So we are now going to start thinking that a do-it-yourself access point on
a tower is the same as a wireless laptop computer on a desk? If people are
now going to start believing things like this, then it clearly is obvious
that many WISPS are just interpreting the rules the way that they want to.
I have an idea for a precedent-setting test that may put them more at ease
with their decision to self-regulate.
How about this: One of you who is using build it yourself stuff please call
the FCC and invite them to inspect your company. Tell them that you have
assembled your own access points and CPEs from modular components and that
none of the devices are type accepted as a system. Make sure you have an SBC
in there somewhere (make/model is not important).
After the inspection, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to find out
whether or not you are correct in your own interpretation. Publish the
findings here and we'll know for sure who is right- you, or the FCC.
In order to close the loop, the volunteer needs to be one of you who has
adamantly admitted to creating his own systems. Since you are willing to
post about your own special interpretation of what is allowed by the FCC in
this archived, searchable public forum, then you should have no problem
eating your own dog food and becoming the poster child.
I'm telling you: In 30 years of licensed radio (Commercial 2-way as well as
Amateur), I have learned at least one thing. NEVER ask the FCC for an
interpretation, because you will not like the answer you get. They will
always interpret in the most conservative way they can- usually telling you
that you can't do what you wanted to do.
I'd really love to see what the end result is and how much you do or don't
get fined!
Who's the volunteer?
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Mike Hammett
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:23 AM
To: WISPA General List
Subject: Re: [WISPA] MT Babble
I understood that was the way it was until perhaps yesterday when someone
brought up the issue of PC's with add in wireless cards being in no way
different than what we do.
-
Mike Hammett
Intelligent Computing Solutions
http://www.ics-il.com
- Original Message -
From: Dawn DiPietro [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:09 AM
Subject: Re: [WISPA] MT Babble
Mike,
What Marlon said IS NOT OPINION. The only way you can be legal is to
certify a system as a whole. You might want to take a look at the ADI link
I posted and maybe this will help you understand what is required to
become certified. You must have all the components certified together.
Is it that I keep misunderstanding what you are trying to say? But I
feel
like this has been discussed before in no uncertain terms.
Regards,
Dawn DiPietro
Mike Hammett wrote:
So you're saying (in your opinion, not necessarily any bearing on
what
the FCC actually requires) when we have certified SBCs, we'd be able to
go that route? Those that are running a certified radio with no amp (who
uses that garbage anymore) into an antenna with equal or lower gain on a
PC based system run a good chance of being legal?
-
Mike Hammett
Intelligent Computing Solutions
http://www.ics-il.com
- Original Message - From: Marlon K. Schafer
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:39 AM
Subject: Re: [WISPA] MT Babble
It works like this Doug.
A radio card is an intentional radiator. Under part 15 rules it can
only be sold as a part of a certified system. That means if you put the
radio card in a computer and it's designed to be used in a computer
either with it's own built in antenna or the antenna build into the
computer that's ok. As long as it's CERTIFIED that way.
If you take that same card, hook a pigtail to it and put an amp on
it.
You are out of compliance. If you put an antenna larger than the one
certified, you are out of compliance. If you put a different type of
antenna than it was certified with (yagi to grid or panel to omni etc.)
you are out of compliance.
The thing that's screwing us all up with MT, StarOS and others like
that
is that they don't have ANY certified systems available to us.
And, if you look on LEGAL computer boards, even though they are
UN-intentional radiators, they will have an FCC certification on them.
Many of the war board type devices don't have that FCC logo on them.
Yes the rule is silly. Yes it's widely ignored, even by the FCC.
No,
uncertified systems don't seem to be a problem in the real world.
However, do YOU want to take a chance on having YOUR customers go
dark
because you want to ignore the rules? Do you really want to give your
competition that much ammunition against you?
I have the contacts, forms to fill out etc. just waiting for me to
get
the time to take this
