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Just saw this NOUO which was from the same enforcement bureau that I was visited from and later talked about part 15:236 and the 50 mW output loophole for whitespace devices such as the ONN wireless headphones being legal. Apparently the FCC is a say one thing and do the opposite agency because this NOUO clearly stated that the power limit for 87.9 Mhz was only 100 uVm at 3 meters and never mentioned 50 mW output nor certified whitespace devices such as Wireless Mics, Headphones or anything about 15:236.
It seems as though there is a Hugh pressure to eliminate all receivable transitions from Hobby Broadcasters near FM as well as a thorn in our side when we found this loophole in part 15 236.
So its back to the drawing board and AM only for any real range for legal Hobby Broadcasting.
There’s very little information associated with the NOUO, so it’s difficult to determine why 15.239 was used, rather than 236. 87.9 IS available for 236.
I believe that devices used under 236 have to be certified for that use (or at least Part 74) – perhaps the transmitter being used was not.
It could be that this particular inspector determined that a broadcasting application was NOT wireless microphone use, and applied 239.
It could be that the broadcaster pissed off the inspector and they were less tolerant than those that Thelegacy has spoken to.
My concern is, and always has been, that broadcasting is a much different kettle of fish than utilizing a wireless microphone (the latter presumably used for an event, or other non-continuous applications). If you are using 236, you MUST continuously check the whitespace database for registered users on your frequency (per the rules). You would have to demonstrate that capability to any inspector.
It could be that the broadcaster was not even aware of 236, or wireless microphones, and was just using what they saw as a (at least then) empty frequency.
It would be nice if the FCC would come forward and OFFICIALLY (not just in idle chatter) define what uses are legal and compliant for 236.
Commented on Facebook…..we don’t know the details as “station” is mentioned and that’s all. May have been a transmitter, wireless mic, we don’t know. If they were visited in person we don’t know what transpired so no conclusion can be made here.
And it was mentioned on Facebook that the mentioning the frequency on the Deltaville Facebook page i fine but mentioning this on air in a certain context would not be. I could say “I’m using 84.828 Mhz for my wireless Audio Sender/receiver and if you have a Radio that goes into the Japanese FM band you may hear us and if you want to rebradcast us let us know.
It seems the FCC gives just enough info to come to your own conclusions which in this case would have been a serious screw up on my pat and could have caused me fines, getting banned from ever being able to broadcast legally, and other penalties. This is why I’ll check and recheck before ever acting on such things. Had I bought a Audio sender/receiver that was certified and branded this I’d be in the same boat as tthis guy was.
There is an old adage in research which says “with the data you don’t have we will establish what you don’t know”. In this case we have almost no data so I conclude we don’t know much of anything. Either seek data from the source(s) or quit speculating about it.
Sorry if you don’t like this but hobby broadcasting is essentially regulated by Parts 15.209, 15.219, 15.221, and 15.239 which means 200 foot range on FM and maybe a mile on AM under ideal conditions but more likely 200 feet under typical conditions.
There are many of us as evidenced by posts here and on other forums who recognize the limitations imposed and still enjoy the hobby. Frustration is the difference between what you have and what you want. Be realistic about what you have and you can still have fun.
Personally, I do not believe that what I have to offer in terms of “programming” is so wonderful and in demand that rules will be changed regarding unlicensed broadcast range or that listeners will invest in obscure equipment and antennas to dwell on every second of what I transmit.
Obviously, some exceptions exist, and go for it if you wish, but I admit I don’t have the “vision” and this has never been why I play with hobby broadcasting, yet for some reason I still enjoy putting a puny signal out there in case anyone might just accidentally tune in, and even if not, I know the signal is there despite probably me being the only one who listens or cares.
“Serve your community” as you can with my best wishes, but be realistic.
Neil
“There are many of us as evidenced by posts here and on other forums who recognize the limitations imposed and still enjoy the hobby. Frustration is the difference between what you have and what you want. Be realistic about what you have and you can still have fun.”
Well said Neil.
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