At 12/2/2005 15:16, you wrote:
> >Does anyone know if there is someone from the
FCC that I can
> >ask and get an official answer?
>
> I called the FCC today; spoke to someone and explained what I was
>doing. All they said was if the rules allow it, then I could do it. I
>couldn't get a definitive answer. They wouldn't say one way or the
other
>whether I could connect equipment to the Mic-In Jack, send a short burst
of
>information, or anything else; in short, they wouldn't commit to
>anything. Wow! Thanks a lot!!! (or is that thanks for nothin?) If I
>can't ask them, then who can I ask?
Hopefully you got a name so that in the highly unlikely event you get an
inquiry letter from the FCC, at least you can tell them who didn't tell you
not to do it.
Chances are your FRS radios can be modified to work in the 70 cm amateur
band, where all this stuff is quite legal provided you have your amateur
license. Clearer frequencies, no practical power or antenna limits. Given
what you want to do it sounds like a natural fit - this is what ham radio
is for.
Bob NO6B
low-cost RF transeivers?
Started by ●November 19, 2005
Reply by ●December 3, 20052005-12-03
Reply by ●December 3, 20052005-12-03
Ken,
Consider this approach which may legally allow you to use the FRS
radio without any worry about modification.
From the FCC:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/faqs/elbfaqs.html
"What is an experimental license and who can obtain one?
An experimental license is an authorization under the FCC's
Experimental Radio Service, (Part 5 of the Commission's Rules) that
allows for the operation of an experimental non-broadcast radio
station. Experimental authorization for broadcast frequencies may be
obtained directly from the FCC's Media Bureau. Any person or entity--
corporation, individual, etc. that is not a foreign government or
representative of a foreign government may obtain an experimental
license. "
Since FRS is an unlicensed very low power service not serving a
critical need I would think the chance of a favorable filing would be
good. You might as well include a gain antenna on the ground station
as part of the application since it is likely to be pointed skyward
most of the time.
There's probably a way...
Dennis
Consider this approach which may legally allow you to use the FRS
radio without any worry about modification.
From the FCC:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/faqs/elbfaqs.html
"What is an experimental license and who can obtain one?
An experimental license is an authorization under the FCC's
Experimental Radio Service, (Part 5 of the Commission's Rules) that
allows for the operation of an experimental non-broadcast radio
station. Experimental authorization for broadcast frequencies may be
obtained directly from the FCC's Media Bureau. Any person or entity--
corporation, individual, etc. that is not a foreign government or
representative of a foreign government may obtain an experimental
license. "
Since FRS is an unlicensed very low power service not serving a
critical need I would think the chance of a favorable filing would be
good. You might as well include a gain antenna on the ground station
as part of the application since it is likely to be pointed skyward
most of the time.
There's probably a way...
Dennis
Reply by ●December 3, 20052005-12-03
Bob;
>Hopefully you got a name so that in the highly unlikely event you get an
>inquiry letter from the FCC, at least you can tell them who didn't tell you
>not to do it.
Good Point, but I could probably call again and get someone else to
not give me an answer. Getting an Amateur License is next on the list, I'd just like to
finish this project since I've come so far with it. Good Luck!
Ken_S.
At 12:52 AM 12/3/2005, you wrote:
>At 12/2/2005 15:16, you wrote:
>
> > >Does anyone know if there is someone from the FCC that I can
> > >ask and get an official answer?
> >
> > I called the FCC today; spoke to someone and explained what I was
> >doing. All they said was if the rules allow it, then I could do it. I
> >couldn't get a definitive answer. They wouldn't say one way or the other
> >whether I could connect equipment to the Mic-In Jack, send a short burst of
> >information, or anything else; in short, they wouldn't commit to
> >anything. Wow! Thanks a lot!!! (or is that thanks for nothin?) If I
> >can't ask them, then who can I ask?
>
>Hopefully you got a name so that in the highly unlikely event you get an
>inquiry letter from the FCC, at least you can tell them who didn't tell you
>not to do it.
