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“The wireless age has brought us closer together,
yet we must work to ensure that it does not divide us.”
— Guglielmo Marconi
When the electric grid and the internet are down and there is no cell service, radio can still work to help communities stabilize. Starting 2024 we will break down our coverage of the radio frequency technology standards used in educational settlements into into two categories:
Radio 300: Security and maintenance radio. These usually use a single radio channel and operate in a half-duplex mode: only one user on the channel can transmit at a time, so users in a user group must take turns talking. The radio is normally in receive mode so the user can hear all other transmissions on the channel. When the user wants to talk he presses a “push-to-talk” button, which turns off the receiver and turns on the transmitter; when he releases the button the receiver is activated again. Multiple channels are provided so separate user groups can communicate in the same area without interfering with each other.
Note that a core title in this domain — NFPA 1802 Standard on Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for Use by Emergency Services Personnel in the Hazard Zone — is part of an NFPA catalog reorganization. Best practice content will be rolled into NFPA 1300 Standard on Fire and Emergency Service Use of Thermal Imagers, Two-Way Portable RF Voice Communication Devices, Ground Ladders, and Fire Hose, and Fire Hose Appliances.
As of this posting APCO International has no public consultations on any titles in its public safety radio standards catalog.
Radio 400: Student radio. College radio stations are typically considered to be public radio radio stations in the way that they are funded by donation and grants. The term “Public radio” generally refers to classical music, jazz, and news. A more accurate term is community radio, as most staff are volunteers, although many radio stations limit staff to current or recent students instead of anyone from the local community. There has been a fair amount of drama over student-run radio station history; a topic we steer away from.
The Low Power FM radio service was created by the Commission in January 2000. LPFM stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain. The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations.
Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures
We follow — but do not respond — to consultations on titles covering the use of radio frequencies for the Internet of Things. At the moment, most of that evolution happens at the consumer product level; though it is wise to contemplate the use of the electromagnetic spectrum during widespread and extended loss of broadband services.

Maxwell equations: Four lines that provide a complete description of light, electricity and magnetism
We do not include policy specifics regarding the migration of National Public Radio beyond cultural content into political news; though we acknowledge that the growth of publicly financed radio domiciled in education communities is a consideration in the technology of content preparation informed by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.
We drill into technical specifics of the following:
Radio technology is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission with no ANSI-accredited standards setting organizations involved in leading practice discovery and promulgation. Again, we do not cover creative and content issues. Join us today at 11 AM/ET using the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
More
International Telecommunications Union: News Magazine No.1 2022
International Special Committee on Radio Interference
Campus Safety Radio JVCKENWOOD CAMPUS SAFETY 5 TIPS TO LOWER COSTS
Michigan Central Summer Fall | Michigan Central Winter Spring
Open every day since 2007: offering locally sourced coffee, teas, baked goods, and a welcoming space for studying or events. Across Linden Street from First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Angell Elementary School and footsteps away from Chi Omega and seven other sororities and fraternity houses on the oddly-shaped lot bounded by South University. Washtenaw and Hill Streets.
A post shared by The Common Cup (@thecommoncupcoffee)
The University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor, Michigan was designed by architect Glen Paulsen in 1959; a local Ann Arbor architect known for his modernist work and close ties to the University of Michigan community. The chapel is one of his most celebrated designs and is widely regarded as an outstanding example of mid-20th-century ecclesiastical architecture in the Midwest. The dramatic hyperbolic-paraboloid roof and the integration of natural light through colored glass strips are signature elements of the building.His work often emphasized clean lines, structural expression (e.g., exposed concrete and steel), and integration with natural surroundings, influenced by his time with Eero Saarinen and his teaching roles at the University of Michigan and Cranbrook Academy of Art. While the University Lutheran Chapel (1959) in Ann Arbor exemplifies his ecclesiastical modernism with its hyperbolic-paraboloid roof, below is a curated list of his other key projects, drawn from biographical records, architectural archives, and historical surveys. In the fullness of time his private practice from 1958 to 1969 morphed into TMP (Tarapata-MacMahon-Paulsen, 1969–1977).
“The wireless age has brought us closer together,
yet we must work to ensure that it does not divide us.”
