Below are general considerations for
planning and implementing a licensed information
radio service in your area. It applies to our
ALERT AM, Information Station, RadioSTAT and
VoiceStar information radio systems. Find a
RadioSAFE systems planning guide
here.
Feel free to
email us
for personal planning assistance (or call Bill
Baker at 616.772.2300 Extension 102).
We have a
network of representatives across the country;
and, if helpful, we can put you in touch with
one in your area who can visit your site(s),
help with frequency selection and find the best
antenna location(s).
We can even install the system on a shared basis
or turnkey — whatever is needed. |
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Thomas
Cravener
North Tahoe
Fire Protection
District, CA |
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1.
Choose your radio system and request an estimate
or quote. |
Do you want your station to operate from a
fixed location(s) or be portable –
deployable to where it is required when needed? Maybe you want it to be both.
What kind of range
is required?
See products most often used for
common applications
here
and / or
survey our product array.
Request a line-item estimate or quote.
Our estimate and quote forms show you all the
options from which you can select.
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2.
Determine a broadcast location and/or operating
area, consulting with us. |
Each standard Information Radio Station (whether
fixed or portable) transmits in a 3-5 mile
radius from an antenna centerpoint, covering
25-75 square miles. Broadcasts may also be
simulcast to the internet via the
StreamCAST Service, which can include Alexa
Advisories. The 3-5 miles of coverage can be a
lot farther for the
RadioSAFE Systems. Consult with Bill Baker
(616.772.2300 x102) to identify the best plan
for selecting an operating territory and an
antenna site.
Additionally, listening both within and outside
the radio coverage area(s) is possible, if you
select the
StreamCAST Service to simulcast across the
internet to listeners with PCs and portable
devices.
Use a map to select a general operating location
for your station such that a radius circle fully
encompasses the highways requiring coverage. The
signal will usually carry 3 to 5 miles and be
heard much farther away on some radios. But the
strongest part of the signal will always be
within that radius. If a specific highway or
intersection is critically important to cover,
consider a broadcast location nearby. Mark the
map to show the area within which the antenna
should be located to meet your coverage goals.
For best coverage, the immediate antenna
location should be free of objects that are
immediately lateral to the antenna. This
includes buildings, trees, terrain features,
lighting, power and communication poles, other
antennas and towers, overpasses and highway
signs.
Lateral obstructions that exceed the height of
the antenna support should be at least twice as
far from the antenna support as they exceed its
height. For example: if the AM antenna is
mounted on a 20’ pole, if there is a 35' tree
nearby (15' taller), the tree should be
separated by 30' or more. |
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Positioning the Antenna Near Obstructions that
Exceed the Antenna Support's Height |
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The lateral
distance to an obstruction (X) should be at
least twice the obstruction’s elevation (Z)
above the Antenna Support Height.
Antennas
installed closer to obstructions may evidence
signal degradation, particularly if operating on lower AM
frequencies. |
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3. Consider fixed or temporary signage options. |
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Signs are
commonly used to
advise citizens
of the radio
service and its
status. Survey
our various
static, dynamic,
fixed and
portable sign
options
at
this link.
Consider where
will be placed
to announce to
motorists
entering the
area that the
signal is
available. |
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4.
Conduct a frequency search. |
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Selecting the best radio frequency for operation
is an important determination. Survey (with an
automobile digital AM radio tuned to your
candidate frequencies) the streets, areas where
listening is required. Monitor all of the
candidate frequencies throughout the listening
areas at least once during daylight hours and at
least once after dark.
Here is a form designed to help.
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5.
Order FCC licensing and the required products
and services. |
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Generally, deliverables, licensing and other
services are ordered together. But in some cases
you may want (or be required) to have a granted
FCC
license in hand before placing your equipment
order and requesting installation services.
See our FCC Licensing Services webpage. |
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6.
Determine a delivery / installation plan. |
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Our project managers work with you one-on-one to
develop a timeline, division of responsibility
and scope of work required to make your project
a success.
See our Installation Services webpage. |
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7.
Partner with Information Station Specialists to
create great messages for broadcast. |
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We provide up to 3 minutes of no-charge
general broadcast recordings with the opportunity for
you to commission more. We can also help you
write and produce multi-voice productions
tailored to your application.
Learn more
about our
Recording Services. |
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