Monday Morning Coffee and Technical Notes

March 17, 2025 View as Webpage

ABA Engineering Academy

The ABA Engineering Academy will be holding its Television Engineering class the week of April 28 – May 2.

This class will cover basic electronics, audio (analog/digital), history of television, black and white, color, NTSC, ATSC-1, ATSC-3, and SMPTE 2110. In addition, a review of station operation (EAS, FCC rules, good engineering practices, etc.).

 It is designed for engineers just getting started and seasoned engineers as well. Classes are being held at the ABA training center 2180 Parkway Lake Dr, Hoover, AL (Birmingham)

Visit our web site for more information and online registration. Best of all there is no cost for the class. We offer an opportunity for students to take the SBE certification exam on Friday (not required to attend the class). The SBE does have a charge for the exam. Register online here.



The schedule for the fall classes is Radio September 22 – 26 and Television November 3 – 7.

FCC Propose full Scale Review of Regulations

 The FCC has opened a public comment period as part of a broad effort aimed at identifying and eliminating what it describes as unnecessary or outdated regulations within the communications industry.

The initiative aligns with a series of executive orders issued by President Trump, directing administrative agencies to reassess their regulatory frameworks and promote economic growth by reducing burdens on businesses.

Among the proposed changes Cost-Benefit Analysis: The FCC is examining whether certain regulations impose more costs than benefits on businesses and whether eliminating or modifying these rules could lead to better economic outcomes.



In addition, With rapid advancements in digital communications, broadband, and broadcasting, the FCC seeks to identify rules that have become outdated or unnecessary., 

Where Did My License Go?

Engineers and other station personnel that log onto the Public File will notice a change. There are two links on the home page, one that allows viewing your station authorization (license) and the other the station renewal certificate.

Lately the link for the authorization will send you to the Licensing and Management System (LMS) home page. If you are not familiar with this site, it can be a little tricky to locate the most current license.

 First click on “Facility Search”, enter your call letters in top box. Normally you do not have to enter any other information. Scroll down and click search.

Click on the facility ID.



Once the station page opens scroll down under “application history” looking for (this is the tricky part) the most current “license to cover” or “Minor Modification”. You may have to review several to find the most current. Once you locate the most current authorization engineers are encouraged to save a copy and print a copy to place in your authorization notebook.

  March Engineering Webinar

The ABA Engineering Webinar will be held tomorrow, Tuesday March 18^th at 10:00 AM central time. 

The subject will be generators, presented by a representative of Thompson Tractor Co., leaders in generator installation and maintenance. Mark your calendars now for this informative webinar covering sizing, installation and day-to-day maintenance.

Register now at this link.



Scheduled for our April webinar will be Scott Fisher with Hitachi Vantara. The topic is modern day media storage systems, both on site or cloud. The date for this webinar is April 15^th.

Pro Audio – Improving your Live Mixing Skills

If you are just starting out in mixing live events here are a few pointers that may help.

• “Get your hands on gear as much as you can and mix as many shows as you can for little or no pay. Book smarts can’t train you to be confident and calm behind a desk.”

• “Just because in this day and age you have everything at your fingertips, that doesn’t mean you have to use everything. Learn what works consistently and stick with it. Develop your formula.”

• “Never burn a bridge, keep studying and be humble. I had a boss say to me once, ‘When you stop asking questions, that’s when I get nervous.’ Have humility; if you don’t, you will be humiliated. Know how to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I need help.’”

• “Be honest. Know how to admit that it is your fault when it is your fault.”

• ”Be flexible and agile as an engineer. Choose what is applicable and what is practical for each gig."



Derek Brener FOH for Bruno Mars

That is such a true statement!