Decade MS-100 Power Adjustment - Question

Rugster · 2025-01-07T20:12:38Z

Well, shortly after posting something about not finding the much more limited range of our legal FM transmissions to be very inspiring, what have I gone and done? I bought not one, but two Decade MS-100's! It all began with me dragging out my EDM transmitter recently, and firing it up on the lowest power setting. I quite liked having a signal on the FM band, and even thought of simulcasting my AM signal, which is on air 24/7. Trouble is, I don't feel comfortable about doing it with a transmitter than is not certified. I don't have a problem using a non-certified transmitter on the AM band, as it would be fairly straightforward to show a schematic to a visiting FCC Field Agent, and describe how I know the final has a DC power input of no more than 100mW. Lacking an accurate calibrated VHF field strength meter, I would have no way of showing that I am in compliance with FCC 15.239 on the FM band. It was at that point that I decided to look around for a Decade MS-100. I couldn't justify the cost of a new one but luckily, the used ones sell for a lot less than the new ones. A LOT less. I came across a metal enclosure version in excellent condition, with the AC transformer, for just US$60 including shipping, which is even less than used ones normally list for. Score! It arrived yesterday, was indeed in great condition, and worked perfectly. I am very happy. So happy in fact, that I immediately ordered the other MS-100 the seller had. This other one is the version in the plastic enclosure, also in excellent condition, and also $60 including shipping. I already have plans for it......... My question is this. On the one I received yesterday, I noticed that there is a small hole on one side of the metal enclosure, through which the power adjustment can be accessed. If you wanted, you could adjust the output power with a jewelers screwdriver without having to take the top off. It strikes me as a little odd that in a certified transmitter, the power adjustment would be so easily accessible. I'm wondering if perhaps when it came new from the factory, there was a sticker over that hole, with some kind of a warning not to remove it. Do any MS-100 owners have anything like that on their units? There is no sign on mine that there was ever a sticker or plug over the small hole. The range I am getting from it seems in line with what I would expect for a unit intended for the US and, lacking an accurate field strength meter, I'm leaving the adjustment well alone!

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RichPowers

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I'm not sure their saying it didnt have a label, But rather that some required language was missing from the label and manual.

Here's what the FCC actually said is they "do not display labels compliant with sections 2.925 and 15.19 of the Commission’s rules.

The user manual does not include the language required by section 15.21 of the Commission’s rules."

Posted : 05/02/2025 6:48 pm

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