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Q: We have a GMRS/ FRS walkie-talkie that operates 462MHz to 467MHz; do we need SAR measurement for FCC certification?
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A: Unfortunately there are different power levels for SAR when submitting to the Commission or a TCB. The Commission specifies one level for its submissions and another for submittals to TCBs. The Commission is currently working on making a single level for both submissions, but this is not yet a reality.
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The Commissions procedure “Federal Communications Commission OET Laboratory Division March 18, 2004 Mobile and Portable Device RF Exposure Equipment Authorization Procedures” section 1, Portable push-to-talk (PTT) – Parts 80, 90, 95a states the following:& ]8 m' R8 N0 S
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a) For equipment certifications submitted to the FCC, SAR data is requested for GMRS PTT radios with either conducted or radiated (EIRP) output power higher than 1.0 W.+ j9 n* b% i- T* m
! \7 K# L$ ~4 k0 Z0 @b) For equipment certifications submitted to a TCB, SAR data is requested if output power is greater than the low thresholds in the July 02 TCB Exclusion List.. u; g5 n; H I) v6 o
6 i5 y* M7 k+ l% [8 xc) Basic RF exposure instructions, similar to Supplement C body-worn recommendations, are requested for devices that satisfy general population exposure requirements, as part of the §2.1033(c)(3) required operating instructions; RF exposure training instructions and labeling info are requested for devices that satisfy occupational exposure requirements.! _ A# P) @ r x
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Basically, the Commission requires SAR if > 1.0 Watt (conducted or EIRP) and the application is submitted to them. TCBs require SAR if power (conducted or EIRP) are above 0.256W [using 120/f] assuming face to mouth use and any body clips allows > 2.5 cm spacing if the device is capable of transmitting on the body. If < 2.5 cm, for body worn conditions this would be 0.128 W (using 60/f). Note that for comparison of power to these limits, one can assume that a 50% duty cycle can be applied if the radios are push to talk (most FRS and GPRS are). Additionally, FRS and combined GPRS radios must meet general population RF exposure limits. Though you may be able to submit to the FCC without SAR, the application processing time is longer than TCBs, even then, the Commission sometimes requested SAR data at lower values when there are concerns. TCBs can usually perform the review in a matter of days, but they will require SAR even at lower output levels. |
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