FACT and LAW
(by Info Radio™)
The FCC authorizes the use of these FM Low Power Transmitters a/k/a Intentional Radiators. Its a great public service and a profitable business ( See our Sale Ideas Page). If it's to remain around for our use, it should not be abused. I'm including this page because I receive inquiries on a daily basis and this will set the record straight. Further into this page, you will find links to the FCC home page and copies of the part 15 rules that apply to these devices that verify what I quote and I'll also include direct phone numbers to the FCC examiners office for any questions you have. They are not the FCC police and will gladly answer questions if you don't believe these facts..
Q - What is the maximum power output.
A - Its 250 micro volts measured at 3 meters..
Q - I asked how much output power? How is that measured ?
A - First, for clarity the measured power is not based on output power from the transmitter but rather on received energy at the test receiver antenna..This test must be performed for the manufacturer at an FCC accepted Contract Test Site or the FCC office in Maryland to receive certification..The transmitter is placed on a table that rotates, 3 meters(10feet) from a certified antenna, then the antenna is raised and lowered and the table is rotated to find the strongest possible signal. After that factor is found then the test receiver attached to the test antenna measures the received power level (it must be less than 47dbm/v per meter using an average detector not Quasi peak..
Q - Gosh, I'm getting a nose bleed, just tell me why in simple terms.
A - Because this insures that the signal will only travel a specific distance and will quickly die out past that. Some designs will have higher power and small antennas (internal), while others will have less designed output power with larger antennas (telescoping), or on some designs there is an attached wire you can string out. The 250micro volts is the amount of power received at the test antenna at 10 feet(3meters), not the amount of power transmitted from the device... Remember, these are not broadcast licensed transmitters and are certified under strict rules.
Q - Can I just attach a larger antenna ?
A - Not legally... It would make the signal go further, void the FCC certification and you would be breaking US Federal Law and subject to the equipment being confiscated and a fat fine of $10,000 per day per occurrence. The part 15 rules about that are clear. You may replace a broken antenna with the exact replacement.. period... no discussion..
Q - External Antennas are available from other sources and make the signal go further - they said we can use them..
A - You get the fine not them! They just want to sell you antennas - unless the equipment was certified with that antenna and by the way, they would gladly provide you with a copy of the test report from the test site (off the list below) if it was, you may not add or change the antenna. The Rules (Part 15)
provide for a detachable antenna ONLY if there is a unique connector mounted on the case from the factory. A unique connector is one that can not be purchased in an electronic supply store! If there is a unique connector on your transmitter you can only attach a replacement antenna, which would look EXACTLY the same as the one that the transmitter was shipped with. If it's a unique connector used by the manufacturer then no one else would have access to it.
Q - Some of your competitors claim longer range and distance.
A - Its a matter of physics - 250 microvolts per meter measured at 3 meters can only go so far. Either their ad is not true or if you have a device that goes farther than the first column on the chart below, then the unit does not meet FCC limits FCC Home Page or it is out of manufactured specification and to use it is not legal.
| Feet from Transmitter |
90 |
180 |
360 |
720 |
1440 |
2880 |
5760 |
11520 |
23040 |
| MicroVolts Output |
250 |
500 |
1000 |
2000 |
4000 |
8000 |
16000 |
32010 |
64020 |
Its worth saying at this point that some advertisers might claim a distance of three hundred feet, that's ok if you remember the transmitter might be in the middle and that measurement takes into consideration the whole drive by distance to be covered.There is a lot of great business out there without worrying about the distance not covered. If you want to be a Radio Station then apply for a broadcast license. Using a transmitter for anything other than the legal distance is considered Pirate Radio (see the challenge on the FCC web site for (Berkley Radio) .
Q - How about buying and assembling my own kits.
A - The FCC is very specific about home built kits. You can own up to six transmitters either from kits or your own design and build them for your own use. You are responsible for their proper legal operation ,but, remember its against the law to sell, or lease them - they are just for your own personal use.
Q - Can I complain or use a frequency a radio station is on.
A - Not really. One thing you really don't want is someone to file a complaint with the FCC, that's when they start looking.. If a neighbor to one of your transmitters likes to listen to that radio station, even though its way off in the distance and complains to you , you are required by law to change frequencies. The radio stations have all the rights.. They hold the license.
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