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

[Pete Smith]

 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
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