Please explain the purpose of operation: |
NIITEK requires an STA for operation of the GPR as described below in order to ensure that the GPR functions properly; to upgrade the GPR in order to detect new devices and other emerging threats to U.S. forces in the Middle East; and to demonstrate proper operation of the GPR when integrated with the Landmine Detection System as used by the U.S. Army.
There are three aspects of NIITEK?s testing operations for which the requested STA would apply.
First, NIITEK would operate the GPR during two phases of testing and development at its facilities located in Dulles, Virginia (the ?Dulles facility?). During the development and laboratory testing phase, the GPR would be operated inside NIITEK?s sensor development laboratory. Shielding would be used around the GPR to ensure that radiation levels outside of the lab are attenuated below the FCC requirements as defined in 47 CFR ยง15.509. During the system integration testing phase, the GPR would be operated in NIITEK?s system lab to confirm proper integration with other components of the Landmine Detection System. During this phase, the GPR parameters are not typically measured. Thus, the GPR can be operated with enclosures placed around and over the panels for shielding. NIITEK may also perform system testing in the surrounding parking lot of the Dulles facility. Such testing would only involve surface laid objects, and, thus, would not require full power operation. Consequently, system testing in the surrounding parking lot would involve lower transmitted power, or a cover placed over the antenna, to attenuate the signal within FCC parameters.
Second, NIITEK would mount the GPR on vehicles for testing on the property surrounding the Dulles facility. During such testing, the GPR antenna would either be in a reduced power mode, or will be covered by an attenuation cover, to ensure that all emissions are below the Part 15 parameters. During testing, the antenna would be intentionally operated about 10 inches above the ground with the center line or focus of the beam directed into the ground. A ?background subtraction process? would occur roughly once an hour lasting roughly 10 seconds during which time the GPR antenna would be approximately 1.2 meters above the ground, and directed at about a 65 degree angle to the ground.
Third, NIITEK would perform production testing of the GPR at one of two Charlottesville, Virginia facilities (the ?Charlottesville facilities?) to ensure proper operational use. Testing would occur inside the production facilities, and involve both GPR performance tests and system tests. Performance testing to measure the performance parameters of the GPR would occur in a room with shielding on the walls and ceiling at a reasonable distance to allow for proper operation of the GPR while ensuring that all emissions are below the Part 15 parameters. System integration testing would be performed in a second room accommodated with either an enclosure around the radar to attenuate the transmitted spectrum or through a reduction in transmitted power to ensure the transmitted spectrum is below the FCC limits. |