[Heathkit] AT-1 question

[Glen Zook]

Only certificated (new "buzz word" for "type accepted") equipment can be used on the 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart D radio service.  Also, only AM and SSB are permitted in that service, no CW.  As such, to transmit on the 11 meter band, even into a dummy load, with a Heath AT-1 is illegal.  Unfortunately, a dummy load is not "perfect" and you can definitely radiate a signal for many miles.

The FCC is very adamant about this and there are severe penalties for using a non-certificated radio which can include any or all of the following:

1.  Be fined up to $11,000 per day per radio that transmissions are made on frequencies where certificated equipment is required and the transmitter is not certificated.

2.  Have the equipment confiscated.

3.  If you hold an amateur radio operator's license your license can be revoked and you cannot get another license for the remainder of your lifetime.

4.  Be imprisoned (means go to jail).

If you hold an amateur radio operator's license you certified (when you signed the license application) that you are familiar with and that you would obey all laws and regulations concerning the operation of radio transmitters.  Because of this, the FCC generally comes down "harder" on amateur radio operators who violate the law by transmitting using non-certificated equipment on frequencies where certificated equipment is mandated.

It is the same for people who modify amateur FM equipment for use on public safety, business, and other services.  It is illegal and the FCC has definitely caught and punished amateur radio operators who have been caught transmitting illegally.

You are required by 47 CFR (not in Part 97) to have in your possession either a hard copy of 47 CFR Part 97 or else a copy readily available as a file on your computer.  You can download 47 CFR Part 97 from either the ARRL website or directly from the FCC website.  There is no charge for these downloads.  Since you are contemplating operation on 11 meters I also suggest that you download 47 CFR Part 95 (which are the FCC regulations concerning "CB" and other "personal radio" services) from the FCC website.  As for those who contemplate modifying equipment for use on public safety, etc., they need to download 47 CFR Part 90 and become familiar with why modified amateur radio equipment cannot be used on those frequencies.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Tue, 1/27/09, Christopher J. Whewell <agent at inventorweb.com> wrote:

Hi, I've got an old Heathkit AT-1 and have gone through it, put it back to original configuration, and want to test it.  I also have the Heathkit VF-1 VFO I've re-done. As I understand it, the output of the VFO is to be inputted to the location where the crystal is connected.
 
The thought occurred to me that I could possibly set the AT-1 to the 10 meter band (it only has band settings for 80, 40, 20 and 10m) and then tune the VCO to 27.1 MHZ and then send some keyed CW (using a really crappy antenna), while keeping total output below 4 watts and only desiring to hear the keyed signal on a CB transceiver located across the room. In this scenario, I'd be transmitting on the CB band at less than 4 watts, a permissible use for CB and at the same time I could determine whether the AT-1 is putting out any RF, since that is my sole desire.
 
It seems ok to be on CB bands at less than 4 w. But before I do it I thought I'd check on here and see if anyone sees any issues. Once I know it's working OK, then I'd be more comfortable to put it on the air in the HAM bands.  Any thoughts appreciated....  Thank you.