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Document 22
Ad-Hoc Spectrum Strategy Committee Report
to the
ARRL Board of Directors 2001 Second Meeting
The Spectrum Strategy Committee has been diligently working toward completing the tasks assigned by the Board at the 2001 Annual Meeting originating from the recommendations set forth in the committee’s first report.
The intent and purpose of this report is not to supersede the original document submitted to the Board in January, but rather to advise you of the work of the committee toward completion of your directives and to update the information contained in the original document. We believe the original report, because of its in-depth compilation of subject matter, should be a "living document" for future use and reference by the entity that will assume these responsibilities after Stratcom completes its work.
R.1. This Committee's life should be extended by one year. The additional time is needed to initiate and monitor activities described below in this list of recommendations. This Committee's work for the next year should be structured such that all necessary project and management tasks should be either self-sufficient or transferred to other groups by no later than January 2002, at which time this Ad Hoc Committee should be dissolved.
Completed by action of the Board at Minute 40 of the 2001 Annual Meeting
R.2. This Committee's responsibilities should be extended to include a study of systems below 30 MHz with special emphasis on Part 15 devices. (Minute 41 of the 2001 Annual Meeting)
Initiated and in progress. An updated Table appears as ATTACHMENT 1 of this report.
R.3. The monitoring activity described in Section 3.2.0 (of the original report) should be continued by this Committee, without break. Concurrently with the monitoring work, this Committee should be tasked to develop a plan for creating and managing a permanent group consisting of staff, Board members, and qualified others, to continue such monitoring function indefinitely.
As directed at Minute 42 of the 2001 Annual Meeting, this committee continues to monitor and coordinate this activity. A coordination plan will be developed in the latter half of 2001 to identify responsibilities beyond Stratcom’s life.
R.4. ARRL should continue informal discussions with the FCC Technological Advisory Council with the aim of participating in an aggregate noise level study. Concurrently with those informal studies, Staff should prepare a contingency plan for performing such a study using ARRL and other strategic partners from the Amateur technical community.
As directed at Minute 43 of the 2001 Annual, the committee has focused most of its effort in development of a Noise Study Test Plan, adopted by the committee in May. Equipment and calibration details are being finalized in accordance with a timeline for implementation (Table 4.2).
R.5. ARRL should continue their productive efforts to identify and cooperate with strategic partners.
ARRL has aligned with the "UWB Coalition", a spectrum user group consisting of companies and organizations concerned about the impact of ultra-wide band technology on existing users of the radio spectrum.
R.6. ARRL should initiate an education program to increase the awareness of Amateurs of our status and sharing obligations on our bands.
As an initial effort, a Power Point presentation titled "Part 15 and the Amateur Radio Service" has been prepared and was presented at the first of three VHF/UHF/Microwave conferences in April. The presentation was a summary of the Stratcom report.
R.7. ARRL should continue with its existing program of compatibility testing in the ARRL Laboratory.
The ARRL Lab is presently preparing to purchase and test various Bluetooth and other Part 15 devices.
R.8. ARRL should immediately initiate a study of techniques with promise for mitigating interference from devices sharing our bands, especially Part 15 devices.
Not yet initiated
R.9 ARRL should work with selected Part 15 manufacturers to arrive at a mutually-agreeable set of operating parameters for devices in Amateur allocations.
Not yet initiated
2.0 U.S. Unlicensed Device Usage in Amateur Bands
2.1 The committee continues to actively track unlicensed device usage in the amateur bands. This list, previously detailed in Table 2 of the original report, must be maintained and updated frequently to accurately identify all users of the radio spectrum allocated to the amateur radio service. The most recent update of Table 2 appears in ATTACHMENT 1 of this report.
3.1
4.1 After the 2001 Annual Meeting, this committee awaited news on the future of the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council (TAC). The TAC had discussed the possibility of a noise study relating to Part 15 and other devices, however the specific type of study had not been identified. We were fortunate to be able to receive news and information from Dewayne Hendricks, WA8DZP, a TAC member, but no meeting had been held since late last year. A hastily called meeting did finally occur on June 13. Earlier in the year ARRL had nominated Greg Lapin, N9GL, for membership on the TAC but no word on the status of the appointment had been received until the June 13 meeting announcement. Mr. Lapin also serves as Chairman of the ARRL RF Safety Committee.
Following the TAC meeting Mr. Hendricks informed us they were in fact pursuing a noise study and had awarded a contract to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. This study will include a literature survey, some modeling and simulation software requirements, and technical requirements for low-cost noise measurement instruments.
The TAC currently has 5 working Focus Groups, 4 of which are Spectrum Management, Accessibility for Disabled Persons, Security, and Network Interconnection and Access. Both Hendricks and Lapin are members of the Spectrum Management Focus Group. This group has responsibility for the noise study. The FCC has a web site for the Technological Advisory Council at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/tac, although it hasn't been updated in some time. The FCC also posted an audio file of the June 13 meeting which can be found at http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/publicforums.html. Our sources indicate there may be as many as ten radio amateurs on the TAC. We are currently reviewing the membership list to determine if this is factual and if so, will develop a strategy to educate them about the League’s activity in this area.
4.2 Prior to the June 13 TAC meeting, because of the Council’s uncertain future, we proceeded to implement a noise study as directed by the board. Mr. Rinaldo prepared a draft Noise Study Test Plan that was reviewed and adopted by Stratcom. The Noise Study Test Plan is enclosed as ATTACHMENT 2. Our study differs from the FCC TAC study in that ours will be a field study to acquire real data in rural and metropolitan areas.
In order to ensure we pursue our noise study objectives expeditiously, a timeline was prepared to identify dates for key action points on the Noise Study Test Plan. The timeline is shown below in Table 4.2 below.
Table 4.2 Noise Study Time Line
|
July 27, 2001 |
Publish a brief general story in the ARRL Letter announcing the start of the ARRL Radio Noise measurement program and solicit volunteers who wish to be considered for the core/pilot test group. Letters will also be sent to prominent VHF/UHF/Microwave clubs |
|
August 15, 2001 |
ARRL Lab completes work on test plan equipment calibration details |
|
September 1, 2001 |
Select a core group and send out updated Test Plan. Establish a test plan reflector |
|
October 1, 2001 |
Start walk/drive around tests |
|
November 1, 2001 |
Notify additional 30 volunteers |
|
January 1, 2002 |
Obtain software for Test Method 2 |
|
February 1, 2002 |
Distribute all materials for Test Method 2 |
|
February 15, 2002 |
Begin Test Method 2 |
|
Anytime |
Test Method 3 can be started according to Noise Study Steering Committee |
In addition, the Noise Study Test Plan should be published in a QST/QEX/Web article in the last quarter of 2001. We also recommend that a responsible individual manage the noise study with oversight by a Noise Study Steering Committee. Stratcom will prepare a noise study budget to better identify the costs associated with implementation of our test plan. This budget will be submitted to the CEO/CFO/COO, Administration & Finance Committee, and the ARRL Foundation so as to inform all possible revenue sources of the financial requirements of the test plan implementation.
5.1 Sharing Partners
Identification of compatible sharing partners is not yet complete. This will occur after laboratory tests of existing and future consumer products.
5.2 Strategic Amateur Radio Partners
Work is in progress on formalizing a strategy with fellow organizations such as AMSAT, TAPR, AMRAD, etc.
5.3 UWB Coalition
5.3.1 Earlier this year several companies and organizations formed an alliance known as the UWB Coalition. This group shared a common concern about the impact of UWB on existing services and technologies in the 1.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz frequency range. ARRL joined this group and has been an active participant. The other companies and organizations of the coalition are:
5.3.2 An important note on this topic is that some members of the UWB Coalition believe there is a need for this type of group to remain in place in some form after UWB in order to address other spectrum related issues as they arise. ARRL will remain involved in this coalition, as it is believed to be a critical part of our strategic partnering objective. Given the large number of participants in the coalition with a wide range of radio spectrum requirements, it behooves us to actively cultivate relationships so as to pursue future objectives.
