I’m just curious how come SFE doesn’t require FCC clearance on some of the stuff it sells?
I have to go through that process on one of my products right now and boy its such a hassle (although I’m trying to sell it as a packaged product so ofcourse I need to go through all that)
I’m not really versed on FCC emmissions regulations but…
From what I understand, parts that get sold out for use in businesses and commercially need FCC clearance. You see a LOT of modules that have FCC clearance on the market already. This means that the manufacturers who use them do not need to get the radio section tested by the FCC, saving time and money. Anyone who used a Sparkfun module would need to go through the full testing battery, just like as if you designed a radio around the bare chip. Since hobbyists and HAM’s don’t need to have their homebuilt equipment checked out, they’re good. It’s part of the costs for the other manufacturers, so their parts will cost more. This is offset by them selling to manufacturers in bulk.
The manufacturers who do use pre-approved parts are also building small, unique systems where FCC approval may be too expensive but is required. That’s the advantage there. I don’t see a large OEM wanting to use Sparkfun components in their designs, as it would be cheaper for them to design and FCC test their own embedded hardware. A small OEM may, but since Sparkfun was built for prototyping/hobbyists not industrial supply, this actually helps them keep from finding their products in an environment where they don’t belong (Spakrfun Medical Supply! AAAAAAAHHHH!).
SOI_Sentinel:
…but since Sparkfun was built for prototyping/hobbyists not industrial supply, this actually helps them keep from finding their products in an environment where they don’t belong (Spakrfun Medical Supply! AAAAAAAHHHH!).
I don’t know, “Sparky”, a GPS enabled AED defibrillator sounds intrigueing. 
I can’t resist…
Extra recommended features of the “Sparkyâ€
You guys think the Bluetooth AED is funny?! Well, TDK doesnt think so!
http://www.blu2i.com/download/defibrillator.pdf
Some of these other app notes are really reaching: