Each FM frequency has a corresponding channel, from 88.1 FM = Channel 201, to 107.9 FM = Channel 300. If you have successfully found a frequency, then you must convert it to the correct channel number.

Once you have found a frequency and determined its channel, you are ready to fill out Section V. Be certain you have a copy of the "Instructions for FCC Form 318" issued by the FCC. These instructions are dense because they are written in the legal language of the FCC, but you will need the Worksheets that are part of the document.

If you are uncertain about doing this correctly or you want help, we recommend that you hire a professional broadcast engineer or other experienced person fill out the application form on your behalf. They know how to get proper FCC frequencies using geographic coordinates and elevation above sea level. You will have to provide them with specific information, such as street address, and the height of the building where you want to put the antenna. They can figure out the rest.

The TECH BOX

Question 1. Class
Check the Box for LPFM 100

Question 2. Channel
If you have found a frequency using the FCC Channel Finder program, you can convert the frequency to the correct channel using the FCC Channel Conversion chart. Write/type the channel number on the line indicated.

Question 3. Antenna Coordinates
The proposed antenna site must be specified using North American Datum 27 (NAD 27) coordinates. You can determine these coordinates using a 7.5 minute series topographic map from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Fill in the boxes with the correct longitude and latitude based on the location from the U.S.G.S. map. Coordinates must be to the nearest 1 second (degrees, minutes, seconds = DDD MM SS).

Question 4. Antenna Structure Registration Number
Most towers taller than 62 meters (200 feet) and located near airports are registered with the FAA.

If you are NOT using one of these towers, (because you are putting your antenna on the roof of your building) check the box "Not Applicable" If you are putting your antenna on one of these towers, check the box "FAA Notification Filed with FAA." (You do not need to file anything with the FAA - the tower owner is responsible.)

Question 5. Antenna Location Site Elevation Above Mean Sea Level
First, determine the ground elevation of your antenna location from the same U.S.G.S. maps that helped you locate longitude and latitude. Then add the height of your building, tower, or supporting structure to the ground elevation indicated on the map.

The total will be the height of your antenna above Mean Sea Level. This elevation must be recorded in meters, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Question 6. Overall Tower Height Above General Ground Level
This elevation is simply the height of your antenna above the ground. It will be the total height of your building or tower, plus anything added to support the antenna. It must be recorded in meters, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Question 7. Height of Antenna Radiation Center Above Ground Level
This elevation will be the same or very close to the answer in Question 6 but may vary by a meter or two. A single LPFM antenna will have 1, 2, or possibly more radiating elements (called "bays" or "antenna array.") If there is more than one, they are mounted a few feet apart on the support structure or tower. The center of radiation is the middle of this array. If you are using a single bay antenna, your center of radiation will be the same as your antenna height above the ground. (Most LPFM antennas will have only one antenna bay.)

If you are going to use an antenna with 2 or more bays, the center of radiation will be slightly lower than the top of the antenna. Determine it by measuring the distance from the ground to the point half-way between the top of the antenna and the bottom, based on how much space is between each bay when it is mounted. (The antenna manufacturer will know the spacing between bays.) It must be recorded in meters, rounded to the nearest whole number. [See diagrams.]

Question 8. Power and Height Limitations
Check the "Yes" box. This acknowledges that the FCC will determine the authorization for your operating parameters, including power and height (i.e. based on the height of your antenna, you may be authorized to operate at a power less than 100 watts.)

Question 9.
Interference -- You must answer "yes".
Short-spaced stations - answer "N/A"

Question 10. TV Channel 6 Interference (Channel 201-220)
Because of a quirky technical condition on the television spectrum, there are special technical restrictions on FM radio frequencies in places near a Channel 6 TV station. If there is NO Channel 6 TV station within 60 miles of your proposed antenna location, answer "N/A" If there is a Channel 6 television station within 60 miles, AND the Channel Finder has given you an allocation higher than Channel 220, answer "Yes." If there is a Channel 6 TV station within 60 miles, AND the Channel Finder has given you an allocation between 201 - 220, you will need an engineer to assist you in preparing an exhibit to meet any necessary restrictions.

Question 11. National Environmental Policy Act
Over time, broadcast stations have become subject to a range of urban and rural environmental regulations that have an impact on both personal health and environmental protection. This question is intended to ensure that all applicants certify that their proposed station will have no significant impact on the quality of the human environment. The FCC has provided a worksheet as part of its instructions that must be submitted along with the application.

Go to Worksheet # 2 - General Environmental Worksheet
This is a simple environmental assessment meant to guide you in relevant environmental questions. In order to respond "Yes" to Question 11, you MUST answer "No" to all 8 questions on the worksheet. The worksheets must also be attached with the application. You will answer "No" to the following questions about your new station: Involves high intensity white lighting in residential neighborhoods. Is located in an officially designated wilderness area or wildlife preserve. Threatens the existence or habitat of endangered species. Affect places significant to American history, architecture, etc. Affects Indian religious sites. Is located in a floodplain. Requires construction changing surface features, i.e. filling wetlands, deforestation, etc.

Does not comply with the FCC guidelines on RF (Radio Frequency) exposure.

Question 8 is asked to determine that your antenna will not endanger anyone through harmful exposure to radio waves because it is mounted too close to where they might live or work. The danger level is based solely on the distance between your antenna and the rooftop or ground. Because exposure drops exponentially by distance, the higher the antenna is, the less it will generate harmful exposure. If it is above a certain height, there is no danger at all. That is why there are minimum distances specified. The FCC has provided a worksheet that must be submitted along with the application.

To fill out this question, go to Worksheet # 3 - RF Exposure Worksheet Complete the calculations on the worksheet according to the instructions.

If you are NOT putting your antenna on a tower with other broadcast stations, that is, mounting it alone on a rooftop or other structure, and it will not be near any other broadcast antennas, you must fill in the distances requested in LP100 #1a and # 1b.

If you ARE CO-LOCATING your antenna on an existing tower with other stations, you must fill in the distances requested in LP100 #2a and # 2b.

When you have completed this worksheet, go back to complete Question 8 on the Environmental Worksheet.

When you have completed both worksheets, return to Question # 11 and answer "Yes." This certifies that you are not subject to any additional environmental review. Most applicants will be able to check No in all boxes of Worksheet #2. If you have answered "Yes" to any of the questions, then you should consult an engineer to assist you with any additional exhibits that might be needed. If you cannot answer "No" to all the questions on Worksheet #2, or your are unable to conclude that your proposal will have no significant impact on the environment, you MUST check "No" in Question #11 and prepare a detailed Environment Assessment as an exhibit. The specific requirements for such an exhibit are outlined in detail in FCC Instructions for FCC Form 318.

Preparer's Certification
The last page of Section V is the certification by the person who prepared this part of the application, because it might be an engineer or someone different from whomever prepared the legal sections. Fill out the form and sign it in blue ink so the FCC knows it is an original signature.

Congratulations