FCC BANDWIDTH LICENSING

October 20, 2003

Important Notice for Owners of RTK GPS Equipment and Robotic Total Stations Regarding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Licensing of Radio Equipment

Dear Valued Customer,

Precision Midwest and Trimble would like to bring to your attention a recent change to the FCC rules that may require you to act. This change applies to the bandwidth and channel spacings used in the class of radio transmitters included in some Trimble products. The FCC intends this change in radio bandwidth to lead to more efficient use of the radio spectrum. If you have one of the following systems in the U.S., this change may apply to you:

• Trimble branded Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS Systems
• Trimble, Spectra Precision, Geodimeter, or Zeiss branded Robotic Total Stations

  How to Know if this FCC Change Applies to You

  If your RTK GPS base station radio or Robotic Total Station uses a transmitter in the 421-512 MHz frequency bands with a 25 kHz bandwidth (channel spacing) then the FCC Part 90 regulation change applies to you. If you are unsure about the bandwidth of your product.s transmitter, refer to the Trimble Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Items 1 and 2 (click for PDF).

  What the FCC Rule Change Means for You

  • If you do NOT have a license or have never applied for one:
    • You need to apply for a license immediately.
    • New applications for licenses for radios with a 25 kHz bandwidth will be accepted by the FCC before January 13, 2004.
    • New applications for licenses for radios with a 25 kHz bandwidth will not be accepted after this date.
    • After January 13, 2004, the FCC will allow applications for licenses for radios with a 12.5 kHz bandwidth only.
    • Whether or not you intend to use a license application service, please start the application process immediately to allow for processing time by Frequency Coordinators and the FCC.
       
  • If you DO have a license already:
    We recommend that you review the following specific items and take the appropriate action before the January 13, 2004 cutoff:
    • If the license has expired, or will expire before this date, apply for renewal immediately.
    • Check the number of radios specified to ensure that all your radios are covered.
    • Check the area of operation specified. Are you likely to want to expand this area in the future, for example, to add a neighboring state? If so, make that application now.
    • Check that the licensee information (e.g., name, address, etc.) is correct and up-to-date.

  For More Information

  It is important that you understand these changes and take any action necessary to ensure that you comply with the Federal Regulations. Please take the time to read the FAQs and consult a professional licensing service (see Trimble FAQ #19) if necessary. If you have further questions, please call your local Precision Midwest Representative.