Amps
[Top] [All Lists]

[Amps] Amplifier Rule Changes in the new R&O

To: bandplan@www.arrl.org
Subject: [Amps] Amplifier Rule Changes in the new R&O
From: Pete Smith <n4zr@contesting.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 08:57:44 -0400
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
 From your FAC:

Q. What were the changes eliminating certain restrictions on equipment 
manufacturers? 

A. Simply put, the guidelines on external RF amplifiers were clarified. They 
must still be granted a certification under Part 2 equipment authorization 
standards and may not be easily modifiable to non-amateur service use. They can 
not exhibit the ability to amplify in the 26 - 28 MHz frequency range. The FCC 
also decided not to include a definition of kits as they apply to RF amplifiers.

In my opinion, confirmed by reading the R&O, this change is absurd.  In order 
not to exhibit the ability to amplify in 26-28 MHz, yet have full gain in the 
10-meter ham band, any new amplifier will HAVE to incorporate expensive 
electronic means of blocking that frequency band.  To meet the "not easily 
modifiable" standard, this function will presumably have to be embedded in 
other firmware, which will have the effect of banning any new manual amplifiers 
with 10 and 12 meters from certification.  Of course, existing amplifiers that 
already cut off 12 and 10 meters will presumably be OK, but then where's the 
change?  

Did anyone with an ounce of technical knowledge read these things?


73, Pete N4ZR
The World HF Contest Station Database
Full details on 3226 contest stations
just updated at http://www.pvrc.org/WCSD/WCSDsearch.htm

_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>