Narrative Statement

0242-EX-ST-2016 Text Documents

Echodyne Corp.

2016-02-19ELS_173068

Echodyne Corp. Request for Part 5 Experimental Special Temporary Authority OET File No. 0242-EX-ST-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), 5.61 (2014), Echodyne Corp. (FRN: 0024666455) hereby respectfully requests a special temporary authority (“STA”) from March 22 to September 22, 2016, to operate in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band to conduct proof-of-concept testing of a prototype radar system that is being designed to provide airborne detect and avoid capability for small unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) as well as ground-based radionavigation and radiolocation capabilities. In support of this request, the following is shown: A. Purpose of Operation and Need for STA: 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 (“C-SWaP”) 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 unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), robots, autonomous vehicles, and security. Under the STA requested in this application, Echodyne proposes to test its MESA- K-DEV radar development kit, which is an electronically scanned radar in a small form factor. The testing will validate the performance of the radar in various settings to support a range of use cases including airborne detect and avoid radar for small UAVs, ground- based radionavigation, and ground-based detection of objects in the air and on the ground. Grant of an STA will allow Echodyne to test and evaluate prototype equipment and obtain immediate feedback to validate its proof-of-concept before it conducts further testing pursuant to a regular experimental license. 1

B. Location of Proposed Operation: Echodyne proposes first to test the radar on the ground to validate its detection of objects moving through its field of view, including small UAVs flying through its field of view. The radar will then be tested on remote-piloted small UAVs and on manned helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. All tests involving UAVs will be duly authorized by the FAA. The radar will be operated both at fixed locations and on mobile airborne platforms, at the following locations: W Location Coordinates Radius of Operation (NAD83) Bellevue, WA 47° 37' 50" < 1km -122° 11' 05" Boardman, OR 45° 47' 37" 32 km, altitudes up to 305m AGL -119° 37' 24" Hood River, OR 45° 42' 19" 32km, altitudes up to 2400m AGL -121° 31' 17" Playas, NM 31° 55' 00" 32km, altitudes up to 122m AGL -108° 32' 01" Vaughn, NM 34° 36' 06" 95km to the east or west, 16km to -105° 12' 30" the north or south, altitudes up to 122m AGL C. Technical Specifications: 1. Frequencies Desired Echodyne requests authorization to operate in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band. 2. Effective Radiated Power The prototype 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. 2

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. It expects that it will be able to conduct its testing with a maximum of 10 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 the proposed testing should not interfere with any primary operations in that spectrum. The nearest adjacent channel licensees are: Fibertower Spectrum Holdings, LLC authorized under call sign WMF854 operating on 24.41 GHz; and DIRECT TV Enterprises, LLC authorized under call signs E140116, E130081 and E090173 to operate on 24.75 GHz. Echodyne will conduct its operations to ensure against interference to those 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 length of the test period is short, extending only from March 22 through September 22, 2016. During that period, the proposed operations will be limited in scope. 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. E. Restrictions on Operation: Echodyne is not seeking authority to perform a market study under this STA. Moreover, no fees will be charged to entities using the equipment during this test. 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. 3

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 (2014), that any unapproved devices have not been authorized as required by the rules of the FCC. F. Public Interest: Echodyne submits that issuance of an STA as requested is in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Grant of an STA 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) 719-7338 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 (206) 399-9793 andrea@echodyne.com In the unlikely event interference concerns should arise during the period of authorization for this STA, please contact the company’s “Stop Buzzer” identified below: Bill Graves Echodyne Corp. 2380 116th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 (813) 758-6256 bill@echodyne.com 13958752.2 4


Document Created: 2016-02-19 18:44:39
Document Modified: 2016-02-19 18:44:39
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