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Old August 23rd 07, 02:15 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
[email protected] jimp@specsol.spam.sux.com is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jun 2006
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Default Is an Antenna Analyzer an FCC violation?

Thomas Magma wrote:
I doubt that the FCC has the inclination, desire, or resources to try
to forbid or limit the use of antenna analyzers. If they did, they'd
have to start raiding labs all over the country and confiscating
multi-thousand-dollar vector network analyzers, S-parameter test sets,
and so forth.


A network analyzers is not marketed as an antenna analyzer, or even an
intentional radiator for that matter. I have a signal generator, an
amplifier and an antenna in my lab but it does not mean I can sweep the
entire LF to UHF bands at any wattage.


Then you need to get a better signal generator.

For a fourth: they *might* also qualify for legal use under Part
18 (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment). These devices can
also operate in most frequency bands (although there are several
subbands which are specifically authorized for them and are thus
recommended), subject to maximum-field-strength limits similar to
those specified for Part 15 devices.


I was just looking through Part 18 and it really is unclear to me, however
one thing was clear to me, ISM devices are prohibited for use in certain
bands. One of which is search and rescue. So now how can I test my ELT
antenna installation on my aircraft if I'm violating FCC rules?


You test it during the time window when testing ELT's is allowed.

Since such devices have been around in one form or another for longer
than most everybody currently alive and the FCC has shown no interest
in them to date, the empirical evidence is the FCC doesn't care about
them.

And for the nitpickers, yes if you hooked one to an antenna and left
it turned on for days, someone might start caring.

--
Jim Pennino

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