§  73.258   Indicating instruments.

   (a) Each FM broadcast station shall be equipped with indicating
   instruments which conform with the specifications described in § 73.1215
   for determining power by the indirect method; for indicating the
   relative amplitude of the transmission line radio frequency current,
   voltage, or power; and with such other instruments as are necessary for
   the proper adjustment, operation, and maintenance of the transmitting
   system.

   (b) The function of each instrument shall be clearly and permanently
   shown in 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, if the defective instrument is the transmission line meter of a
   station which determines the output power by the direct method, the
   operating power shall be determined by the indirect method in
   accordance with § 73.267(c) during the entire time the station is
   operated without the transmission line meter.

   (d) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the
   restoration of the meter to service within the above allowed period, an
   informal letter request in accordance with § 73.3549 may be filed with
   the FCC, Attention: Audio Division, Media Bureau, in Washington, DC 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 44805 , Sept. 30, 1983;
    50 FR 32416 , Aug. 12, 1985;  63 FR 33876 , June 22, 1998;  67 FR 13231 ,
   Mar. 21, 2002]