[BC] Is this a Serious Sirius problem?

[Harold Hallikainen]

> http://www.earthsignals.com/add_CGC/sat_interference.htm
>

I've been hearing about this issue for a while. I just did an FCC
equipment ID search on Sirius and only find a "keyboard enhancer." I guess
the devices are, instead, manufactured by someone else under their own FCC
ID.

I'm guessing these devices have the external FM antenna loop through them
(like my in-car CD player). As such, I'd think they are unintentional
radiators. They are not supposed to radiate, just conduct the RF into the
receiver. The FCC has a rule for similar TV devices, but I don't see one
for radio. Though this rule would not apply (since this is not a TV
interface device), it's interesting to look at some of the requirements:

http://www.hallikainen.com/FccRules/2006/15/115/

For example, "the isolation between the antenna and cable input terminals
shall be at least 80 dB from 54 MHz to 216 MHz, at least 60 dB from 216 MHz
to 550 MHz and at least 55 dB from 550 MHz to 806 MHz."

The section also lists a maximum output level on the signal heading
towards the receiver, which would then limit the maximum signal towards
the antenna.

Again, since these are not TV interface devices, this rule probably does
not apply, but it seems something similar should.

I think there are also portable FM transmitters designed to be connected
to music players (iPod, etc.) that indeed radiate and are not connected to
the receiver. These intentional radiators would be subject to
http://www.hallikainen.com/FccRules/2006/15/239 and require FCC
certification (see http://www.hallikainen.com/FccRules/2006/15/201/).

So, does anyone have FCC ID numbers on the offending equipment?

Harold


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