Narrative Statement

0016-EX-CM-2016 Text Documents

Echodyne Corp.

2016-09-02ELS_181561

Echodyne Corp. Application for Modification of Part 5 Experimental License WI2XKY ELS File No. 0016-EX-CM-2016 NARRATIVE STATEMENT Pursuant to Section 5.3(d) and (f) and Section 5.61 of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 5.3(d), (f), 5.53 (2015), Echodyne Corp. hereby respectfully seeks to modify its existing experimental license issued under call sign WI2XKY to operate in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band so that it may conduct supplemental tests at an additional location. Grant of authority to test at the proposed additional location will enhance the company’s ability to evaluate a prototype radar system designed to demonstrate the capabilities of its radar technology and to test detect and avoid (“DAA”) radar technology for small unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”). Specifically, by this modification application, Echodyne seeks to perform ground-based only tests within a 1 kilometer radius of Palo Alto, California. In support of this request, the following is shown: A. Purpose of Operation and Need for Experimental License: Echodyne Corp., headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and backed by Bill Gates, Madrona Venture Group, Vulcan Capital, Lux Capital, and The Kresge Foundation, among others, is researching and developing innovative uses of radar by creating high performance ultra-low cost, size, weight, and power electronically scanning radars. For example, its Metamaterial Electronically Scanning Array (“MESA”) offers disruptive capabilities for existing radar applications and enables new categories of radars for UAVs, robots, autonomous vehicles, and security. Under its existing authorization, Echodyne has tested its MESA-K-DEV radar development kit, and its MESA-DAA, which is an electronically scanned detect and avoid radar for small UAVs. The testing has allowed Echodyne to evaluate the performance of the development kit in various settings to support a range of use cases and will validate the performance of the DAA radar for airborne and ground-based radionavigation. B. Location of Proposed Additional Operation: Echodyne has tested the radars on the ground to validate detection of objects moving through the field of view, including small UAVs flying through the field of view. The radars have also been deployed to test their performance on remote-piloted small UAVs and on manned helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. All tests involving UAVs are duly authorized by the FAA. By this modification application, Echodyne seeks authority to conduct additional ground-based only tests within a 1 km radius of Palo Alto, California (NAD83: 37⁰ 24’ 30” N, 122⁰ 8’ 50” W). 1

C. Technical Specifications: 1. Frequencies Desired Echodyne requests authorization to operate in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band. 2. Effective Radiated Power The units to be deployed are configured to operate at a peak maximum transmitter power output of 2W, and a peak maximum effective radiated power of 243W. Echodyne will reduce the actual powers to the minimum power needed for successful operation, based on set-up and testing at the proposed locations. Operations will be conducted to comply with rules relating to human exposure to radiation. 3. Modulation and Emissions Echodyne proposes to operate using linear FM modulation. The primary emission designator is 190MF3N. Other emission modes may be utilized, but in no event will the emissions extend beyond the frequency bands requested. 4. Antenna Information The fixed base station transmitter antennas will not, under any circumstances, extend more than 6 meters above ground or a building. No antennas will be mounted in a fashion that will require approval under FAA and FCC rules and regulations. The mobile units on UAVs and manned aircraft will operate at heights specified above under Section B. 5. Equipment To Be Used Echodyne proposes to test its prototype MESA-K-DEV radar development kit and its DAA radar. It expects that it will be able to conduct its testing with a maximum of 12 units. D. Protection Against Causing Interference: As noted above, Echodyne has requested authority to operate in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band. It has conducted a search of the Commission’s Universal Licensing System (“ULS”) database and determined that there are no licensed operations in that spectrum in the area of the proposed additional location. Nevertheless, Echodyne will conduct its tests in a manner to ensure against interference to any licensed or primary operations. In the event that it receives a complaint of harmful interference resulting from the proposed operation, Echodyne will take immediate action to address the interference, including if necessary discontinuing it operations. The company has designated Mr. Bill Graves, whose contact information is provided below, to act as the “stop buzzer” for this purpose. Furthermore, the proposed operations will be limited in scope during the term of the authorization requested by this application. Echodyne will on average transmit for only 180 minutes over a period of 8 hours on not more than 3 days each week. In summary, the analysis conducted by Echodyne indicates the proposed operation should not interfere with any licensed operation. 2

E. Restrictions on Operation: Echodyne is not seeking authority to perform a market study under this authorization. After the test is completed, Echodyne will recall and recover all devices that do not comply with FCC regulations. Echodyne also recognizes that the operation of any equipment under experimental authority must not cause harmful interference to authorized facilities. Should interference occur, Echodyne will take immediate steps to resolve the interference, including if necessary arranging for the discontinuance of operation. In addition, Echodyne will advise entities using the equipment that permission to operate has been granted under experimental authority issued to Echodyne, that such operation is strictly temporary, and that the equipment may not cause harmful interference. Entities will also be advised in accordance with Section 2.803 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. §2.803 (2015), that any unapproved devices have not been authorized as required by the rules of the FCC. F. Public Interest: Echodyne submits that grant of its request to modify its existing license in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Grant of an authorization will permit Echodyne to develop innovative equipment that will enhance the use of radar technologies. G. Contact Information: For questions about this application, please contact: Michael Lewis Consulting Engineer Wiley Rein LLP 1776 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 Telephone: (202) 719-7235 Facsimile: (202) 719-7207 mlewis@wileyrein.com For questions about the company or the testing, please contact: Andrea Radosevich General Counsel Echodyne Corp. 2380 116th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Telephone: (206) 399-9793 andrea@echodyne.com In the unlikely event interference concerns should arise during the period of authorization requested by this application, please contact the company’s “Stop Buzzer” identified below: Bill Graves Echodyne Corp. 2380 116th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Telephone: (813) 758-6256 bill@echodyne.com 3


Document Created: 2016-09-02 16:17:37
Document Modified: 2016-09-02 16:17:37
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