Signal Pro has the ability generate FCC contours according to the FCC rules. These are used particularly for simple coverage for services such as FM radio, Broadcast TV, and Land Mobile Radio. These contours were conceived in the 1960’s and is the method used to approximate coverage and interference when computing power was nonexistent. There are more comprehensive method methods to determine coverage an and interference that are more accurate.
What are Contours
Contours are created using Carey Curves created in the 1960. See https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/reports/R-6602.pdf. There are used as a standardized method to generally predict the coverage area of a broadcast station as well as the areas where a station could cause interference to other stations. The calculations are based on whether a signal can be received at the field strength indicated on 50% of the receivers, 50% of the time. This is known as the F(50, 50) curves. This curve measurement is used mainly to determine coverage of FM radio, analog television and analog Land Mobile Radio (LMR). The F(50, 10) curve is a similar theory, except that it is 50% of the receivers, 10% of the time. F(50, 10) is used to determine interference. Digital television also uses an F(50, 90) curve as signal strength for DTV coverage. 3 different reliability values used in these curves. The contours are a contiguous polygon without any “donuts” or areas of no coverage inside these regions.
F(50,50) Contours
This contour is used to predict coverage to receivers using analog modulation. The calculation based on whether the probability of a given field strength is exceeded for 50% of locations and 50% of time. NTSC TV and analog LMR radio typical describe their coverage using contours with these reliabilities.
F(50,90) Contours
This contour is used to predict coverage to receivers using digital modulation. The calculation based on whether the probability of a given field strength is exceeded for 50% of locations and 90% of time. DTV and digital LMR radio typical describe their coverage using contours with these reliabilities.
F(50,10) Contours
This contour is used to predict interference to receivers using both analog and digital modulation. The calculation based on whether the probability of a given field strength is exceeded for 50% of locations and 10% of time.
How to Generate FCC Contours in Signal Pro
...