02-03-2014, 12:48 PM
The short answer is:
However low the transmit power is, be it below 100mW or not, all such equipment is unlawful anywhere in the EU, whether commercially built or home-brew.
Because it's a horrible morning - dull, and raining, I'm minded to prattle on in my cosy warm study, pecking away at my keyboard at some length for the few who might be interested, unless a moderator thinks it's a topic best not elaborated upon and should be filed under 'Burn before Reading', which I'd quite understand.
Regardless of how the law stands, to be pragmatic about this, it just isn’t on Ofcom’s radar – they’ve never had a complaint and they don’t want to know about such equipment. I can state that with confidence as I was in protracted discussions with Ofcom in 2010 and still have all the correspondence.
Fact is, how many neighbours listen to MW radio? If they do, and happened to hear a re-transmitted FM station from a MW pantry transmitter next door, how would they know, (unlikely), and what problems would it cause them (it wouldn’t). When I queried the legality of such equipment (in attempting to make the case for it being made licence free), I asked what Ofcom's approach to enforcement was, here’s what they said:
Quote:
We encounter many non-compliant devices on the market in the UK, we have to prioritise our work so as to maximize the effectiveness of our team and offer the best level of protection of the radio spectrum...
End quote.
Whilst not wishing to denigrate the UK VRF in any way (of which I'm a member and occasional poster), given the strict moderation policy - where even a misspelt word or 'grocers' apostrophe’ can incur the opprobrium of the moderators - it's always surprised me that the discussion - indeed encouragement - of building 'micro-transmitters' is permitted, but that of course is entirely a matter for the owner of that forum. I can understand why the particular thread was closed because the commonsense answer is ‘don’t use an aerial that risks transmitting signals beyond the bounds of your property’. Normally of course, an aerial is designed to maximise rather than minimise the range of transmission (or reception), but in the case of so called ‘Pantry Transmitters’ the aim is to restrict the range.
Under “what are or are not permissible topics for discussion”, the VRF rules do permit the discussion of illegal ‘micro transmitters’ (AKA ‘Pantry Transmitters’), stating thus:
Quote:
“For this forum, broadcast transmitters are defined as those having an output in excess of 100mW e.i.r.p. on any waveband currently or previously used for radio or television broadcasting. Most 'Gizmo' and 'iTrip' type units intended to enable transmission over a few metres are less than this threshold”.
End quote.
(Incidentally, 'i-trips’ and similar devices for use in cars are legal and have no parallel to MW ‘micro transmitters’ which are not legal so the two should not be confused).
The BVWS too, has published designs for such home-brew transmitters.
In support of both the VRF and BVWS, I understand the keen interest and usefulness of these devices to us, and would assert that even if such topics were not discussed, people would experiment come what may, using internet sources etc, and it has to be said that several well qualified and competent designers have built and tested numerous 'pantry transmitters', details of which have appeared on the forum and in the Bulletin, so it could be argued that in so doing, this has minimised the risks of causing problems and has raised the standard of competence of others who wish to dabble.
Notwithstanding that, Ofcom have clearly stated that such equipment – be it home brew or commercially constructed is illegal per se, throughout the EU. And how many builders and experimenters have test equipment to ensure that the output is below 100mW? Very few would be my guess. With a suitable aerial the Spitfire is designed (and permitted in the USA by the FCC) as a Community Broadcast Station:
Here’s what the advert for the Spitfire says:
Quote:
Local Community Broadcast Station:
So you want to run a "Low Power AM" Local Community Radio Station, and need a 100mw FCC compliant AM Medium Wave transmitter. (US ONLY).
The Spitfire low power (100mw) AM modulator is designed for just that purpose. It is a small mains powered unit, which connects to any mono or stereo source and provides a high-quality AM output, which may be tuned across the MW band.
End quote.
The FCC in the States does take enforcement action on unapproved equipment and back in 2010, a forum member elsewhere drew attention to a prosecution in the USA:
Quote:
Re: SSTRAN low power AM transmitter
________________________________
A recent story from Radio World Newspaper about this transmitter:
"Mann’s Antique Radio Collector Fined for Uncertified AM Transmitters"
The FCC fined Richard Mann $7,000 for marketing uncertified AM transmitters.
The Spectrum Enforcement Division of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau responded to a complaint in 2006 that Mann’s Antique Radio Collector was marketing fully assembled, uncertified AM transmitters — specifically, the SSTRAN model AMT3000 AM transmitter.
In a response to the agency, Mann stated he’d bought the transmitters as kits from a third party and assembled them at home. Antique Radio Collector advertised the assembled transmitters for sale online at www.oldtimeradio.com and said it has sold 46 completed units since December 2003.
Here’s the full story:
www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0102/t.9952.html
(Note the size of the fine).
