Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!mit-eddie!ll-xn!ames!hao!scdpyr!hpoppe
From: hpoppe@scdpyr.UUCP (Herb Poppe)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: FCC req for electronic kits
Message-ID: <221@scdpyr.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 18-Nov-87 11:43:34 EST
Article-I.D.: scdpyr.221
Posted: Wed Nov 18 11:43:34 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Nov-87 15:13:11 EST
References: <1080@raybed2.UUCP> <2035@umd5.umd.edu> <19164@amdcad.AMD.COM>
Organization: Natl Ctr Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO
Lines: 32
Summary: What is not covered by the FCC requirements?

In article <19164@amdcad.AMD.COM>, rpw3@amdcad.AMD.COM (rpw3) writes:
>...
> On the other hand, the FCC considers that computers under $3000 are likely
> to be used in the home, no matter what their "target" market is, and such
> equipments (and add-on devices for them) must be certified to the Class B
> standards. If your device appears to be (in THEIR view) oriented to the
> "consumer" EITHER in application OR in price OR in marketing (like, if you
> advertise in a "consumer" magazine like Byte or PC World), then you have
> to meet the Class B standards.
>...

1) Is every "device" used in the home that contains a "computer" (micro-
processor, microcontroller, etc.) consider a "Class B computing device"?
Is that fancy microwave oven, washing machine or toaster(?) containing
a single-chip micro have to be certified by the FCC?  If not, what are
the rules associated with allowing such devices to be exempted.

2) A micro is just a (relatively) high speed digital circuit. Certainly
other high speed digital circuits that are not "computers" also generate
RF energy that could interfere with radio/TV reception. If such circuits
appear in products used in the home must they be certified as Class B
computing devices? If so, what is considered "high"?

3) How is the "hobbyist" affected by the rules? Can I "homebrew" a system
and be legal? If so, can I make systems for my friends?
Can I describe such a system in the hobby press and be
legal? If so, can I offer "kits" for the described project at cost? for a
profit?
-- 
Herb Poppe      NCAR                         INTERNET: hpoppe@scdpyr.UCAR.EDU
(303) 497-1296  P.O. Box 3000                   CSNET: hpoppe@ncar.CSNET
		Boulder, CO  80307               UUCP: hpoppe@scdpyr.UUCP