REC ENAC (Every Nook And Cranny) Availability Reporting System

ENAC is an application that REC uses that determines overall availability at a large number of reference points over a wide area. ENAC reports are normally run using:

and can integrate many of the REC datasets which include:

  • FCC CDBS broadcast engineering and ownership data,
  • Industry Canada broadcast engineering data,
  • US Census Block data (2000),
  • US Census Block Group data (2000),
  • FCC Antenna Structure Registration data and
  • REC developed datasets
    • Arbitron markets,
    • "Great Translator Invasion" collected data,
    • Height Above Average Terrain data (mainly on translators),
    • Mexican and Canadian border survey points and
    • Radio Reading Service

A nationwide ENAC report can sometimes take up to two weeks to complete due to the high number of points that needs to be checked. REC normally performs ENAC reports in response to proposed rulemaking and as needed on an ad-hoc basis, especially if there has been a significant change to the broadcast landscape.

Data is normally delivered to the public through the Keyhole Markup Language (KML) protocol so it can be imported into GIS software or into applications such as Google Earth.

Availability data at the individual Census Block level as well as ad-hoc requests for reports using the ENAC engine are available to qualifying organizations on a contract basis.

Current ENAC Projects

ENAC May 2013-Second Adjacent Channel Detail - A subproject of the ENAC May 2013 map run.  This is a census block group level report that graphically shows the estimted overlap zone in increments of 10 meters up to 100 meters (and a zone for over 100 meters).  Clicking on the area shows which channels are considered at that overlap zone size.  If a block group is not shown on the map, it is likely that LPFM is available there without  a waiver.  "No LPFM" zones are shown with a red background and no bordering between census blocks.

ENAC May 2013 - A nationwide census block availability search to determine the feasibility of obtaining LPFM in areas where a second adjacent channel waiver would be required.  REC has developed distance spacing charts assuming full facilities for each station class (including the 8 REC translator sub-classes). These distances are then used to determine the size of the overlap zone (the area around the transmitter where there can be no "potential listeners").  Coloring on the map is defined as follows:

  • GREEN- areas where LPFM may be available without a second adjacent channel waiver.
  • YELLOW- areas where LPFM may be available with a second adjacent waiver. The overlap zone is less than 10 meters.  LPFM is extremely likely and in some cases, the interference may never reach the ground.
  • LIGHT BROWN - areas where LPFM may be available with a second adjacent waiver. The overlap zone is between 10 and 20 meters.  LPFM is very likely at these locations.
  • DARK BROWN - areas where LPFM may be available with a second adjacent waiver. The overlap zone is between 20 and 100 meters.  LPFM may be available based on the type of land the transmitter is placed on.
  • PINK - areas where LPFM may be available with a second adjacent channel waiver but the overlap zone is over 100 meters.  In most areas (especially urban), LPFM is very unlikely.
  • RED - areas where LPFM is not available at all.

REC CIRCLES - Downloadable data files that allow users to be able to view nationwide LPFM availability on a single channel in Google Earth. REC CIRCLES shows each facility that an LPFM station on the specified channel must protect. This will allow potential applicants to find channels in small areas.

ZIP Code Check at Prometheus Radio Project - Contract project for Prometheus Radio Project using ZIP Code Tabulation Area data generated by the ENAC Engine. Public website that permits the entry of a ZIP Code to give a high level review of LPFM availability in the area. Contract project included REC's ECFS interface, administrative and back-office work flow management.

Past ENAC Projects

ENAC April 2012 - A nationwide census block availability search to examine the availability of LP-250, LP-100 and proposed LP-50 stations including whether second adjacent waivers are necessary. Public deliverable will include KML data. Specific channel availability within the census block was also tracked in this report.

ENAC February 2011 - A nationwide census block availability search to determine the impact of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 on the availability of LP-100 services. This report removes third adjacent channel from domestic facilities but does not remove IF. This report was produced prior to the grid concept and protected channel/points. Therefore, the data does not reflect current or proposed rules or REC policy statements.

Arbitron Markets - February 2011 - KML files showing ENAC LP-100 availability within the counties tied to Arbitron markets. Read the README.TXT file for additional notes on how split county markets are handled in REC's systems.