Symbols and FCC IDs

Casey Johnston takes the time to answer a question on what the symbols are on the back of the iphone.

A jumble of symbols have been trying to communicate with us from the back of the iPhone since it launched, and indeed, from a number of other non-Apple communication devices. What distinction do they mean? Compatibility with different radio frequencies? Recyclability? Edibility?

The best take away from this is the bit on the FCC ID.

The iPhone also carries an FCC ID, another indicator that it’s gotten the FCC’s approval for operation. The FCC ID consists of a three-letter grantee code followed by a model number.

Most of the time you can get operating frequencies, photos of boards and draft manual pages. Not all electronic devices are required to have an FCC ID and even if it does,the information could be listed as confidential.

But even with the drawbacks, FCC IDs can be another handy hack tool.

For example, when you want to learn more about your local utilities wireless water meter.

Looks like a great time to make that wireless sniffer.


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