[Amps] FCC Denies Expert Linears' Request for Waiver of 15 dB Rule

[Kim Elmore]

I think the idea that the commercialization of ham radio is a bad thing is misguided. Yes, I can -- or in principle should be able to -- make everything that sits on my operating desk, including SDR radios. But I can't do it as cheaply as I can buy it, both in time and materials. 

The tube-based amps are by far the most amenable to amateur fabrication. Some examples don't even bother with metal chassis! Solid-state amps are a bit tougher. But I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with making prefabricated amps available for purchase nor is there anything wrong with someone making a few bucks off of selling them. 

With all that, Paul's observations are spot on. This isn't about money as much as it's about the ramifications of granting a waiver without changing the regulatory structure. 

Kim N5OP

"People that make music together cannot be enemies, at least as long as the music lasts." -- Paul Hindemith