— Guglielmo Marconi
FCC Proposes to Modify Technical Rules for Digital FM Stations
Our Office of Engineering & Technology maintains the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, manages Experimental Licensing & Equipment Authorization programs, regulates operation of unlicensed devices, and conducts engineering & technical studies. https://t.co/MATs1ThyxL #FCC101
— FCC (@FCC) August 17, 2023
The FCC is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation. We provide a link to the August 3rd meeting during which time rules for Digital FM Radio and Non-Federal Spectrum Usage were discussed. Campus Security Radio, National Public Radio and Student Radio are central features of education community culture and safety and are typically available when the internet is not.
Executive Order 14290: Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media
“If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.” — Leviticus 5:1
To what degree does the endless and, frankly shameless, on-air fundraising by an organization with widely tolerated bias constitute de facto political fundraising for the Democratic Party? In Southeastern Michigan — in less than a 50 mile region — you can hear the same NPR “content” from six different universities: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Toledo, Detroit, East Lansing, and Flint.
There has been some relatively recent legislative proposals to restore NPR to its original charter of cultural content (music, book reviews, agricultural information, etc.) but these proposals never moved beyond the relevant committee.
NPR literally said “Federal funding is essential to public radio” on their own website (now taken down).
What hypocrites! pic.twitter.com/kYAXW0zpyl
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 12, 2023

NPR CEO Katherine Maher was a no-show at the House Oversight Subcommittee Hearing
Related:
This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule.
The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.… https://t.co/LliZF0po9t
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 3, 2024
National Public Radio Inc | 2022 Tax Filing
National Public Radio | IRS 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax
American Public Media Group | 2022 Tax Filing
“Hotseat heats up for NPR CEO Katherine Maher — and her life is the ultimate woke-elite bingo card”
National Public Radio follows guidelines and best practices when conducting fundraising campaigns, but they’re not so much strict “rules” as they are principles and standards upheld by NPR and its member stations. Here are some common practices and considerations:
While there may not be hard and fast rules for NPR fundraising, adherence to these principles helps maintain trust with listeners and supporters.
My resignation letter to NPR CEO @krmaher pic.twitter.com/0hafVbcZAK
— Uri Berliner (@uberliner) April 17, 2024
To become a National Public Radio (NPR) member station or broadcaster, certain criteria must be met. NPR is a mission-driven organization that partners with independently owned and operated public radio stations across the United States to deliver its programming. Here are the typical criteria for becoming an NPR member station:
Overall, becoming an NPR member station involves a combination of legal, financial, technical, and cultural considerations, all aimed at supporting NPR’s mission of providing high-quality public radio programming to audiences across the United States.
A significant portion of NPR member stations are associated with universities or colleges. These stations are often operated by the educational institution’s media departments or affiliated broadcasting organizations. They serve as valuable training grounds for students studying journalism, communications, broadcasting, and related fields.
While the exact number of NPR member stations associated with universities or colleges may vary over time, it’s safe to say that a substantial portion of the network falls into this category. Many universities and colleges across the United States operate their own radio stations, and a portion of these stations choose to affiliate with NPR to access its programming and resources.
Related:
Pew Research Center: Public Broadcasting Fact Sheet
— NPR (@NPR) April 12, 2023
Urban Dictionary: Affluent White Female Liberal
NPR names Katherine Maher President and CEO
Tucker Carlson: Radicalized NPR on verge of destroying itself
Congresswoman Tenney Moves to Defund NPR
Outrageous bias in the media: NPR “National Public Radio “
National Center for Charitable Statistics
Multiple bills introduced in Congress to defund NPR https://t.co/FHUwd5nFDW via @dcexaminer
— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) April 24, 2024
“A half truth is a whole lie” — Yiddish proverb
National Public Radio (NPR) member stations are permitted to transmit from facilities supported by federally funded colleges or universities, as many are licensed as noncommercial educational (NCE) stations under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These stations, often operated by or affiliated with public colleges and universities, meet FCC requirements for NCE licenses, which allow them to broadcast educational and cultural programming without commercial advertisements.
Key Points:NCE Licensing: NPR member stations are typically licensed as NCE stations, which can be owned or operated by nonprofit entities, including public colleges and universities. These institutions often receive federal funding, and their facilities (e.g., campus buildings or transmission equipment) can be used for broadcasting.
Funding Structure: Stations affiliated with colleges or universities may receive funding from the institution, listener contributions, corporate underwriting, and federal grants via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Federal funding, while a small portion (e.g., ~10% of public radio revenue), is often channeled through CPB to support station operations.
