cell phone repeater

[klovning]

Would it be legal (or a good idea even) to put a repeater in the airplane?

http://www.repeaterstore.com/product...4KSBR-50M.html

- I searched the archives and didn't see anyhing on it... maybe it's illegal?

[craigvince]

Well, having the device in an experimental airplane is not illegal. Using your cell phone while in flight is illegal, per FCC rules. And none of us would ever, ever, ever use our cell phones while in flight, connected to the cell phone input on our headsets or audio panels, right? hehe

[klovning]

I'm a M.D. and would just need to know if the ER is calling... Don't need to answer - until I'm on the ground. I just need to know that I need to land. (airport is 2mi to the hospital)

[roee]

Originally Posted by craigvince

... Using your cell phone while in flight is illegal, per FCC rules...

Are you sure about that?

The only FAR I'm aware of that affects us in this regard is 91.21, and it only prohibits cell phone use when under IFR (91.21(a)(2)). And even under IFR, I interpret it to mean that cell phone use is permitted if you have "determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used" (91.21(b)).

FAR 91.21:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...1.4.11&idno=14

If there are other relevant regs, please provide a specific citation.

[roee]

Originally Posted by klovning

Would it be legal (or a good idea even) to put a repeater in the airplane?

http://www.repeaterstore.com/product...4KSBR-50M.html

- I searched the archives and didn't see anyhing on it... maybe it's illegal?

Probably not illegal, but probably not that useful either.

1) Are you flying yet, and do you actually have problems with cell phone reception when you fly? When I fly (currently in a Piper) I normally get great cell phone reception. Better than on the ground in the same area. In short, I'm questioning whether this is a solution for a non-existent problem.

2) The repeater you found recommends "Note: A minimum distance of 25 ft and a structure (e.g. RV roof) between inside and outside antennas is recommended." You'd have a hard time achieving that in a 20 ft airplane.

Originally Posted by klovning

I'm a M.D. and would just need to know if the ER is calling... Don't need to answer - until I'm on the ground. I just need to know that I need to land. (airport is 2mi to the hospital)

3) Even a properly installed and positioned repeater may improve your reception range (or it may not). But even in the best case, it is no guarantee that you will not hit dead spots while flying.

[RVbySDI]

I have a similar setup in my home for amplifying a cell signal to my AT&T broadband aircard for internet access. As long as the aircard is within a foot or so of the receiver the system works pretty well.

My setup cost considerably less than what you show for the setup you are looking at. They may be very different but I would say you do not need to spend that much to get a signal booster to work.

I think this setup, or a similar one, could work in the RV with a couple of caveats.

I did read this NOTE in the description you posted:

Note: A minimum distance of 25 ft and a structure (e.g. RV roof) between inside and outside antennas is recommended.

That is the same notice I had on my setup too. It might be a little difficult to separate by 25 ft the boost antenna and the receiver in an RV.

In addition, my system discussed the importance of placing the receiver between the cell tower and the aircard antenna. Having the aircard antenna between the repeater antennae and receiver would cause the signal from the aircard to oscillate back and forth between the aircard antenna and the receiver and cancel out any positive effect the booster antenna would provide. I have experienced this and can attest to the very poor signal that results when this happens. With the airplane I am not sure you can always be sure the alignment would be the way it needs to be to boost the signal.

I think this might be a little on the expensive side and unnecessarily complicated for installation in an RV. How often would you see the benefit from such an installation?

[Bob Brown]

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules prohibit the use of cellular phones using the 800 MHz frequency and other wireless devices on airborne aircraft. This ban was put in place because of potential interference to wireless networks on the ground.

In March 2007, the FCC terminated a proceeding that it began in late 2004 to consider potentially lifting this ban. The FCC determined that the technical information provided by interested parties in response to the proposal was insufficient to determine whether in-flight use of wireless devices on aircraft could cause harmful interference to wireless networks on the ground. Therefore, it decided at this time to make no changes in the rules prohibiting in-flight use of such devices.

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by roee

Are you sure about that?

The only FAR I'm aware of that affects us in this regard is 91.21, and it only prohibits cell phone use when under IFR (91.21(a)(2)). And even under IFR, I interpret it to mean that cell phone use is permitted if you have "determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used" (91.21(b)).

FAR 91.21:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...1.4.11&idno=14

If there are other relevant regs, please provide a specific citation.

The FCC has regulations on cell phone use in aircraft, not the FAA. Craig is correct about the FCC regulation.

Last year there was discussion in the legislature about removing this regulation because there was some scientific evidence showing there was little, if any, adverse effects on navigation from cell phone use in an airplane.

The general consensus during the discussion to change this regulation was that keeping the ban in place would not hurt anything and that the flying public did not want to be on a commercial flight where everyone would be constantly chattering on their cell phones during a flight. More than anything else, I think this is why the repeal on the ban was defeated.

[roee]

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

The FCC has regulations on cell phone use in aircraft, not the FAA. Craig is correct about the FCC regulation.

Ah, yes...

Originally Posted by Bob Brown

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules prohibit the use of cellular phones using the 800 MHz frequency and other wireless devices on airborne aircraft.

If the prohibition is only with respect to the 800 MHz band, why not get cell phone service from one of the carriers that operate on the 1900 MHz band.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by roee

Ah, yes...

If the prohibition is only with respect to the 800 MHz band, why not get cell phone service from one of the carriers that operate on the 1900 MHz band.

No mention of frequency in the rule:

FCC 22.925
Revised as of October 1, 2007

Sec. 22.925 Prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones.

Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or
any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are
airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all
cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off. The following
notice must be posted on or near each cellular telephone installed in any
aircraft:

"The use of cellular telephones while this aircraft is airborne is
prohibited by FCC rules, and the violation of this rule could result in
suspension of service and/or a fine. The use of cellular telephones while
this aircraft is on the ground is subject to FAA regulations."