From FCC Part 15: § 15.203 Antenna requirement.
An intentional radiator shall be designed to ensure that no antenna other than that furnished by the responsible party shall be used with the device. The use of a permanently attached antenna or of an antenna that uses a unique coupling to the intentional radiator shall be considered sufficient to comply with the provisions of this section. The manufacturer may design the unit so that a broken antenna can be replaced by the user, but the use of a standard antenna jack or electrical connector is prohibited. </clip>
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The FCC definition of an "intentional radiator" applies to _systems_ that are designed for radiation into space as their prime function. Those systems include the transmitter and its antenna, not just the antenna, itself.
What might be missed on a first reading of the above clip from FCC § 15.203, and based on FCC citations, who is the responsible party that ultimately must comply with Part 15 for that installation?
Is it the manufacturer/seller/installer of that transmit system (whether or not it was certified under Part 15) -- or its operator?
Taken out of context 15.203 implies that our Part 15 AM/FM transmitters must have permanently attached antennas or unique connectors such that the end user can only use the antenna provided by the manufacturer.
Reading the rest of that section provides: "This requirement does not apply to carrier current devices or to devices operated under the provisions of Sections 15.211, 15.213, 15.217, 15.219, or 15.221."
So unless 15.239 was omitted in error it would appear that FM BCB transmitters fall under the fixed/unique antenna requirement. AM BCB transmitters are exempt.
The unique connector or permanently attached antenna is a requirement for certification for FM Part 15 transmitters. Can't tell you for sure on AM units. But when I was doing my FM transmitter testing I read and studied all the certification paperwork for the units I tested (and some others as well) and also the FCC requirements for certification. There were instances where units submited for certification were denied because they had removeable antennas with standard connectors.
TIB
... AM BCB transmitters are exempt
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True for FCC §15.219 as far as the unique connector needed.
But those systems still need to meet FCC §15.219 in ALL respects -- as determined by an FCC field engineer.
One case in point is that of KENC.
But those systems still need to meet FCC §15.219 in ALL respects -- as determined by an FCC field engineer.
You make it sound so extreame.. in ALL respects --
I guess you mean both, within 100mw input and the 3 meter length.. That would meet FCC §15.219 in ALL respects --
With FM the antenna must be integrated with the transmitter circuit board. like a telescoping antenna or length of wire attached to the transmitter. Can't use a coax and have an antenna in a remote location.
With RSS-210 AM is the same as the USA but with BETS-1 it's field strength only.
Mark
who is the responsible party that ultimately must comply with Part 15 for that installation?
Is it the manufacturer/seller/installer of that transmit system (whether or not it was certified under Part 15) -- or its operator?
Regardless if it's .203, .209, 219, or what else.. The operator is always the responsible party when it comes to broadcasting under Part 15.
Is this a quiz?
Polly want a cracker? Squawk!