Owners manual

F-S Electronics 2018
©
4
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO FCC AND SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
A brief introduction to the rules of the FCC and your FM Transmitter
It is the policy of FS Electronics, that knowing and observing the lawful use of all transmitters is a first responsibility of our end users. We do not endorse
any unlawful use of any of our transmitters, and we try to give you as much common sense help about normal and lawful use as we can. Further, it is the
policy of FS Electronics to cooperate with all applicable federal regulations in the design and marketing of our electronic devices. Finally, we urge all of our
overseas customers to observe the regulations of their own national telecommunications authorities. In all instances, compliance with FCC rules in the
operation of what the FCC terms an "intentional radiator" is always the responsibility of the user of such an "intentional radiator".
FS Electronics only offers this information to make the user aware of the full impact a transmitter can have. In no way should this brief discussion be
construed as a definition of the FCC rules, it is the users obligation to obtain a copy of the rules and operate legally according to them. FS Electronics makes
no representation as to the following discussion being legally correct - it is simply offered as an introduction to the responsibilities that a user must realize. To
order your copy of the FCC rules part 15, call the US Government, Superintendent of Documents, at 202-512-1800, or fax at 202-512-2250. To order the
correct document, ask for "CFR Title 17: Parts 1 to 199." The cost is $24.00. Master Card and Visa are accepted.
The present edition of Part 15 of the FCC rules provides detailed guidance on ALL aspects of using a low-power transmitter. The main points to consider are;
to remain within the field strength limitations, that you may not cause any interference whatsoever to licensed broadcast services, and that you must be
willing to put up with any interference that you may experience. Remember, the FCC doesn’t need to be bothered by policing a privilege given to unlicensed
operators. If the rules are flagrantly violated, they might just revoke the privilege altogether!
If you become further fascinated with the service rendered by low-power broadcasting, other FCC regulations explain how to apply for a license or other
authorization which may permit you to upgrade your equipment to accomplish any objective which the FCC sees to be in the public interest and not
interfering with other authorized uses of the radio spectrum. Keep some of the following in mind with regard to use of a radio frequency transmitter:
Follow all instructions, suggestions, and warnings regarding the use of your transmitter lawfully and safely.
Use the stock antenna supplied within the case. Augmenting the range of your transmitter may cause unlawful interference to licensed frequencies.
Do not modify your transmitter in any way. Shock injury to a person may cause burns, seizures, and possibly death. Do not disassemble transmitter.
Check your intended operating frequency very carefully, to ensure you will not cause interference to reception of licensed broadcasting. Interfering with a
frequency that is licensed to another individual, corporation, government organization, or community is illegal. ( http://www.radio-locator.com )
If you receive ANY complaint about your transmissions interfering with broadcast reception, stop or change your operation IMMEDIATELY.
If you are contacted by the FCC regarding use of this device, cooperate fully and promptly. Obstruction of an investigation is a criminal offense.
Do your own homework and research to understand and comply with present and future FCC rulings concerning devices of this kind. Do not rely only
upon this short discussion. Each location has its own web of local, state, and government laws concerning proper use…and they are always changing.
Do not use made-up "station call signs" to identify your transmissions. Only the FCC has the authority to issue such call signs. Use some other way to
identify your transmitting activity, and caution toward immediately adjusting frequencies if you receive complaints about interference from transmitter.
Identify the location and purpose of your transmissions from time to time. This is common courtesy toward other persons who may hear your signal. The
FCC is toughest about clandestine transmission which cost time and money to track down. It is illegal to directly incite violence or create a state of panic.
Do not assume that the mere fact that you purchased this transmitter gives you any specific right to use it for any purpose beyond generating a low-level
RF signal which is barely detectable beyond the perimeter of your personal dwelling space (property that is rented or leased may not allow any use).
Finally, the FCC Rules call for the posting of printed notices on devices intended for non-licensed operation under Part 15 Rules. You will find such notices
written up on the front or back of the instruction manual for nearly any computer or video accessory that you have seen in recent months. Consult the Part
15 Rules for the exact wording of such notices. Below is an example of a common notice to refer to FCC Part 15 Rules for guidance on transmitter usage.
NOTICE:
The individual users of this device assume responsibility for lawful uses conforming to FCC Part 15 Rules. Regulations change over time and
being informed is the user’s responsibility. Operation of the unit in most locations is typically subject to the following:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Final comment:
A well-informed person will see today's FCC Rules to be evolving and progressively less restrictive. Even though today's technology is far more
complex than what was possible at the time of the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC rules are becoming more relaxed, giving radio
experimenters more and more opportunities to explore many frequency bands, using many communications modes, with no need for a formal
license of any kind. A thorough study of Part 15 of the FCC Rules, which is completely beyond the purpose of this brief discussion, will show you
many legal uses of radio transmitting devices which do not require licensing, either amateur or commercial. To provide more personal and club radio
learning opportunities, and to cut down on administrative costs, today's FCC permits far more non-licensed activity than at any time in previous
history. On the other hand, today's FCC enforcement actions get bigger fines and real prison terms for scofflaws. From CB radio to easy entry-level
Amateur Radio with long-term licensing, to numerous unlicensed Part 15 operations, the FCC is beginning to look out for the interest and good plans
and intentions of private citizens, local government organizations and school-community groups as never before in radio communications history.