OT: RE: [aprssig] D-710 at FCC test site

[Rick Green]

On Tue, 7 Aug 2007, Floyd Rodgers wrote:

> all this logic has me wondering... If fcc requires non modifiable gear 
> (they do), How in the world will software defined radios ever get into 
> type acceptance and thus production?

The FCC requires non-modifiable radios in part 15 devices, not part 97 
devices.  Amateurs are actually encouraged to experiment on their bands. 
The restrictions are to prevent amateur gear from being re-purposed to 
nefarious ends.
   This also rears its ugly head with the SDR's in modern Wifi cards, where 
the 'no user-modifiable parts inside' rule prevents the manufacturers from 
releasing full source code to their drivers and firmware.

-- 
Rick Green

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
                                   -Benjamin Franklin