Source: https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/1995-maximum-gmrs-antenna-height/
Timestamp: 2020-08-09 08:11:57
Document Index: 172952204

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 90', '§ 95', 'art 17', 'art 95', '§ 95', 'art 95']

Maximum GMRS Antenna Height - FCC Rules Discussion - myGMRS.com Forums
Maximum GMRS Antenna Height
Started by mbrun , Jul 16 2020 04:54 PM
Posted 16 July 2020 - 04:54 PM
About 10-years ago when I obtained my original GMRS license the FCC had a limit on GMRS antenna height. It was 20 foot above the tree or building to which it was mounted (roughly speaking). In the current regulations that 20 foot limit seems to have been complete removed. Instead, 95.1741 (regarding height) merely redirects to 95.317 that seems to indicate antennae structure over 200 foot may need to be registered with FAA.
So, I am curious, has the 20 foot limit truly been removed? Is it now 200 feet? If restriction is specified somewhere else if the CFR, where would I find it?
Posted 17 July 2020 - 05:24 AM
The 6.1 meter (20 foot) rule does not apply in this instance. If the height of the structure AND antenna is greater than 200 feet overall it needs to be registered. Several Part 90.20 entities found this out when the FCC cited them.
Posted 17 July 2020 - 10:51 AM
§ 95.51 Antenna height.(a) Certain antenna structures used in a GMRS system and that are more than 60.96 m (200 ft) in height, or are located near or at a public-use airport must be notified to the FAA and registered with the Commission as required by part 17 of this chapter.
Rodro123, I believe 95.51 was removed as part of the 2017 FCC update. My current understanding is that 95.1741 took its place.
Posted 17 July 2020 - 11:08 AM
.,,95.51 was removed as part of the 2017 FCC update. My current understanding is that 95.1741 took its place. ...
That is correct. However note that part 95.51 then refers to 47 CFR § 95.317 which provides restrictions for all personal radio services under part 95. However, the restrictions are pretty much the same as they were under section 95.51. But with the addition of additional restrictions if you’re near a military installation or airport.
So are you concluding that the limit is 200 feet, the same as I am?
Absent any other circumstances, yes.
#8 tweiss3
Posted 17 July 2020 - 01:19 PM
To clarify further for you guys, that 200' limit is the cutoff for requiring FCC/FAA filing and paint/lights. You can go above 200' if you want to deal with the hassle.
WQEJ577 and berkinet like this
Posted 17 July 2020 - 02:22 PM
IIRC the FAA regs state the structure has to have a light at its highest point. It's difficult to get an antenna to work properly when it has a light and power cable on it. The issue was uncovered when antennas started being put on bridges more than towers,
Posted 17 July 2020 - 02:45 PM
My ultimate reason for asking the question has to do with my surroundings. My home is surrounded by acres of trees on three sides. I am considering an antenna on the home and originally figured 20’ above the home. But then I thought, I wonder if I could attach to house but put up high enough to peek out above the trees.
Not sure if I will do that or not, but its sounds like that is legal if I decided to go that way.
Posted 17 July 2020 - 02:52 PM
what is it going to take to clear the trees.
also what are the local rules on antenna height. some places have restrictions on height and fall zones.
#12 mbrun
Good point on local ordinances. I will need to look into that.
I image it would take 60 foot +/- to clear the trees.
ran into that problem. found a way around it though.
#14 mbrun
Posted 04 August 2020 - 07:12 PM
I have ordered a Comet 712EFC Antenna and some LMR400 cable to begin testing at my place.
Posted 06 August 2020 - 06:25 PM
I was once offered space on a very large tower array (2 towers with a bridge at the top) in Crete, Illinois. They had a UHF antenna and 1 1/2" hard line at 350'...
I was all excited until I was informed that they charge $1/ft' per month. No way I could afford $350/month