There’s a common myth in the ham radio world: that your radio must be FCC certified. But here’s the real truth—there is no such thing as an FCC certification for a Part 97 ham radio.
In this video, I break down what the FCC actually requires, the difference between Part 15 and Part 97, and why your Baofeng isn’t automatically illegal—despite what the keyboard warriors say.
⚠️ I’ve even got the receipts—from Yaesu and Icom themselves.
📡 Licensed amateurs have the legal authority to build and operate their own radios. So why does the myth persist?
➤ Let’s settle this once and for all.
📚 Relevant FCC Rules:
• 47 CFR Part 97 – Amateur Radio Service: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97
• FCC Equipment Authorization: https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea
• How to FCC-IDs are made up: https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/granteecode
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments. Disagree? Let’s talk.
👉 Icom IC-705 "Certification": https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/AFJ407500/4845832.pdf
👉 Icom IC-705 FCC Documentation: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=JJvvwk20Q%2BVg0HNdmUXSeQ%3D%3D&fcc_id=AFJ407500
👉 Yaesu FTX-blah FCC Documentation: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=JJvvwk20Q%2BVg0HNdmUXSeQ%3D%3D&fcc_id=K6620845X30
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00:00 – Intro: The FCC Certification Controversy
01:05 – The Official Statement (Read-Aloud)
02:00 – What Part 97 Actually Says
03:40 – Why Ham Radios Are Exempt from Certification
05:15 – The Role of the Operator vs. The Manufacturer
07:00 – Chinese Radios: Misunderstood or Misused?
09:00 – When FCC Certification *Is* Required (Parts 15, 90, 95)
11:20 – What About Homebrew Equipment?
13:00 – The 3,000 Watt Hypothetical Explained
14:30 – Why the Confusion Exists
15:45 – Final Thoughts: The Truth vs. The Gatekeeping
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