6.0 Educational Awareness of Radio Amateurs
6.1 As identified in the original report, a key element to successfully implementing a strategic plan is to educate radio amateurs about the emitters that currently exist in the spectrum allocated to the amateur radio service. The initial effort was the preparation of a Power Point presentation that was presented at the Southeast VHF Society Conference in April. This presentation will also be made at the Central States VHF Society Conference in late July and the Microwave Update Conference in late September. This material will also be published in the proceedings of these conferences. These groups are obvious starting points for this effort as this represents the active users of the amateur spectrum above 30 MHz.
7.0 Compatibility, Mitigation, & Mutually Agreeable Operating Parameters
7.1 The work required of the ARRL Lab will increase considerably during the next 18 months if we are to meet these objectives. It is imperative that a clear understanding exist between the Board, this committee, and staff as to the schedules and priorities for the Lab in the coming months in order to properly manage the rapidly expanding requirements of laboratory services.
7.2 The ARRL Lab is currently scheduled to purchase a variety of Part 15 Devices "off the shelf" and conduct tests to determine their compatibility with amateur operations. In addition, a study of techniques with promise of mitigating interference will be a future assignment for the ARRL Lab, as well as working with Part 15 Manufacturers to develop mutually agreeable operating parameters for such devices.
8.1 In order to maintain a current listing of amateur usage of the bands above 30 MHz, the committee developed a listing identified as Table A.2-2 in our initial report. This table has been updated and is enclosed as ATTACHMENT 3.
9.1 The committee continues to pursue the recommendations adopted by the board in January. We have no additional recommendations at this time.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the members of this committee. While it is obvious there is a substantial amount of work remaining to be done, the work to date could not have been completed without the dedication of each member of this committee.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joel Harrison, W5ZN
Chariman
Committee Members
Jim Maxwell, W6CF
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
J.P. Kleinhaus, W2XX
Paul Rinaldo, W4RI
Chris Imlay, W3KD
Ed Hare, W1RFI
A
TTACHMENT 1
Table 2.1-1 US Unlicensed Device Usage in Amateur Bands , By Band
|
Band |
Unlicensed Service/Use |
|
All |
Incidental Emitters (power lines, motors, etc.) |
|
All |
Unintentional Emitters (computers, etc.) |
|
1.8 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL), Power-line communications, Home Phone Networking Alliance. |
|
3.5 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, XDSL, Power-line communications, Home Phone Networking Alliance. |
|
7 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, XDSL, Power-line communications, Home Phone Networking Alliance. |
|
10.1 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, XDSL, Power-line communications, Home Phone Networking Alliance. |
|
14 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, XDSL, Power-line communications, Home Phone Networking Alliance. |
|
18.068 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits |
|
21 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits |
|
24.9 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits |
|
28 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, "Freeband" and illegal CB equipment |
|
50 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits |
|
144 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
222 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
420 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
902 MHz |
Industrial Scientific and Medical, High-Power Spread Spectrum, High-Power Intentional Radiators, Location and Monitoring Service, Field Disturbance Sensors, Periodic Radiators, Material measurement systems |
|
1240 MHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators, LPI Voice/Data |
|
2300 MHz |
Industrial Scientific and Medical, Microwave Ovens, High-Power Digital Cordless Telephone, High-Power Wireless LAN, Low-Power Wireless LAN (Bluetooth), Field Disturbance Sensors, Unlicensed Personal Communications Service, Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
3300 MHz |
Automatic Vehicle Identification System, Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
5650 MHz |
