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Free (At Least, Extremely Cheap) Noise! Part 1
Published on 2012-04-09 11:54:51
In the last blog posting we looked at probably the biggest long term threat to the future usefulness of the radiofrequency spectrum, the accelerating large scale consumption of a scarce natural resource for short term convenience and profit (see, “Why is the US Strip Mining the Radio Spectrum?”). This time we will look at a [...]
LBA SD-1S Static Drain Protects Your AM Tower!
Published on 2012-04-06 15:05:17
Lightning season is upon us! Every year, AM towers get blasted because they do not have the right protection against static buildup and lightning. Conventional static drain chokes are in ATU’s, and are often non-functional, if even installed. This permits high static voltages to build up on towers, endangering components, and encouraging lightning hits. The [...]
New FCC Rulemaking Promotes 700 MHz Band Operations
Published on 2012-03-27 09:33:58
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today acted (WT Docket No. 12-69) to examine the wireless system interference concerns should the Lower 700 MHz band utilize a single band class for devices operating across the Lower 700 MHz A, B, and C Blocks. In its NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on technical and operational factors as [...]
Free Webinar: How to Prevent In-house Wireless from Hitting a Wall
Published on 2012-03-23 08:36:52
Distributed Antenna Systems, or DAS, is a small-cell wireless application that improves a wireless network and can also cause interference problems. DAS deployments have important implications for building owners, as well as for wireless carriers. It is swiftly becoming a major topic of engineering discussions as a practical solution to 3G, LTE, and 4G network [...]
Why Is The US Strip Mining Radio Spectrum?
Published on 2012-02-20 14:39:09
For many months, now stretching into years, the Curmudgeon has been searching for logical explanations to a bedrock fundamental question, the very one which underlies almost all of his recent blog postings: Why is the United States (and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the rest of the First World) consuming, burning up, pillaging the finite [...]
How to Get a Hydrogen Fix for Cell Site Utility Bills
Published on 2012-02-20 09:45:09
Using hydrogen fuel cells as backup power units for telecommunication sites, particularly remote ones, is a common practice. More fully incorporating the units into a provider’s overall managed power strategy makes economic sense, too. A WCAI-members only webinar—“Smart Energy Solutions Using Fuel Cells”—will explore the option Thursday, Feb. 23. Chris Horne, the chief technical officer [...]
LBA’s Chris Horne Moderates 4GWE Panel on Spectrum Issues
Published on 2012-02-09 09:13:51
Chris Horne, chief technical officer of LBA Group, moderated an expert panel discussion earlier this month on the conundrum of squeezing more serviceable networking capacity from finite, congested spectrum. The discussion occurred at the 4G Wireless Evolution conference Feb. 1-3 in the Miami Convention Center. Members of the three-person panel were Thomas Knippen, who is [...]
LBA’s Chris Horne Moderates 4GWE Panel on Spectrum Issues
Published on 2012-02-09 09:13:51
Chris Horne, chief technical officer of LBA Group, moderated an expert panel discussion earlier this month on the conundrum of squeezing more serviceable networking capacity from finite, congested spectrum. The discussion occurred at the 4G Wireless Evolution conference Feb. 1-3 in the Miami Convention Center. Members of the three-person panel were Thomas Knippen, who is [...]
Microwave Path Study Sells Tower Approval
Published on 2012-02-01 10:55:09
(What’s all this Fresnel Zone Stuff, Anyway?) As wireless cell towers and antennas flourish, towns, cites and municipalities are challenged to adopt ordinances that let citizens receive the best telecommunications services available. Regulatory legislation hasn’t helped. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was over 500 pages long; during debate, most legislators considered it to only be [...]
Three Surveys Rank LBA Group High as a Top Minority-Owned Business in the United States
Published on 2012-01-23 14:48:32
GREENVILLE, NC January, 2012 – LBA Group Inc. has been singled out as a successful, privately owned business—not once, but three times. The Greenville telecommunications company ranks high in three separate surveys of American businesses in 2011. “As one of the awardees from around the country, you have distinguished yourself as one of the leading [...]
FCC Spectrum Management Mistakes: The “Sweet Sixteen” List – Part 4 Summary and Reflections
Published on 2012-01-06 09:45:49
We have now finished reviewing the dismal (partial) list of historic FCC spectrum management engineering mistakes, and in this final part of the series we’ll look at some suggestions for how the FCC could, ideally, conduct this highly-important function. The Commission would never adopt any of these proposals, of course, but “even engineers can dream!” [...]
