[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Compatible WIreless PCMCIA card

[Wayne Dahl]

> It may also be noteworthy, (to some), that the 2.4GHz  frequencies these 
> wireless nics use is within the privileges of technician class and above 
> Amateur Radio license holders who are authorized much higher power 
> output on these frequencies, (as long as it's not for commercial use). 
> In other words, if you're a  holder of ARS Technician class or higher 
> license, and as long as it's for personal use only, you may legally 
> build or acquire and use an amplifier on these frequencies.
Terry has a good point about using better antennas with more gain.  I am
an Amateur Radio operator, as I suspect Terry is, and one of the first
things I was told as a new operator is that you'll get a LOT more bang
for the buck by using the best antenna you can rather than pumping more
power into the feedline.  Use the highest gain antenna you can and you
will save money over an amplifier. 

Having said that, a caution is appropriate.  If you are considering
getting a Technician Amateur Radio license so you *can* run higher power
at the 2.4 Ghz frequency for an 802.11 network, be advised that while it
may be legal, it also may not.  I'm really not performing doublespeak
here.  As a licensed radio operator, you may not interfere with other
licensed radio services or operators and 2.4 Ghz is in the frequency
range used by satellite services, usually downlink and uplinks for
Amateur radio operators.  So, if you have a sat operator living anywhere
close by, you may well be interfering with his communications and *will*
have to desist using those higher power levels (whether you're running
an amplifier and/or a higher gain antenna) if you are confronted by said
operator.  The last thing you would want would be a visit or a letter
from the FCC telling you to desist.  A couple of 2.4 Ghz phone owners
just got letters from the FCC for this very reason...and they WEREN'T
Amateur radio operators either...but their phones were causing
interference and they will have to stop using them.  I would hate to see
someone go to the trouble and expense (2.4 Ghz amps ain't cheap) only to
have to stop using them. 

As long as you're not causing a problem, it should be ok though.  :) 

Wayne 
WD5W