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FCC Enforcement

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LAN_403

cduma

Wed Nov 25 2009, 05:57PM

Registered Member #1822 Joined: Fri Nov 21 2008, 08:04PM
Location:
Posts: 300

I tried reading actual law books but it was to dry and worded real bad...

True or False,
When building stuff the FCC doesnt care what it does as long as nobody complains

I think thats what part 15 of the FCC code means. Is that what applies to 'Coilers? What is the most trouble someone could get into for unintentionally disrupting communication for a short duration?

Coherent

Wed Nov 25 2009, 06:04PM

Registered Member #1886 Joined: Sun Dec 28 2008, 02:55AM
Location:
Posts: 73

Well if you're doing it intentionally and people complain you could get in a fair amount of trouble. If you're doing it accidentally then probably you would just get a cease and desist order if someone complained.

HV Enthusiast

Sat Nov 28 2009, 01:31AM

Registered Member #15 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068

I don't think anyone in the history of coiling has ever had an issue. don't even worry about it.

Chris Russell

Sat Nov 28 2009, 06:09AM

... not Russel!
Registered Member #1 Joined: Thu Jan 26 2006, 12:18AM
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Posts: 1052

To answer your question directly, false. However, the FCC doesn't have the resources to patrol the entire RF spectrum, so one can generally avoid any problems by avoiding complaints. The key is not to do anything foolish -- a Tesla coil is, in general, a pretty poor radiator, so don't help it along. Don't run long ground lines, and don't couple noise back into the mains. If a complaint arises, work in good faith to resolve it without involving the FCC, even if that means moving your coil or adjusting the times when you run your coil.

As for what could happen, it really depends on the situation. The FCC doesn't look kindly on interference with commercial broadcasting, or other licensed services. Punishments range anywhere from a strongly worded letter to fines of several thousand dollars. Accidental interference to some neighbors would almost certainly fall into the "strongly worded letter" category. Accidental interference to aeronautical communications or navigational beacons (much more unlikely, especially with short runs, but remotely possible) would almost certainly result in a personal visit from the FCC.

Proud Mary

Sat Nov 28 2009, 11:39AM

Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992

As Chris has said of FCC enforcement in the USA, UK radio regulators also have no resources, and what resources they do have they spend on putting ghetto FM pirate stations off the air.

I have never heard of a single instance of an RFI/EMI prosecution under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, because the sheer number of EM polluters is so high, and often so corporate, that the Department of Trade and Industry is unlikely to prosecute its own bed-fellows.

An alternative take on all this hypocrisy is provided by "The Laughing Policeman Wireless Society," which shows how the once very professional Radio Investigative Service has been privatized and farmed out to amateurs to snoop on each other.

You might very well think I support this initiative, but I couldn't possibly say.

Stella

Tesladownunder

Sat Nov 28 2009, 01:05PM

Registered Member #10 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 09:45AM
Location: Bunbury, Australia
Posts: 1424

Ham Salad wrote ...

I don't think anyone in the history of coiling has ever had an issue. don't even worry about it.

Not the FCC but the Department of Energy Safety came to visit me a few years back. Tesla coils contravene a number of regulations not only for RF noise, sound noise, and electrical safety but for construction of HV equipment without the appropriate licencing. All my mains equipment contravenes the codes. Lasers break the laser laws as well for importing a high power laser and I am in an aircraft landing path. My radioactive gear would contravene goodness knows what laws. X-ray stuff too.
Fortunately common sense and not annoying others will help prevent trouble.
On the other hand, run your TC in some apartments and make a lot of people lose their TV reception and make lots of noise and you will have it coming to you.

Proud Mary

Sat Nov 28 2009, 04:01PM

Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992

Hi TDU,

irrespective of laws and regulations in different jurisdictions, what you've pointed out sums up our civil obligations very well.

We've no right to spoil the TV and Radio reception and enjoyment of others, so any 'good' design will have adequate filters to suppress this kind of contamination of the mains.

Sometimes I look at circuit diagrams posted by forum members and wonder where the EMI filters are, where are the fuses, what switches are specified and so on - and sadly I conclude that the fish is rotting from the head. Too much SPICE doth a dull child make!

Stella XX

Herr Zapp

Sat Nov 28 2009, 09:55PM

Registered Member #480 Joined: Thu Jul 06 2006, 07:08PM
Location: North America
Posts: 644

Stella -

Not to divert from the original thread, but your link to the LPWS site has provided hours of enlightenment and first-class amusement!

(To show the depth of my ignorance, until just recently I was unaware of the "Television Registration" requirements in the UK, and the inevitable existence of the "TV Police" to deal with "offenders".)

Volume 1, Issue 2 of the Penrose Gazette (LPWS) had me in laughing so hard I fell off the couch. Can the end of Western civilization be far off?

Regarding the FCC in the US, I agree that individual "unintentional radiators" will generally be treated lightly, but repeat offenses, or interference with aircraft, military, police or other "public service" communications will get much closer scrutiny.

Regards,
Herr Zapp

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