Examples: Many NPR member stations, such as WBEZ (operated by Chicago Public Media but affiliated with educational institutions) or KUT (operated by the University of Texas), transmit from university-supported facilities. Approximately half of NPR’s member stations are affiliated with colleges, sometimes operating directly from campus facilities.
FCC Regulations: The FCC allows NCE stations to broadcast from such facilities as long as they adhere to noncommercial guidelines, prohibiting promotional advertisements for for-profit entities while permitting donor acknowledgments.
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts: Recent reductions in federal funding for public media, as reported in 2025, may strain these stations, particularly those reliant on university support, as budget-strapped institutions face additional financial pressures.
There are no explicit FCC restrictions preventing NPR stations from using federally funded college or university facilities, provided they comply with NCE regulations.
NDSU Net Position 2024: $570 M | Standards North Dakota | Capital Renewal Master Plan
College is about creating memories you’ll never forget, and NDSU’s Wellness Center offers unique ways to do just that. Canoe Battleship is your chance to team up with friends and compete to be the last canoe floating! 🛶
Ready to dive in?
📅 Sunday, Feb. 2
🕓 4 – 6 p.m.
📍… pic.twitter.com/Fcby09ouWO— North Dakota State University (@NDSU) January 31, 2025
Old Main, North Dakota Agricultural College | Milton Earl Beebe, Architect
This week, NDSU is hosting the state Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention with over 1,000 students from across North Dakota. We’re excited to have these future Bison on campus as students soon! 🤘🚜#NDSU pic.twitter.com/OoMmrpHim9
— North Dakota State University (@NDSU) June 5, 2024
“The Liberals are Coming, and They’re Bringing Fancy Coffee” https://t.co/XykfCFYZgVhttps://t.co/exHU6TR2h9
America is changed by flight from miserable Blue States to better Red States—only to import the policies that created the misery they fled from in the first place. pic.twitter.com/OaVVgrTxJr— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) October 31, 2022
This week, NDSU is hosting the state Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention with over 1,000 students from across North Dakota. We’re excited to have these future Bison on campus as students soon! 🤘🚜#NDSU pic.twitter.com/OoMmrpHim9
— North Dakota State University (@NDSU) June 5, 2024
The first elevator in the United States was installed at Harvard University in 1874. It was not a passenger elevator as we typically think of today, but rather a freight elevator used to move heavy items within a building. The installation of this elevator marked an important development in building technology and transportation within multi-story structures. It was based on the design of Elisha Otis, who is famous for inventing the safety elevator with a safety brake system that prevents the elevator from falling if the hoisting cable fails. Otis’ innovation played a pivotal role in making elevators safe and practical for everyday use, leading to their widespread adoption in buildings around the world.
International Building Code Chapter 30: Elevators and Conveying Systems
Education communities are stewards of 100’s of lifts, elevators and moving walks. At the University of Michigan, there are the better part of 1000 of them; with 19 of them in Michigan Stadium alone. The cost of building them — on the order of $50,000 to $150,000 per floor depending upon architectural styling — and the highly trained staff needed to operate, maintain and program interoperability software is another cost that requires attention. All building design and construction disciplines — architectural, mechanical and electrical have a hand in making this technology safe and sustainabile.
We start with international and nationally developed best practice literature and work our way to state level adaptations. Labor for this technology is heavily regulated.
Its a rarefied and crazy domain for the user-interest. Expertise is passionate about safety and idiosyncratic but needs to be given the life safety hazard. Today we review o pull together public consultation notices on relevant codes, standards and regulations today 11 AM/EDT.
More
NFPA 70 Article 620 Elevators, etc.
NEC Article 620 | David Herres
International Building Code Chapter 30: Elevators and Conveying Systems
Inside Higher Ed: Tragedy in an Elevator
University of Michigan Elevator Recall Control Wiring Schematic
University of Michigan Elevator Shaft Lighting Schematic
At the 1853 New York World’s Fair Elisha Otis amazed a crowd when he ordered the only rope holding the platform on which he was standing cut by an axeman. The platform fell only a few inches before coming to a halt; thus proving the safety locking mechanism he had invented will work. These elevators quickly became the type in most common usage and made vertical living possible.

