Appendix B: GPR Emissions, Interference and Regulations
62
WARNING
Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Certification of this equipment has been carried out using approved cables and peripheral
devices. The use of non-approved or modified cables and peripheral devices constitutes a
Change or Modification outlined in the warning above.
Operating Restrictions
Operation of this device is limited to purposes associated with law enforcement, firefighting,
emergency rescue, scientific research, commercial mining, or construction. Parties operating
this equipment must be eligible for licensing under the provisions of Part 90 of this chapter.
FCC Interpretation of Operation Restrictions issued July 12, 2002
(FCC Order DA02-1658, paragraph 9)
The regulations contain restrictions on the parties that are eligible to operate imaging systems
(See 47 C.F.R. 5.509(b), 15.511(b), and 15.513(b)). Under the new regulations, GPRs and wall
imaging systems may be used only by law enforcement, fire and emergency rescue
organizations, by scientific research institutes, by commercial mining companies, and by
construction companies. Since the adoption of the
Order
, we have received several inquiries
from the operators of GPRs and wall imaging systems noting that these devices often are not
operated by the users listed in the regulations but are operated under contract by personnel
specifically trained in the operation of these devices. We do not believe that the recent adoption
of the UWB rules should disrupt the critical safety services that can be performed effectively
only through the use of GPRs and wall imaging systems. We viewed these operating restrictions
in the broadest of terms. For example, we believe that the limitation on the use of GPRs and
wall imaging systems by construction companies encompasses the inspection of buildings,
roadways, bridges and runways even if the inspection finds no damage to the structure and
construction does not actually result from the inspection; the intended purpose of the operation
of the UWB device is to determine if construction is required. We also believe that the GPRs
and wall imaging systems may be operated for one of the purposes described in the regulations
but need not be operated directly by one of the described parties. For example, a GPR may be
operated by a private company investigating forensic evidence for a local police department.
FCC Permitted Mode of Usage
The GPR antenna must be kept on the surface to be in compliance with FCC regulations. Use
of the antenna is not permitted if it is lifted off the surface. Use as a through-the-wall imaging
device is prohibited.
GPR Use Coordination
FCC regulation 15.525(c) (updated in February 2007) requires users of GPR equipment to
coordinate the use of their GPR equipment as described below:
TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Summary of Contents for Radiodetection RD1100
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