Responding to a petition filed several years ago by the ARRL, the FCC in March issued new rules for using spread spectrum in the amateur bands. According to Newsline, the Report and Order eliminates the requirement for automatic power control to keep transmitted power to the minimum necessary to maintain a communications link. At the same time, however, the order reduced the maximum power output allowed for an amateur spread spectrum transmitter from 100 watts to 10 watts PEP. 
News and information of interest to ham radio operators from CQ Amateur Radio magazine, the world's leading independent ham radio magazine.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
FCC Changes Amateur Spread Spectrum Rules
Responding to a petition filed several years ago by the ARRL, the FCC in March issued new rules for using spread spectrum in the amateur bands. According to Newsline, the Report and Order eliminates the requirement for automatic power control to keep transmitted power to the minimum necessary to maintain a communications link. At the same time, however, the order reduced the maximum power output allowed for an amateur spread spectrum transmitter from 100 watts to 10 watts PEP. 