Elisha Graves Otis shows his first elevator in the Crystal Palace, New York City, 1853. — Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS
Most large research universities have 100 – 1000 elevators that are highly regulated, maintained by highly regulated service personnel and inspected by highly trained conformance operatives; thus our primary interest in state-specific regulations. We have a secondary interest in innovation in the technology generally. Many sustainability goals urged in academic circles — which include greater population density in smaller areas — are challenged by mobility issues.
From the project prospectus:
“…The main feature of these products is that they are an integral part of industrial, residential or public buildings. Consequently, they should be adaptable to the technical and architectural constraints of such buildings. They must also meet the capacity requirements imposed by the intended use of the building. These products are considered as means of transport and therefore represent an essential component of the functional life of the buildings in which they are installed. Contrary to most public means of transport, they are intended for free use and operation by their passengers, which makes the integration of safety an essential concern…”
STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN ISO/TC178: Lifts, escalators and moving walks
The Association française de normalisation (AFNOR) is the global Secretariat. ANSI’s US Technical Advisory Group Administrator is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Stakeholders in US-based education communities are encouraged to communicate directly with ASME; CLICK HERE.
We maintain the work products of this committee on the standing agendas of our Mechanical, Elevator and Global colloquia; open to everyone. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.
Issue: [11-50]
Category: Mechanical, Mobility, Global
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Larry Spielvogel
International Building Code (IBC): Widely used in the United States and other regions, the IBC sets minimum requirements for structural design, materials, and maintenance to ensure safety and performance. It references standards like ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures) for load calculations (e.g., wind, seismic, snow).Maintenance provisions require regular inspections and repairs to address issues like cracking or deterioration.
ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete): Published by the American Concrete Institute this standard governs the design and construction of concrete structures.Includes requirements to control cracking (e.g., reinforcement detailing, concrete mix design) and ensure durability under environmental exposure.Maintenance guidelines recommend periodic inspections for cracks, spalling, or reinforcement corrosion.
AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings): Published by the American Institute of Steel Construction, this standard covers the design, fabrication, and erection of steel structures. Addresses fatigue, connection design, and corrosion protection to prevent structural failure. Maintenance involves inspecting for issues like weld imperfections or coating degradation.
IEEE: Structural Health Monitoring system based on strain gauge enabled wireless sensor nodes
Today, special attention to managing elevator passengers trapped in elevators during power outages. Incident management involves the following:
These redundancies, required by ASME A17.1 codes in most jurisdictions, have made prolonged entrapments extremely rare and almost never dangerous.
CMP-12 Public Input Transcript | CMP-12 Public Comment Transcript
Elevator, escalator and moving walk systems are among the most complicated systems in any urban environment, no less so than on the #WiseCampus in which many large research universities have 100 to 1000 elevators to safely and economically operate, service and continuously commission. These systems are regulated heavily at state and local levels of government and have oversight from volunteers that are passionate about their work.
These “movement systems” are absorbed into the Internet of Things transformation. Lately we have tried to keep pace with the expansion of requirements to include software integration professionals to coordinate the interoperability of elevators, lifts and escalators with building automation systems for fire safety, indoor air quality and disaster management. Much of work requires understanding of the local adaptations of national building codes.
Some university elevator O&M units use a combination of in-house, manufacturer and standing order contractors to accomplish their safety and sustainability objectives.
In the United States the American Society of Mechanical Engineers is the dominant standards developer of elevator and escalator system best practice titles; its breakdown of technical committees listed in the link below:
C&S Connect: ASME Proposals Available for Public Review
Public consultation on a new standard for electrical inspector qualifications closes May 27th.
ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 – 20XX, Performance-based code for elevators and escalators (280 pages)
Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators
Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks
Guide for Elevator Seismic Design
As always, we encourage facility managers, elevator shop personnel to participate directly in the ASME Codes & Standards development process. For example, it would be relatively easy for our colleagues in the Phoenix, Arizona region to attend one or more of the technical committee meetings; ideally with operating data and a solid proposal for improving the A17 suite.
All ASME standards are on the agenda of our Mechanical, Pathway and Elevator & Lift colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online teleconferences; open to everyone. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Issue: [11-50]
Category: Electrical, Elevators, #WiseCampus
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Richard Robben, Larry Spielvogel
More:
Bibliography: Elevators, Lifts and Moving Walks
ISO/TC 178 Lifts, escalators and moving walks
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
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