Radio Mods.

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

Here in the US we have part 15, a section of the rules that allows very low power operation across a very broad part of the spectrum.
And, real radio? this is for short range license free communications as well as a bit higher powered but still short range radio.
The VX-3R is the most popular hacker radio by far, the firmware has been reworked to allow frequency hopping as well as several other functions not legit on an Amateur Radio.
But, people are doing unusual mods, and in the interest of experimenting I like to see what is happening.

[N8YX]

The -3R exceeds Part 15 levels even on its lowest-power setting and it is definitely not certificated for use in other services which require such gear.

How much does a bubble-pack pair of FRS/GMRS radios cost? MURS rigs? Besides Class D CB, those are the only "license-free" allocations available and the -3R isn't type-accepted for use on them. Put your modded Yaesu on any other frequency - at milliwatt power or not - and you're technically in violation of certain sections of 47 CFR.

Do it on a public safety/service frequency and bad things can happen (should happen) to the violator.

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

Incorrect, part 15 has several sections and parts that allow even homebuilt.
And, as far as power levels go, they are adjustable.
In fact, that is the point, just about everything in the VX-3R is adjustable without ever opening the case.

[N8YX]

Hello.

Incorrect, part 15 has several sections and parts that allow even homebuilt.
And, as far as power levels go, they are adjustable.
In fact, that is the point, just about everything in the VX-3R is adjustable without ever opening the case.

Here's just one section which invalidates the above:

15.203 - antenna requirement

An intentional radiator shall be designed to ensure that no antenna other than that furnished by the responsible party shall be used with the device. The use of a permanently attached antenna or of an antenna that uses a unique coupling to the intentional radiator shall be considered sufficient to comply with the provisions of this section.

Since the 3R's antenna (or the variants used with just about any other amateur HT, for that matter) are in fact removable and use a standardized connector arrangement, the radios cannot be legally used as a Part 15 device.

But it's your license - feel free to play. The Island just won't encourage others to do so by virtue of hosting gray-area modification details.

[X-Rated]

Here's just one section which invalidates the above:

Since the 3R's antenna (or the variants used with just about any other amateur HT, for that matter) are in fact removable and use a standardized connector arrangement, the radios cannot be legally used as a Part 15 device.

But it's your license - feel free to play. The Island just won't encourage others to do so by virtue of hosting gray-area modification details.

Very interesting rule. So by coupling, maybe they mean some kind of transformer coupling to the internal antenna. far out.

[KC2UGV]

Here's just one section which invalidates the above:

Since the 3R's antenna (or the variants used with just about any other amateur HT, for that matter) are in fact removable and use a standardized connector arrangement, the radios cannot be legally used as a Part 15 device.

But it's your license - feel free to play. The Island just won't encourage others to do so by virtue of hosting gray-area modification details.

In light of that excerpt, I wonder how Wifi manufacturer's get away with it, when they use common antenna connectors?

[N8YX]

In light of that excerpt, I wonder how Wifi manufacturer's get away with it, when they use common antenna connectors?

Good question. I strongly suspect the reason is that no one has yet taken a Linksys AP and used it to interfere with a police or fire department's communications systems...which is something that has been done by more than a few off-kilter individuals with modded ham gear.

[KC2UGV]

Good question. I strongly suspect the reason is that no one has yet taken a Linksys AP and used it to interfere with a police or fire department's communications systems...which is something that has been done by more than a few off-kilter individuals with modded ham gear.

Aha! Just found it!

Wifi Part 15 connectors themselves are covered under Part 15, since they do not allow ample power to violate Part 15, without catastrophic failure :)

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

"Home-Built Transmitters that are Not for Sale
Hobbyists, inventors and other parties that design and build Part 15 transmitters with
no intention of ever marketing them may construct and operate up to five such
transmitters for their own personal use without having to obtain FCC equipment
authorization. If possible, these transmitters should be tested for compliance with the
Commission's rules. If such testing is not practicable, their designers and builders are
required to employ good engineering practices in order to ensure compliance with the
Part 15 standards.Section 15.23 ".
Already asked the FCC about this, a VX-3R, or any radio that has undergone a substantial modification of the circuits can be assumed to be homebuilt in nature.
Remember that most of this is done in the spirit of experimentation, see how far we can go with these things.
At no time is there any commercial application.
And, from a legal standpoint there are no 50 watt GMRS radios produced at this time, no manufacturer has a part 95 UHF radio, they are all part 90.
Think the FCC is going to have issue with that?
However, be that as it may, there are VX-3R radios out there with unreal frequency range.

[W3WN]

Hello.

"Home-Built Transmitters that are Not for Sale
Hobbyists, inventors and other parties that design and build Part 15 transmitters with
no intention of ever marketing them may construct and operate up to five such
transmitters for their own personal use without having to obtain FCC equipment
authorization. If possible, these transmitters should be tested for compliance with the
Commission's rules. If such testing is not practicable, their designers and builders are
required to employ good engineering practices in order to ensure compliance with the
Part 15 standards.Section 15.23 ". < snip >

The purpose of that rule, when you translate from bureaucratese and governmentease into English, is to indicate that hams and hobbyists are allowed to build and modify their own equipment.

But it is a narrow purpose... it is not intended to be used to modify commercially built radios from one communications service to another.

Goodbye.