George, The method for testing motherboards is intended to be combined with the DoC method of declaring compliance based on individual testing of the components that comprise the full computer system, i.e. Assembled from tested components. The final computer system is still required to meet the FCC Class B limit just as if it was tested, even though it was not. I suppose that a small (extremely small) chance exists that the final system could pass if tested.
The loophole here may be the "Home-Built devices" clause, Title 47 part 15.23. Where the device is not marketed or constructed from a kit. This allows for five or less devices built for personal use without the need for compliance testing (FCC only). Jeff Klinger Director EMC Engineering Compatible Electronics, Inc. Ph: 714-579-0500 Fx: 714-528-8984 http://www.celectronics.com NARTE Certified ATL-0180-E -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of George Stults Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 3:11 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: Open chassis computers for sale - with neon lights? Hi Folks, I just walked into three local computer stores (west coast, USA) and found that desktop computers have become art forms. There are computer cases for sale with large plexiglass windows about (10in x12in), some with a fan in the middle of the plexiglass panel, and inside the case, there is a 12 inch long neon lamp, powered from the ATX power supply just like any installable drive. Through the window, one can see the motherboard, CPU heatsink, etc, all illuminated by the Neon light. Its the latest in computer fashion, I suppose..... I asked a few questions at the stores and found at there are least 2 manufacturers, and that one can obtain kits on the internet to do the same modification at home. After looking at the computer cases, I would expect them to radiate about the same as an open chassis though possibly more directional. My question would be, is there any loophole through which this is legal, or is this the blatant violation that it looks like. I've heard that there is a requirement for computer motherboards to fall within some radiated level with an open chassis. Is that correct and could that be the rational here? George Stults ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list" ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list"

