myLPFM Search and Sites going to public beta

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:02

REC Networks is announcing the public beta release of the first modules in myLPFM, REC's new overall LPFM product suite.  Once completed, myLPFM will allow potential applicants to search for a channel, assist in application filing, monitor the progress of filed applications and monitor nearby FCC application activity by other spectrum users. 

Today, REC releases myLPFM Search and myLPFM Sites.

myLPFM Search

myLPFM Search is going to be the replacement for the current REC LPFM Channel Search Tool.  myLPFM Search has been developed based on our desire to make LPFM searching more user friendly as well as feedback received by REC from users of the current LPFM Channel Search Tool.  Some of the improvements include:

  • A menu driven system that simplfies entering a search location over the current "fill out form" method.
  • New system searches a default facility type first (LP-100) and then allows you to change class, add a tower height, compute HAAT and ERP on the result screen.
  • Much faster response time in the initial search result.
  • Links to other functions are done through buttons instead of links and are much easier to read.
  • Other reports (such as the channel report and reject report) are now displayed on the right side of the channel search result therefore the initial result will always be visible even a channel report or reject report is retrieved.
  • Improved "meters" after each channel now represent the noise floor of the 5 channels directly related to the available channel being displayed.
  • New interference map function for channels that are 73.807 legal but not fully spaced.  Maps show other station interference contours and the LPFM service contour so applicants can get a visual prediction as to what part of their service area may be impacted by interference from a full power station.
  • Improved second adjacent channel waiver support now shows a map depicting the full power station's service contour in respect to the LPFM's interference contour as well as the predicted U/D overlap area map.
  • Channel Report has been "cleaned up" to only show other stations that are the most relevant  to the proposed LPFM station.
  • 10-mile "local presence" map that depicts the area where local programming may be originated from as well as the location of board members for local presence.
  • New demographic functionality that not only shows population within strong, service and fringe areas of the proposed LPFM station but also shows demographic data on race and ethnicity in the census tracts within the proposed station's service contour.
  • A new wide area search function that places the channel results on a Google map.  The location can then be clicked to move the search to that location.
  • A new tower search that functions similar to the wide area search except that it looks for towers surrounding the proposed LPFM location with a FCC antenna structure registration and depicts those locations on a Google map.

myLPFM Sites

myLPFM Sites is brand new functionality that allows a location retrieved through myLPFM Search to be saved for future retrieval.  Access to myLPFM Sites requires a username and password which you will be able to register for at the myLPFM site. 

myLPFM can be accessed at   http://mylpfm.com

myLPFM Search and myLPFM Sites are currently available for use in this public beta.  The existing LPFM Channel Search Tool will remain available until a time when the myLPFM system is considered stable and a reasonable transition time has been made.  We do note that any significant changes that may come out of the upcoming R&O that are not already covered in the existing LPFM Channel Search Tool may not get developed in the old tool.

myLPFM is currently not mobile friendly.  A mobile version of myLPFM will be developed at a later date to replace the existing mobile tool. 

Comments and bug reports are appreciated.  Please direct all inquiries to http://home.recnet.com/contact

About REC Networks: Founded in 1984 by Michi Eyre, REC has entertained, informed and supported the world through many diverse services and causes.  REC supported the establishment of the Low Power FM service in the United States and continues to advocate to expand the ability for members of our diverse community to access the airwaves.  Since 1999, REC has provided online services to support prospective and current LPFM station licensees.  REC also operates J1 Radio, a 24-hour Japanese popular music internet radio service targeting listeners in Japan, Singapore and North America. 

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