MP3 Transmitters Now Legal In the UK

SilentOneNCW writes "From December 8th, it will be once more legal to own and operate an MP3 Transmitter in the UK, primarily used to convey music between an MP3 player such as Apple's iPod to your home or car stereo. The device was originally banned because their transmissions can override and interfere with legal radio stations, which is prohibited by the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949. Strong consumer demand for the devices and pressure from Liberal Democrats were among the primary motivators for the amendment."

Comments

Re:That's Too Bad

[ISurfTooMuch]

No, most all of them can be tuned to any frequency in the FM band. The ones like the Belkin TuneCast and the iTrip are within the legal power limits. Units made by companies like Ramsey (do a search for Ramsey FM10) are theoretically legal, as long as you don't use a transmitting antenna with too much gain. So, if you really wanted to, you could get one of these, add the proper (or improper) antenna, and easily exceed the allowed power output for an unlicensed transmitter. Not that I'm recommending this, you understand. I'm just saying that it can be done.

Part 15

[Kadin2048]

It's a power-level issue. The FCC allows unlicensed transmitters under Part 15; the maximum allowed varies with frequency. You can see the limits on this page. For example, above 960 MHz, unlicensed devices can transmit a field strength of up to 500 microvolts/meter, measured at three meters from the radiating device. (Those units seem a little odd to me, but that's what the table lists.)