A translator on the same channel may move close enough where their 40 dBu interfering contour does not overlap the LPFM's 60 dBu service contour. A translator on a first-adjacent channel may be move close enough where their 54 dBu interfering contour does not overlap the LPFM's 60 dBu service contour. The actual distance can vary based on the translator's ERP, height above average terrain and directional antenna pattern. An FM translator is not required to protect an LPFM station's second adjacent channel and therefore is not required to file a waiver.
LPFM stations operating a directional antenna will be protected by translators as follows:
- If the sole purpose of the LPFM directional antenna is for a second adjacent channel waiver, the LPFM will be protected as if they are a nondirectional facility.
- If the sole purpose of the LPFM directional antenna is for a traveler's information service for a LPFM station licensed to a state, county or local public safety agency, the LPFM will be protected as if they are a nondirectional facility.
- If the sole purpose of the LPFM directional antenna is for an international agreement, the LPFM will be protected as a nondirectional facility.
- If the LPFM directional antenna is for any other purpose (including Channel 6 protection), then the LPFM will be protected as a directional facility.
LPFM enforcement and interference
