Is it safe to travel with Radio Frequency (RF) Board packed in a laptop carry-on bag

It went smoothly In Paris CDG and Toronto Airport. None to be reported. Got it in my carry-on luggage along to my laptop.

Just had to get it out like the laptop when going through the screening process. At the end, it is just a Printed-Circuit-Board (Like Laptop's Motherboard) with electronic components onto it.

For the security check, it is just another electronic item. You can put it in your hand or checked luggage, and it is unlikely that anyone even cares what it does.

The other part is that most countries have special rules about radio devices, mostly on operation (but more authoritarian regimes may even ban possession outright). It is your responsibility to check those rules before bringing the thing.

For example: In Germany you'd be able to bring it and use it for reception but to send/broadcast you'll need a amateur radio license and stick to the approved frequency bands. I assume most western countries have similar rules.

I can see your concern:

Having recognised that concern, how would I choose to mitigate it?

1. Have the purchase document with you
2. Have the spec sheet with you
3. Have some form of document from the party you are visiting.

My guess is a device like this you are taking with you to attend some kind of function, maybe a conference or possibly a client. Having something, anything at all, that demonstrates your purpose in carrying this device is to use it in your destination is likely to go a long way towards making whomever sees it in their scanner feel more comfortable.

There is a reasonable chance that somewhere along your way - you will be asked to explain what this thing is by somebody who has little knowledge of RF, and whose sole purpose in evaluating your response is to determine if this is likely in any way to be a threat. recognising this in advance, will help you to have an appropriate response.

Many people in these jobs have some degree of skill in picking up on people who are shifty. People who are nervous. whether they get that from training or just "on the job". So don't be nervous. The most important part about traveling, and making it through security checks, is to not set off internal alarms by any of the security personnel.

When travelling I ALWAYS bear in mind 2 things:

1. The person I am talking to is a human being
2. You catch far more flies with Honey than Vinegar

Good Luck! (It would be really cool to know how your travel works out...)