--- On Fri, 20 Feb 98 09:13:27 MST Jon Bertrand <j...@cirris.com> wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
> A lot of "budding midnight designers" ask these questions on the
> microcontroller newsgroups so I thought I'd ask them here - and learn >
> something :)
> 1) Say I'm building some microcontroller based widget in my home
> business... And I want to sell them.
> Do I need some FCC approval.
Yes, see Part 15, Unintentional Radiators.
> Specifically do I need to:
> 1.a) Spend money having someone test emissions.
> 1.b) File some paperwork with the FCC.
Well, you should read Part 15 closely for the filing requirements. But I recall
that there may be some exclusions for very low power Unintentional Radiators,
like handheld calculators and watches. Depending on what your equipment is and
does, you may not have to file anything with the FCC.
> 2) If I don't have the money for testing - but I really do know how
> to keep my microcontroller quiet (i.e I know loop area, di/dt, and
> maybe even have done lots of other 'approved' products) - and a
> little in-home testing shows it doesn't bother the rabbit ears or
> show-up on the AM or FM radio. Would I be in violation of some law >
> if I just sold the darn thing.
Well, your honor, it was just growing wild in my back yard, so I sold a little
of it. No problem, right?
> 2.a) Would I be in violation if it really was quiet to CISPR (i.e.
> would have passed). (i.e. is there now a CE mark like compliance >
> that lets me self declare and assert who's responsible).
Uhhh, good to CISPR is nice, but the FCC really needs your Part 15 compliance.
> 3) How does the FCC verify that I don't pollute the EM band - do >
> they random sample train widgets or wait for someone to complain.
There are official paths and informal paths. Like your worst nightmare might be
an FCC lawyer who buys his kid a train controller that disrupts pop's computer.
BTW, every emitter pollutes; it's the matter of degree and spectral location
that counts.
> Thanks,
> Jon Bertrand
> j...@cirris.com
---------------End of Original Message-----------------
Jon:
Let me add just one more comment. Don't waste your time on model
railroad widgets. Heck, quit your day job, too. If you have such a fine touch
that " I really do know how to keep my microcontroller quiet (i.e I know loop
area, di/dt, and maybe even have done lots of other 'approved' products)", you
should become an EMC consultant. Manufacturers are desperate for the level of
insight which you possess.
Why even stop there? Most of the consultants I've met wouldn't dare to
match your claims. I think there's a market for you in setting up training
seminars for EMC engineers. Please put me on your mailing list.
--------------------------
Ed Price
ed.pr...@cubic.com
Electromagnetic Compatibility Lab
Cubic Defense Systems
San Diego, CA. USA
619-505-2780
List-Post: emc-pstc@listserv.ieee.org
Date: 02/20/98
Time: 12:27:04
--------------------------