Industrial, Scientific and Medical, National Information Infrastructure (NII), High-Power Wireless LAN, Field Disturbance Sensors, Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
10.0 GHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators, Field Disturbance Sensors |
|
24.0 GHz |
Industrial Scientific and Medical, Field Disturbance Sensors, Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
47.0 GHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
75.5 GHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
119.98 GHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
142.0 GHz |
Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
|
241.0 GHz |
Industrial Scientific and Medical, Intentional Radiators – General Limits, Periodic Radiators |
Table 2.1-2 US Unlicensed Device Usage in Amateur Bands, By Service/Use:
|
Service/Use |
Standard |
Frequency Band |
Radiated Limits |
|
Digital Cordless Telephone (See Note 3.) |
Part 15.247 |
2400-2483.5 MHz |
1 W max, using built-in antenna |
|
Incidental Emitters |
Part 15.5, 15.13, 15.107 |
All |
Subject to the requirement that no harmful interference be caused. |
|
General Limits for Intentional Radiators |
Part 15.209 |
30-88 MHz |
100 m V/m at 3 meters distance from the radiating source |
|
-do- |
- do - |
88-216 MHz |
150 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
216-960 MHz |
200 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
Above 960 MHz |
500 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
2400-2483.5 MHz |
50 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
5725-5875 MHz |
50 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
24.0-24.25 GHz |
250 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
Field-Disturbance Sensors and Perimeter Protection Systems (See Note 5.) |
Part 15.245 |
902-928 MHz |
500 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
Freeband, illegal CB equipment and operation |
Part 95 |
28.0-29.7 MHz |
Legal devices limited to 12 W PEP SSB, 5 W AM |
|
-do- |
- do - |
2435-2465 MHz |
500 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
5785-5815 MHz |
500 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
10.5-10.55 GHz |
2500 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
24.075-24.175 GHz |
2500 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
High-Power Intentional Radiators. (Typically analog/ digital cordless telephone.) (See Note 6.) |
Part 15.249 |
902-925 MHz |
50 millivolts/m at 3 meters |
|
High-Power Spread Spectrum Transmitters |
Part 15.247 |
902-925 MHz |
1 watt output |
|
Home Phone Networking |
Part 15.107, 15.109 |
To 10 MHz |
Specification contains notch protection for Amateur bands |
|
Industrial, Scientific and Medical Devices (See Note 7.) |
Part 18.107 |
902-925 MHz |
See note 7. |
|
-do- |
- do - |
2400-2500 MHz |
-do- |
|
-do- |
- do - |
5725-5875 MHz |
-do- |
|
Industrial, Scientific and Medical Devices (continued) |
- do - |
24.0-24.25 GHz |
-do- |
|
" |
" |
244-246 GHz |
" |
|
Location and Monitoring Service (See Note 8.) |
Part 90.351/90.353 |
902-928 MHz |
Up to 300 W PEP |
|
LPI Voice/Data |
UWB |
1200-1800 MHz |
1W peak with omni and high gain antenna |
|
Material Measurement Systems (See Note 9.) |
Part 15.243 |
890-940 MHz |
500 m V/m at 30 meters |
|
Microwave Ovens (See Note 10.) |
Part 18 ISM |
2450.0 +/- 50 MHz |
Up to 1kW (shielded) |
|
National Information Infrastructure (NII) |
Part 15.401, 15.407 |
5725-5850 MHz |
250 mw with 6dBi max gain antenna |
|
Periodic Radiators (See Note 11) |
Part 15.231/15.20 |
138-149.9 MHz |
Formula |
|
-do- |
- do - |
216-240 MHz |
3,750 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
- do - |
410-470 |
Formula |
|
-do- |
- do - |
1240-1300 MHz and all higher frequencies |
12,500 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
Personal Communications Service (unlicensed) |
Part 15 |
2390-2400 MHz |
12,500 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
Power-line Communications |
Part 15.107, 15.109 |
HF |
See Note 15. |
|
Unintentional Emitters (computers, etc.) |
Part 15.107 |
450 kHz – 30 MHz |
Class A devices – 3000 m V conductedOther - 250 m V conducted |
|
Unintentional Emitters (computers, etc.) |
Part 15.109 |
30 – 88 MHz |
100 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
-do- |
88 – 216 MHz |
150 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
-do- |
216 – 960 MHz |
200 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
-do- |
-do- |
Above 960 MHz |
500 m V/m at 3 meters |
|
xDSL |
Part 15.109 |
To 20 MHz |
Contains notch protection for Amateur Bands. |
|
Wireless Data (WAN/LAN) (See Note 12, Note 13.) |
Part 15.247 IEEE 802.11 |
2400-2483.5 MHz |
1W hi-gain antenna |
|
