FCC targets modified CBs and amplifiers

[WA4STO]

FCC Citation Targets Online Retailer

The FCC has cited an Omaha, Nebraska based online retailer for marketing unauthorized RF devices, including high power 10 and 12 meter amplifiers, in violation of FCC rules. An FCC Citation and Order released June 6 orders Enterprise Group Inc, doing business as ePowerAmps, to immediately stop advertising, marketing and selling "all unauthorized radio frequency devices, specifically modified Citizens Band (CB) radios and non-certified radio frequency (RF) amplifiers for use in the 10 and 12 meter bands" or face possible fines and seizure of equipment.

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said it was reassuring to see evidence of the FCC's continuing commitment to enforcement relating to Amateur Radio. "It is gratifying to see the Commission's Enforcement Bureau taking action against flagrant violators," he commented. The Amateur Radio community has long complained about interference, mainly on 10 meters, from unlicensed CBers and so-called "HFers." The FCC once banned the sale of amplifiers capable of operating above 24 MHz, a move that some considered misguided and punitive to Amateur Radio licensees.

An agent from the FCC's Kansas City office observed on ePowerAmps' website "illegally modified CB radios being offered for sale," as well as various modifications and upgrades. These included swapping out the original final amplifier for a higher powered replacement. Linear amplifiers offered for sale varied between 120 W and 8200 W, and the Commission said none of the 50 linears offered for sale appeared to have FCC certification.

The FCC gave ePowerAmps 30 days to confirm "in writing" that it has stopped marketing unauthorized RF devices and to provide certain information to the Commission.

[RadioRay]

" ... and to provide certain information to the Commission."


FCC:  In exchange for our present leniency,  we want your sales records of the following items, so that we know who bought illegal radio items from you.

CB Mod Guy:  Yes Sir, and would you like fries with that?


It would certainly not break my heart to hear of such radio luminaries as "Moon-Unit-965" and others with what certainly seems to be higher than legal power, reverb, and other obscenities, than off the air - especially the lower end of ten meters and the 12 meter band, with a major hole in their pockets.

Way-to-go FCC!  IT's great to see you back in the saddle again, doing radio enforcement.  Now, to go after the %^@&#&#%s who sit and jam the Maritime Mobile Service Network.


73 de RadioRay ..._._

[KC9TNH]

Way-to-go FCC!  IT's great to see you back in the saddle again, doing radio enforcement.  Now, to go after the %^@&#&#%s who sit and jam the Maritime Mobile Service Network.

73 de RadioRay ..._._

Also, the contesting QRM, which will not stop until the sanctioning bodies of such contests disallow logs submitted by stations heard within 2.5kHz either side of 14300.

Dear IARU Member State Consortium:  "What about it?"
ARRL:  "Hey! We're going to be coming out with a new book about that very topic, only $19.95 from our online store with your paid membership. That should fix it."

::)

[/snarkoff]  8)