Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act, 2007 (Act No. 21 of 2007)RegulationsProtection of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas in terms of the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act, 2007Schedule B-Regulations on administrative matters regarding Schedule A for the Karoo central astronomy advantage areas declared for radio astronomy purposes6. Criteria for determination of radio frequency interference levels |
| (1) | The radio frequency interference level produced by any radio communication transmission within the Karoo central astronomy advantage areas, shall be determined by using the transmission characteristics stated in the permit application according to the technical criteria prescribed in the sub -regulations that follow. |
| (2) | The determination of the radio frequency interference levels should in the first instance be carried out by means of computer modelling which employs scientific methods and standards listed in Annexure B to these Schedule B Regulations and which calculates the radio frequency interference levels related to the protection conditions prescribed in Schedule A of these Regulations and the criteria set out in sub -regulation 6(4). |
| (3) | If computer modelling is not feasible or appropriate, or if greater accuracy is required than computer modelling can provide, then— |
| (a) | the radio frequency interference levels must be determined by means of measurements by a person or persons regarded as competent and who has the required measurement equipment available; and |
| (b) | the measurement standards and techniques to be used must be described in writing by the competent person who is performing the measurements; and |
| (c) | an agreement must be reached between the management authority and the applicant for a permit or the holder of a permit on the designated person or persons to perform the measurements and the measurement equipment, standards and techniques to be used; and |
| (d) | if an agreement cannot be reached, the management authority must make the necessary determinations. |
| (4) | The calculation or measurement of radio frequency interference levels must be based on the following criteria— |
| (a) | the application of the relevant standard for the calculation method to predict the radio frequency interference level as defined in, but not limited to, the calculation standards and methods set out in Annexure B to these Schedule B Regulations; |
| (b) | signal levels that shall not be exceeded for more than 5% of the time, over a twenty-four (24) hour period; |
| (c) | a reference height of 10 meters above ground level at the assessment points for the protection conditions prescribed in Schedule A of these Regulations; |
| (d) | an isotropic antenna condition with 0dB gain at the assessment points for the protection conditions prescribed in Schedule A of these Regulations; |
| (e) | the use of a digital terrain model that will produce acceptable results and which may take clutter data and ground conductivity into account; and |
| (f) | the transmission characteristics provided in the compliance assessment. |
| (5) | The determination of the radio frequency interference levels must include the following— |
| (a) | a point-to-point calculation of the radio frequency interference level on the propagation path between the radio station or location of the radio equipment and the specified assessment points for the protection conditions prescribed in Schedule A of these Regulations; and |
| (b) | the calculation of the signal path losses over the propagation paths referred to in (a), in dB. |