gwatts wrote:


We should all read 97.315 *in it's entirety*, and consider 97.315(b)(3),

(b) The requirement of paragraph (a) does not apply if one or more
of the following conditions are met:
(1) ...
(2) ...
(3) The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a dealer,
the amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer,
or *the amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that
operator's station*.


This (the emphasized) says to me that as an amateur licensee I can use
any amplifier as long as I observe amateur emission regulations.

Respectfully,
Galen, W8LNA




All of 97.315:

[Revised as of October 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR97.315]
Sec. 97.315 Certification of external RF power amplifiers.

(a) Any external RF power amplifier (see Sec. 2.815 of the FCC
Rules) manufactured or imported for use at an amateur radio station must
be certificated for use in the amateur service in accordance with
subpart J of part 2 of the FCC Rules. No amplifier capable of operation
below 144 MHz may be constructed or modified by a non-amateur service
licensee without a grant of certification from the FCC.
(b) The requirement of paragraph (a) does not apply if one or more
of the following conditions are met:
(1) The amplifier is constructed or modified by an amateur radio
operator for use at an amateur station.
(2) The amplifier was manufactured before April 28, 1978, and has
been issued a marketing waiver by the FCC, or the amplifier was
purchased before April 28, 1978, by an amateur radio operator for use at
that operator's station.
(3) The amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator or to a
dealer, the amplifier is purchased in used condition by a dealer, or the
amplifier is sold to an amateur radio operator for use at that
operator's station.
(c) Any external RF power amplifier appearing in the Commission's
database as certificated for use in the amateur service may be marketed
for use in the amateur service.


OK, I think I got it now. The only things no longer allowed a

1) Stealing an amp rather than buying it.

2) Direct sales from a manufacturer or importer to anyone other than an
amateur or a dealer.

The dealer loophole means that 97.315 is a total waste of ink and paper.

73,
Gene
W4SZ