Title:     Finding data using the FCC ID Search
Author: Barry Fanion mailto:webmaster@driverzone.com

Introduction:

One of the most valuable tools in finding out the original manufacturer of a computer component is the FCC ID number. Armed with the proper FCC ID number a person can use the online FCC database to find out who originally manufactured the component.

The difference between the FCC ID number and the Registration Number:

There are two different FCC numbers used for identifying computer equipment, the FCC ID number and the FCC Registration number. The FCC Registration number is used for "Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network" or section 68 equipment. This of course includes modems, which we will discuss later in the guide. For reference this is what the FCC Registration number looks like:

In most cases the FCC ID number is either on a sticker, etched directly onto the PCB as is the case with this sound card:

The FCC DoC (Declaration of Conformity):

Not all equipment needs a FCC ID number, if the component is displaying this logo:

It is not in the FCC ID database, you probably not find a FCC ID number on it. One some of the labels, like this one, we know the manufacturer and the model number so we really don't need the FCC ID number. Unfortunately this is not always the case, you will need to find the original manufacturer by other means.

Finding The FCC ID Number: In most cases if the computer equipment is in a case it is on a small sticker, in the back of course. Or if it is an add-in card it is usually on a small sticker or etched directly onto the PCB as is the case with this sound card:

Some search examples:

So you were lucky and actually found a FCC ID number, now what do you do with it? The FCC ID number consists of two parts a grantee code and an equipment product code. The Grantee code is the first three characters and the equipment product code can range from 1 to 12 characters. In the previous section I have a sound card with the FCC ID Number of LF7SS2016 let use this for some search examples. You can access the FCC ID search from this page http://www.driverzone.com, or use this handy pop-up window. So inputting LF7 in for the Grantee code and SS2016 returns Ensoniq Corporation as the Applicant Name for this component, hey I've heard of them, if not I bet if I go to Driverzone.com they would know. One item of note, is that only the Grantee code is required, if I had just inputted LF7 in the Grantee code field, I would have received the same information, just more records.

More Search Examples:

As stated in the previous section the FCC ID number consists of a three character grantee code and a one to twelve character equipment code. Some companies will use a hyphen (-) as one of the equipment characters, this must be used when searching, for example a FCC ID number of: B4Z-34009-PIR , breaks down into this:[B4Z] [-34009-PIR]

No Data Returned

If you have a proper FCC ID number and you get no records returned for your search, I would suggest that you try only the first three characters of the FCC ID number which is the grantee code. If this still doesn't work, you may have an older piece of equipment that may not be in this database, fear not because the FCC has a database for older equipment located right here: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/ead along with tips and search examples.

What About Modems:

Modems are usually handled differently, because they connect to the public telephone service they fall under section 68 and are not in the FCC ID database. The exception to this is if the modem is old enough (not sure as to the date) it will have a FCC ID number on it and you will be in business.

I have just completed the online FCC Registration search, you can access the search http://www.driverzone.com/fcc_reg.html, or view the guide http://wwww.driverzone.com/guides/find/fccreg/fccreg.html

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me mailto:webmaster@driverzone.com