Level probing radars at 6, 26, and 80 GHz would have adequate
power for a wide variety of industrial applications. The FCC has
proposed new rules for “level probing radars” (LPRs) in three
bands: 5.925-7.250 GHz, 24.05-29 GHz, and 75-85 GHz. LPRs are
downward-aiming radars used to determine levels of materials at
industrial installations. Some are mounted inside those enormous
tanks that dot the industrial landscape, to tell the operators
how much liquid is inside. Other LPRs are used outdoors – at
quarries, for example, to measure piles of gravel, or at nuclear
power plants, to monitor the water level in the ponds used to
store highly radioactive fuel rods. There are thousands of
potential applications. The new rules would apply equally to in-
tank and outdoor radars. The FCC is easing its way into this
area very gradually. More than two years ago, it proposed rules
to allow in-tank radars in the 77-81 GHz band, and granted a
waiver pending the rulemaking. Without having reached a decision
on the original que