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Does anyone know what the power and range limit is for part 15 broadcasting in Canda on the FM and AM bands.
Total posts : 45366Google results supply this..
http://lowpowerradio.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-canada-very-friendly-to-low-power.html
Total posts : 45366I have operated low power FM, meeting BETS-1 regulations, for several years on Bowen Island, BC. The article pointed to is correct, except that the math is a bit suspect – the field strength allowed in Canada is 4 times greater than that of the U.S. Maximum theoretical range is in the 1 km range (line of sight to the antenna, sensitive car radio as a receiver), but you’ll likely get 1/2 km or less in most practical situations.
AM is another matter; it’s pretty much a dog’s breakfast, with a lot of confusion. If you’re NOT broadcasting (which is what most of us here do), then the rules are pretty much the same as in the U.S.). You’re allowed 100mw input to the final stage of your transmitter. Exactly what broadcasting is considered to be is not defined.
However, if you ARE broadcasting, then you have to follow the BETS-1 regulations, which defines field strength limits of 250uv/m at 30 meters. This effectively makes lower power AM broadcasting in Canada ineffective, as you’re not going to get much range at all.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers of low power AM equipment tend to ignore the Canadian issue of broadcasting (probably because Canada is such a small market).
I’d recommend downloading copies of the appropriate BETS documents (BETS-1, BETS-5, BETS-6) and reading them carefully. In addition, you want to go the CRTC (intrepid guardians of Canadian radio programming) website and get the details of the CRTC license exemptions for transmitters meeeting the BETS guidelines – the blog referenced leaves a few things out, such as the programming has to meet CRTC guidelines for appropriate content (i.e., none of the ‘isms – sexism, racism, etc.).
The CRTC also reserves the right to demand that any broadcaster get an appropriate CRTC license, regardless of whether they’re meeting the BETS guidelines or not. Depending on the market you’re in, that could either be relatively easy, or almost impossible.
Be careful in reading the 2nd link referenced. There are a number of technical errors in it. In addition, to be legal in Canada, your transmitter needs to be certified for BETS use – the only one I am aware of that meets the guidelines is the Decade MS-100. In my opinion, you should use the mono version, as I’ve found that broadcasting in mono gives you increased range. However, there have been numerous discussions about this in the Forum – you can search them out and make up your own mind.
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