🚀 go-pugleaf

ivory@e7sa.epi.syr.ge.com (John Ivory) writes:

> 
> Let's pretend (:-)) that I have a small product that I'd like
> to mass produce and sell.  This device is not too unlike a modem
> in that it connects to the phone line, and has an internal clocking
> mechanism for a low level cpu.
> 
> - What are the FCC implications involved here?
> - Who do I call/write to find out?
> - How long does an FCC approval process take?
> - How much does it cost?
> - Is it 'really' necessary?
> - Where do I begin?
> - What would chairs look life if our knees bent the other way?
> 
> I'll be more than happy to re-post a summary of all responses.  Thanks.
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- \ \
>    Tower Concepts                                          John E. Ivory   \ 
>    103 Sylvan Way                                       ivory@crd.ge.com    \
>    New Hartford, NY  13413                     ivory@e7sa.epi.syr.ge.com     
>    (315) 724-1471                                                            
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having been thru the process many times on our commercial products.  I 
know we spend far more than we should. A typical qualification of a large 
system can take several days in a qualified lab who is certified to take 
accurate measurements of electromagnetic emanations.  Since the industry 
is self regulated , you must be able to produce a qualification report 
from a certified lab to apply the FCC logo. However most people will use 
a site to play with the product and find out if it emanates out of spec 
and where and then fix it and come back to get it certified.
Most peripheral products will not radiate badly, but the interface cables 
are usually the worst antenna. Switchers can be a problem on the 
conducted line noise unless you purchase a qualified power supply. 
Even then an extra line filter is sometimes necessary.
But I suspect for your widget, you will use a qualified wall unit power 
supply so that UL safety tests will not apply to your "low voltage " 
unit.  I haven't surveyed the "low-end" market but I suspect services may 
cost between 10 & 25K to get FCC class B certification.

That's a lot of bucks.  Of course there are probably short cuts I'm not 
aware of.... In some cases local states or provinces will allow limited 
production thru the local utilities in lieu of UL/CSA...eg Ontario Hydro 
sticker for say $25 per unit.

Then of course yout "modem will have to be certified to the telephone 
interface standards, I suspect...

dino@inqmind.bison.mb.ca
The Inquiring Mind BBS, Winnipeg, Manitoba  204 488-1607