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A follow up our previous post (now with PDF & another)... Pete writes -
The FCC is deregulating "white-spaces", which are the unused bits of the TV spectrum. This is important to us Makers, since RF circuits for the TV spectrum are easy to find and modify for cheap (just tear apart an old TV, VCR, or cable modulator for transmitters or receivers), and amplifiers for this band are also cheap and easy to find and make. I'll hopefully be able to post a tutorial soon on extracting and modifying RF circuits for this band.Full FCC OET report on some WSDs (WhiteSpace Devices) that are already coming out of some of the larger companies. Still no word on power limitations or specific frequencies. In the mean time, if you want to get started in RF, head on over to http://www.arrl.org/ and get your Amateur Radio License! It's a great way to get started.
73 de KC2BJT.
Stay tuned to MAKE, we'll building a lot of new projects around this and covering it all throughly - it's just like when makers starting hacking around with Wi-Fi!
It's definitely an exciting development, however I'm doubtful about opportunities for direct hacking or RF development in these areas. VHF/UHF requires quite a bit of skill to build stable radios.
Also, it looks like the FCC rules stipulate that the devices will need to be lab certified not to interfere with existing services, and:
"The devices will be required to contain geolocation and certain Internet database access capability as well as to contain spectrum-sensing technology."
(http://www.informationweek.com/news/telecom/regulation/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212000692)
What's MORE interesting is the possibility of a base device platform you could buy and then add to, like the Arduino or XBee platforms.
Mike Y
KM5Z
Dallas, Texas
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"I'll hopefully be able to post a tutorial soon on extracting and modifying RF circuits for this band"
Uhh... illegal transmitters are illegal. Respect the spectrum and get a ham radio license if you want to experiment. It's easy enough...
http://www.wedothat-radio.org/hello/becomeaham.html
The RF spectrum isn't a playground... if you don't play nice, the slide stops working!
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With building stable VHF/UHF radios - there are tolerances. What about crystal oscillators?
I'm going to add my encouragement for getting a ham license. It's amazing the stuff hams are doing these days. It can take some work, but morse code is no longer a requirement, and you get a lot of spectrum to experiment with.
From a proud ham, Paul VE3HOP
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