§ 73.688   Indicating instruments.

   (a) Each TV broadcast station shall be equipped with indicating instruments
   which conform with the specifications described in § 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 § 73.3549 may be filed 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;  80 FR 53750 , Sept. 8,
   2015]

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