>
>Chances are your FRS radios can be modified to work in the 70 cm amateur
>band, where all this stuff is quite legal provided you have your amateur
>license. Clearer frequencies, no practical power or antenna limits. Given
>what you want to do it sounds like a natural fit - this is what ham radio
>is for.
>
>Bob NO6B
Reply by ●December 3, 20052005-12-03
Thanks, I just received 2 UM-96's in the mail from Spark Fun. I'll
let you
folks know how they work (most likely after the holiday season).
DougM
_____
From: basicx@basi... [mailto:basicx@basi...] On Behalf Of
Jeff Sampson
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 12:24 PM
To: basicx@basi...
Subject: Re: [BasicX]low-cost RF transeivers?
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:38:10 -0800
> From: "Doug Metzler" <dougm62@doug...>
> Subject: low-cost RF transeivers?
>
> Anyone found a good source for low cost RF transceivers? I'm able to find
> good discrete transmitters and receivers, but as soon as I look for a
> transceiver the price jumps to $100.
>
> Thanks,
>
> DougM
Hi,
I haven't followed this thread so this may have already beeen mentioned.
Sparkfun has some trancievers that look promising. I haven't tried them.
http://www.sparkfun.com/shop/index.php?shop=1
<http://www.sparkfun.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&catb&> &catb&
(if that link doesn't work go to sparkfun.com and click on Wireless
Communication)
in particular the RF-24G for $19.95 each looks promising.
--
Jeff Sampson
http://tcrobots.org/members/jsamp.htm
SPONSORED LINKS Microprocessor
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Microprocessor&w1=Microprocessor&w2=Mic
rocontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5&s
5&.sig=_YKW_KvdWM7nsvZLWwMhnw>
Microcontrollers
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Microcontrollers&w1=Microprocessor&w2=M
icrocontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5
&s5&.sig=UfvbdAF0r5o48CkzYmXRww>
Basicx
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&ksicx&w1=Microprocessor&w2=Microcontro
llers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5&s5&.si
g=Nggd_ZUrVU6qzPviDXpKSw Pic
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Pic+microcontrollers&w1=Microprocessor&
w2=Microcontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor
&c=5&s5&.sig=dhYy34C8Xq6aeJfBsd7maw> microcontrollers
8051
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k51+microprocessor&w1=Microprocessor&w
2=Microcontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&
c=5&s5&.sig=iJA-sY2QEUOfoaMmW8c17g> microprocessor _____
> Terms of Service.
_____
folks know how they work (most likely after the holiday season).
DougM
_____
From: basicx@basi... [mailto:basicx@basi...] On Behalf Of
Jeff Sampson
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 12:24 PM
To: basicx@basi...
Subject: Re: [BasicX]low-cost RF transeivers?
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:38:10 -0800
> From: "Doug Metzler" <dougm62@doug...>
> Subject: low-cost RF transeivers?
>
> Anyone found a good source for low cost RF transceivers? I'm able to find
> good discrete transmitters and receivers, but as soon as I look for a
> transceiver the price jumps to $100.
>
> Thanks,
>
> DougM
Hi,
I haven't followed this thread so this may have already beeen mentioned.
Sparkfun has some trancievers that look promising. I haven't tried them.
http://www.sparkfun.com/shop/index.php?shop=1
<http://www.sparkfun.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&catb&> &catb&
(if that link doesn't work go to sparkfun.com and click on Wireless
Communication)
in particular the RF-24G for $19.95 each looks promising.