In answer to a query I sent to Ofcom enforcement department back in 2010 asking about the legality of the Spitfire for use in the UK, here is their reply:
Quote:
The Spitfire product is the type of product (radio equipment) that is covered by the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Regulations. Such a product may only be lawfully placed on the market or put into service if it meets the requirements of the regulations, has a Declaration of Conformity and is legitimately ‘CE’ marked (see the following link for further details). The FCC approval scheme is not applicable in Europe.
The device does not meet the requirements of those directives.
End quote.
I believe that as a result of Ofcom contacted the supplier, that company’s website now makes clear that the equipment it sells is not licensable within the EU:
Quote from the vendor:
EU R&TTE directive and EMC Directive 2004/108/EC - in order to purchase this item, you must agree that:-
1. You intend to re-export the item to an address outside the European Union. Under no circumstances will this item be resold or put into service within the European Union.
Or:
2. The item will only be used within a completely RF screened and shielded metal enclosure or environment for testing, evaluation, experimental or laboratory purposes and any other use that does not radiate electro-magnetic waves into free space. I am not an unqualified end user and I have RF engineering and electromagnetic compatibility skills at my disposal.
End quote.
Source: http://www.vcomp.co.uk/spitfire/spitfire.htm
(I won’t comment on whether that transfers the vendor's responsibilities to the buyer’s).
In a similar vein, Quasar Electronics - a reputable UK supplier of kits, including low power transmitters - makes it clear that such equipment is not licensable within the EU, and that they will not accept orders for such devices from EU customers:
Quote:
FM Transmitters:
* Please note that products marked with an asterisk are NOT FOR SALE in the UK or EU.
Please do not order these items if you live in the EU. They will be removed from your order and refunded accordingly.
Radio Transmitters, Telephone Devices & the law:
It is legal to buy, sell, posses, and build electronic bugging, surveillance and radio transmitting equipment in the UK. It is however ILLEGAL to operate such equipment under a number of areas of law.
Firstly, it is against the law to transmit a radio signal without an appropriate license or with equipment that is not approved for use in the UK by Ofcom. All of the surveillance and radio transmitters that we sell (both room and telephone bugs) have NOT been approved by the Ofcom. Ofcom will NOT grant licenses for this type of equipment.
End quote.
(Their use of red text – not mine).
Source: http://www.quasarelectronics.com/fm-transmitters.htm
http://www.quasarelectronics.co.uk/Item/...ransmitter
The bottom line is that as with all things in life, 'you ride at your own risk'.
Well done if you read right down to here - I wouldn't have!
Quote of the day:
He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.
William Shakespeare, "Love's Labour's Lost", Act 5 scene 1
However low the transmit power is, be it below 100mW or not, all such equipment is unlawful anywhere in the EU, whether commercially built or home-brew.
Because it's a horrible morning - dull, and raining, I'm minded to prattle on in my cosy warm study, pecking away at my keyboard at some length for the few who might be interested, unless a moderator thinks it's a topic best not elaborated upon and should be filed under 'Burn before Reading', which I'd quite understand.
Regardless of how the law stands, to be pragmatic about this, it just isn’t on Ofcom’s radar – they’ve never had a complaint and they don’t want to know about such equipment. I can state that with confidence as I was in protracted discussions with Ofcom in 2010 and still have all the correspondence.
Fact is, how many neighbours listen to MW radio? If they do, and happened to hear a re-transmitted FM station from a MW pantry transmitter next door, how would they know, (unlikely), and what problems would it cause them (it wouldn’t). When I queried the legality of such equipment (in attempting to make the case for it being made licence free), I asked what Ofcom's approach to enforcement was, here’s what they said:
Quote:
We encounter many non-compliant devices on the market in the UK, we have to prioritise our work so as to maximize the effectiveness of our team and offer the best level of protection of the radio spectrum...
End quote.
Whilst not wishing to denigrate the UK VRF in any way (of which I'm a member and occasional poster), given the strict moderation policy - where even a misspelt word or 'grocers' apostrophe’ can incur the opprobrium of the moderators - it's always surprised me that the discussion - indeed encouragement - of building 'micro-transmitters' is permitted, but that of course is entirely a matter for the owner of that forum. I can understand why the particular thread was closed because the commonsense answer is ‘don’t use an aerial that risks transmitting signals beyond the bounds of your property’. Normally of course, an aerial is designed to maximise rather than minimise the range of transmission (or reception), but in the case of so called ‘Pantry Transmitters’ the aim is to restrict the range.
Under “what are or are not permissible topics for discussion”, the VRF rules do permit the discussion of illegal ‘micro transmitters’ (AKA ‘Pantry Transmitters’), stating thus:
Quote:
“For this forum, broadcast transmitters are defined as those having an output in excess of 100mW e.i.r.p. on any waveband currently or previously used for radio or television broadcasting. Most 'Gizmo' and 'iTrip' type units intended to enable transmission over a few metres are less than this threshold”.
End quote.
(Incidentally, 'i-trips’ and similar devices for use in cars are legal and have no parallel to MW ‘micro transmitters’ which are not legal so the two should not be confused).
