Atomic Taco wrote:
Definitely not the first time I've seen the output power greater than the ERP. Are they assuming almost a 50% loss between the repeater and the antenna!?
Nah the 40w value just refers to the output power of the transmitter -- that the frequency is assigned to. The 2nd value (Max ERP) just refers to what the FCC is "certifying" them to use. So they must comply with that. Ideally, if the system were designed efficiently, then you'd have 40w transmitter probably reduced to only 10w into low-loss coax but a high-gain, roof-mounted antenna. This would save energy and allow for future expansion. (Of course, it's usually 40w into cheap antenna and cheap coax == high loss == 25w ERP...)
Technically, the station is supposed to be under the 25w ERP no matter what (and they can be fined if they're not) but it's not like the FCC has the man-power to check every transmitting station. Usually it would be a secondary violation. i.e. if they're at full 40w of power and ERP is more like 80w ... and they're stomping on Joe Blow Towing... then they could get cited for causing interference and using above their allowable transmitting power.