Changelog
Implementation of LMS for FM broadcast - impacts on REC database services
[External] CDBS & LMS not working for FM modification and license applications
EZform release - conversion to LMS
The License to Cover and Modify License EZforms have been updated to remove the entry of a CDBS user number and password as well as other references to CDBS. Only a FRN password is required.
The Renew License EZform has been updated to remove CDBS information. Regrdless of the conversion of FM broadcast to LMS, CDBS credentials are not necessary for LPFM broadcast renewals in this cycle.
Japan: Community stations + 2019 new AM relay & wide-FM facilities
Performed an update to the Japan database. Added several new community stations. Added several new AM relay stations (76~90 MHz) and WideFM (90~95 MHz) transmitters for AM broadcast staitons based on denpadata 2019 changes.
Major optimization of the underlying database
On September 22, 2019 starting at 9AM EDT, the entire web and database servers that provide services for REC Networks and J1 Radio were taken down for a long overdue "clean-up". This was prompted by the significant performance issues we have been experiencing lately. The rebuild finished at 4PM EDT and all sites should be properly working.
Change in data update schedule for CDBS/LMS
In order to aleviate the issues with our database, we have banned search engines from most of FCCdata and Denpahoso. There was a large amount of search bot activity taking place. Many of the bots are respecting the robots.txt.. however rogue search tools still exist. We are taking measures to prevent them.
Slow response on all sites at times.
REC continues to face issues with slow response. During the week of September 16, 2019, we will be working on some fixes for the database. This may include taking the sites completely down, repairing and restarting. We will do our best to limit heavy repairs until after 6PM ET and on the weekend. REC has also experienced a spike in search engine (spider/crawler) activity, especially into FCCdata. We are putting in actions to prevent this activity into areas with high database utilization and making efforts to block rogue search sites (those that don't respect robots.txt).
FCCdata AM Dialscape enhancement to now include nighttime DX stations
With the new AM contour map functionality that was recently installed, this has given us the opportunity to expand our capability to enhance the AM Dialscape (the page you reach after you enter a city name and shows all FM, AM and TV facilities nearby).
FCCdata AM contour map improvement
FCCdata/Denpahoso AM contour maps for FCC records will now display the 2 mV/m daytime contour (as it does now) as well as the 0.5 mV/m daytime contour. Facilities with night or unlimited records will also show a nighttime 0.5 mV/m skywave contour. You may have to zoom the maps out to see the entire contours.
UPDATED 8/20 4:20PM: FCCdata not showing correct data, VPIF not operational
Updated Tuesday 8/20/19 at 4:20PM ET:
FCC has updated their data. Should be updated on the REC systems by Wednesday at 11AM ET.
Updated Tuesday 8/20/19 at 1:00PM ET:
The problem with the data is persisting. The FCC is aware of it. No ETU. We have not backed down to last Thursday's data at this time but we may do so without notice. Until this is resolved, data at FCCdata.org and Denpahoso for US FCC broadcast is not reliable.
Updated Monday 8/19/19 at 1:30PM ET:
FCC.today: LMS pleadings support, CDBS pleadings improvement
To support the eventual transition of radio to LMS and to support the upcoming radio renewal cycle, FCC.today will now display pleadings (such as informal objections and petitions for reconsideration) filed in LMS in addition to those filed in CDBS.
We have also changed the pleadings function for CDBS records where if you click on the file number, it will directly bring up the pleading instead of the main application record. Clicking the call sign will still take you to the station's listing in FCCdata.org.
FCCdata station logos
7/30/19 - 1120 EDT
On 7/29, due to an ongoing issue with the FCC's online public file system, we have shut down displaying station logos which are sourced from that system. LPFM logos that are loaded into VPIF will cotninue to be provided. This was addressing a very slow response and time out issues on FCCdata and denpahoso. FCC external issue. No ETU.
8/4/19 - 1640 EDT
This issue is persisting so logos will remain turned off until resovled.
myLPFM MB 19-193 Channel 6 waiver phase 1
In response to MB Docket 19-193, myLPFM will now show channels in the reserved band (channels 201~220, 88.1~91.9) that meet 73.807 minimum distance separation to all FM facilities but are 73.525 short-spaced to channel 6 TV stations. These channels will show with a grey background. These channels will display a message that the channel is available with a waiver of 73.525 and that a contour study is required. After the LPTV analog sunset on July 13, 2021, these channels will show available without restrictions as Channel 6 restrictions will be completely eliminated.
FCC.today LMS public notices
Minor change to suppress the new daily LMS generated public notices from appearing in the news section similar to the current suppression we have for CDBS daily broadcast public notices.