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                    CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

   March 7, 2011

   (Name withheld)

   (Address withheld)

   (Address withheld)

   Re: EB-11-GB-0017

   Dear Mr. (Name Withheld):

   The Federal Communications Commission has received complaints that a
   pellet stove currently being used at your residence may be causing harmful
   radio interference to an operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The
   complainant is:

   (Name withheld)

   (Address withheld)

   (Address withheld)

   The Federal Communications Commission has the responsibility to require
   that such problems be rectified within a reasonable time if the
   interference is caused by faulty consumer equipment. Under Commission
   rules, certain types of equipment are classified as "unintentional
   radiators." These devices generate radio frequency energy but do not
   intentionally radiate it. Examples include computers, radio receivers and
   television sets. Other types of consumer devices are classified as
   "incidental radiators." These devices do not intentionally generate any
   radio-frequency energy but may create it as an incidental part of its
   intended operation. Common examples are aquarium heaters, certain portable
   telephones, alarm control panels, fluorescent light ballasts, doorbell
   control circuits and so forth. Some of those devices are imported and do
   not comply with Commission certification standards, and thereby result in
   interference to other radio services. If the device is an approved one, it
   should have a silver FCC label on the unit showing a certification number.
   Even an approved device, however, can only be operated legally if it is
   not causing harmful interference to a licensed radio service. The device
   can also be defective resulting in a shock or fire hazard.

   To help you better understand your responsibilities under Commission
   rules, here are the most important rules relating to radio and television
   interference from incidental radiators:

          Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.

   (b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is
   subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that
   interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
   authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional
   radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an
   incidental radiator.

   (c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease
   operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that
   the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
   until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.

               Title 47, CFR Section 15.13 Incidental radiators.

   Manufacturers of these devices shall employ good engineering practices to
   minimize the risk of harmful interference.

          Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.

   (c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the
   limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under
   all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to
   cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of
   the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment
   compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary
   for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions
   than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to
   resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).

   The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem and
   as a result the matter has been referred to our office. The Commission
   prefers that those responsible for the proper operation of equipment
   assume their responsibilities fairly. This means that you should resolve
   the interference caused by these devices and make necessary corrections
   within a reasonable time.

   While the Commission has confidence that most people are able to resolve
   these issues voluntarily, the Commission wants to make you aware that this
   unresolved problem may be a violation of FCC rules and could result in a
   monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the
   Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without
   Commission intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the
   Commission may investigate possible rules violations and address
   appropriate remedies.

   The American Radio Relay League, a national organization of Amateur Radio
   operators, may be able to offer help and guidance about radio interference
   that involves Amateur Radio operators.

   American Radio Relay League

   Radio Frequency Interference Desk

   225 Main Street

   Newington, CT 06111

   Tel: (860) 594-0200

   E-mail: rfi@arrl.org

   Please advise the complainant and this office what steps you are taking to
   correct this reported interference problem. The Commission expects that
   most cases can be resolved within 30 days of the time they are first
   reported. If you are unable to resolve this within 30 days, please advise
   this office about the nature of the problem, the steps you are taking to
   resolve it and the estimated time in which those steps can be
   accomplished.

   If you have any questions about this matter, please contact me in writing
   at 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325 or via telephone at
   717-338-2577. Thank you for your cooperation.

   Sincerely,

   Laura L. Smith, Esq.

   Special Counsel

   Enforcement Bureau

   cc: Seattle Field Office

   Western Regional Director