A New Opportunity For WLCB: FM Translators
What Is A Translator?
An FM transmitter that picks up WLCB and repeats it on a different frequency, extending our coverage area to people our main signal doesn't reach.
Same Programming
Everything on 101.5 airs on the translator at the same time. It carries no shows of its own.
A New Place On The Dial
Listeners in that area tune to the translator's frequency. It has its own FCC call sign and license.
Runs Unattended
Ours will run on their own at 99 watts or less, and each shuts off automatically if it loses WLCB's signal.
Secondary Service
It can't interfere with other stations. If it does, we have to fix the problem or stop transmitting.
The Plan
Genoa City
89.3 FM, 95 W
Non-directional, about 72 ft above ground on an existing tower.
Twin Lakes
89.9 FM, 99 W
Non-directional, about 30 ft above ground on an existing tower.
Both Will Rebroadcast WLCB 101.5 FM
Why Not 250 Watts?
- 250 W is the most a translator can typically run, and only with a low antenna. FCC rules lower the limit as height above the surrounding terrain rises, so both of our sites top out at 120 W.
- Translators must protect existing stations. At Genoa City, 89.3 sits next to WBSD on 89.1, and 95 W clears that station's protected area by only about a quarter mile.
- Twin Lakes on 89.9 must also protect TV Channel 6, which shares nearby spectrum. 99 W clears it.
- Staying under 100 W exempts both sites from an extra FCC interference study, which keeps the applications simple.
WLCB • 101.5 FMWLCB Today
WLCB 101.5 alone. Predicted 60 dBu coverage from public FCC and Census data, before tree and building losses.
WLCB • 101.5 FM • 89.3 FMAdding Genoa City
WLCB plus Genoa City 89.3, without Twin Lakes. Predicted 60 dBu coverage, before tree and building losses. Businesses are rounded estimates of those with paid employees, from 2023 Census ZIP data.
WLCB • 101.5 FM • 89.9 FMAdding Twin Lakes
WLCB plus Twin Lakes 89.9, without Genoa City. Predicted 60 dBu coverage, before tree and building losses. Businesses are rounded estimates of those with paid employees, from 2023 Census ZIP data.
WLCB • 101.5 FM • 89.3 FM • 89.9 FMAll Together
WLCB, Genoa City and Twin Lakes. 949 people are reached by both translators, and actual reception will vary. Businesses are rounded estimates of those with paid employees, from 2023 Census ZIP data.
Coverage Map, Including Likely Car Reception
Lines show the 60 dBu service contour the FCC uses. The shaded areas are estimates of car reception at 50 and 40 dBu, cut off where a stronger station takes over. Square miles combine all three signals, and each figure includes the areas inside it. Actual reception depends on the radio, terrain and buildings.
What's Next
How The FCC Reviews Our Applications
- 1
Filed
November 4
Both applications go in on the window's first day.
- 2
Window Closes
November 17
The FCC makes all applications public, so we see who else applied nearby.
- 3
FCC Review
Timing Set By The FCC
Staff check every application against the technical and legal rules. Problems get one chance to be fixed.
- 4
Conflicts
Only If Someone Overlaps Us
Applicants may settle or adjust first. If not, a point system picks the winner.
- 5
Public Notice
30 Days
The FCC announces acceptance, we post notice locally, and anyone may file an objection.
- 6
Construction Permit
Up To 3 Years To Build
We install the antennas and transmitters at Genoa City and Twin Lakes.
- 7
On The Air
License To Cover
We file a license application and can begin broadcasting while the FCC reviews it.
The Point System
3 Established Local Applicant (we qualify)
2 Diversity Of Ownership (not available to LPFMs)
2 Best Coverage, 10% or 25% more than a competitor
Ties: fewest stations, then fewest pending applications, then earliest filed.
A grant is not guaranteed. After going on the air, each translator must keep rebroadcasting WLCB and stay with Lakes Community Broadcasting for at least four years.
What's Needed?
Genoa City
89.3 FM
Equipment Ready To Go
BW Broadcast TX300 V2 transmitter furnished by Aaron Crowcroft.
- Install the new mast on the existing tower
- Tune the antenna to 89.3 and test it
- Equipment Rack $85.58
- CyberPower CP1500PFCRM2U UPS $359.95
- CyberPower RMCARD205 Remote Management Card $261.31
- DEVA DB7001 FM Re-Broadcast Receiver $2,038.00
- Subtotal $2,744.84
Twin Lakes
89.9 FM
Equipment Needed
The existing tower and site are in place.
- Antenna, cable and mounting hardware
- Extend the mast to about 30 ft
- BW Broadcast TX300 V2 transmitter (used) Up To $2,500.00
- Equipment Rack $85.58
- CyberPower CP1500PFCRM2U UPS $359.95
- CyberPower RMCARD205 Remote Management Card $261.31
- DEVA DB7001 FM Re-Broadcast Receiver $2,038.00
- Subtotal Up To $5,244.84
For Both Sites
- Grounding and lightning protection
- Volunteers for installation and testing
- Funding for the Twin Lakes equipment
Nothing gets installed until the FCC grants a construction permit.
Potential Moves
Why Move The Main Transmitter?
- Reduce interference from WLGS-LP, which shares 101.5 and sits closer than FCC spacing normally allows. Listeners have heard WLGS over WLCB.
- Moving to 101.3 would end the shared-channel problem with WLGS-LP entirely.
- Secure a long-term home. The current property may go up for sale.
- Choose a site with full, reliable access for equipment and maintenance.
| Frequency | Usable Area | Closest To WLCB | Where | FCC Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 sq km | 0.5 km | West | Same Channel | |
| 14 sq km | 3.2 km | Northwest | Minor Change | |
| 12 sq km | 2.1 km | West | Needs Showing | |
| 7 sq km | 9.4 km | Southwest | Needs Showing | |
| 2.5 sq km | 5.0 km | West | Needs Showing |
Dashed Line: 11.2 km From WLCB. Shaded areas meet FCC minimum spacing and stay within 11.2 km of WLCB, 10 miles of both planned translators with overlapping 60 dBu coverage, and 10 miles of at least 75% of the board. 101.5 areas do not move closer to WLGS-LP.
"Needs Showing" means a technical showing of reduced interference. 101.3 is the only new frequency with a simple FCC path. This checks spacing and siting limits, not coverage. No site is confirmed, and a move can't be filed until after the translator window closes.