LBA’s Chris Horne takes spectrum-sharing message to Miami as 4GWE panelist
Published on 2011-12-28 10:08:45
Chris Horne, the chief technical officer of LBA Group Inc., will participate in another national forum highlighting the emerging issue of overloaded wireless spectrum. Horne is a panelist presenter Feb. 1-3 at the 4G Wireless Evolution conference in the Miami Convention Center. The 4GWE conferences attract wireless carriers and industry stockholders who are keen to [...]
A Holiday Message to All Our Friends…
Published on 2011-12-16 10:43:00
Business in 2011 was a challenge for every company in America. Did you notice? Here at LBA Group Inc., our team did a magnificent job of tuning out the static and vectoring in on solutions to customers’ needs. Consequently, we are able to look back on the year with considerable satisfaction and to look forward [...]
FCC Spectrum Management Mistakes: The “Sweet Sixteen” List – Part 3
Published on 2011-11-29 07:25:44
In this post we will finish the list of FCC historic spectrum management mistakes that began with Part 1 of this series. 12. Land Mobile “Re-farming:” (1990s-present). By itself not a major league blunder, but more of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” gambit. The basic idea is to halve, and then later halve again, the [...]
LBA’s Chris Horne Warns of Spectrum-Splitting Issues
Published on 2011-11-04 12:32:28
Just three decades after the first generation of wireless telephone technology was introduced, engineers, wireless operators, and industry analysts are talking about the best way to split the fourth generation broadband spectrum into more usable parts. It could get messy, LBA Group’s Chris Horne warns. Horne’s warning came in a discussion at last week’s 4G [...]
FCC Spectrum Management Mistakes: The “Sweet Sixteen” List – Part 2
Published on 2011-10-27 16:16:23
Now, we continue the long list of FCC historic spectrum management mistakes that began with Part 1 of this blog series. 6. Nextel (1990s). Back when it all began they were known as “Fleetcall,” but their real intention became apparent with the re-naming of the company after a few years. Their mission: to construct a [...]
LBA Urges FCC to Incentivize AM Colocation
Published on 2011-10-11 10:43:17
LBA Group has asked the Federal Communications Commission to speed up broadband deployment by promoting wireless antenna collocation on AM towers. How? By cutting local red tape for collocations and halving the annual AM fee for station owners who allow use of their towers. The Sept. 30 filing in WC Docket No. 11-59 is LBA’s [...]
“THE WAY WE WERE:” DIFFERING GENERATIONAL VIEWS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Part 5
Published on 2011-07-05 10:09:57
In this series we have been looking at the telecommunications technology available to the average consumer in the year 1960 and comparing it with what exists today. In this concluding post we will summarize what has been presented and draw some (pe
GPS navigation advocates leery of LightSquared
Published on 2011-06-30 13:41:22
Global Positioning System receivers remain wary of the plan by 4G network provider LightSquared to create a wireless broadband network to serve every nook and cranny of the U.S. In testimony June 23 before a House subcommittee, opponents of the Light
Christopher K. Horne, LBA Group’s chief technical officer, participating in discussions on two coasts
Published on 2011-06-26 23:20:30
Christopher K. Horne, chief technical officer at telecommunications innovator LBA Group Inc., is participating in industry discussions on both coasts this month. This week, Horne is one of 8 panelists in a peer review forum in Los Angeles, Calif. S
LightSquared shifts spectrums, salvages its 4G network launch
Published on 2011-06-23 12:26:23
LightSquared apparently has dodged a GPS bullet that almost shot it down before it started up. It will switch to another spectrum that virtually eliminates interference with Global Positioning System receivers. Early tests by the Reston, Va., 4G netw
Broadcast STL and Microwave Users Must Bring Licenses into Compliance!
Published on 2011-06-03 09:57:36
Many radio and TV broadcasters in the United States are not aware that a year’s old FCC rule may be about to wreck their microwave operations! If you have an affected operation, you should take immediate action to preserve interference protection f
“THE WAY WE WERE:” DIFFERING GENERATIONAL VIEWS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Part 4
Published on 2011-06-02 21:33:16
In this series of posts we are looking at the telecommunications technology available to the average consumer in the year 1960 and comparing it with what exists today. We will perhaps be able to see some of the changes in daily life that the techno
LightSquared GPS Tests Create Interference!
Published on 2011-05-25 09:50:43
Field testing has been performed to determine the effect of a 4G base station, typical of those proposed by LightSquared, upon first responder GPS devices. Early results of tests in New Mexico show an impact on police and medical services equipment.
“THE WAY WE WERE:” DIFFERING GENERATIONAL VIEWS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Part 3
Published on 2011-05-11 09:14:40
In this series of posts we are looking at the telecommunications technology available to the average consumer in the year 1960 and comparing it with that which exists today. We can trace some of the changes in daily life that the technological adva
Why AM Stations Have A Key Role In Broadband Deployment! – Free Webinar!
