§  73.688   Indicating instruments.

   (a) Each TV broadcast station shall be equipped with indicating
   instruments which conform with the specifications described in
   § 73.1215 for measuring the operating parameters of the last radio
   stage of the visual transmitter, and with such other instruments as are
   necessary for the proper adjustment, operation, and maintenance of the
   visual transmitting system.

   (b) The function of each instrument shall be clearly and permanently
   shown on the instrument itself or on the panel immediately adjacent
   thereto.

   (c) In the event that any one of these indicating instruments becomes
   defective, when no substitute which conforms with the required
   specifications is available, the station may be operated without the
   defective instrument pending its repair or replacement for a period not
   in excess of 60 days without further authority of the FCC, provided
   that:

   (1) If the defective instrument is the transmission line meter used for
   determining the output power by the direct method, the operating power
   shall be determined or maintained by the indirect method whenever
   possible or by using the operating parameters of the last radio stage
   of the transmitter during the time the station is operated without the
   transmission line meter.

   (2) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the
   restoration of the meter to service within the above allowed period,
   informal request in accordance with § 73.3549 may be filed with the
   Engineer in Charge of the radio district in which the station is
   located for such additional time as may be required to complete repairs
   of the defective instrument.

   [ 41 FR 36818 , Sept. 1, 1976, as amended at  48 FR 38480 , Aug. 24, 1983;
    49 FR 50048 , Dec. 26, 1984;  50 FR 26568 , June 27, 1985]