§ 74.733   UHF translator signal boosters.

   (a) The licensee of a UHF television broadcast translator station may be
   authorized  to  operate one or more signal boosters for the purpose of
   providing reception to small shadowed areas within the area intended to be
   served by the translator.

   (b)  The transmitting apparatus shall consist of a simple linear radio
   frequency amplifier, with one or more amplifying stages, which is capable of
   receiving,  amplifying,  and  retransmitting the signals of the parent
   translator without significantly altering any electrical characteristic of
   the received signal other than its amplitude. The maximum power input to the
   plate of the final radio frequency amplifier shall not exceed 5 watts.

   (c)  The amplifier shall be equipped with suitable circuits which will
   automatically cause it to cease radiating if no signal is being received
   from the parent translator station. Care shall be taken in the design of the
   apparatus to insure that out-of-band radiation is not excessive and that
   adequate isolation is maintained between the input and output circuits to
   prevent unstable operation.

   (d) The installation of the apparatus and its associated receiving and
   transmitting antennas shall be in accordance with accepted principles of
   good  engineering  practice.  Either horizontal, vertical, or circular
   polarization of the electric field of the radiated signal may be employed.
   If the isolation between the input and output circuits depends in part upon
   the polarization or directive properties of the transmitting and receiving
   antennas, the installation shall be sufficiently rugged to withstand the
   normal hazards of the environment.

   (e) The operation of a UHF translator signal booster is subject to the
   condition that no harmful interference is caused to the reception of any
   station, broadcast or non-broadcast, other than the parent translator. The
   licensee of the UHF translator signal booster is expected to use reasonable
   diligence to minimize interference to the direct reception of the parent
   translator station.

   (f) UHF translator signal boosters may be operated unattended. Repairs and
   adjustments shall be made by a qualified person. The required qualifications
   are set forth in § 74.750 (g) and (h).

   (g) An individual call sign will not be assigned to a UHF translator booster
   station. The retransmission of the call sign of the parent translator will
   serve as station identification.

   (h) Applications for authority to construct and operate a UHF translator
   signal booster shall be submitted on FCC Form 346A. No construction of
   facilities or installation of apparatus at the proposed transmitter site
   shall be made until a construction permit therefor has been issued by the
   Commission.

   (i) The provisions of § 74.765 concerning posting of station license shall
   apply  to  a  UHF translator signal booster except that the parent UHF
   translator call sign, followed by the word “Booster”, shall be displayed at
   the signal booster site.

   (j) The provisions of § § 74.767 and 74.781 concerning marking and lighting of
   antenna  structures  and  station  records, respectively, apply to UHF
   translator signal boosters.

   Note:  Effective  July  11,  1975,  no new UHF signal boosters will be
   authorized. Licensees of such existing boosters may make application for
   renewal of license or change in facilities on the applicable FCC forms for
   Television  Broadcast  Translator Stations (Form 346, for construction
   permits; 347, for license to cover construction permit; and 303-S, for
   renewal of license). Report and Order, Docket No. 20372. May 28, 1975.

   [ 28 FR 13722 , Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at  40 FR 25022 , June 12, 1975;  59 FR 63052 , Dec. 7, 1994]

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