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Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find the answers to your questions below, please contact us and let us know.
- What is Robin Valley Community Radio?
- We are an independent, community-oriented low-power AM radio station operating on AM 1690 kHz in Omaha, Nebraska. The station is operated as both a hobby and as a public service.
- Why do you call it "Robin Valley?"
- Though it's not widely known (i.e.: there's no sign or similarily named park or landmark), the name of the 60 year old neighborhood in which the station is operated is known as the "Robin Valley Addition."
- Is this legal? Do you have a license? Isn't this pirate radio?
- Yes, this is legal, and is no way related to pirate radio. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules allow for unlicensed radio transmitter operation on many frequencies, including the standard AM and FM bands. As long as the rules outlined in Part 15 relating to transmitter output power and antenna height are observed, and that the unlicensed station does not interfere with licensed operations, we are free to broadcast over the air.
- What does a Part 15 AM radio station look like?
- Please see our station photos to see some of the equipment involved.
- Is this ham or amateur radio?
- No. Amateur radio is a licensed, two-way service. We are broadcasting news, talk, and music, one-way.
- Is this really a community radio station, or a private radio station?
- The station is privately owned and operated, and certainly subject to the whims of the station owners and operators. However, the intent is that the station be of value to the public. Participation by members of the community is welcomed.
- How strong is the signal transmitted by your radio station?
- We broadcast at the maximum output wattage allowed by law under FCC Part 15 rules: 100 milliWatts (One-tenth of one Watt). That's nothing compared to the 100,000+ Watts broadcast by commercial radio stations. We use a moderately high-quality, high-fidelity AM transmitter, so if you're well within the coverage area, you'll get a great sound.
- Why can't I hear Robin Valley Community Radio on my radio?
- The signal is quite weak, and doesn't carry far from the neighborhood in which the transmitter is operated. If you live or travel through our coverage area, you might try using a more sensitive radio, or listening during the middle of the day. Car radios are typically more sensitive than portable radios. A higher priced radio with digital tuning will have a better chance than a cheap clock-radio.
- What is your broadcast range? Why so limited?
- A good signal is expected only about one-half mile from the station. You might occasionally hear us two or three miles out, but that is certainly the exception. The range is limited mostly due to the low output power of our transmitter (100 milliwatts). Time of day, weather and solar activity can affect the propagation of the radio signal. Check the coverage map for a diagram.
- Why don't you broadcast FM? Wouldn't that sound better?
- FM generally sounds better than AM. FM is a higher-fidelity medium, plus it can carry a stereo signal which makes listening to music more pleasant. However, the FCC Part 15 rules for FM somewhat restrict the distance that the FM signal can be heard from the transmitter. A FM radio station operating in accordance with FCC Part 15 rules could expect to have a range of only a 200 feet or so, whereas a Part 15 AM station could be heard a few miles away under the right conditions.
- Can I listen on the web?
- Yes. Click here for more information on streaming MP3.
- What kind of equipment are you using?
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See our station photos for pictures of some of the equipment in use.
- Why do I keep hearing the same songs over and over again, and who is that woman singing and playing the guitar, anyway?
- Until all time slots are filled up with steady programming, you may hear some default playlists from time to time. An attempt will be made to create more diverse, randomized playlists for filling in these gaps. The voice of Robin Valley Community Radio and wife of station operator, Roxanne Redd, is a local singer/songwriter. Playing her music is one way we like to help promote her music. For more information about Roxanne, please visit her web site at RoxanneRedd.com.
- I'm hearing "The Hamster Dance" and "Who Let The Dogs Out" 16 times an hour. What's up with that?
- You're probaby hearing Radio Disney in Denver, who transmits on the same freqency. Their signal dwarfs ours at night, and sometimes during the day in places where our signal is weak.
- I'm hearing "The Zone - AM 1620" on your frequency, as well as 1570, 1580, 1590, 1600, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650, 1660, 1670, 1680, 1700, and even 1710 kHz. That's not right!
- I agree. It seems worse south of our station, and at certain times of the day.
- I've got something to say. Can I have my own show on your station?
- Absolutely! Locally produced content is very welcomed, and in fact, desired at Robin Valley Community Radio. Here are some ideas:
- Talk about your favorite subject; poetry, gardening, etc.
- Talk about local events, news, etc.
- Record yourself interviewing interesting people over the phone or using Internet telephony.
- If you have a regular, radio-ready Podcast, let me know and I can add it to the lineup.
We don't yet have the ability to host a live show, but you may send us recordings using a variety of methods; MP3 by podcast, MP3 by e-mail, MP3 by FTP, CD, MiniDisc, DAT, or cassette tape.
We have a few content standards. Please see the participation page for more details.
- Can you play my band's music?
- Absolutely. We'd be glad to. Please see the above question for more details.
- Is that a robot reading the weather?
- Yes, it is. We utilize the fine podcasting weather service available from PirateWeather.com in order to bring you accurate and current weather information at the top of each hour.
- How can I start my own radio station?
- All you need is some time, money, and the desire to learn a little about how radio works. You can either build it all from scratch, or buy prebuilt equipment, depending on your level of do-it-yourself desire and capability. Contact us if you'd like more information on how to get started. Be sure to visit the links page for some online resources.
- How much does it cost to start my own radio station?
- As with any hobby or activity, you can put at little or as much money as you want into it. Transmitter can be purchased or built for less than $20 or up to $2,000 or more. Sudio equipment can equal that found in a commercial station, or consist of a single microphone or tape player. To help track my costs, I put together this price sheet to show where the money was going. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information about my station, or help starting your own.
- Does Robin Valley Community Radio, its management, staff, and sponsors necessarily agree with the ideas and opinions expressed through its programs and guests?
- Of course not! We simply enjoy presenting a wide variety of content, not usually available on mainstream radio. You can get that anywhere on the dial. We prefer to offer something a little different. Also note that we are limited in what we can play for free on our station, as we are a non-commercial project and don't pay any licensing fees to the various artist's rights organizations.
- My question wasn't answered here.
- Send your unanswered questions to us via email to robinvalley@gmail.com.
F.A.Q. revised Saturday, 07 October 2006
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