[AMPS] FCC certification - how do they do it?

[measures]

>
>FCC 97.315 clearly states that an amplifier may be modified by an amateur 
>radio operator (1 per year).
>
>FCC 97.317 stated the requirements for type certification. Any input 
>attenuating device which will allow the amplifier to develop full output 
>with less than 50 watts of drive when the attenuating device is removed is 
>not elegible for type certification. This eliminates the use of a 4-5 watt 
>CB transmitter from driving a converted commercial (and type accepted) 
>amplifier to full output.

Why would a CBer buy a 4-5 w radio when 200w ham-type radios are readily 
available?
>
>No where in FCC Part 97 is anythong written than states it is illegal or 
>imapprioprate for a manufacturer to provide technical information 
>regarding the design, operation or modification to a third party.
>
Trying to limit technical information is an excercise in foolishness.  . 

>The FCC Part 97 rules are available at www.fcc.gov and at www.arrl.org
>
>Charley W1TE
>>
>>From: "Tom Rauch" <w8ji@contesting.com>
>>Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 11:44:59 -0400
>>To: "Fred Fliss" <fredfffff@hotmail.com>, <amps@contesting.com>,
>>   "Phil Clements" <philk5pc@tyler.net>
>>Subject: Re: [AMPS] FCC certification - how do they do it?
>>
>>
>>> > <FF enquiry: How is it legal, therefore, for a commercial ham amplifier
>>> > manufacturer to offer, even to licensed hams, information that enables
>>> > operation on 10 meters?  The ability to opearate on 10 meters is
>>> > effectively disallowed by subpart 97.317 (1)>
>>> 
>>> This information is furnished under seperate cover AFTER the amp is
>>> purchased by the end user. If operation above 15 meters is not possible
>>> during type acceptance testing, the amp passes this regulation.
>>
>>Technically even that is questionable, although if the manufacturer 
>>asks for a copy of a valid license then the FCC considers it OK. 
>>The reasoning is it isn't contrary to FCC rules for an amateur to 
>>modify his own gear.
>>
>>It is absolutely illegal to ship any amplifier that does not comply 
>>with the terms for type acceptance to any end-user in the USA. 
>>That includes amateurs, and it includes adding ten meters for them 
>>as a "service" or "favor".
>> 
>>> It is perfectly legal for an amateur to modify his equipment after
>>> purchasing it. The "after-market" instructions are therefore just as legal
>>> as instructions on how to extend the frequency coverage of a 
>>transceiver.
>>
>>Technically they are not legal, but the FCC has always turned a 
>>blind eye as long as the manufacturer makes sure the end-user is 
>>an amateur. That was a big point of debate when the rules were 
>>created, and a verbal resolution.
>>
>>The FCC clearly drew the line, and the line was drawn at the point 
>>where manufactures do the mod for the end-user.
>>
>>
>>73, Tom W8JI
>>w8ji@contesting.com
>>
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>>
>
>
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>


-  Rich..., 805.386.3734, www.vcnet.com/measures.  
end


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