What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
http://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet62/oet62rev.pdf
According to this document, keyboards are not exempt from verification, and penalties for selling unauthorized devices can be steep: o forfeiture of all non-compliant equipment o $100,000/$200,000 criminal penalty for an individual/organization o a criminal fine totalling twice the gross gain obtained from sales of the non-compliant equipment o an administrative fine totalling $10,000/day per violation
Additionally CISPR 22 certification may be needed if you are selling in Europe.
I hope olkb and massdrop are not putting themselves at risk.
...why bring it up? Are you concerned about emissions?
I bring it up because of my curiosity about electrical engineering and the challenges of brining a product to market.
Also, the pcb is probably the only item that would fall under fcc jurisdiction and it probably qualifies as a sub assembly so it would be exempt. Now if he was selling a fully assembled board that might be a different scenario.
Pertaining to subassemblies: 15.101(e)Subassemblies to digital devices are not subject to the technical standards in this part unless they are marketed as part of a system in which case the resulting system must comply with the applicable regulations.
From the explainer document: (Note, however, that circuit boards or cards that are connected to external devices or increase the operating or processing speed of a digital device are considered peripherals.)
From these descriptions it looks like this keyboard/kit/peripheral/subassembly would fit under the description of Class A digital devices and their peripherals which means it would be subject to FCC verification.
Don't shoot the messenger.