] 2[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 ........ 15 ........New York/NE New Jersey........ 40°45[min] 73°59[min]37. 470-476 14 ........ ........ 5[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 15 ........ ........ .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........ .................. ................. 494-500 ........ 18 ........ .................. ................. 500-506 19 ........ ........ .................. ................. 506-512 ........ 20 ........Philadelphia, PA.............. 39°56[min]58.4 75°09[min]19. 494-500 ........ 18 ........ [sec] 6[sec] .................. ................. 500-506 19 ........ ........ .................. ................. 506-512 20 ........ ........ .................. ................. 512-518 ........ 21 ........Pittsburgh, PA................ 40°26[min]19.2 79°59[min]59. 470-476 14 ........ ........ [sec] 2[sec] .................. ................. 476-482 ........ 15 ........ .................. ................. 488-494 ........ 17 ........ .................. ................. 494-500 18 ........ ........ .................. ................. 500-506 ........ 19 ........San Francisco/Oakland, CA..... 37°46[min]38.7 122°24[min]43 476-482 ........ 15 ........ [sec] .9[sec] .................. ................. 482-488 16 ........ ........ .................. ................. 488-494 17 ........ ........ .................. ................. 494-500 ........ 18 ........Washington D.C./MD/VA......... 38°53[min]51.4 77°00[min]31. 482-488 ........ 16 ........ [sec] 9[sec] .................. ................. 488-494 17 ........ ........ .................. ................. 494-500 18 ........ ........ .................. ................. 500-506 ........ 19 ........----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The distance separation requirements are not applicable in these cities until further order from the Commission.
§ 74.882 Station identification.
