Per MWDX Yahoo! Group:The CGC Communicator
CGC #993
January 25, 2010
A Notice of Unlicensed Operation has been issued to
Charles Forssi of Lompoc, CA, for allegedly operating a pirate
broadcast station on 1610 kHz.
What makes this case so interesting is that the FCC has
taken a field strength measurement (something the Commission
has often been reluctant to do in low power AM cases) and has
concluded that the radiation found exceeded the value allowed
by Rule 15.209(a). In addition, it was determined that "the
total length of the transmission line, antenna and ground lead
(if used)" exceeded 3 meters, thereby violating Rule 15.219(b).
http://www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-295836A1.html
Text of FCC notice follows: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
ENFORCEMENT BUREAU
WESTERN REGION
Los Angeles Office
18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 660
Cerritos, CA 90703
January 15, 2010
Charles Forssi
Lompoc, CA
NOTICE OF UNLICENSED OPERATION
Case Number: EB-09-LA-0165
Document Number: W201032900004
The Los Angeles Office received information that an unlicensed broadcast
radio station on 1610 kHz was allegedly operating in Lompoc, California.
On December 9, 2009, agents from this office confirmed by direction
finding techniques that radio signals on frequency 1610 kHz were
emanating from your residence in Lompoc, California. The Commission's
records show that no license was issued for operation of a broadcast
station at this location on 1610 kHz in Lompoc, California.
Radio stations must be licensed by the FCC pursuant to 47 U.S.C. S: 301.
One exception to this licensing requirement is for certain transmitters
using or operating at a power level that complies with the standards
established in Part 15 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. S:S: 15.1 et
seq. The field strength of the signal on frequency 1610 kHz was measured
at 350 microvolts per meter (uV/m) at 75 meters, which exceeded the
maximum permitted level of 14.9 uV/m (24,000/1610) at 30 meters
established in Section 15.209(a) of the Rules. (See 47 C.F.R.
S:15.209(a)).
Another exception, for some transmitters operating in the 510 kHz to 1705
kHz band, is found in 47 C.F.R. S: 15.219. Specifically, Section
15.219(b) of the Rules states: "the total length of the transmission line,
antenna and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3 meters." (See 47
C.F.R. S:15.219(b)). During the inspection on December 9, 2009, the
agents observed that the total length of the transmission line and the
antenna in use significantly exceeded three meters. This installation
violated Section 15.219(b) of the Rules.
You are hereby warned that operation of radio transmitting equipment
without a valid radio station authorization constitutes a violation of the
Federal laws cited above and could subject the operator of this illegal
operation to severe penalties, including, but not limited to, substantial
monetary forfeitures, in rem arrest action against the offending radio
equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment. (See 47 U.S.C.
S:S: 401, 501, 503 and 510.)
UNLICENSED OPERATION OF THIS RADIO STATION MUST BE DISCONTINUED
IMMEDIATELY.
You have ten (10) days from the date of this notice to respond with any
evidence that you have authority to operate granted by the FCC. Your
response should be sent to the address in the letterhead and reference the
listed case and document number. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C.
S: 552a(e)(3), we are informing you that the Commission's staff will use
all relevant material information before it to determine what, if any,
enforcement action is required to ensure your compliance with FCC Rules.
This will include any information that you disclose in your reply.
You may contact this office if you have any questions.
Nader Haghighat
District Director
Los Angeles Office
Western Region
Enforcement Bureau
Attachments:
Excerpts from the Communications Act of 1934, As Amended
Enforcement Bureau, "Inspection Fact Sheet," March 2005
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