grr@cbmvax.cbm.UUCP (George Robbins) (12/27/86)
In article <8126@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU> lachac@topaz.UUCP (Gerard Lachac) writes: >In article <1180@cbmvax.cbmvax.cbm.UUCP> grr@cbmvax.UUCP (George Robbins) writes: >>As I understand it, the current FCC rationale is that expansion cards and >>devices that plug into an FCC approved system, and *do not* have any external >>connections do not *currently* require FCC approval. > > So what your saying here is that when people start producing the >ZORRO expansion boxes, and make things to go in them (eg SidecarD, clock, >hardcard, etc) then these cards won't have to be approved. > And if I understand right, then end bus cards like the Allegra >don't have (or need) FCC approval... > > lachac@topaz.rutgers.edu Well not quite - the key isssue is that the devices do not violate the shielding integrity of the approved box they plug into. Zorro Boxes would have to be approved Zorro Cards would have to be approved *IF* they have external connections. Memory thus wouldn't need approval, A Serial Card would... Bus End devices *WOULD* need approval, since they aren't within the Amiga shield Processor Plug in's like the old CSA card shouldn't need approval *IF* they don't modify the A1000 shield. Plug in adapters like Digiview and Parallel Port/Joystick clocks *PROBABLY* need approval. Now, these things are based on interpretations of the statements made be FCC personel. They are not explictly called out in the Regulations, and thus can be changed at any time. In particular, the FCC can shoot you down if your device violates the FCC standards, even if FCC registration was not required. They can decide at any time that plug in boards must be approved for each system that that they are advertised as being compatible with. Can you say 'panic in clone city'! Now Commodore retains an FCC-specialist lawyer in Washington, and an FCC engineer [not me] in West Chester to try to cope with all this. If you are considering building some hardware, then you should probably contact an FCC testing lab in your area for help. Even if you device does not require approval, it would be a *VERY* good idea to have a file containing valid FCC testing results that show your device conforms, and perhaps a letter from the FCC that agrees that your device need not be registered. Extra disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, and none of this is legal advice - just a little bit of old boy word of mouth dope... -- George Robbins - now working for, uucp: {ihnp4|seismo|rutgers}!cbmvax!grr but no way officially representing arpa: cbmvax!grr@seismo.css.GOV Commodore, Engineering Department fone: 215-431-9255 (only by moonlite)