I think that when the FCC uses a term like ‘unique’ for the antenna connector for a part 15 device, one would or should look at the term to mean ‘Characteristic of a particular category’ and not in the sense of “Being to only one of its kind’. It more fits ‘characteristic of a particular category’ when it is of the type can cannot be easily removed, replaced, or changed by the end user. Remember, the rule part says the ‘category’ of antenna that can be used is one that is “permanently attached antenna or of an antenna that uses a unique coupling”. It then explains how this can be met.
A long time ago, say 10 or 15 years, the ‘standard’ response from the FCC seemed to be something like ‘if you can buy it a Radio Shack it aint unique’. Of course now a days you can probably even buy reverse thread sma, reverse polarity sma, BNC N and the like at radio shack type store, but the FCC still accepts reverse polarity connectors for part 15 devices. Actually any type connector under the right circumstances can be used. For example, a professionally installed part 15 device can use ‘standard’ connectors. And, if the device antenna system (i.e. the traces to the antenna port, antenna port itself, etc) can be shown to be typically destroyed if an attempt is made to remove the connector, it can be considered as a permanent antenna connection and thus meet the part 15 antenna rule section. The main intent of the FCC ruling on the antenna requirement for a part 15 device is to disallow the easy exchange of the 15C device antenna by the end user. These are after all UNLICENSED devices. And yes, while a technically savvy person can use even left hand threaded antenna of higher gain, and while the same technically savvy person might even be able to work around epoxy other ‘permanently’ attached antenna, these exceptions are not the intent of the ruling. We can all probably give stories of how we as engineers and technicians got around potted boards, epoxied connections etc without destroying the board or traces underneath. But we are those exceptions to the rules not the generalities. Suffice it to say that reverse thread, reverse polarity, and permanently attached (meaning usually soldered) antenna connections are all acceptable. I have even seen Molex type connectors used for part 15 antenna connections accepted – now there is certainly a ‘one of a kind antenna connector’. Also, professionally installed standard connectors properly installed under the guidance of what the FCC defines as ‘professional installation’ will meet the part 15 antenna rule. Thanks Dennis Ward Director of Engineering American CB Certification Resource for the Wireless Industry www.atcb.com <http://www.atcb.com/> 703-847-4700 fax 703-847-6888 direct - 703-880-4841 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of IBM Ken Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2010 4:44 PM To: Grasso, Charles Cc: [email protected]" Subject: Re: How to meet requirement for 'fixed' wireless antenna How can the LH SMA connector be simultaneously ubiquitous and unique? :-) On Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 7:25 PM, Grasso, Charles <[email protected]> wrote: Hello, IMO it is not acceptable to use a standard SMA connector (even with glue!) as the FCC will not regard it as a unique connector. I suggest using the left thread SMA it is ubiquitous and available everywhere. I suggest you check with your friendly TCB for a ruling. Chas ________________________________________ From: [email protected] [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bill Owsley [[email protected]] Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 10:08 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: How to meet requirement for 'fixed' wireless antenna glue works! Just so the end user can't change to something else. (without being technically talented) Bill In the event of a national emergency, click on the following links to provide directions to your duly elected mis-representatives. http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml or... https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm if really desperate... http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml --- On Fri, 9/10/10, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: How to meet requirement for 'fixed' wireless antenna To: [email protected] List-Post: [email protected] Date: Friday, September 10, 2010, 9:51 PM It is my understanding that for wireless 2.45GHz [zigbee] compliance, the antenna has to be 'permanently' attached during Production. Or, use left-handed SMA connector. What? Does it take a license to buy a left handed SMA connector now? Anyway, is it acceptible to use a regular SMA connector and then loctite it down, or RTV it down, or such? Or, place a "warrantee void if seal broken" label on it? Recommendations out there? Regards, Robert - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]</mc/[email protected]>> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc Graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. can be posted to that URL. 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Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher <[email protected]> David Heald <[email protected]> - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc Graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. can be posted to that URL. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher <[email protected]> David Heald <[email protected]>
