[aprssig] Re: Puxing PX-777

[Scott Miller]

>   So if they've got an exclusive distribution arrangement, how did you 
> manage to get an import license???

It's got nothing to do with an import license.  The manufacturer has a 
contractual arrangement with the company that says they'll only sell to 
them in the US.  That just means I have to buy them elsewhere, and 
someone else gets to take a cut.  It also means that I can't get the 
radios with my own brand label, but I don't particularly care about that.

It's not illegal, no contract is broken (since I'm not party to that 
agreement), and I still pay the same import duties.

I think it's worth pointing out that this sort of arbitrage only works 
when there is an artificial disparity in price.  If I can sell the same 
radio for less than half the price and still make a profit even after an 
overseas wholesaler takes a cut, that should tell you something about 
the obscene markup that exists in the authorized distribution channel. 
I'm just doing my part to ensure the efficiency of the market!  =]

>   And I guess I'm not up on current FCC regs.  I thought the FCC frowned 
> upon any tranciever able to function on frequencies of more than one 
> service.  If this thing is really that broadbanded, does one need a 
> license in every service that it spans in order to legally own one?

Only to legally transmit, as I understand the rules.  The exception to 
that would be 800 MHz receive, which they don't let you own.

Scott
N1VG