-do- |
Part 15.247 IEEE802.11b |
2400-2483.5 MHz |
1W hi-gain antenna |
|
-do- |
Part 15 Bluetooth |
2400-2483.5 MHz |
Up to 100 milliwatts |
|
-do- |
Part 15.247 |
5725-5850 MHz |
1W hi-gain antenna |
Note 1:
Note 1
: Other Areas of the World: This table is derived from US regulations. It is possible that additional interference to amateurs under the jurisdiction of the FCC could occur from devices operated under the jurisdiction of other nations. For example, 433.05-434.79 MHz is an ISM band in Region 1.Note 2: The permitted radiation limits under these rules are high enough that harmful interference to the Amateur Radio Service is possible. As an example, on 144 MHz, the limit for general intentional emitters is 150 microvolts/meter at 3 meters distance from the source. A 2-meter Yagi with 10 dBi gain located 30 meters distant from this source will pick up a signal of -87 dBm (approximately S7). In free space, this would be an S2 signal 1 km away. As another example, the unlicensed PCS devices are permitted 12500 microvolts/meter at 3 meters on 2.4 GHz. A 10 dBi gain antenna located 30 meters away would pick up a signal of -72 dBm, approximately S9. As an extreme example, a 2.4 GHz station with a 20 dBi gain Yagi located a km away would pick up an S6 signal from this single device. The additional provision that Part 15 devices not cause harmful interference also applies.
Note 3: Digital Cordless Telephones using SS in the 2.4 GHz band are becoming widespread.
Note 4: General Limits for Intentional Radiators: Part 15.209 permits the operation of intentional radiators on virtually any frequency. All ham bands are potentially affected. These limits are generally enough to cause harmful interference to the ham bands.
Note 5: Field-Disturbance Sensors and Perimeter Protection Systems: These would include RF-based motion detectors that might be found in residential or industrial environments. ARRL has no reports of harmful interference from these types of devices.
Note 6: Spread Spectrum devices in the 900 MHz band support a variety of uses, including Internet access and cordless telephones.
Note 7: Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) Devices are permitted on various frequencies from 6.78 MHz to 246 GHz. On those frequencies, they are permitted unlimited radiated field strengths. In addition, under the rules, Amateur operation is not protected from ISM devices.
Note 8: Location and Monitoring System (LMS) (formerly known as Automatic Vehicle Monitoring): While technically a licensed Service, this is included here because the individual units installed on vehicles are not specifically licensed. (AVM) equipment has the primary allocation in 902-912 and 918-928 MHz. Amateur Radio is secondary, with all other unlicensed devices below us in priority. AVM systems are intermittent, and there is no known case of an AVM system interfering with an Amateur.
Note 9: Material Measurement Systems: Used primarily in industrial environments. Not apt to cause harmful interference.
Note 10: Microwave ovens have been operating in the 2.4 GHz band for decades without significant harmful interference.
Note 11: Periodic Radiators are unlicensed Part 15 transmitters used primarily for occasional data readout. They are authorized to operate on 40.66-40.70 MHz and on virtually all frequencies above 70 MHz. Most operate near 433.92 MHz, an unlicensed frequency in common use in other parts of the world. They transmit only infrequently, typically either by manual operation such as remote control switches or automatically, such as remote-reading thermometers. They typically transmit only a few milliseconds at a time every few minutes. They are not a particular threat at this time. Their activity deserves to be monitored, however, for remote sensing and data transmittal from remote sites has some potential for increasing as time passes.
Note 12: Wireless Wide Area and Local Area Networks (WAN. LAN). These represent a major threat to the 2.4 GHz band. At their permitted 1 W levels, the interference from these devices may extend for miles. Although, as Part 15 devices, the operator of the device must correct interference, in practice, it may be difficult to identify a particular operator. In at least one case reported to ARRL, a WAN operator ceased operation upon reports of interference, but resumed operation once it was determined that the interference was to the Amateur Radio Service. Some amateur receiving sites are experiencing tens of dB increase in noise in the Part-15 portion of the 2.4 GHz band, presumably from the aggregate of many Part 15 or ISM devices "visible" from a good RF location.
