Illegal Antenna?

[bluemax]

I recently read a description of an antenna and there was a disclaimer that it was illegal for use on 11 meters. Now I'm not saying I really give a mudduck's asp about that statement, but I can't find anything (except height and/or placement restrictions) about the acceptability or legality of any style of antenna from the FCC. I was always under the impression that the only thing that was regulated about the physicality of a station was the transmitted frequency and power. And I know about the distance rule...sure, like that one could ever be enforced. Who dreams up this krap?

[Sandbagger]

May 8, 2017 16:39:47 GMT -5 bluemax said:

I recently read a description of an antenna and there was a disclaimer that it was illegal for use on 11 meters. Now I'm not saying I really give a mudduck's asp about that statement, but I can't find anything (except height and/or placement restrictions) about the acceptability or legality of any style of antenna from the FCC. I was always under the impression that the only thing that was regulated about the physicality of a station was the transmitted frequency and power. And I know about the distance rule...sure, like that one could ever be enforced. Who dreams up this krap?

They are probably referring to the Consumer Product Safety Commission ruling, that pretty much ended the domestic produced all-aluminum omni-directional antennas back in the early 80's. The ruling was based on the safety aspect of metal antennas contacting power lines and electrocuting that day's next Darwin Award candidate. Ever wonder why all the big metal ground planes disappeared and all that's left are fiberglass sticks? Well that's why. The ruling applies ONLY to omni-directional CB antennas made in this country. Note that an all metal omni antenna marketed toward ham or commercial services are exempt, even if they can be tuned for CB operation. And directional "Beam" antennas are exempt. Imported antennas (like Sirio) also get around the rule.

If you're suffering from insomnia and want to read the ruling in all it's legaleze jargon, here it is:

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title16-vol2/pdf/CFR-2010-title16-vol2-sec1204-6.pdf

[bluemax]

blah blah gabi gabi...I read it. It's not from the FCC, so I seriously doubt it's enforceable to the consumer or end user. Although I can see how the whole thing got blown out of perspective. That's the American way; protect me from myself. Then it comes down to the simple fact that there IS a bona fide reason for me to have a 10 meter radio.(obviously for receive only) Wow, I feel better already. And I suppose I now know not to ask rhetorical questions when "the Boss" is moderating.

The question now is: Hy Gain, Sirio, or Maco? Does the group as a whole tend to gravitate toward or away from a certain manufacturer?

[BBB]

Shizzle happens...

[wrench78]

May 9, 2017 9:34:08 GMT -5 BBB said:

Shizzle happens...




Wow, crazy

[bluemax]

I also noted that the report said a Ham antenna rather than CB, yet the restriction is on CB. So much for that inequality. That's why I'm VERY conservative with my antenna placement...line voltage on 3 sides of the home. Not close by acceptable residential standards but very restrictive on the end of a coax. I keep a good tether on the antenna. The coax or a connection needs to break, or a tree to fall, for any part of it to get close to power. If either of those are in the foreseeable future I won't be anywhere near a radio or antenna, I'll be in the safe room!

[doctor]

Just hotair for someone to do something.
Now I am certainly sure a FCC and enforcer comes to every street corner and looks. I would not take it seriously, probably some ancient rules that went out or forgotten about..

DOCTOR/795

[Sandbagger]

May 8, 2017 19:22:04 GMT -5 bluemax said:

blah blah gabi gabi...I read it. It's not from the FCC, so I seriously doubt it's enforceable to the consumer or end user. Although I can see how the whole thing got blown out of perspective. That's the American way; protect me from myself. Then it comes down to the simple fact that there IS a bona fide reason for me to have a 10 meter radio.(obviously for receive only) Wow, I feel better already. And I suppose I now know not to ask rhetorical questions when "the Boss" is moderating.

The question now is: Hy Gain, Sirio, or Maco? Does the group as a whole tend to gravitate toward or away from a certain manufacturer?

Currently, the best omni-directional ground plane antenna made is the Interceptor 10K, made by a guy (Jay) in the Mojave desert. They may not be available anymore. Haven't heard much about them lately. But they were very expensive (over $350 last I heard). A close second is the "return" of the Hy-Gain Penetrator 500. A n excellent performer from the 1970's, has been brought back to life (but note that it's not called a "CB" antenna, to get around the CPSC restriction).

The rest have decent specs and there are all sorts of anecdotal testimonies on each one, good and bad.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, regulates the MANUFACTURE of products, not the end user. You are certainly free to erect any type of antenna that meets FCC regulations. But the CPSC can limit your choices of what are available to buy. Which is why you don't have the selection of "big metal monsters" like we did in the 70's, and most domestically produced CB antennas are simple fiberglass sticks.

[2600]

If you call it a "CB" antenna, that makes it a consumer product. Makes it subject to restrictions issued by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commision. Call it a "commercial" antenna, and those restrictions disappear.

Same story for a "ham" antenna. A "ham" antenna is not a consumer product like a CB antenna.

But if it's a consumer product, the CPSC rules say it has to be insulated for 13,800 Volts. Pretty well restricts you to fiberglass antennas.

But that's the "illegal" angle. Not so different from calling a Galaxy with eight bands a "10-meter" radio. Never mind it covers CB channels and has a 40-channel selector on it.

73

[SIX-SHOOTER]

The companies can not advertise them as being for the CB Band.That is what the rule says.As a consumer you may use the antenna on whatever band that you desire.It's a liability thing but not worth the time it took too write the stupidity or too put it in print.Government spending our money on stupidity as usual.


Six-Shooter

[BBB]

Most if not all overhead electrical lines coming from the street to a residential building are PVC coated and only 120/240 VAC. The un-insulated wire in that tri-plex is ground/ neutral with no voltage present as long as it is bonded properly. The tri-plex would more than likely withstand a hit with an aluminum antenna without incident as long as the insulation is intact.

The lines on the street are un-insulated in most cases at 3000 VAC & up. They are the ones to avoid at all costs I'm fortunate to have direct burial electrical service to my house, but am aware that there is 3KVA on the other side of the street.

[bluemax]

I'm not worried about my service cable, that comes from the pole on my northwest property line. But the actual line voltage runs behind my home. The original building on the property was at the bottom of the hill. A few years ago someone built a McMansion across the street from the neighbor, who refused to grant the builder and Met Ed access to the back yard line. I agreed to let them put a much needed pole on my southeast side so the power now runs up to the road and along the road to the new home. Now I've got bare line voltage on three sides of the house. Not really close until you start to look for a good antenna location. So for the time being I'm sticking with the tree of choice. Maybe something else down the road.