Doug,
The FCC Amateur Radio regs (Part 97) require that one operate on frequencies authorized for the class of license issued, with a level of power authorized, and that equipment meet certain technical standards with respect to spurious emissions and construction. As long as a licensee is operating within the FCC authorized limits for his class of license, and as long as he does not cause harmful interference to other radio stations and services, he's legal. Whether he is in trouble, that's another thing. If you don't get along with your neighbors, they will do what they can to make your life miserable (grin). But there is no law that says consumer electronics devices that improperly receive radio signals have to be protected. They are not meant to, after all, and if they were working right, they wouldn't. Manufacturers _could_ build in a level of immunity (and in Europe are required to in order to CE mark their products) but generally choose not to spend the money it would take to do this. A few cents times a few million items adds up. (If the antenna were up in the air in the yard it might not interfere. Maybe it's too close to the wiring. He will have to make sure this is not the case, even with CE marked equipment, as _anything_ will break down in a strong enough field. If the antenna is away from wiring, then perhaps there's nothing else he can do on his end.) Part 15 users ARE required to accept interference they may experience. That doesn't mean they are happy about it. Practically speaking, it means that they will not get a sympathetic ear from the FCC. That makes little difference; the Commission is so understaffed these days, that hardly anyone does, no matter what the merit of his complaint. A difference that makes no difference, IS no difference. Some localities may regulate this kind of problem as "disturbing the peace", and your friend may find himself penalized for that, even though localities have NO jurisdiction over radio interference. The expense and trouble of making this point clear may be more than he is ready to accept, so there's an incentive for helping the neighbor clear up his problem. Note I said helping the neighbor clear up HIS problem. Your friend should (diplomatically) explain that. This is not the radio operator's "fault" and his equipment is not to blame... but he has technical expertise the neighbor _may_ be ready to accept in helping the problem go away. Wish him good luck from me, eh? Cortland KA5S/6 The above in no way reflects opinions or policies of my employer. ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: The Age Old Question of Interfering with Someone's Home Ster Author: [email protected] (Doug McKean) at internet List-Post: [email protected] Date: 12/17/96 11:07 Yes, the old question of interference from one home to another. I just had a friend (yes really, a friend) ask the following: He has a 100 Watt Shortwave radio transmitter/reciever setup in his home (a condo). All approved equipment. He operates in the 75m band (3.765 MHz). His antenna is in his attic out of view. He believes he is interfering with his neighbor's stereo who lives right next to him in the condo. He is extremely concerned about operating "within the law". Is he? I think he is. Only from what he's told me, it sounds like everything is ok. Doesn't the "must accept" on the FCC label make the burden of correction on the owner of the stereo? Thanks in advance. ******************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------- The comments and opinions stated herein are mine alone, and do not reflect those of my employer. ------------------------------------------------------- *******************************************************
