I have recently obtained some older PC radios (1w, 35w) with the bright (maybe not so bright) idea to pair with Topcon Hiper V and VR receivers to give a little boost to the UHF capabilities of the 1w internal radio. Has anyone had success using the PC radios as an external radio and if so what is the protocol the worked for you? Thank you in advance.
No idea on interface with Topcon.
1st make sure those radios are legal to use in the USA (if that is your operating area), ie: they need to be narrowband capable. If older than 2013 likely they aren't.
2nd you need a license to operate those issued by the FCC (if USA, other countries have similar agencies), you may already have an FCC license for your existing gear if it is UHF frequencies (you should UNLESS they are using a 900 MHz radio)
@shelby-h-griggs-pls thank you for the reply! I’m sure this unit pre-dates the shift from wideband to narrowband, but in this application we are using it in a controlled environment (faraday cage) for machine control comms test so there won’t be any legal troubles encountered.
The Topcon units are typical base/rover units with the proper FCC registrations.
I think the focus now is going to shift from using the radio/amp to just using the amp portion of the Pacific Crest unit. I’m sure that is even possible but worth a shot.
@shelby-h-griggs-pls thank you for the reply! I’m sure this unit pre-dates the shift from wideband to narrowband, but in this application we are using it in a controlled environment (faraday cage) for machine control comms test so there won’t be any legal troubles encountered.
The Topcon units are typical base/rover units with the proper FCC registrations.I think the focus now is going to shift from using the radio/amp to just using the amp portion of the Pacific Crest unit. I’m sure that is even possible but worth a shot.
You mean you acquired the FCC broadcast frequency license? They don't come with a license to broadcast with purchase. They are FCC compliant, but that's all.
Yes, they are merely FCC compliant. All fixed frequency UHF radios used by non-governmental survey equipment requires an FCC license. There is note exception for low watt radios. Spread-spectrum radios do not require licensure.
@john-putnam what do you mean by low watt radios? What I've read is any wattage in the RTK frequency range requires FCC license.
All of the Pacific Crest radios AFAIK were in the 460 MHz range and those frequencies are in the licensed spectrum. Regardless of power output, any radio that transmits in that spectrum needs an FCC license in the USA.
Explain the "faraday cage" application. Unless both your transmitter and receiver are both inside the cage with zero radio RF escaping how will you test RF? If the broadcast antenna is outside the cage, then the RF isn't contained.
All of the Pacific Crest radios AFAIK were in the 460 MHz range and those frequencies are in the licensed spectrum. Regardless of power output, any radio that transmits in that spectrum needs an FCC license in the USA.
Explain the "faraday cage" application. Unless both your transmitter and receiver are both inside the cage with zero radio RF escaping how will you test RF? If the broadcast antenna is outside the cage, then the RF isn't contained.
Exactly. Operating both base/rover in an anechoic/ shielded chamber within a hard walled shielded environment. RF fully contained.
Typo, I meant to type no exception. As far as low watt, back in the day, a lot of surveyors thought no license was required for broadcasting under a watt or two.