[Mobile-Portable] Vehicles and EMI

[Jay Eimer]

Most manufacturers do extensive testing to shield their electronics from
outside sources - they don't want a liability lawsuit because some
trucker with an illegal linear causes their car to do something funny
like lose power steering or brakes, or shut off, or accelerate suddenly,
etc.

On the other hand, this sounds like a legalese CYA.  In other words, BMW
tests to make sure RFI doesn't mess up the car (so they don't get sued),
then they put a sticker that says "don't do it" anyway, so that if you
DO have a problem, and then try to sue them, they can say "we told you
not to....".

If they're selling it here, (in the US) though, then they still have to
meet part 15 rules - cars aren't supposed to cause interference (but
don't try to catch a car with a noisy fuel pump and then get the owner
to fix it - they'll probably shoot you or something, hi, hi) and are
supposed to "accept" any interference from a licensed service.
Unfortunately, "accept" doesn't necessarily mean "perform normally".

Jay
AD5PE

-----Original Message-----
From: mobile-portable-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:mobile-portable-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dallas &
Pamela Peak, MDs
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 11:02
To: 'Mobile-Portable Reflector'
Subject: [Mobile-Portable] Vehicles and EMI


Just curious...I've been enjoying the threads on vehicles causing EMI,
but what about our radio's RF causing interference to the vehicle?

My BMW X5 has a sticker on the driver's windshield warning against the
use of a ham radio, cb or non BMW-approved cell phone with the risk of
voiding the warranty. 

Do other vehicles have this type of sticker posted? Does anyone know of
a case where problems occurred? 

So far I've been using a cell phone and a dual band HT without any
problems. I'm a little worried about wiring in anything else though.

-Dallas---KB9QPE




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