The highway advisory radio service

Abstract

Background information relating to the recent establishment by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of Travelers Information Stations to assist drivers of motor vehicles by use of standard AM broadcast receivers is reviewed. Field strength and other data as derived from a experimental inductlon-radio system, utilizing a roadside cable of radiating type as employed successfully for driver-information service at the Los Angeles International Airport are presented. The results of surveys that indicate a high degree of public acceptance of the advisory-radio service at the airport are set forth. The technical requirements as specified by the FCC for the new service are discussed. Problems involved in the utilization of roadside cables of induction-radio type or small antenna structures with associated low-power radio transmitters as a means of limiting effective signaling distance are examined.