Comments on Do hobbyist slabtop Wi-Fi modifications need to consult FCC regulations?
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Do hobbyist slabtop Wi-Fi modifications need to consult FCC regulations?
Do I need to consult FCC regulations in order to modify a laptop's internal WI-FI antennas to a new housing?
This is quite common when modifying laptops to "slabtops". For example, one could 3D print this sort of housing, and the place the IPEX-connected antennas in there:
https://www.printables.com/model/442588-screenless-macbook-pro-13-inch-early-2015-slabtop-
However, are these sorts of things technically appropriate as per FCC? They are modified designs after all. But is it possible that moving around laptop antennas does not change the specifications drastically, because, for example, the antennas are low-power or because the chassis does not play a significant part in the specifications?
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is it possible that moving around laptop antennas does not change the specifications drastically, because, for example, the antennas are low-power
The radiated power is probably not low compared to what is allowed. Laptops with limited WiFi range don't sell well.
The limit could also be in the unintended frequencies. Even if the main power is "low", one or more unintended frequencies might be close to the limit.
or because the chassis does not play a significant part in the specifications?
The chassis and other stuff near the antenna may very well be part of what shapes the radiation pattern.
You don't know what effect various parts of the system have without testing the result of changing things. Simply moving a wire to bend one way instead of another can change things, especially in the unintended radiation bands.
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