Question
Under what circumstances may a dealer sell an external RF power amplifier capable of operation below 144 MHz if it has not been granted FCC certification?
Answer Options
- A) Gain is less than 23 dB when driven by power of 10 watts or less
- B) The equipment dealer assembled it from a kit
- C) It was manufactured and certificated in a country which has a reciprocal certification agreement with the FCC
- D) The amplifier is constructed or modified by an amateur radio operator for use at an amateur station
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
The FCC has strict rules regarding the sale and marketing of external RF power amplifiers, particularly those capable of operation on amateur frequencies below 144 MHz. These rules, often called the ‘amplifier rules,’ are primarily designed to prevent the sale of equipment that could be illegally modified for use on non-amateur frequencies. Generally, such an amplifier must be FCC certified.
However, a key exemption exists for equipment that is not intended for the general consumer market. A dealer may legally sell an uncertified amplifier if the amplifier is constructed or modified by an amateur radio operator for use at an amateur station. This acknowledges that the spirit of amateur radio encourages experimentation and building equipment, and it ensures that the person taking responsibility for the device is a licensed amateur operator.
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