Monday Morning Coffee and Technical Notes

November 2, 2026 View as Webpage

Translator Reminders

The FCC has issued a stern warning about stations operating FM translators while the primary station is not operational.

Section 74.1263(b) of the FCC’s Rules generally prohibits FM translators from broadcasting for extended periods when they are not retransmitting the signal of their primary station. The rule provides a limited exception for translators rebroadcasting Class D AM stations, which may continue operating at night if the AM station has operated within the preceding 24 hours.

The FCC’s guidance makes clear that translator stations rebroadcasting a commercial AM or FM station may not operate when the primary station is silent.

This includes FM HD subchannels as well.

Plant Drawings

Students in last week’s ABA Engineering Academy’s television class stressed the value of creating and maintaining a station line drawing to troubleshoot problems and identifying single points of failure.

Show every device in the video, audio, and ancillary data paths. For large facilities, include rack numbers or other location details. If your station labels input and output wires with numbers, include those numbers.

Keep the drawing up to date. Record layout changes and additions and attach those notes to the main plant drawing until you can revise it.



For radio and television operations alike, the time invested in creating and maintaining a plant drawing saves valuable time when problems arise.

DasDec Video outlining correct setup for the NPT Test

Digital Alerting Systems has updated their website with more information about the upcoming NPT, including a brief video showing people how to set their inputs correctly.

 You can find this information here: https://www.digitalalertsystems.com/2026nationwideeastest

FEMA will conduct a nationwide EAS test on November 17, 2026, and all EAS Participants are required to take part in this test.

FEMA will transmit the nationwide test of the EAS at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). If conditions on that date require the rescheduling of the test, it will be conducted on December 3, 2026.

Engineers should ensure the station EAS equipment receives and decodes correctly, the Required Weekly Test (RWT) from IPAWS each Monday at 11:00 AM local time.



ETRS Form Two, reporting on the receipt of the test, is due by 2:20 p.m. ET on November 19. 

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Daylight Savings Time ended Yesterday

As a reminder, most of the U.S. changed from Daylight Savings Time Yesterday (Sunday) November 1^st. 

AM daytime-only stations, AM stations with different daytime and nighttime patterns, and AM stations operating with pre-sunrise and/or post-sunset authority should check their sign-on and sign-off times on their current FCC authorizations to ensure continued compliance with the FCC’s technical rules.



AM stations need to note that all times listed in FCC licenses are stated in standard time, not daylight savings time even if it is in effect.

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ABA 80^th Anniversary Tour

Across the state this year, the ABA has been celebrating the wonderful partnerships between broadcasters and community stakeholders, PLUS inducted legendary broadcasters into our Hall of Fame.

So far ABA has hosted receptions at 8 different cities around the state. The final stop on the tour will in Birmingham on November 18^th.



The Birmingham reception will be held at Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham.

Register here for the Birmingham reception.

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Earl, we have got to do something about the AM ATU box!

Pro Audio – Do you Listen?

Successful mix engineers must learn to listen, not merely hear. Hearing happens subconsciously around the clock.

Listening requires deliberate attention and purpose. It is a learned skill, not an innate ability.

How can you develop this skill? Start by asking how much time you devote to simply listening to music.

To become a skilled—or even exceptional—sound technician or engineer, you must understand how music should sound. Learn its language and become so familiar with the qualities of a great mix that recognizing them is instinctive.



Ultimately, a passion for great music grows only through hundreds of hours of listening and enjoyment. A great mix depends not on the newest plugin, an impressive microphone, or a flawless mixing console, but on passion, artistry, and enthusiasm for creating beauty and wonder.