Although the manual has plenty of claims about FCC acceptance, I consider these things to be "experiments", i.e. it's up to me to ensure that they comply with the specifications for an amateur-radio transceiver. In 1992 when I cut the red and blue wires in my Alinco DJ-580T HT 30 minutes after I bought it, the radio was instantly capable of transmitting in all sorts of bands. All I wanted was operation on the 435-438 MHz satellite frequencies. I never felt any need to transmit on 162.4, etc.
Yes there is always the possibility that customs may not want you to have these rigs, but it's not what you have, but what you do with it...
Caveat Emptor...
Andy W5ACM
----- Original Message ----- From: "Ernie Howard" w8eh.ernie@gmail.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 4:28 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: WOUXUN Radio
There was some chatter from the FCC on these WOUXUN units last year. It's like you said, they were user programmable onto non-ham frequencies, and that concerned the FCC. There were some importers/dealers who got in the mess. A little google searching should turn up some material on this. At a minimum they need part 15 certification to be imported for amateur use.
On 3/28/2010 4:33 PM, George Henry wrote:
Are they FCC certificated ("type-accepted")? If not, (and, given that they are user-programmable to operate on Public Service frequencies, they almost certainly aren't) they may not be legally imported into the US, regardless of their intended use.
There are stories in the eBay Community area of individuals who have purchased other, similar, Chinese brand radios, only to have them seized by Customs.
I'd steer clear of them....
George, KA3HSW
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb