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From: grr@cbmvax.UUCP (George Robbins)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: FCC req for electronic kits
Message-ID: <2766@cbmvax.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 14-Nov-87 03:19:27 EST
Article-I.D.: cbmvax.2766
Posted: Sat Nov 14 03:19:27 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 15-Nov-87 17:21:39 EST
References: <1080@raybed2.UUCP>
Reply-To: grr@cbmvax.UUCP (George Robbins)
Organization: Commodore Technology, West Chester, PA
Lines: 39
Xref: mnetor comp.sys.amiga:10981 sci.electronics:1731

In article <1080@raybed2.UUCP> crb@raybed2.UUCP (CHRIS BURTTON) writes:
> 
> 	I'm interested in building some interface boards for my
> 	Amiga.  If they work properly, I might market them.  My   
> 	question is:  Do kits have to pass FCC certification?  If
> 	so, does that mean that any electronic equipment I build will
> 	have to meet FCC even if only used by me?
> 
> 	I would suspect that ALL equipment has to pass FCC.  I would expect
> 	the FCC to stop anyone from interfering with a radio or TV  
> 	broadcast with home brew equipment.  But alot of prototype equipment
> 	doesn't pass FCC and isn't required to until it is shipped as
> 	a product.  So where does the FCC draw the line of what has to
> 	meet it's specifications?  I called the FCC, but the people weren't
> 	very helpful.  I'll get a copy of the regulations, but I expect
> 	that it will be in legalese and I might not understand it.

The exact rules and interpretation are subject to change at the FCC's whims,
but in general, expansion board that plug into a certified device and which
*do not* have any external connections (memory cards, etc) do not have to
be certified.  Later this was changed so that coprocessor boards or performance
enhancement devices, i.e. things that change the basic operation characteristics
of the machine are also required to be certified.

Note that this only addresses the certification issue. You are still responsible
for insuring that your device, when used in conjunction with the certified
device does not violate the applicable emission limits.  If you are planning
on selling these devices, you would be well advised to have have done some
testing and have the results on file, lest the FCC should change their rules
or investigate a complaint about your device.

Disclaimer:  This is only my understanding of the current situation.  Please
	     review the actual FCC documents and consult whatever experts
	     you need to.

-- 
George Robbins - now working for,	uucp: {ihnp4|rutgers|allegra}!cbmvax!grr
but no way officially representing	arpa: out to lunch...
Commodore, Engineering Department	fone: 215-431-9255 (only by moonlite)