All,
$0.02: A while back there was a discussion (The FCC even included
it in the latest dialog about part 15, I think) about the possibility of
a person becoming certified to work with unlicensed equipment. If this
afforded a person a real advantage (say being able to mix and match
components as long as you do the math and take measurements, etc) why
wasn't it pursued? *Marlon,* I think you commented about this a few
months back... I would jump at the chance of becoming an "Unlicensed
Tech." and having freedom to build exactly what I need.
As far as the Antenna/radio-roll-your-own thing: doesn't the antenna
still have to appear in the manual issued by the manufacturer of the
radio as an acceptable replacement. I've been told by some WISPS that
have spoken with the FCC that it does...
Jason
Jack Unger wrote:
John,
Should WISPA consider publishing on our website a list of
certification labs? It seems that our industry needs someone to step
up and take on a leadership role and WISPA seems (to me anyway) to be
the perfect organization to perform this role.
We could start by simply polling our list members to see which labs
anyone has used and been satisfied with.
OK, speak up guys (and gals). What lab or labs have you researched or
used?
jack
John Scrivner wrote:
The rules state that any radio / antenna combination has to either be
a certified system or that a substitute antenna used would have to
meet the same specs as one used for certification in a system. Many
think that this means "anything goes". The truth is that there are
almost certainly a good bit of installed systems which would not pass
FCC enforcement inspection. Many believe that following maximum EIRP
rules is the only requirement. This is not so. It is a good practice
if you are not following the rules but that does not mean it is
legal. Another common belief is that "anything goes" is the rule of
thumb due to the general lack of enforcement in unlicensed bands.
This is unfortunate and further illustrates the need for our industry
to mature.
Part of this maturity process should start by operators demanding to
see FCC certifications for the systems they buy. It is tough for
operators to remain compliant when so few systems are certified.
Another step should be that manufacturers certify their systems with
commonly used antenna / radio configurations every time they release
a product. Finally, distributors need to demand that all systems they
sell meet certification requirements. The fact is that certification
is not terribly costly or complicated and should be a step taken by
all manufacturers and eventually all of us. If anyone here represents
manufacturers who certify all their systems then now would be a good
time to toot your horn.
I believe the day will likely come that the FCC will inspect WISP
systems. It took them about 20 years to start cracking down on the
cable television industry for signal leakage and other infractions.
Something tells me this industry will not have to wait that long. Of
course the decision to follow the rules is inevitably up to each
person. I would like to think we all will be compliant in the future
but this is an unrealistic goal I am sure if manufacturers do not
take a leadership role in this effort. WISPA stops short of demanding
that members do anything but I will say, as President of WISPA, we
should all try to follow the law regarding this industry. No industry
association could expect to have impact in policy and legislative
efforts if they took the stand that shirking the law is a correct
course of action.
Scriv
chris cooper wrote:
It sounds like several of you here build your own radios and use off
the shelf antennas. So if I buy a board, cards and an antenna what
are my obligations to FCC as far as having a certified system in
production? Thanks for the education
Chris
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