ARLA/CLUSTER: Robot de vigilância transmite entre 430-448 MHz

[João Gonçalves Costa]

[http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/rcspec_photo-thumb-640xauto-21154.jpeg]
Amateur Radio suffers setback in surveillance robot battle

A robot used to covertly transmit live video during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by local and state firefighters and police, ending a legal battle between amateur radio operators and law enforcement over the device.

Called the Recon Scout Throwbot, the robot transmits over the 430-448 MHz portion of the 420-450 MHz frequency band, which is primarily used by the federal radiolocation service. The spectrum is also utilized by amateur radio enthusiasts. The latter group, spearheaded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), opposed a waiver request filed with the FCC by Recon Scout maker ReconRobotics Inc. to use the band.

The ARRL argued that ReconRobotics’ claims that the device would be useful in public safety and anti-terrorism operations didn’t prove that a waiver to use the frequency bands was in the public interest. The FCC admitted, in its order<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-291A1.pdf> approving the waiver, that while some interference in the frequency bands may occur, it isn’t a reason to prohibit the use of the Recon Scout.

The FCC approval does come with some limitations, however. The robot can only be used by state and local police and firefighters on the specific band. Operators must also first use the Recon Scout on 436-442 MHz bands. If those frequencies are inaccessible, then the 430-436 MHz and 442-448 MHz bands — where interference is more likely — can be accessed.

In a subsequent Order on Reconsideration released April 15, the FCC granted<http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0415/DA-11-675A1.pdf%20> the ARRL’s request for changes in the labeling and instruction manual requirements to ensure that users of the Recon Scout are aware of the interference limitations.

Use of the device is also limited to emergencies involving threats to the safety of life and training purposes. In addition, the Recon Scout is restricted from use near various radar installations and Air Force bases, and the amount of units that can be sold is limited to 2,000 the first year and 8,000 the second year. After that period of time, future sales will be re-evaluated, according to the FCC.

Read more on the Government Technology website at:
http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Military-Surveillance-Robot-First-Responders.html?ref=094
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