Fastenal.com
2001 Theurer Blvd
Winona, MN 55987
Fastenal User’s Manual for the RN2903A Module
1 Introduction
The Fastenal RN2903A module is based on the Microchip RN2903. Because Fastenal chose an
antenna that exceeded the gain specified in FCC T9JRN2903 grant, it was necessary to create a
new single modular certification. This user manual references the attached Microchip RN2903
datasheet for all technical information except for antenna information and regulatory approval.
We, Fastenal Company, 2001 Theurer Blvd, Winona, MN 55987, declare under our sole
responsibility that the product [RN2903A] complies with Part 15 Subpart B of FCC CFR47 Rules.
2 Approved Antenna
Modular certification of the RN2903A module, is performed with a PCB trace antenna with a gain of
5.1 dBi. The antenna technical description and radiation pattern can be observed in the attached
ANTX100P001BWPEN3 datasheet.
3 Regulatory Approval
This section outlines the regulatory information for the RN2903A module for the Unites States and
Canada.
3.1 United States
The RN2903A module has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) CFR47
Telecommunications, Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional Radiators” modular approval in accordance
with Section 15.212 Modular Transmitter approval. Modular approval allows the end user to integrate
the RN2903A subsequent and separate FCC approvals for intentional radiation, provided no
changes or modifications are made to the module circuitry. Changes or modifications could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment. The end user must comply with all the instructions
provided by the Grantee, which indicate installation and/or operating conditions necessary for
compliance. The finished product is required to comply with all applicable FCC equipment
authorizations regulations, requirements and equipment functions not associated with the
transmitter module portion. For example, compliance must be demonstrated to regulations for other
transmitter components within the host product; to requirements for unintentional radiators (Part
15 Subpart B “Unintentional Radiators”), such as digital devices, computer peripherals, radio
receivers, etc.; and to additional authorization requirements for the non-transmitter functions on
the transmitter module (i.e., Verification, or Declaration of Conformity) (e.g., transmitter modules
may also contain digital logic functions) as appropriate.
3.1.1 Labeling and User Information Requirements
The RN2903A module has been labeled with its own FCC ID number, and if the FCC ID is not visible
when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the finished product into
which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. This
exterior label can use wording as follows:
Contains FCC ID: 2APK7RN2903A
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
A user's manual for the finished product should include the following statement:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Additional information on labeling and user information requirements for Part 15 devices can be
found in KDB Publication 784748 available at the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
Laboratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB) https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm.
3.1.2 RF Exposure
All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF exposure requirements. KDB 447498
General RF Exposure Guidance provides guidance in determining whether proposed or existing
transmitting facilities, operations or devices comply with limits for human exposure to Radio
Frequency (RF) fields adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). From the
RN2903A FCC Grant: Output power listed is conducted. This grant is valid only when the module is
used by OEM integrators and must be installed by the OEM or OEM integrators. This transmitter is
restricted for use with the specific antenna(s) tested in this application for Certification and must
not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitters within a host
device, except in accordance with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.
3.1.3 Approved External Antenna Types
To maintain modular approval in the United States, only the antenna types that have been tested
shall be used. It is permissible to use different antenna manufacturer provided the same antenna
type and antenna gain (equal to or less than) is used. Testing of the RN2903A module was
performed with the antenna type listed in Section 2.
3.2 Canada
The RN2903A module has been certified for use in Canada under Industry Canada (IC) Radio
Standards Specification (RSS) RSS-247 and RSS-Gen. Modular approval permits the installation of
a module in a host device without the need to recertify the device.
3.2.1 Labeling and User Information Requirements
Labeling Requirements for the Host Device (from Section 4.3, RSS-Gen, Issue 5, February 2021,
Amendment 2):
Any product for which Modular Approval (MA) or Limited Modular Approval (LMA) is being sought
shall meet the labelling requirements in section 4.2.
The Host Marketing Name (HMN) shall be displayed according to the e-labelling requirements of
section 4.4 or indicated on the exterior of the host product or on the product packaging, or in the
product literature, which shall be supplied with the host product or readily available online.
The host product shall be properly labelled to identify the modules within the host product.
The ISED certification label of a module shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in the
host product; otherwise, the host product must be labelled to display the ISED certification
number for the module, preceded by the word "contains" or similar wording expressing the same
meaning, as follows:
Contains IC: 23979-RN2903A
User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio Apparatus (from Section 8.4 RSS-Gen, Issue 5,
February 2021): User manuals for license-exempt radio apparatus shall contain the following or
equivalent notice in a conspicuous location in the user manual or alternatively on the device or
both:
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Cet appareil contient des émetteurs/récepteurs exempts de licence conformes aux normes RSS
d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada. Son fonctionnement est soumis
aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. Cet appareil ne doit pas causer d'interférences.
2. Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences susceptibles
d'entraîner un fonctionnement indésirable.
User manuals for transmitters equipped with detachable antennas shall also contain the following
notice in a conspicuous location:
This radio transmitter 23979-RN2903A has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum
permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the
maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Cet émetteur radio 23979-RN2903A a été homologué par Innovation, Sciences et Développement
économique Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antennes énumérés ci-dessous, avec le
gain maximal autorisé indiqué. L'utilisation avec cet appareil de tout type d'antenne non inclus
dans cette liste et dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué pour l'un des types
répertoriés est strictement interdite.
The 23979-RN2903A shall be operated with a PCB trace antenna with a maximum gain of 5.1 dBi
and an impedance of 50 Ohms.
3.2.2 RF Exposure
All transmitters regulated by IC must comply with RF exposure requirements listed in RSS-102 -
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency
Bands). Currently this device is approved for use for when 20 cm can be maintained between the
antenna and users. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) evaluation is required if the separation distance
between the user and/or bystander and the antenna and/or radiating element of the device is less
than or equal to 20 cm. Exceptions are listed in RSS-102. Note that integration < 20 cm will require
further certification with IC such as a Multiple listing and Class IV Permissive Change application.
3.2.3 Helpful Website
Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/
