A brief introduction to the rules of the FCC and your FM Transmitter
It is the policy of DAGCO 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 DAGCO 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".
DAGCO 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.
DAGCO 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.
Lawful use suggestions:
Follow instructions.
Use the stock antenna supplied within the case.
Do not modify your transmitter in any way.
Check your intended operating frequency very carefully, to ensure you will not cause interference to reception of licensed
broadcasting. (
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.
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.
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, such as "This is Stereo 90.5, Seabreeze School Student Music Radio," and so
forth.
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.
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.
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 for 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. Following is a text for such a notice which
responds to FCC rule making intentions:
NOTICE:
The individual users of this device assume responsibility for lawful uses
conforming to FCC Part 15 Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
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 and
school-community groups as never before in radio communications history.