The BVWS too, has published designs for such home-brew transmitters.
In support of both the VRF and BVWS, I understand the keen interest and usefulness of these devices to us, and would assert that even if such topics were not discussed, people would experiment come what may, using internet sources etc, and it has to be said that several well qualified and competent designers have built and tested numerous 'pantry transmitters', details of which have appeared on the forum and in the Bulletin, so it could be argued that in so doing, this has minimised the risks of causing problems and has raised the standard of competence of others who wish to dabble.
Notwithstanding that, Ofcom have clearly stated that such equipment – be it home brew or commercially constructed is illegal per se, throughout the EU. And how many builders and experimenters have test equipment to ensure that the output is below 100mW? Very few would be my guess. With a suitable aerial the Spitfire is designed (and permitted in the USA by the FCC) as a Community Broadcast Station:
Here’s what the advert for the Spitfire says:
Quote:
Local Community Broadcast Station:
So you want to run a "Low Power AM" Local Community Radio Station, and need a 100mw FCC compliant AM Medium Wave transmitter. (US ONLY).
The Spitfire low power (100mw) AM modulator is designed for just that purpose. It is a small mains powered unit, which connects to any mono or stereo source and provides a high-quality AM output, which may be tuned across the MW band.
End quote.
The FCC in the States does take enforcement action on unapproved equipment and back in 2010, a forum member elsewhere drew attention to a prosecution in the USA:
Quote:
Re: SSTRAN low power AM transmitter
________________________________
A recent story from Radio World Newspaper about this transmitter:
"Mann’s Antique Radio Collector Fined for Uncertified AM Transmitters"
The FCC fined Richard Mann $7,000 for marketing uncertified AM transmitters.
The Spectrum Enforcement Division of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau responded to a complaint in 2006 that Mann’s Antique Radio Collector was marketing fully assembled, uncertified AM transmitters — specifically, the SSTRAN model AMT3000 AM transmitter.
In a response to the agency, Mann stated he’d bought the transmitters as kits from a third party and assembled them at home. Antique Radio Collector advertised the assembled transmitters for sale online at www.oldtimeradio.com
Here’s the full story:
www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0102/t.9952.html
(Note the size of the fine).
In answer to a query I sent to Ofcom enforcement department back in 2010 asking about the legality of the Spitfire for use in the UK, here is their reply:
Quote:
The Spitfire product is the type of product (radio equipment) that is covered by the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Regulations. Such a product may only be lawfully placed on the market or put into service if it meets the requirements of the regulations, has a Declaration of Conformity and is legitimately ‘CE’ marked (see the following link for further details). The FCC approval scheme is not applicable in Europe.
The device does not meet the requirements of those directives.
End quote.
I believe that as a result of Ofcom contacted the supplier, that company’s website now makes clear that the equipment it sells is not licensable within the EU:
Quote from the vendor:
EU R&TTE directive and EMC Directive 2004/108/EC - in order to purchase this item, you must agree that:-
1. You intend to re-export the item to an address outside the European Union. Under no circumstances will this item be resold or put into service within the European Union.
Or:
2. The item will only be used within a completely RF screened and shielded metal enclosure or environment for testing, evaluation, experimental or laboratory purposes and any other use that does not radiate electro-magnetic waves into free space. I am not an unqualified end user and I have RF engineering and electromagnetic compatibility skills at my disposal.
End quote.
Source: http://www.vcomp.co.uk/spitfire/spitfire.htm
(I won’t comment on whether that transfers the vendor's responsibilities to the buyer’s).
In a similar vein, Quasar Electronics - a reputable UK supplier of kits, including low power transmitters - makes it clear that such equipment is not licensable within the EU, and that they will not accept orders for such devices from EU customers:
Quote:
FM Transmitters:
* Please note that products marked with an asterisk are NOT FOR SALE in the UK or EU.
Please do not order these items if you live in the EU. They will be removed from your order and refunded accordingly.
Radio Transmitters, Telephone Devices & the law:
It is legal to buy, sell, posses, and build electronic bugging, surveillance and radio transmitting equipment in the UK. It is however ILLEGAL to operate such equipment under a number of areas of law.
Firstly, it is against the law to transmit a radio signal without an appropriate license or with equipment that is not approved for use in the UK by Ofcom. All of the surveillance and radio transmitters that we sell (both room and telephone bugs) have NOT been approved by the Ofcom. Ofcom will NOT grant licenses for this type of equipment.
End quote.
(Their use of red text – not mine).
Source: http://www.quasarelectronics.com/fm-transmitters.htm
http://www.quasarelectronics.co.uk/Item/...ransmitter
The bottom line is that as with all things in life, 'you ride at your own risk'.
Well done if you read right down to here - I wouldn't have!
Quote of the day:
He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.
William Shakespeare, "Love's Labour's Lost", Act 5 scene 1
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