Published on 2011-05-05 13:55:46
Although they are a hundred years and a thousand megahertz apart, broadband wireless systems and AM broadcast have a curious and important relationship! Through this free webinar “AM Radio: Traps & Promises in Broadband Deployment” presented
Horne to Lead Subcommittee on Wireless Signal Boosters
Published on 2011-04-29 12:26:26
The Wireless Communications Association International (WCAI) Engineering Committee voted Thursday to launch a Signal Boosters Subcommittee and elected LBA Group CTO Chris Horne as the chair. Chris Horne, Harry Perlow of Sprint is WCAI Engineering C
Wireless Signal Booster Rules Coming
Published on 2011-04-18 17:55:38
Recent legal cases between some wireless carriers and manufacturers of signal boosters also known as handset amplifiers have moved the FCC to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to address interference concerns by the mobile operator. The FC
WCAI 4G Caucus Attracts Government and Industry Experts
Published on 2011-04-13 08:54:52
The WCAI’s 4G Caucus was a must-attend event for wireless operators, vendors, policymakers and systems integrators staying ahead of the curve as the wireless industry migrates to 4G. Held at the Crystal City, VA Hilton, the technical conference add
“THE WAY WE WERE:” DIFFERING GENERATIONAL VIEWS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Part 2
Published on 2011-04-12 14:09:50
In this series of posts we are looking at the telecommunications technology available to the average consumer in the year 1960 and comparing it with what exists today. We will perhaps be able to see some of the changes in daily life that the techno
EBS Substantial Service Deadline Extended!
Published on 2011-03-31 09:47:02
FCC logo Great news for Educational Broadband Service (EBS) license holders, the Federal Communications Commission has granted an extension to file showings of Substantial Service for EBS license holders. On March 21, 2011 the FCC adopted a memorandu
“THE WAY WE WERE:” DIFFERING GENERATIONAL VIEWS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Part I
Published on 2011-03-21 10:34:05
In writing these posts the Curmudgeon has tried to bridge the views and outlooks of its readers’ several different age generations, and has attempted to prepare the descriptions to be meaningful across the entire range of ages. But indications ha
Strategies for Lowering Your LTE/4G Backhaul Bill
Published on 2011-03-01 10:55:56
LBA’s CTO Chris Horne will be moderating this upcoming open webinar presented for FREE by WCAI on Thursday March 17, 2011 at 4pm EDT. You can register for the webinar here. The Panel: Stuart D. Little, Director of Corporate Marketing, Aviat Net
Strategies for Lowering Your LTE/4G Backhaul Bill
Published on 2011-03-01 10:55:56
LBA’s CTO Chris Horne will be moderating this upcoming open webinar presented for FREE by WCAI on Thursday March 17, 2011 at 4pm EDT. You can register for the webinar here. The Panel: Stuart D. Little, Director of Corporate Marketing, Aviat Net
RADIO’S ROOTS CONTINUE TO LIVE
Published on 2011-02-11 14:57:04
“Whatever happened to HF radio?” (No, not HD radio, HF radio!). “High Frequency” radio flourished back in the days before “radio” became “wireless,” when perhaps it was better known as “shortwave radio!” And if you are o
RADIO’S ROOTS CONTINUE TO LIVE
Published on 2011-02-11 14:57:04
“Whatever happened to HF radio?” (No, not HD radio, HF radio!). “High Frequency” radio flourished back in the days before “radio” became “wireless,” when perhaps it was better known as “shortwave radio!” And if you are o
Can LTE 4G create Interference with Cable TV? Yes!
Published on 2011-01-28 10:14:00
The rollout of 3G networks across the country is old news with the recent announcements by Verizon, AT&T, and others to rapidly deploy 700 MHz 4G LTE this year throughout the USA. These high speed networks are slated to grow with ten’s of thous
Can LTE 4G create Interference with Cable TV? Yes!
Published on 2011-01-28 10:14:00
The rollout of 3G networks across the country is old news with the recent announcements by Verizon, AT&T, and others to rapidly deploy 700 MHz 4G LTE this year throughout the USA. These high speed networks are slated to grow with ten’s of thous
“LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING…” THE FUTURE OF THE RF SPECTRUM Part 2
Published on 2011-01-04 12:14:21
Last time we began a discussion about some of the factors (mostly human-created) which could limit the future usability of the RF spectrum. The first two were spectrum-use saturation and the spread of poorly-designed, RF-radiating digital devices.
“LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING…” THE FUTURE OF THE RF SPECTRUM Part 2
Published on 2011-01-04 12:14:21
Last time we began a discussion about some of the factors (mostly human-created) which could limit the future usability of the RF spectrum. The first two were spectrum-use saturation and the spread of poorly-designed, RF-radiating digital devices.
GORC Morse Telegraph Event 173rd Anniversary
Published on 2011-01-04 09:48:27
The GORC Morse Telegraph Special Event celebrates the first successful demonstration of the telegraph in the US at the Speedwell Iron Works on January 6th, 1838. “On January 6th, 1838 an event occurred that would change the world as we know it
GORC Morse Telegraph Event 173rd Anniversary
Published on 2011-01-04 09:48:27
The GORC Morse Telegraph Special Event celebrates the first successful demonstration of the telegraph in the US at the Speedwell Iron Works on January 6th, 1838. “On January 6th, 1838 an event occurred that would change the world as we know it
Holiday Greetings from LBA
Published on 2010-12-10 17:19:01
Greetings and best wishes for this Holiday Season to our friends and customers worldwide. During 2010, our staff members have been fortunate to visit with many of you around the globe, and they extend their personal greetings to you and your associat
Holiday Greetings from LBA
Published on 2010-12-10 17:19:01
Greetings and best wishes for this Holiday Season to our friends and customers worldwide. During 2010, our staff members have been fortunate to visit with many of you around the globe, and they extend their personal greetings to you and your associat
“LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING…” THE FUTURE OF THE RF SPECTRUM Part 1
Published on 2010-12-03 10:23:13
The recent series of posts dealing, in part, with the future of the Amateur Radio Service launched the Curmudgeon’s thinking into a new direction. Being a “philosopher dude” kind of guy whose thoughts tend to move toward larger and more futur
“LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING…” THE FUTURE OF THE RF SPECTRUM Part 1
Published on 2010-12-03 10:23:13
The recent series of posts dealing, in part, with the future of the Amateur Radio Service launched the Curmudgeon’s thinking into a new direction. Being a “philosopher dude” kind of guy whose thoughts tend to move toward larger and more futur
FCC Updates Spectrum Dashboard
Published on 2010-11-23 13:54:55
Back in March we made a post introducing the FCC Spectrum Dashboard which at the time was being beta tested. Now the site has been upgraded and officially taken out of beta! The dashboard adds a sense of transparency into how America’s spectr
FCC Updates Spectrum Dashboard
Published on 2010-11-23 13:54:55
Back in March we made a post introducing the FCC Spectrum Dashboard which at the time was being beta tested. Now the site has been upgraded and officially taken out of beta! The dashboard adds a sense of transparency into how America’s spectr
A “TV” TALE OF TWO CITIES (PART II)
Published on 2010-10-18 10:05:21
Last time we looked at the consequences of a broadcast channel allocation matter in which a small, analog Low Power TV station was displaced from its high UHF channel assignment in Pleasantville (a medium-size city located near Gotham City, a regiona
A “TV” TALE OF TWO CITIES (PART II)
Published on 2010-10-18 10:05:21
Last time we looked at the consequences of a broadcast channel allocation matter in which a small, analog Low Power TV station was displaced from its high UHF channel assignment in Pleasantville (a medium-size city located near Gotham City, a regiona
Radio Club of America News
Published on 2010-10-12 15:32:38
The 101st Annual Radio Club of America Awards Banquet will be Friday, November 19th at the Park Central Hotel in New York. This one-day event will include a cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Several Radio Club of America
Radio Club of America News
Published on 2010-10-12 15:32:38
The 101st Annual Radio Club of America Awards Banquet will be Friday, November 19th at the Park Central Hotel in New York. This one-day event will include a cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Several Radio Club of America
Curmudgeon’s Choice: The Great Spectrum Famine
Published on 2010-10-11 09:56:37
There is an article in the October 2010 issue of IEEE Spectrum (p. 26), “The Great Spectrum Famine.” It makes much the same case as does the Curmudgeon, but from more general considerations and a bit higher level. The Curmudgeon said:
3 phase vs 1 phase for 10KW FM Transmitter Site
Published on 2010-10-06 10:58:23
Compilation of Responses From the Broadcast “BC” Email List Service run by Barry Mishkind September 2010 Main Topic: Three phase or Single phase Secondary Topic: Safety regarding transmitter site AC service An opening thread asked if spendi
FCC Decision Opens White Spaces – DTV Interference Potential Unresolved
Published on 2010-09-24 10:57:06
In a unanimous decision Thursday, the FCC opened up TV white spaces spectrum for use by unlicensed devices, while reserving two channels for wireless microphones. The Commission rejected arguments that white space broadband use was uncontrollable and