How can I tell which frequencies are simulcast?

[Mobilman44]

In reviewing the frequency database for Texas, I'm looking for an indicator that a frequency is a simulcast broadcast. The answer is probably obvious, but more obviously, I can't find it..........

Thank you!

 

[doctordialtone]

I can't find it..........

Look closer.

 

[fredva]

Look closer.

View attachment 109178

While that's a good indicator, I've found that not all simulcast sites are labeled with the word "Simulcast" in the database. If you click on a site name, and then click on the FCC license link, you normally can tell because a simulcast site will have two or more towers that share the same set of frequencies. If there is only one tower per site, then you don't have simulcast.

 

[natedawg1604]

I would *think* the RR database is pretty accurate in terms of designating a site as simulcast. Not perfect by any means, but pretty accurate. In any event, simulcast is almost exclusively deployed in relatively large metro areas and/or jurisdictions with some big $$ to spend. If you're in an extremely rural area, it's less likely to have simulcast (not impossible, but less likely). As was mentioned above, always check for physical tower locations in the FCC database. If you see the same frequencies licensed to numerous physical sites in the same county or adjacent county, it may well be simulcast.

 

[RaleighGuy]

... If you click on a site name, and then click on the FCC license link, you normally can tell because a simulcast site will have two or more towers that share the same set of frequencies. If there is only one tower per site, then you don't have simulcast.

That is a great, easy to understand explanation, thank you!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Look closer.

View attachment 109178

Or if "simulcast" isn't named specifically in the site name (as can sometimes be the case), click the site name link, look for the site FCC license link(s) and take a look at the frequencies by location. You'll notice an identical set of frequencies per location. (For example, Site 1 and Site 2 will both begin with 771.71875, so on and so forth)

 

[doctordialtone]

Guys,

With all due respect, I know all of this. I've been at it for a long ti,me.

The instructive advice should be directed at the OP,
@Mobilman44

Thanks!

 

[Mobilman44]

Thank you all!

I went over the area list and did see (barely) the fine print "simulcast". But as indicated, clicking on the FCC license is a sure indicator.

 

[hiegtx]

Thank you all!

I went over the area list and did see (barely) the fine print "simulcast". But as indicated, clicking on the FCC license is a sure indicator.

Not always.
Take a look at this license. This is for an electric utility co-op that I was looking at in a conversation with a member who wanted to monitor the system.

FCC Callsign WQSR647 (ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOP)

FCC Callsign WQSR647 (ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOP)

www.radioreference.com

At first glance, the site map would lead you to believe it's simulcast:


But, if you look at the site details actually in the license, you'll see that each site has a different set of frequencies.

Now, look at this site, from a different system:

Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) P25 Site: Brownwood

Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) P25 Site: Brownwood Details

www.radioreference.com

If you click on the license, you get this map:


This site uses frequencies from a blanket license issued to the state, so there is no license for this specific set of frequencies to indicate their site location(s).

Sometimes, these sites may be licensed as 'Simulcast' in the database, but without definitive license detail to verify, there is no way to verify if the site is, or is not, simulcast, and if simulcast, where the actual transmit towers are located.

Now, look at this site from your Houston Metro area:

Click on the small icon (highlighted) near the lower left corner of the coverage map:


That indicates the actual transmit tower locations associated with the license.

 

[Mobilman44]

Wow, lots of info....... Thank you!