Wireless Wave - October, 2007
Jay’s Spot
Radio Waves...
Did you ever think about radio waves, where they come from, how many are there, what all are they used for? These waves, invisible though they are, have changed the way we live. Take a look at some of the different technologies that depend on radio waves:
- Television
- AM & FM Radio Broadcastings
- GPS Systems
- Cell Phones
- Police radios
- Garage Door Openers
- Baby Monitors
- Cordless Phones
- Satellite Communication Systems
- Radio-controlled Toys...the list could go on and on.
Radio waves were discovered in 1865, the year the Civil War ended, by James Clerk Maxwell. In 1867, Heinrich Hertz generated radio waves in a lab setting. And by 1895, the Italian engineer Guglielmo Marconi had invented the radio. The following year he patented the first “wireless telegraphy” system.
So what are radio waves? They are electromagnetic waves that occur on the radio frequency part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio waves are produced by the alternating motion of electric charges flowing through an antenna. At South Plains Communications we operate in the VHF and the UHF range. VHF, Very High Frequency, operates between 30-300 MHz and is also used for TV, FM radio broadcasting and in aircraft communications. The UHF, Ultra High Frequency, operates between 300-3000 MHz and is used for TV, LAN, mobile phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth, GPS and Two-Way Radios. In the radio portion of the electromagnetic wave spectrum, the number of communication applications is staggering.
Another term used in radio communication is bandwidth. A bandwidth is the range of frequencies or spectrum, measured in hertz, that is occupied by a carrier. As more applications are put into effect and as more carriers enter the spectrum, the more crowded the spectrum becomes. To prevent a major communication breakdown, action must be taken and that is precisely what the Federal Communication Commission is doing. The FCC is requiring a reconfiguration of spectrum. They are dividing the wide band into a narrow band to make more room on the spectrum. Two-way radio communication companies (UHF/VHF commercial wireless carriers) are required to go to narrow band by the end of 2012.
5 Reasons to Complete License Renewal Early
- When going from wide band usage to narrow band, radio users can expect to keep their same channel yet will receive a emission, on their license.
- Equipment can be checked to determine if it is compatible with the new frequency bandwidth. Most radios purchased within the last 8 years can be programmed to both wide and narrow band frequencies. Users need to know whether or not their equipment is ready for the change to avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations.
- A convenient time can be set for radios to be reprogrammed to the narrow band frequency bandwidth.
- Equipment that is not compatible can be replaced in a reasonable time frame, again, avoiding user down time.
- By taking care of business early you can avoid all the last minute hassles that come with trying to beat a deadline. Failure to meet the deadline will result in fines issued by the FCC. It’s just a wise business decision to get in compliance early.
South Plains Communications can assist you in the licensing process.
Call for Sherry at 795-5823
Be sure to visit our site, http://www.southplainscomm.com to check for online specials.
Cell Phone Antenna and Phone Boosters
SPC offers a wireless amplifier system for use with cell phone antennas and phones. This little unit is proving to be quite impressive as a tool to help increase signal strength.
- Signals must be available for the unit to operate. In places where signal strength is weak, this system will boost the strength of both incoming and outgoing signals.
- It can work with one or with multiple cell phones.
- In the vehicle, the unit is plugged into the cigarette lighter and an exterior antenna is placed outside the car while one is placed within the vehicle.
- For use in office areas, an exterior and interior antenna is likewise required. Signal strength is noticeably improved with the addition of this unit.
Call South Plains Communications for more information about the:
Cell Phone Antenna and Cell Phone Booster
795-5823- Lubbock
376-4444- Amarillo
Technically...
- Who needs a FCC License and why?
Any, and all, commercial radio equipment users who use frequencies that are regulated by the FCC will need a license to operate legally. - How long are license good for?
10 years from the date of issuance. - Who is eligible to use the frequency that has been licensed to a particular business?
Any person within the organization or business that has been given the authority to use frequency and radio equipment is eligible to use the frequency, even though it is not registered in their name. Usage must occur within the realm of business use and within the area of coverage.
Talk to us...
We would love to hear your comments about our new website:
http://www.southplainscomm.com
How could it better serve you?
Is it informative?
Is there other information that would be beneficial to you?
If you have a question or comment please click on the contact to submit your response to Jay Jenkins.
Serving our customers remains our top priority.