Note 13: Bluetooth: The new Bluetooth devices are short-range, Part 15 RF modular devices in one chip, which replace cable connections for digital peripherals. They will be operated at 2400-2483.5 MHz, as Frequency Hopped SS systems at 1600 bps. The first products are already on the market. These utilize 1 MHz bandwidths, at two different power levels. There are two versions of the device, one at 1 mW (Class I devices) and another at 100 mW (Class II devices). The latter have ranges of approximately 100 meters. While they are SS devices, they are estimated to number in the billions in the short term. Present Part 15 rules permit the use of these devices at the power levels and configurations planned for Bluetooth devices.
Note 14: Licensed Sharing of VHF and Up: Several FCC or NTIA rules sections authorize licensed sharing of spectrum above 30 MHz. Part 90 (Land Mobile) and various military authorizations are two examples.
Note 15: PLCs are still very much a developing technology. Some, such as the HomePlug specification, include spectral protection for the Amateur Radio bands.
At this time, the 2400-2450 MHz Amateur band is the most vulnerable to interference from Part 15 devices. Keep in mind, however, the emergence of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wherein each emitter may cover more than one band. It should also be noted that Table 2.1-2 was derived from US regulations in Region 2. It is possible that additional interference to Amateurs under the jurisdiction of the FCC in Region 2 or Region 3 could occur from devices operated under the jurisdiction of other nations. This possibility has not been investigated thus far, but is a suitable subject for later study.
ATTACHMENT 2
5/3/2001
AMATEUR RADIO Noise Study Test Plan
1. PURPOSE
To assess radio noise levels and statistics in certain amateur bands and to determine any changes over time, especially those resulting from unlicensed devices.
2. SCOPE
This study is part of a broader program initiated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Technological Advisory Commission (TAC). The FCC/TAC program is to be implemented in three parts:
a) Literature survey: This is to be conducted by Prof. Richard W. Adler, K6RWA, of the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, using funds contributed by TAC members.
b) Simulation: This phase of the FCC TAC study is not yet funded.
c) Real-world noise measurements: This is where amateurs can make a substantial contribution by supplying radio noise data for the amateur bands in which unlicensed devices operate. As of this writing, there are no funds available to carry out these measurements. It is anticipated that radio amateurs will perform the measurements on a voluntary basis.
2.1 Frequencies of Interest
While it is desirable to understand the noise levels of all amateur bands, resource limitations make it necessary to focus on certain bands. The bands of interest are those in which unlicensed devices typically operate and are growing in numbers:
420-450 MHz
902-928 MHz
1240-1300 MHz
2300-2310 MHz
2400-2450 MHz
3300-3500 MHz
5650-5925 MHz
Of these, the band 2400-2450 MHz should have priority because of the current influx of unlicensed devices such as codeless phones, Bluetooth devices and IEEE 802.11b local area networks.
2.2 Environments
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-R PI.372, based on ITU-R Report 258-5 (1990), shows median values of man-made noise power in the frequency range 300 kHz to 250 MHz for the following environmental categories:
A: Business
B: Residential
C: Rural
D: Quiet rural
E: Galactic
PI.372 also provides values of decile deviations of man-made noise, i.e., the 90% and 10% values of variations from the medians. Unfortunately, very little documented information is available on man-made noise levels in band above 250 MHz. Thus, there is a need to establish man-made noise levels and related statistics for UHF (300-3000 MHz) and SHF (3-30 GHz) bands and to determine whether the above environmental categories are appropriate.
Of the above categories, assuming they are found to be valid, "residential" and "rural" environments should be of primary interest because they indicate the locations of most amateur stations.
2.3 Duration of Tests
The tests should be conducted over a sufficient period of time to indicate a trend in noise levels and related statistics. Three years is considered a minimum to establish changes in the radio noise environment.
Within this time frame, daily, weekly and seasonal noise patterns should be determined.
3. OBJECTIVES
The goals of this noise study test plan are to:
4. OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Availability
Test participants should be willing to make at least a three-year commitment to collect and report noise observations. More specifically, the individual or group would be willing to install a monitoring station, operate it on a semi-automatic basis, send data collected routinely and write reports of significant activity. Periods that the equipment is turned off, such as during vacations, should not normally exceed 3 weeks.
