Eavesdrop on Walkie Talkies

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SuitedScooter

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#288471 1-Jul-2021 19:53

Hey there,

Does anyone know if there's a way to eavesdrop on Walkie Talkie chat?
I don't know which frequency or channel or make/model is being used.

Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas, experience or tips?

Thanks in advance.

SuitedScooter

Scott3

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#2737583 1-Jul-2021 20:16

Most of them run on the same 80 UHF channels (public frequencies) without encryption.

Getting yourself your own Walkie Talky and scanning for the channel used would likely get the job done.

Of course a scanner would work too, and can cover frequencies you are not allowed to transmit on (but are allowed to listen too).

If you want to listen to police stuff, they have gone to encrypted radio's in most of the major cities, so it is only outlying area's where you can listen in.

Handsomedan

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#2737725 2-Jul-2021 09:04

I'd have to ask why?

This feels...invasive for no reason.

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xpd

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#2737737 2-Jul-2021 09:21

Dont know if applies to radio transmissions, but I know phone calls etc, long as one of the parties on the call is aware of a listening/recording device, its legal. If a 3rd party is listening/recording, its not legal.

But if you want to keep information to yourself, you wouldnt be using a radio to start with.... :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Scott3

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#2737826 2-Jul-2021 10:26

Handsomedan:

I'd have to ask why?

This feels...invasive for no reason.

Obviously the word "Eavesdrop" has a negitive message.

But really all OP is doing it listing to transmissions that are blasted out to their location.

In my mind, no body operating unencrypted radio has a reasonable expectation to privacy, especially not on the public CB / PRS radio frequencies.

wellygary

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#2737828 2-Jul-2021 10:36

xpd:

Dont know if applies to radio transmissions, but I know phone calls etc, long as one of the parties on the call is aware of a listening/recording device, its legal. If a 3rd party is listening/recording, its not legal.

But if you want to keep information to yourself, you wouldnt be using a radio to start with.... :)

Its not illegal to listen to a 2 way radio broadcast ( Legally an unencrypted radio communication is the same as a public broadcast)

BUT if you know that the radiocommunication was not intended for you, then it is an offence to make use of it...

richms

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#2737833 2-Jul-2021 10:46

wellygary:

BUT if you know that the radiocommunication was not intended for you, then it is an offence to make use of it...

Really that absurdity should be removed from the law. Open over the air content should be for anyone to use how they see fit.

Richard rich.ms

Oblivian

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#2737846 2-Jul-2021 11:12

richms:

Really that absurdity should be removed from the law. Open over the air content should be for anyone to use how they see fit.

Canne tell if sarcasm or not?

Given the privacy breaches it continues to create online regardless by people ignoring it and blasting details they shouldn't have.

It needs to stand. The stuff they post can get cases thrown out and create courtroom technicality.

Much like media are now told 'as it is before the court or an ongoing case I cannot comment'. Same goes for anyone sharing those privvy details.

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tripper1000

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#2737908 2-Jul-2021 13:33

richms: Really that absurdity should be removed from the law. Open over the air content should be for anyone to use how they see fit.

No, not really.

It is no different to a conversation you overhear in a Cafe' or on the bus - sometimes you can't help but overhear info that isn't intended for you, but it doesn't mean you are entitled to use the information to your advantage.

This primarily covers commercial activities - can you imagine the chaos if taxi companies listed to each others frequencies and stole bookings from each other? You wouldn't want to book a taxi for fear of starting a violent taxi battle outside of your house.

Oblivian

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#2737910 2-Jul-2021 13:39

tripper1000:

This primarily covers commercial activities - can you imagine the chaos if taxi companies listed to each others frequencies and stole bookings from each other? You wouldn't want to book a taxi for fear of starting a violent taxi battle outside of your house.

They use to back in the day. So as soon as digital comms and jobs by nearest GPS and auto console come out, onto it they went!

Same with tow trucks. Use to listen to scanners for crashes. Caused fights and arguments when turning up, taking police from job at hand. Police put foot down. Pull the Radio comms act breach card. And next thing we have a rotation system where each one gets called in turn

Oblivian

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#2737914 2-Jul-2021 13:47

I don't believe they do anymore thanks to those fancy computer things now, but once upon a time there was also an open Car Parts network via radio that was colourful at times. Similar to open taxi job network

Each time someone at a scrapper had a customer ask for something specific they didn't have, they put the call out over radio for anyone else. And they would reply back with the location that had it and send customer that way. Back scratching all round.

Daynger

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#2738008 2-Jul-2021 16:43

tripper1000:

This primarily covers commercial activities - can you imagine the chaos if taxi companies listed to each others frequencies and stole bookings from each other? You wouldn't want to book a taxi for fear of starting a violent taxi battle outside of your house.

TBH i would prefer that, two taxis turn up and the drivers have to fight to the death to earn the right to transport me 4Km and the $7.