[Amps] F.C.C. proposes eliminating some rules regarding amateur amplifiers

[Ed Briggs]

Some recent proposals from FCC (from ARRL webpage re Amateur Restructuring)

The FCC also has proposed essentially eliminating its rules prohibiting manufacture or marketing of Amateur Radio Service power amplifiers capable of operating between 24 and 35 MHz. Originally put on the books in 1978 to keep high-powered amateur amplifiers out of the hands of CBers, the rules now "impose unnecessary restrictions on manufacturers of Amateur Radio equipment and are inconsistent with the experimental nature of the Amateur Service," the FCC said in its NPRM. The Commission noted that its Part 95 rules governing the Citizens Radio Service already prohibit use of external power amplifiers with CB equipment, which must be FCC certificated. 

The Commission further proposed amending §97.315, "Certification of external RF power amplifiers," and §97.317, "Standards for certification of external RF power amplifiers," of its amateur rules "to clarify and simplify the exceptions in our rules." The FCC also wants to eliminate §97.3(a)(19), which defines an external RF power amplifier kit, "because of the uncertainty created by this rule." 

regards

Ed

N1TS