I am sure that many would agree that a properly installed ground level transmitter, with a 3 meter whip (Rangemaster) connected to a ground radial system (buried just below the earth surface) will perform nicely. It is my intent to install such an arrangement and report back.
What is being said is that you cannot have a ground wire length that causes the length of the antenna+feedline+ground wire to exceed 3 meters (and if you use a short ground wire to, say, a metal mast, the FCC considers the length of the mast in that calculation, as it does radiate).
You can still have an elevated installation - if you don't have a ground wire, or you use radials perpendicular to your antenna (they perform the function of a ground, but don't radiate).
And don't count out a ground mounted installation, particularly with a good ground and radials. One member here has such a beast, and gets over a mile of listenable range.
Anytime you see the "transmission line violation " it will probably be the talking house atu , using 100 feet of coax " transmission line" is way beyond the 3 meters allows in part 15.
problem with that theory is the talking house was certified with said transmission line. when used with the External ATU, the ATU is then considered as the final stage according to Radio Systems and there is 10 years of precedence backing the ATU as being legit with the coax. the THII was first certifed in 1998 with the ATU and has seen several revisions since that time. to date i have only heard of two TH nouo's which involved simulatanious illegal activity with other transmitters. one involved a high power FM the other an illegally high power AM (carrier current am tx) running watts (not milliwatts) into a ATU with a long, long transmission wire and ground.
if you are runnning a stock TH or iAM and ATU then you have nothing to worry about.
the ground lead from ATU to ground still applies though as the ATU is the final stage in the circuit and is treated just like a chez or rangemaster as far as the ground lead from the ATU ground lug to Ground is concerned.
" All the discussion and speculation just serves to deter newcomers who want to build a station. Many, probably most, newcomers don't care about microvolts and watts. They only need to understand 100mW and 3 meters" -PhilB
You hit the nail on the head PhilB. I am now scared shitless about starting my station, Dont get me wrong, all the content of this post is very valuble to me. I learn something everytime each one of you posts. However, the way I am seeing it , and I could be wrong and usualy am, is that the only way my set will be legit, is if my place my Hamilton transmitter, including the 102 inch whip antenna DIRECTLY ontop of the ground rod! If thats what I have to do, it is what it is, and I will just have to chain 4 or 5 transmitter acrosss my 3300 person town. What the hell, I got a extra 5 grand laying around. Anyhoo PhilB, I appreciate your post and thanks for posting it! 🙂
I think at this point, my best bet is to hire a atty from a guy I know who manages 4 stations in Utah to inquire with the fcc on my behalf. I just want to be legal and do my thing lol
Thanks all,
Your favorite padawan learner
Groo
"All the discussion and speculation just serves to deter newcomers who want to build a station. Many, probably most, newcomers don't care about microvolts and watts. They only need to understand 100mW and 3 meters" -PhilB"
Several posts later in this thread, Groo wrote: You hit the nail on the head PhilB. I am now scared shitless about starting my station, ... my best bet is to hire a atty from a guy I know who manages 4 stations in Utah to inquire with the fcc on my behalf. (etc)
IMO that would be a good move, Groo.
Probably most would rather base such operating decisions on technical and administrative realities than on speculation, so as to avoid FCC sanctions -- if that is their wish.
It is wise to learn about and try to follow the FCC rules for part 15 "broadcasting" but you need not get all bogged down with this. If you make a good effort to be in compliance you will most likely not have any problems.
There are many of us who have been operating on AM under part 15 rules for a long time with no problems. Compared to the number of us on the air there are really very few citations for AM operations, most commonly for too much power or too long ground leads.
If you ground mount your certified transmitter and adjust it properly the chances of getting into trouble are very small. Getting a lawyer to ask the FCC about this is akin to asking a cop how much over the speed limit is acceptable. What do you think the answer will be?
Go on the air and don't worry so much. Enjoy this as so many of us do.
Neil