There seems to be quite a bit of hubbub concerning the legality of certain linear amplifiers, sold on Ebay.  I am an Advanced Class Amateur Radio Operator and a Broadcast Engineer.  I know a thing or two about RF amplifiers and Ham radio.

  The blanket statement that all 10 meter linear amplifiers are illegal, is completely misleading.  It is my understanding that you can build your own, or commercially manufacture 10 meter monoband amplifiers 'til the cows come home, with one restriction, there can be no RF activated T/R relay circuit included in a commercially produced RF amplifier, designed to operate below 50MHz.  This means, if all are looking at a production model HF amplifier that can be switched between transmit and receive mode by simpy applying RF to the input, you are likely looking at a CB amplifier.

  Furthermore, the term "linear" is used rather loosely, as many of these boxes are Class-C amplifiers and as such, likely to be much less than linear.  A Class-C amplifier is pretty much inappropriate for use on anything other than FM or CW, because of it's tendancy to produce all kinds of undesireable RF artifacts, particularly when used on AM or SSB.  Not to mention, they tend to sound pretty "crunchy" on AM and SSB.

  However, I have seen several of these amps that are Class-AB, and are quite suitable for use on 10 meter SSB.  And while it is illegal to manfacture these amps, it IS NOT ILLEGAL to sell one or operate it on 10 meters, provided you hold the appropriate class license.  Many of them are designed to be driven with 4 watts AM and 12 or so PEP on SSB.  While some would argue that this alone proves that they are CB "kickers" and otherwise usless, I would like to remind them that amateur radio is a technical hobby, and I have converted more than one CB transceiver for use on 10 meters, quite legaly.  So now you have a 10 meter monoband rig, with an output power exactly matching the required input of one of these amps.  Hmmm, what to do?

  The bottom line is, if your a Ham and want to use one of these amplifiers for legal operations, go for it.  Just because an amp was designed with CBers in mind, doesn't automatically render it illegal or useless for any legitimate purpose.  Ebay is completely justified in allowing the transfer of these devices.  If we want to reduce the improper distribution and use of HF, RF amplifiers, why not require the purchaser to provide a verifiable amateur call sign?