REC Networks is announcing the release of a complete re-write of the popular myLPFM channel search tool software. This new version addresses various issues and needs including:
- A very slow response time on the previous version
- The inability for myLPFM to properly handle mobile requests
- Transition LPFM from a "filing window" mode to a "lifecycle" mode.
The new myLPFM user experience allows you to "build" your new station by first specifying your location and then "constructing" your tower structure.
myLPFM 2.0 requires the user to enter the call letters of the LPFM station that they are working on. The tool will limit site moves to 20 kilometers (there are warning messages that appear if the move exceeds 5.6 km).
Some of the new features in myLPFM 2.0 include:
- Supports both GLOBE and FCC30 terrain databases. All results will come back with HAAT and ERP based on both databases.
- Uses Google-based autocomplete for the entry of street addresses. If an address is entered, you will still be able to "fine tune" the location.
- Ability to enter antenna and structure heights in either feet or meters.
- More heights and other measurements displayed in both metric and US.
- High-level comparison of incoming interference between current channel and proposed channel.
- Improved second-adjacent channel waiver antenna information.
- Improved third-adjacent channel information.
- New functionality supporting potential translator inputs on co/first/second-adjacent channels.
- Improved 60 dBu service contour display.
- Improved coverage for Guam, American Samoa and the CNMI.
- Many of the other features from myLPFM 1.0 are still in here such as Reject Report, Census/Market Designation information, Runway Slope/TOWAIR and nearby AM tower impacts.
New "Power Increase" function!
myLPFM 2.0 offers a new feature that allows an LPFM station to look at their current height above average terrain (HAAT) using both FCC recognized terrain databases, GLOBE and FCC30. Some LPFM stations may have been mistakingly assigned a higher HAAT which means a lower ERP. This tool can determine whether an LPFM could possibly "milk" a few more watts by using a different terrain data set. REC has been successful in getting minor power increases for clients using this method.
Like with myLPFM 1.0, the new version also assigns each location checked to a 6-character "short code" which can be used later to retrieve a location or to provide to REC when seeking professional services. Please note that short-codes from the old myLPFM 1.0 system will not work with myLPFM 2.0. Any facilities built in myLPFM 1.0 will need to rebuilt in 2.0.
You can directly access myLPFM 2.0 by going to
http://recnet.com/mylpfm
The mylpfm.com domain will redirect to the new site URL until further notice.
Also a part of this package is a redesign of the REC Home Page. Featured on the REC Home Page is a new "LPFM Station Assistance" widget that allows LPFM stations to make inquiries to myLPFM and to other tools.
We hope that this new version will improve the REC experience.
As always, if you need assistance with an LPFM station, FM translator or full-service FM station, please contact REC at 1-844-REC-LPFM.