--
Jeff Sampson
http://tcrobots.org/members/jsamp.htm
SPONSORED LINKS Microprocessor
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Microprocessor&w1=Microprocessor&w2=Mic
rocontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5&s
5&.sig=_YKW_KvdWM7nsvZLWwMhnw>
Microcontrollers
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Microcontrollers&w1=Microprocessor&w2=M
icrocontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5
&s5&.sig=UfvbdAF0r5o48CkzYmXRww>
Basicx
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&ksicx&w1=Microprocessor&w2=Microcontro
llers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&c=5&s5&.si
g=Nggd_ZUrVU6qzPviDXpKSw Pic
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Pic+microcontrollers&w1=Microprocessor&
w2=Microcontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor
&c=5&s5&.sig=dhYy34C8Xq6aeJfBsd7maw> microcontrollers
8051
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k51+microprocessor&w1=Microprocessor&w
2=Microcontrollers&w3sicx&w4=Pic+microcontrollers&w551+microprocessor&
c=5&s5&.sig=iJA-sY2QEUOfoaMmW8c17g> microprocessor _____
> Terms of Service.
_____
Reply by ●December 3, 20052005-12-03
At 12/3/2005 10:45, you wrote:
> Getting an Amateur License is next on the list, I'd just like to
>finish this project since I've come so far with it.
Getting your technician class license is pretty darn easy these days (no
code, learn all the regs/theory you need in a couple of days). Then you
can run 500 watts & 100 MBPS on 430 MHz if you like! Actually if you do
run THAT much power you'd probably want to first check with the local
amateur frequency coordinator to find the best frequency.
Bob NO6B
> Getting an Amateur License is next on the list, I'd just like to
>finish this project since I've come so far with it.
Getting your technician class license is pretty darn easy these days (no
code, learn all the regs/theory you need in a couple of days). Then you
can run 500 watts & 100 MBPS on 430 MHz if you like! Actually if you do
run THAT much power you'd probably want to first check with the local
amateur frequency coordinator to find the best frequency.
Bob NO6B
Reply by ●December 4, 20052005-12-04
A few months ago I gave these four links to my two
teenage sons and told them to spend at least two
hours taking the practice test. The next morning
they both took and passed their Technician exams.
-Nick K5YTO
http://www.qrz.com/ham/
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/online/
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/
----- Original Message -----
From: <no6b@no6b...>
To: <basicx@basi...>
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 6:53 PM
Subject: Re: [BasicX] Re: low-cost RF transeivers? > At 12/3/2005 10:45, you wrote:
>
>> Getting an Amateur License is next on the list, I'd just like to
>>finish this project since I've come so far with it.
teenage sons and told them to spend at least two
hours taking the practice test. The next morning
they both took and passed their Technician exams.
-Nick K5YTO
http://www.qrz.com/ham/
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/online/
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/
----- Original Message -----
From: <no6b@no6b...>
To: <basicx@basi...>
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 6:53 PM
Subject: Re: [BasicX] Re: low-cost RF transeivers? > At 12/3/2005 10:45, you wrote:
>
>> Getting an Amateur License is next on the list, I'd just like to
>>finish this project since I've come so far with it.
Reply by ●December 5, 20052005-12-05
You can ask a lawyer who specializes in interpreting FCC bulldippy. This
is after all a legal question. An amazing amount of the radio spectrum is
self regulated, i.e. no action is taken unless/until someone complains,
giving them hard evidence to start with.
[]
is after all a legal question. An amazing amount of the radio spectrum is
self regulated, i.e. no action is taken unless/until someone complains,
giving them hard evidence to start with.
[]
Reply by ●December 5, 20052005-12-05
All;
Thanks for your input. The prevailing wisdom from this Forum, people
at work, and other Web searching seems to be that I should get my Amateur
License; so that's the way I'm going to go. Good Luck!
Ken_S.
[]
Thanks for your input. The prevailing wisdom from this Forum, people
at work, and other Web searching seems to be that I should get my Amateur
License; so that's the way I'm going to go. Good Luck!
Ken_S.
[]
Reply by ●December 6, 20052005-12-06
--- In basicx@basi..., Robotics_Job_Search
<Robotics_Job_Search@C...> wrote:
I should get my Amateur
> License; so that's the way I'm going to go.
