Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!sun-barr!decwrl!lll-winken!tekbspa!optilink!elliott
From: elliott@optilink.UUCP (Paul Elliott x225)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: FCC approval needed for MPU projects?
Summary: FCC is _NOT_ as awful as the IRS
Message-ID: <2698@optilink.UUCP>
Date: 1 Dec 89 18:13:14 GMT
References: <67885@psuecl.bitnet> <2695@optilink.UUCP>
Organization: Optilink Corporation, Petaluma, CA
Lines: 31


In article <2695@optilink.UUCP>, elliott@optilink.UUCP (Paul Elliott x225) writes:
 
> > I've heard a lot about manufacturers of MIDI interfaces getting busted
> > for failure to meet FCC regs.  I'm just wondering if they could get me
> > for custom-building and/or producing a few MPU devices for sale.
> 
> I've done verification measurements on a MIDI adaptor, and even a device
> as simple as this needs care in design and layout to meet either Class A or B
> requirements.  My advice is to think of the FCC as the IRS: Your chances
> of being audited on a tax return are low, but the penalties for screwing up
> are awesome to contemplate.

I've had a chance to regret making the above comparison.  My dealings with
the FCC have actually been very pleasant.  The Laboratory division has been
helpful and reasonable when I was designing "low power communications devices",
and needed interpretations of the regulations when the device didn't neatly
fit into one of the pre-assigned pigeonholes.  I just haven't had the 
opportunity to experience first-hand what can happen if you don't touch all
the bases, and don't intend to let it happen.

Can anyone out there provide information on what penalties or fines the FCC
has imposed for non-complying "computing device" manufacturers?  I have heard
of some companies coldly taking the calculated risk of not being caught, and
shipping obviously out-of-spec equipment, but haven't seen the results.

Any comments?
-- 
Paul M. Elliott      Optilink Corporation     (707) 795-9444
         {pyramid,pixar,tekbspa}!optilink!elliott
"I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure."


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