Hi,

What we'd like to do is use amateur radio for some university research
projects. Specifically, we would like to use AR equipment in sensor
network research. Sensor networks are basically like APRS without people
at the transmit nodes, and more than just position information is
reported (maybe temperature, etc). Also, multi-hop relay may be employed.

I've examined Part 97 rules and tried to read as many applicable threads
as possible. My interpretation is that:

(a) automated transmissions are OK (with caveats)
(b) AR can be used for educational (non-commercial) purposes
(c) AR can be used for data transmissions, using encrypted
authentication, provided the data payload is unencrypted

Part (b) is the most shaky becaues it seems to dependon "reasonable use"
and other gray terms. Certainly my proposed use is not "hobby" but it
seems to me to fall into the category of "experimentation" and
(hopefully) "advancing the field."

What do you think of using AR bands for relaying sensor information for
research purposes? Would an FCC Special Temporary Authority be
appropriate/required?

Sincerely,

--
Leo Szumel | ECE Graduate Student, UC Davis
Email: