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On 8/12/11 4:23 PM, Andrzej Kobus wrote:
On Aug 12, 2:01 pm, Darryl wrote: On 8/12/11 6:46 AM, Andy wrote: On Aug 10, 6:26 pm, Darryl wrote: The need in the USA for a permanently attached FLARM antenna was the FCC's requirement not something FLARM wanted to do. How did you arrive at that conclusion? The documentation on file at FCC clearly indicates that the reason the antenna is locked into position is that the connector type is not FCC approved. It is my conclusion that FLARM chose this compromise to avoid the delay of changing to an approved connector. To be clear (maybe to other readers) it is not an "FCC approved connector" in that sense like they are using some cheap connector now and need a technically better one, they require a connector that prevents the user swapping the antenna for another non-approved one (i.e. one different than the device passes FCC tests with). Its CFR 47 Sec. 15.203 - that rule exists because of the concern about users substituting higher gain antennas and exceeding the radiated power and other specs within the IMS band (in this case). The whole fixed/removable antenna comes up in other FCC approved/unregulated consumer devices e.g. with consumer FRS vs. licensed GMRS radios. In most consumer (e.g. non-licensed user) devices this usually results in the antenna or cable being permanently attached to the device. Some of the FCC enforcement/interpretation of this stuff gets a bit head-scratching. Darryl So how is this going to work with a brick version, will there be an external antenna or will the brick come with fixed internal or fixed external antenna that limits our ability to put the brick where we have space? I don't think FLARM has got into specifics on this. The Flarm transmitter antennas that the FCC really care about are not "internal" on any FLARM unit (they have to point vertical, are too large, and need to be clear of the components inside the box. They are external--typically mounted on the case and outside the USA today there are options for using a coax cable for remote mounting that antenna. FLARM know what people have asked for/need here and I expect them to have something that is remote installable. Small companies may not be able to justify paying the setup/tooling costs for a custom RF connector and matching antenna assembly. With different packaging of the brick itself one option _may_ be a permanently fixed but "serviceable" antenna coax connection. The sort of thing that comes "permanently" attached to the unit but can be replaced/swapped for a longer one etc. by a qualified installer able to open the box--and using standard connectors inside the box. Like I said, some of the FCC interpretation of this stuff can be a bit head-scratching. So who knows exactly what Flarm will do, I have no idea. I will worry about the exact details on how to instal my brick once I see the final product announced/approved. There are should be no issue with GPS receiver antennas or the 1090ES receiver antenna, and the logical thing there is just have them be external and removable using standard connectors (MCX, SMA, ...) Looking forward to getting my brick... Darryl |
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