Sec. 73.688  Indicating instruments.

    (a) Each TV broadcast station shall be equipped with indicating 
instruments which conform with the specifications described in 
Sec. 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 Sec. 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]