Excellent idea to ask FCC for an opinion.
Dave K3DCW referred to Part 97, but the section he quoted really only describes
emission mode designation codes for SS, and does not technically describe how
FCC defines SS. It's almost as if Part 97 assumes the definition is so well
known that it's not necessary to define it.
Problem is, for many years, SS really did operate over a very large bandwidth,
much wider than 2.5 kHz. It was thought use of that form of SS had the
potential of interfering with many narrowband users. That was not necessarly
true, of course. But now we are seeing modes that are much narrower band.
I would be good if FCC responds to your letter with their technical description
of SS. It's possible they will say that if you modulate tones within 500 hz
using frequency hopping SS techniques, then that is SS. It's also possible
they would agree that a transmission less than 2.5 kHz wide does not qualify as
SS, even though the modulation technique use SS methods.
But right now, I think that since Part 97 does not appear to define what SS is,
it is not possible to definitively say whether ROS is legal or not legal in FCC
jurisdictions. Asking FCC for an opinion is a great idea.
Jim - K6JM
This is from Dave K3DCW's comment:
The closest you get to a true definition in Part 97 is in section 97.3
Definitions, Para C, line 8:
(8) SS. Spread-spectrum emissions using bandwidth-expansion modulation
emissions having designators with A, C, D, F, G, H, J or R as the first symbol;
X as the second symbol; X as the third symbol.
----- Original Message -----
From: Andy obrien
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 7:41 AM
Subject: [digitalradio] ROS, legal in USA? Letter to FCC
I have compiled a letter to Laura Smith Esq, at the FCC, with details of
this mode. I will let you all know when I receive a reply.
Andy K3UK