Operators should be available to exchange email correspondence in relation to the tests and participate in telephone conferences if necessary.
4.2 Qualifications
Participation is open to all League members having an understanding of radio theory and some practical experience with bands above 420 MHz. Participants should have the ability to recognize different types of signals that may be encountered in the bands of interest. Further, they should be willing to follow the test plan which will provided standardized equipment and procedures so the results are uniform and credible.
4.3 Geographical Location
It is desirable to select participants in major metropolitan, suburban and rural areas so there is a diversity of noise environments. Participants should be geographically dispersed throughout the United States.
5. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Antennas
Stations at fixed locations participating in the test plan should have both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna of at least 10 dB dBi gain with a short run of low-loss transmission line.
Walk/drive-around stations should have both standard vertical monopole and directional antennas to be provided.
5.2 Receivers
Receivers should be of the type normally used by amateurs for weak-signal operation, and should be selected for high sensitivity, low noise figure and large spurious free dynamic range (SFDR).
WINRADIO model 3700e (approximately $3 k) has a frequency range up to 4 GHz, which covers all the bands of interest. While this radio does not have sufficient SFDR for measurements at HF, it may be suitable for the frequencies above 400 MHz. As it has not been evaluated, the ARRL Laboratory will purchase one unit for product review. If it has been found suitable for this test plan, the model with accessories may be available for use by participants on a rotating basis.
5.3 Black Boxes
Participants will be supplied with two "black boxes," as follows:
5.3.1 Noise Source Box
This "black box" will be mounted near to, and a standard distance from, the station receiving antenna, and will include a noise source and a remotely controlled switch to turn on the noise source to calibrate the receiving system. A noise source box may be needed for each band tested. The noise sources will be calibrated by the ARRL Laboratory and will comply with Part 15 limitations.
5.3.2 Anti-Aliasing Filter and A/D Box
This "black box" takes the intermediate-frequency (IF) output of a receiver, filters it to eliminate aliasing, converts the signal from analog to digital form and outputs the digital signal to a personal computer. These boxes will be checked by the ARRL Laboratory.
5.4 Computer
Any personal computer may be used. However, participants should run tests to verify that the computer does not add to the received noise. If computer-generated noise is a problem, then a Faraday shield may be required around the computer. Instructions on the fabrication of the shield will be provided.
Software to acquire the time samples will be supplied. This software will perform the following functions:
6. TEST OPERATIONS
6.1 Test Method #1
This test method involves driving/walking around to receive signals of interest, identify them by type, determine the origins of the signals (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.), and prepare a report characterizing the radio environment in the bands of interest. Participants using this method should carry a GPS receiver to determine locations and time. This is a short-term test method that may take only one day but which should be repeated about every six months or when significant changes in the environment are observed (e.g., a new building or roadway). The results may be anecdotal and somewhat subjective but they are useful as indications of the types and locations of various emitters.
A training tape will be provided to help operators identify signals expected in these bands by their audio characteristics.
6.2 Test Method #2
This test method consists of receiving from a fixed location to determine noise levels and statistics and the types of signals of interest and their characteristics over time.
6.2.1 Receiving System Block Diagram
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s s s
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Worldwide Web in standard format |
6.2.2 Data Elements
6.2.3 Outputs
6.3 Test Method #3
This method is self directed and is based on the assumption that there are a number of participants who are expert at devising test plans and who have access to laboratory quality/traceable test equipment.
Participants volunteering to use this test method should document a specific test plan prior to implementation. Some consideration should be given to studying the effects of certain types of noise on the bit error rate (BER) of amateur digital communications. Polarization of signals should be noted.
7. REPORTS AND ANALYSES
The test data will be sent to a central Web site for analysis. The results will be made available to participants on an ongoing basis. Results will be analyzed and provided to the TAC noise study.
8. SCHEDULE
(Time line of events in test plan to be developed.)
9. FUNDING
(While the tests are largely self-funded, we should consider preparing a list of any items that should be centrally funded, and develop sources such as the ARRL laboratory budget and the ARRL Foundation.)
Appendix A
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