Planning a Portable Radio System

Step 1: Order a frequency search.
Contact ISS to order a frequency search. Just provide the geographic area where the system might be operated. ISS will develop a list of available AM frequencies and send it to you with our suggestions and instructions on how to monitor them. (See more on ISS frequency-search/licensing services.)

Step 2: Survey listening areas.
Survey the highways where listening is required with an automobile digital AM radio tuned to your candidate frequencies. Monitor all of the candidate frequencies throughout the listening areas at least once during daylight hours and at least once after dark (see why nighttime monitoring is important). Report your results to ISS, using the short form provided.

Step 3: Choose an operating location for optimum coverage.
Use a map to select a general operating location for RoadRunnR such that a 3-mile-radius circle fully encompasses the highways requiring coverage. The signal will usually carry 3-5 miles and be heard much farther away on some radios, but the strongest part of the signal will always be in this radius. If a specific highway or intersection is critically important to cover, consider locations immediately adjacent to the roadway. Mark the map to show the area within which the antenna should be located to meet your coverage goals. Consider where signs will be placed to announce to motorists entering the area that the signal is available. See these resources:

Step 4: Survey the intended site for your RoadRunnR station.
For best coverage, the immediate location should be free of objects that exceed 25 feet (about 2 stories.) This includes tall buildings, trees, terrain features, lighting, power and communication poles and towers, overpasses and highway signs. Make certain that there is a 20'-by-20' area of open ground to park the trailer and deploy the portable groundplane.

Step 5: Fill out the FCC License Application Questionnaire.
Complete and return to ISS this simple License Application Questionnaire, so we may secure your operating license from the FCC in a timely manner. The questionnaire requests basic contact information and details about the proposed antenna location and frequency chosen for broadcast, with which ISS can also assist you. When we receive your completed questionnaire, we will prepare the necessary engineering work and submit your application to the FCC for approval, which often takes a few months. As part of an overall license package, ISS will handle any additional filings you may require to get up and running, such as temporary licenses, minor adjustments and the required FCC notification that your station has been built.

NOTE 1: Because FCC processing time is unpredictable, we recommend you request licensing and other FCC documentation services as soon as you know for sure you will have a station -- definitely no later than when you place your radio equipment order.

NOTE 2: The FCC considers 10-year, renewable licenses for specific-area radio stations secondary to full-power broadcast stations. This means, that in a rare situation in which a full-power station might move into a given area, an advisory radio station already in that vicinity might need to change frequency. ISS can assist.

Step 6: Consider equipment, options and services.
Variables to consider:

Number of transmitters.
Extra recording time. 7 minutes are standard. An additional 7.3 minutes may be purchased.
Paint color. Omaha orange is standard. Other colors may be specified but could affect delivery time.
Hitch style.
Light connector type.
Cellphone format.
Weather/EAS frequency & active SAME codes (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm).
FASTrack portable signs.

Download the overview (right) to see a product overview that includes general options and prices. Provide ISS the following to request a specific quote:

	Your name, agency, phone and fax numbers; email address, if desired.
	Product name: RoadRunnR Portable Advisory Radio Station.
	Options desired, including number of transmitters; desired frequencies and trailer configuration options, such as paint color, light connector and hitch style; portable signs.
	Specify optional services desired (right) and include them, for example, FCC licensing assistance, site choice & frequency monitoring. Onsite training is free.

Useful Links

Detailed RoadRunnR Overview with Planning & Pricing - PDF download.

Step 7: Cellular telephone service.
At the time of your equipment order, ISS will ask for a contact name at your cellular telephone provider. The appropriate cellular service format must be available from your provider. Information from the provider will allow your RoadRunnR's cellular telephone service to be set up and fully operational upon delivery.

Contact Bill Baker if you would like an advance copy of your RoadRunnR's instruction manual, which details setup, operating and maintenance procedures.

Useful Links

Step 8: System configuration.
After you've made the decision to buy RoadRunnR(s), please complete and fax to ISS this programming form, which ISS uses to prepare the system for you.

This page was last updated: May 06, 2008.