Washington - Feb 22, 2008 - In a public notice, the FCC has simplified the procedures for AM station construction permit applications that specify Valcom antennas. Based on its review of the Valcom field tests and internal reports submitted to the Commission for evaluation, the FCC will not routinely require the submission of a proof of performance, current distribution measurements, or a formula for the vertical plane radiation characteristic for nondirectional AM facilities that use these antennas.

The Valcom antenna, manufactured by Valcom Manufacturing Group Inc., is a self-supporting whip antenna that is shorter than the one-quarter wavelength lattice tower typically used by AM stations. The Valcom antenna includes a Valcosphere, a wire-framed sphere, mounted at the top of the whip. A top-loading coil is mounted approximately one-third of the total height above the antenna base. The Valcom antenna requires use of a 120-radial buried ground system.

Based on field tests submitted by the manufacturer, the FCC has approved two models of the Valcom antenna for routine use at higher AM frequencies. The 85' Valcom antenna may be used at frequencies ranging from 1200kHz to 1700kHz; the 75' Valcom antenna may be used at frequencies from 1390kHz to 1700kHz. Applicants may only specify the Valcom antenna for nondirectional use. The FCC will consider authorizing the use of directional Valcom arrays when more information is available.

The FCC included two exhibits with its notice.
The du Treil, Lundin and Rackley engineering statement
Valcom radiation efficiency table

DA 08-448