[Elecraft] UK Foundation License & Kits

[David Cutter]

I am not an expert, but, a kit cannot be evaluated for safety and emc 
because as it appears in the market it is just a collection of parts which 
cannot be tested.  The purpose of CE marking is to allow free marketing 
across the EU using harmonised standards; it is not in itself an approval. 
The Certificate Of Compliance must list all the certification required to 
allow this free movement, ie to ensure a level playing field across the EU.

The UK Foundation licence allows a kit to be used as apposed to a tx that is 
made from just diagrams, say in a magazine or book.  The "manufacturer" ie 
designer/seller of the kit has made a diligent effort to ensure it will 
comply with emc legislation when assembled, eg power, frequency coverage, 
stability, spurii, etc.  The safety part is "largely" covered by operation 
from low voltage isolated supply which is purchased separately and is CE 
marked and certified.   The kit supplier needs to ensure that it cannot 
catch fire or exude noxious fumes etc when properly assembled.  I would not 
suggest that the K2 is suitable for a Foundation project, except by someone 
with proper skills, which an average 10 year old is unlikely to possess.

Interestingly, a Foundation licence holder is not allowed to modify another 
equipment, say PMR radio, onto the amateur bands (whatever his personal 
skills) or even use such a radio modified by others unless it is actually 
sold as amateur radio equipment and CE marked (certified) as such.

David
G3UNA