by "Clown Shoe Pilot" (csp)
Published 03/18/2017 at 01:41
by "Clown Shoe Pilot" (csp)
Published 03/18/2017 at 01:41
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STARS: 2
I’m looking for someone with deep knowledge of broadcasting in the FM band (88-108 MHz) and specifically the FCC rules around it.
There is a guy with an organization who wants to set up a low power FM broadcast rig on some property that I have control of and swears it’s legal because it’s temporary. I’ve asked several times if he’s got a license for it and he says it’s unlicensed but legal. I’ve asked him about power and he said “less than a watt” but I don’t think that’s good enough.
The only thing I can find re: unlicensed broadcasting are the FCC part 15 rules and everything I can find in there says that broadcasting in the 88-108 MHz band is forbidden with exceptions for very short (2 sec transmission time/hour) low power emissions like for a gate opener or something, and that continuous transmission of voice is definitely forbidden. There is a further exception for very very low power (good for maybe 200 feet - think FM transmitter to play your MP3 player in a car with just an old FM radio) where one can transmit continuously.
So, my question is this - IS there something in the CFR that allows someone to set up a low power FM station for a few days without a license?
"Tazio, Count Fouroff" (tazio0625)
03/18/2017 at 01:58, STARS: 0
It’s been a while since I was active in ham radio but this sounds strictly non-legit and sketchy.
AFAIK you need a license for any kind of human communication broadcasts, even CB (well, people do use CB without licenses but you’re supposed to have one). Even garage door and gate remotes and keyless remote car entry xmitters all have FCC licensing data.
Up to you of course, but personally I’d ask — read: tell — him to find another 20 (10-20). It sounds scammy to the point any “license” he produces would be kinda suspect. I wouldn’t want my name or any kind of responsibility anywhere near this. It sounds like the kind of thing they like to drop the hammer on tbh.
My 02 cents...free of charge lol
Best wishes for a peaceful & satisfactory outcome
"Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition" (realasabass)
03/18/2017 at 02:14, STARS: 0
It is not legal. FM is a commercial band and requires a special license to operate. The only reason FM transmitters are legal is they produce under a certain amount of power and are exempt. This is also why they are so shitty.
"jimz" (jimz)
03/18/2017 at 03:02, STARS: 0
for AM you’re limited to 100 mw transmit power. For FM, you’re limited to 250 uV/m at 3 meters.
http://lowpowerradio.blogspot.com/2011/01/fcc-enforcement-actions-for-home-fm.html
any more than that and you need a license.
"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
03/18/2017 at 04:12, STARS: 0
Also, here’s the FCC page on it: https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/low-power-radio-general-information
Basically, if the transmitter and antenna are Part 15 certified, you’re good to go. This is how those awful aux input to FM transmitters are legal... and that also gives a pretty good idea of how much power you can do - not much.
"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
03/18/2017 at 09:50, STARS: 0
I’ll freely admit I am rusty on this because I havent actively worked in the industry in a few years, but it is highly illegal to be unlicensed. I was an engineer for two educational stations which have slightly different rules from commercial stations, but overall the same principals apply.
Knowing the fines associated for this type of thing, its just not worth it, even if it is Part 15 certified, people always want more power. FM is not totally considered commercial space, its actually regulated public domain because radio is considered a public service (why DJs get special permission to travel during states of emergency, among other things).
I would barely trust this guy with a car FM transmitter as his equipment. I would certainly say no. It is absolutely a crime to interfere with a public service, and if he does, its not a slap on the wrist as his punishment, the FCC is very strict.