The revised LPFM Channel Finder tool provided here is intended to assist LPFM applicants that are eligible to amend or file for a settlement to resolve mutually exclusive [conflicting] applications. Eligible amendments or requests to settle will only be accepted from those applicants for new LPFM stations listed in the attachment to Settlement Period Announced for Closed Groups of Pending Low Power FM Mutually Exclusive Applications Filed In Windows I, II, and III, Public Notice, DA 03-2744, released August 28, 2003 [ PDF | Word ]. Attachment: [ PDF | Excel ]. No initial applications for new LPFM stations will be accepted during this filing period. Eligible applicants who are investigating the acceptability of alternate sites (no more than a 2.0 km change under the LPFM minor change rule) and/or channels (only the portion of the major change rule pertaining to channel changes is waived) may use the channel finder to help find a suitable site or channel in compliance with the various LPFM spacing requirements (47 CFR Section 73.807 and 47 CFR Section 73.825). If an acceptable site/channel is found, a formal amendment must be electronically filed during the period from August 28 through October 31, 2003.

Facilities. LP100 LPFM stations and applications require a minimum effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 watts and a maximum effective radiated power of 100 watts. The FCC will specify the authorized effective radiated power on a construction permit. Where the antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) is greater than 30 meters, the staff will adjust the authorized ERP so that the reference distance to the F(50,50) service contour is limited to 5.6 km. In no instance will an ERP of less than 1 watt (0.001 kW) be authorized. This program provides third-adjacent channel protection to full service broadcast stations, as required by Congress in legislation signed into law on December 15, 2000, and as incorporated into the FCC's LPFM rules

Finding coordinates. Applicants are responsible for accurately determining suitable transmitter sites and the corresponding NAD 27 coordinates. Many applicants retain surveyors to help determine the proposed station coordinates and site elevation. Owners of existing tower structures should also have this information in their possession. Employees of the Audio Division or other Commission staff cannot assist in the collection of this data.

Site elevation and coordinates can be determined from U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute topographical maps by scaling off the ground location against the latitude (horizontal) and longitude (vertical) reference marks on the map. Please note that coordinates obtained from other sources may not reflect the actual site at which the station will be located. Coordinates must be determined to the nearest 1 second (degrees, minutes, seconds = DDD MM SS). GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers provide another alternative for accurate determination of coordinates, but the WGS84 / NAD83 coordinates obtained from the GPS receiver must then be converted to the NAD27 coordinate system before entry in this program. Similarly, decimal coordinates must be converted to degrees, minutes, and seconds, to the nearest second. Applicants are cautioned that inaccurate coordinates may result in dismissal of the amended application by the staff, and that coordinates may be verified by the staff or other interested parties.

Program updates made August 28, 2003 for the Settlement Filing period.

Comments or questions about the LPFM Channel Finder program may be referred to Jorden Brinn, jorden.brinn@fcc.gov.