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The AM1000 unit has been certified by the FCC and is legal to use as long as it is installed properly. However there are questions that come up on a regular basis. There is a statement on the FCC website that says that Part 15 transmitters only get 500 foot of range. We get asked regularly how transmitters such as the AM1000 can legally get 1-2 miles range in view of this statement. After talking with FCC officials about the statement basically the answer is that most AM and FM Part 15 transmitters are certified under Part 15.209 which is a radiation limitation. A Part 15 transmitter certified under this rule would get about 500 feet or so of range. AM transmitters certified under Part 15.209 are allowed 24000/F(Khz) micro volts per meter (at 30 meters) field strength. An example of this sort of transmitter would be a Childs toy or wireless microphone. However the AM1000 AM transmitter was certified under Part 15.219 which is not a radiation limitation but is a power and antenna length limitation. The power limit is .1 watt and the antenna length limit is 3 meters. There is no range or height limit for a Part 15.219 transmitter. With this allowed combination much greater ranges are possible, though it requires tune up and setting the power by a competent technician. Generally you can’t buy a Part 15.219 certified transmitter bubble packed at the department store. Because the AM1000 has a removable antenna and adjustable power, instruction to be installed by competent personal was a condition of certification. Rule 15.215 (a) clarifies this: “(a) The regulations in Sections 15.217-15.255 provide alternatives to the general radiated emission limits for intentional radiators operating in specified frequency bands. Unless otherwise stated, there are no restrictions as to the types of operation permitted under these sections.”

Generally the Spirit of the Part 15 law seems to be not to cause interference to a licensed station. We here at RangeMaster follow FCC law. Of course you should follow FCC law and fully cooperate with the FCC. Here is subpart 15.219:
”Section 15.219 Operation in the band 510 - 1705 kHz.
(a) The total input power to the final radio frequency stage (exclusive of filament or heaterpower) shall not exceed 100 milliwatts.
(b) The total length of the transmission line, antenna and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3meters.
(c) All emissions below 510 kHz or above 1705 kHz shall be attenuated at least 20 dB below thelevel of the unmodulated carrier. Determination of compliance with the 20 dB attenuation specificationmay be based on measurements at the intentional radiator's antenna output terminal unless the intentionalradiator uses a permanently attached antenna, in which case compliance shall be demonstrated bymeasuring the radiated emissions.”

 

Another legal issue is station identification. Here is the rule on that issue : (Title47 Sec. 73.3550) Users of non licensed, low-power devices operating under part 15 of this chapter may use whatever identification is currently desired, so long as propriety is observed and no confusion results with a station for which the FCC issues a license.

Another legal question that comes up is the kit issue. Here is how Part 15 defines a kit in Sec 15.3(p)

"Kit. Any number of electronic parts, usually provided with a schematic diagram or printed circuit board, which, when assembled in accordance with instructions, results in a device subject to the regulations in this Part, even if additional parts of any type are required to complete assembly"

Here is Section 15.23(a)

"Equipment authorization is not required for devices that are not marketed, are not constructed from a kit, and are built in quantities of five or less for personal use."

Equipment authorization means certification.

Often kits or antennas will use the term "Part 15 compliant". Be very cautious here. When someone calls their product that there is no one regulating them and they have no apparent responsibility to live up to that claim. If you operate a "Part 15 compliant" product and it causes interference to an ambulance service for example, then YOU are responsible, not the person or company that claimed the compliance.

Section 15.203 generally prohibits using any antenna except the antenna certified with the transmitter

Be cautious with companies that sell a certified transmitter and (Oh, by the way) sell an accessory antenna that appears to violate FCC rules.

Section 15.204 prohibits selling amplifiers intended for Part 15 devices.

Another legal issue that comes up is the “What is the ground lead” issue. The part 15.219 (b) antenna 3 meter limit states “The total length of the transmission line, antenna and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3 meters.” We can't interpret FCC law, only the the FCC can do that. Go to labhelp@fcc.gov if you have any doubts and want to contact the FCC. An important thing to remember with the AM1000 unit is that the unit needs to be properly grounded for the lightning protection circuitry to function properly. We recommend a good ground from the transmitter box in a direct path as possible to a ground rod in the dirt or other suitable ground for lightning protection. Also see the Ground hints page.

Ground?
The area that seems to cause most discussion is grounding. During the certification process we worked closely with the FCC engineer on how this transmitter was to be installed. We carefully went over how and where the unit was to be installed and grounded, suggested installation configurations, who would be doing the installation, ect.   This information was to be in the manual as a condition of approval. It is very important for lightning protection that the AM1000 unit be properly grounded. So generally if our installation manual is followed, the RangeMaster should pass an FCC inspection since it was approved based on installation information in the manual. However it is up to any local FCC agent to make a final determination.

See this E-Mail question

We have found with customers that install elevated grounds or ground wires that are obviously intended to radiate most of the time an FCC agent will ask that they be removed. If the transmitter is installed over an existing metal object like a metal roof there usually isn’t a problem. There is typically no problem with adding radial wires in the dirt ground to improve the electrical connection with the earth. The inspecting agent has the authority to approve or disapprove a particular system. As always follow FCC law and fully cooperate with the FCC.

A typical encounter with the FCC would entail just a phone call from them asking for your certification number. Most of the time (as long as you are using a certified transmitter) they won’t even come by to inspect your installation. You don’t want to be using an uncertified transmitter (especially a kit) if you get a call from the FCC. It is a good idea to broadcast your contact information at least hourly so that in case the FCC wants to contact you they can easily. Also you can leave a package at the transmitter site where it can easily be seen containing the certification information, in case the FCC should visit when no one is present.

When you go on the air with a part 15 do not contact the FCC to let them know of your operation, they don’t want you to. They have no way to deal with the information. They will find you if they need to. We have had many contacts through the years with the FCC, if you get a visit just be honest and open, I have found they are easy to get along with and pleasant unless they feel that you are trying to pull some sort of trick on them. Like I said before most of the time a site visit shouldn’t be necessary, but if it is be open and honest, if there is problem honestly present your side. If they want you to change something to bring you into compliance they will give you a paper describing what needs to be done and then return in 30 – 60 days to check to see if the change has been done. We have never heard of one of our transmitters being shut down because of improper installation, the agent has always given the customer time to fix any issue and has allowed them to continue to operate.

Please be aware that even if your equipment is properly installed and passes an FCC inspection, you might still be the subject of a complaint from a nearby broadcast station or member of the general public.  Inappropriate or frivolous complaints are filed with the FCC regularly.

The FCC is an independent governmental agency, answerable only to congress, we cannot guarantee and/or we cannot be held responsible for what the FCC may do or decide in any particular situation.