[Lowfer] Experimental License

[John Andrews]

Bob,

The Experimental service is a separate animal governed by the FCC Office of
Engineering & Technology. Part 5 of the FCC rules has all of the
information. Applications are made on FCC Form 442, and can be done on-line
without mailing any paper to Washington. The Experimental service is for
people and companies who need to radiate RF to test antennas, equipment,
ideas, etc. Most of the use is commercial, for testing of new products.

But anyone can apply, and it has nothing to do with an Amateur license or
any other. Two-way communication is restricted to other Experimental
licensees, but you/they don't need any special permission to do that. It
would NOT be used for 2-ways with Amateur operators (such as across the pond
to Europe). It would not be used to talk to Mitch or Joe up in Canada, for
the same reason, as this is a U.S. - only deal.

Assuming they approve it, you get what you ask for. I asked for the whole
136 kHz band, plus a slice at 166 kHz, with 200 watts transmitter output and
1 watt effective radiated power maximum. I also specified the details of a
transmit loop antenna. The length of the license is again what you request.
I asked for 5 years. I specified emission types that would include CW (and
QRSS), BPSK and Jason-style FSK.

You need to file a statement about the work you intend to accomplish. In my
case, I am specifically interested in transmit loops supported by trees, and
signalling methods other than CW, like BPSK, WOLF, Jason, and so on. I am
much more comfortable making a pitch like that for myself, rather than for a
group.

If you are interested, dig up the Part 5 rules from the FCC site, and read
up.

John Andrews