I'm Not An Attorney But
Only take legal broadcast advice from an attorney qualified to practice in FCC Law.
From the Top
I got to thinking about the 3-page "Presentation" shown at the outset showing Field Inspection Tips, so I've returned to see them again.
In the 1st panel it says: "Use the General Checklist with the following frequent compliance issues..."
Do we have the "General Checklist"?
Next, looking over the various field tips I wonder if their un-detailed style might open an inspector to misinterpret what they say.
The Presentation falls short of slip-shod but is certainly slap-dash.
The checklist referred to, as well as that whole slide presentation was prepared by the FCC for the benefit of the contractors who are hired by manufacturers to perform FCC compliance tests and assemble the results into a format acceptable to the FCC -- the goal being that of getting FCC authorization/certification for the sale of a product for which FCC acceptance is desired or required.
What VERIFIED?
In Chart # 3 what is meant by the single word VERIFIED (?)
I know this is an ignorant question, but what do they mean a rod antenna is not permitted for testing and that they must use a loop antenna?
RE: ... a rod antenna is not permitted for testing and that they must use a loop antenna...
My guess is that it relates to the relative susceptibility for the performance of these two antenna configurations to be affected by their construction and/or adjustment, and their nearby physical environment.
The FCC inspector must be using a field strength meter that utilizes a proper antenna. Using a rod antenna to measure field strength is highly inaccurate.
However, in my real life experience when measuring FM field intensities a dipole adjusted to proper length for the frequency is desired, and is in fact provided with most FM FIM devices.
For AM, all professional field intensity meters have a loop antenna. In devices such as the Potomac FIM-41 or the Nems Clarke 120E for example, there is a calibrated loop antenna built into the flip up lid. To take readings you rotate the meter about it's axis until you find the strongest signal. I do this regularly at work running checks on our directional night time antenna pattern.
When using my spectrum analyzer to do the NRSC performance measurements for our AM station I set up a large loop antenna on a tripod that feeds the analyzer.
Naturally the loop antenna helps insure that the only signal you're picking up is the desired one.
This is necessary to get accurate field intensity readings.
TIB
For those interested in reading all 164 frames of this document I have conveniently uploaded it as a pdf here:
http://www.ironrangecountry.com/unlicenseddevicesfcc.pdf
It might offer some context.
TIB
Hmm.. third try:
Out of curiosity, for personal AM field strength readings has anyone ever utilized the SMR radio receiver that ISS offers? http://www.theradiosource.com/products/smr.htm They sell them for $144. Supposedly due to it's S-meter which registers in 15-99 increments it's able to provide rather accurate readings in comparison to a Potomac unit by using a supplied conversion chart..
This summer I'm thinking about buying one - not specifically for that purpose, because it would be so seldom using it and not really worth $150 to me, but more so just as a multiband receiver for everyday use, with the added luxury of calculating readings should you want to.
"..The SMR Receiver is the first device of its kind capable of measuring and displaying AM signal levels with a useful level of precision... This handheld, battery-operated receiver can be utilized in the field to estimate signal intensities of broadcast radio stations. Though not a calibrated measurement device, it displays relative signal intensity in dbu, which can be used for rough translation to millivolts per meter (mV/m) in a given frequency range using an included correlation chart.."
The Important Thing
The important thing being purchased for $144 is the Correlation Chart.
Similar radios with the same signal intensity readings are available for far less.
Verified: Mean from an accredited test lab have verified conformance of applicable standards. In the case of digital devices (Unintentional Radiators) the devices are classified as Class A and Class B with one being an industrial environment and one being a residential environment respectively. Class B devices require certification.
Additionally, the loop antenna responds to the magnetic field as opposed to the electric field.
TNX Tim, I could not get the pdf to load directly as the file size was too large. As a result I had to excerpt my submission.
73, me
What is "73" mean?... I just noticed the same thing in an email response from https://www.arnewsline.org/ - I had asked if they were Part 15 friendly for rebroadcast; He answered:
Yes, we would be happy to have ARN on your unlicensed Part 15 hobby station!
73.
Don Wilbanks
AE5DW
I'll Take This One
End80 axes: "What is “73” mean?"
It is from HAM (Amateur) shorthand language and I think it means, "Have a good day and I hope your wife is pretty".