User's Manual

Licensing of 450 MHz RTK Base
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Licensing of 450 MHz RTK Base
The 900 MHz RTK product sold by John Deere uses ISM
band radios. These radios do not require licensing by the
end user. The radios are limited to a specific frequency
range and 1 W maximum output power. While this system
works for the majority of applications, the reliability of the
RTK link may become limited when passing through trees
and dense foliage.
The intent of 450 MHz RTK is to increase the range and
reliability of the RTK link. To overcome the attenuation
of adverse field conditions, transmission power greater
than 900 MHz RTK is needed. While there is some added
benefit from using a radio with lower frequency and longer
wavelength, the signal strength is the dominant factor in
the radio link reliability. To legally transmit at a higher
power, 450 MHz RTK uses a licensed band radio. The end
user of the licensed band transmitting radio is responsible
for obtaining and maintaining a valid site license from the
local spectrum authorities. In 450 MHz RTK system, this
requires a license for each base station.
Vehicle radios in 450 MHz system are not transmitters.
Since they only receive corrections from the base, 450
MHz vehicle radios do not required a site license.
An end user can apply for the license by applying directly
to the local spectrum authority:
Country
Authority
Australia
Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA)
Canada Industry Canada (IC)
United States Federal Communications Commission
New Zealand
Radio Spectrum Management Group
An end user can also apply with the aid of a frequency
coordinator. A frequency coordinator is a private company
that has been certified by the local frequency spectrum
authority to recommend and aid in the application for a
licenses. For a fee, these third party coordinators will
reduce the complexity and confusion of the application
process. However, the final responsibility of the license
still resides with the end user.
Check www.StellarSupport.com for country specific
instructions on how to obtain a site license.
IMPORTANT: Please contact your local radio
authorities or partnering frequency coordinator
for region specific regulations and licensing.
License Renewal Scams
After being granted a license for 450 MHz RTK radio,
base station operators should be aware of license
renewal scams. Spectrum licenses are public record.
Other companies could retrieve licensee information
and then mail current license holders offers to prepare
applications for license renewal. The letters contain
warnings that there will be monetary penalties if the
licensee does not comply. These companies are not
affiliated with government spectrum authorities. They are
taking advantage of the public record and the licensee’s
desire to comply with the law. Their intention is to charge
a “processing” fee on top of the actual amount that a
licensee would pay for renewal. While it is important to
not let your license expire, licensees should work directly
with their local spectrum authority or a certified frequency
coordinator. Internet searches of the companies involved
usually identify if the company is relevant.
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