I saw the links to practce tests. Many years ago (when I was about
14) I was a Ham. I just took one of the practice tests for the
lowest level license, and I PASSED, without cracking a book! The
electronics questions were unbelievably rudimentary, and most were
about the rules of operating a station. When I took my test, lo
those many 30+ years ago, I seem to recall that there was more stuff
on electronics, and less on regulations. Also, there was that
damned code. That was my downfall. I could only go very slowly.
Not enough practice. Now there are so many ways to get good
practice with immediate feedback. I am not sure code is required
for anything anymore.
-Tony
<Robotics_Job_Search@C...> wrote:
I should get my Amateur
> License; so that's the way I'm going to go.
I saw the links to practce tests. Many years ago (when I was about
14) I was a Ham. I just took one of the practice tests for the
lowest level license, and I PASSED, without cracking a book! The
electronics questions were unbelievably rudimentary, and most were
about the rules of operating a station. When I took my test, lo
those many 30+ years ago, I seem to recall that there was more stuff
on electronics, and less on regulations. Also, there was that
damned code. That was my downfall. I could only go very slowly.
Not enough practice. Now there are so many ways to get good
practice with immediate feedback. I am not sure code is required
for anything anymore.
-Tony
Reply by ●December 6, 20052005-12-06
--- In basicx@basi..., "arhodes19044" <spamiam@c...>
wrote:
>
> --- In basicx@basi..., Robotics_Job_Search
> <Robotics_Job_Search@C...> wrote:
> I should get my Amateur
> > License; so that's the way I'm going to go.
> >
> >
>
> I saw the links to practce tests. Many years ago (when I was about
> 14) I was a Ham. I just took one of the practice tests for the
> lowest level license, and I PASSED, without cracking a book! The
> electronics questions were unbelievably rudimentary, and most were
> about the rules of operating a station. When I took my test, lo
> those many 30+ years ago, I seem to recall that there was more stuff
> on electronics, and less on regulations. Also, there was that
> damned code. That was my downfall. I could only go very slowly.
> Not enough practice. Now there are so many ways to get good
> practice with immediate feedback. I am not sure code is required
> for anything anymore.
There are three amateur license classes one can apply for:
Technician (VHF and above), General (below 30 MHz), and Amateur Extra
(more bandwidth privileges). The entry level Technician requires no
code. The others do, but at much slower speeds than many years ago.
However, in about a year, code will be eliminated for the General and
probably most of the Amateur Extra bands. Most countries have begun
eliminated code requirements starting about two years ago.
I recommend reading "Now You're Talking". It has all you need to
know and all the test questions and answers. The test is 35 questions
drawn from a pool of about 500.
John Piccirillo
W4JXP
>
> --- In basicx@basi..., Robotics_Job_Search
> <Robotics_Job_Search@C...> wrote:
> I should get my Amateur
> > License; so that's the way I'm going to go.
> >
> >
>
> I saw the links to practce tests. Many years ago (when I was about
> 14) I was a Ham. I just took one of the practice tests for the
> lowest level license, and I PASSED, without cracking a book! The
> electronics questions were unbelievably rudimentary, and most were
> about the rules of operating a station. When I took my test, lo
> those many 30+ years ago, I seem to recall that there was more stuff
> on electronics, and less on regulations. Also, there was that
> damned code. That was my downfall. I could only go very slowly.
> Not enough practice. Now there are so many ways to get good
> practice with immediate feedback. I am not sure code is required
> for anything anymore.
There are three amateur license classes one can apply for:
Technician (VHF and above), General (below 30 MHz), and Amateur Extra
(more bandwidth privileges). The entry level Technician requires no
code. The others do, but at much slower speeds than many years ago.
However, in about a year, code will be eliminated for the General and
probably most of the Amateur Extra bands. Most countries have begun
eliminated code requirements starting about two years ago.
I recommend reading "Now You're Talking". It has all you need to
know and all the test questions and answers. The test is 35 questions
drawn from a pool of about 500.
John Piccirillo
W4JXP
