Do I need a radio license?

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Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#196510 2-Jun-2016 17:37

Hi there,

I have ordered a couple Baofeng UV-5R radios for use on a very rural farm as well as vehicle convoys and intend to use these radios on the UHF radio channels.

After looking on Trade Me I've seen that the sellers require proof of a radio operators license.

I've done a bit more research regarding license requirements but am under the impression that no license is required for UHF use.

Can someone 'in the know' confirm whether I will require a license to operator these radios?

Thanks!

PeterReader

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Geekzone

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#1564410 2-Jun-2016 17:37

Hmmmm. Here we go.

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

Behodar

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#1564419 2-Jun-2016 17:45

There was a very similar discussion a few days ago: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=42&topicid=196322

502-694 MHz is available for audio, but with a low power limit.

SATTV

1070 posts

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#1564423 2-Jun-2016 17:49

There are a few frequencies / channels you can use on UHF without a license, i.e PRS

Any other frequency you need a license, If you get caught on the wrong frequency you can get into big trouble.

I know enough to be dangerous

richms

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#1564424 2-Jun-2016 17:52

You are not even allowed to program them up for the UHF walkie talkie channels as they are not an approved radio for that. Actual unlicensed "CB" or walkie talkies have a specific amount of testing to go thru before they can be sold. Amature radio stuff is supposed to be sold to people who know enough to make sure they comply on their own.

Had a thread in the past about something similar. Cant recall what the outcome was, but the people to ask are the radio spectum management guys - http://www.rsm.govt.nz/

Richard rich.ms

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1564426 2-Jun-2016 17:52

SATTV:

There are a few frequencies / channels you can use on UHF without a license, i.e PRS

Any other frequency you need a license, If you get caught on the wrong frequency you can get into big trouble.

Alright so, as long as I stay on the UHF PRS frequencies, such as the ones listed on this page, I should be alright?

I have no intention on using the radios in any other way.

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1564428 2-Jun-2016 17:57

richms:

You are not even allowed to program them up for the UHF walkie talkie channels as they are not an approved radio for that. Actual unlicensed "CB" or walkie talkies have a specific amount of testing to go thru before they can be sold. Amature radio stuff is supposed to be sold to people who know enough to make sure they comply on their own.

Had a thread in the past about something similar. Cant recall what the outcome was, but the people to ask are the radio spectum management guys - http://www.rsm.govt.nz/

Thanks, I'll get into contact with the rsm guys tomorrow. Ideally I just want some radios that perform decently but without paying the amounts that Uniden and the like go for.

If I cannot legally use my radios in NZ I'll just take it as a lesson learnt.

SATTV

1070 posts

Uber Geek

#1564443 2-Jun-2016 18:17

Phexx:

SATTV:

There are a few frequencies / channels you can use on UHF without a license, i.e PRS

Any other frequency you need a license, If you get caught on the wrong frequency you can get into big trouble.

Alright so, as long as I stay on the UHF PRS frequencies, such as the ones listed on this page, I should be alright?

I have no intention on using the radios in any other way.

Yes you should be OK.

I am not a lawyer and someone has said that the radios need to be approved.

I dont believe they do as per this document http://www.rsm.govt.nz/about-rsm/pdf-and-documents-library/spectrum-policy/official-information-notices-gazette/gurl-notices/citizen-band-radio-cb-or-personal-radio-service-prs/radiocommunications-regulations-general-user-radio-licence-for-citizen-band-radio-notice-2011.pdf

However note 10:

The supply of CB transmitter equipment operating in the 476.4 MHz – 477.425 MHz band that does not comply with AS/NZS 4365:2011 shall cease on 1 December 2012.

Unfortunately you have to pay to read the standard https://shop.standards.govt.nz/catalog/4365:2011%28AS|NZS%29/scope?

This was probably not the best radio to get as it has VHF as well, a UHF only one would have been better.

A good idea as you have already said you are going to call RFS / RSM tomorrow so that will give you a better idea.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

Oblivian

4295 posts

Uber Geek

#1564514 2-Jun-2016 19:42

In the eyes of licened HAM ops, radios that *can* be programmed to the licenced HAM frequency are bad, cause you might/can. One day. End of story. As that frequency falls between the bands they do. They are sold that way because of it.

The guys who import them have a very strong stance on it. Hence won't sell to anyone that can't produce a HAM licence.

However ask your local airsoft club and you'll find those and Puxings like I have widely used. I couldn't give a damn about them talking to each other on HAM freqs. Mine was specific for better than .5w uniden PRS and at one point The local car club frequencies for when I would volunteer there. I know the rules, I abide by them. I don't use ones I'm not allowed to. Despite that, we are bad people.

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1564550 2-Jun-2016 20:15

Oblivian:

In the eyes of licened HAM ops, radios that *can* be programmed to the licenced HAM frequency are bad, cause you might/can. One day. End of story. As that frequency falls between the bands they do. They are sold that way because of it.

The guys who import them have a very strong stance on it. Hence won't sell to anyone that can't produce a HAM licence.

However ask your local airsoft club and you'll find those and Puxings like I have widely used. I couldn't give a damn about them talking to each other on HAM freqs. Mine was specific for better than .5w uniden PRS and at one point The local car club frequencies for when I would volunteer there. I know the rules, I abide by them. I don't use ones I'm not allowed to. Despite that, we are bad people.

This is similar to what I'm starting to think. As I said, I have no intention of straying off into frequencies other than the PRS UHF ones.

However, I understand how more serious radio users would be concerned about how I, a newbie to the hobby, might start to get in their way.

Hopefully I'll be ok just chilling in my own little world in the land of PRS and they won't mind.

cyril7

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#1564575 2-Jun-2016 20:50

Why not just buy one of the recognised PRS/UHF_CB product that is sold legit in NZ, the price is not that dissimilar to what you see in your noted product. The only reason I would suggest that you would want to purchase the product you have noted is for ulteria motives.

Cyril

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1564591 2-Jun-2016 20:57

cyril7:

Why not just buy one of the recognised PRS/UHF_CB product that is sold legit in NZ, the price is not that dissimilar to what you see in your noted product. The only reason I would suggest that you would want to purchase the product you have noted is for ulteria motives.

Cyril

I've read about these radios having a good price to performance ratio and purchased two of them for $80 including shipping. If you can find me a better deal I'd be very keen to have a look.

Not sure what you're trying to imply by suggesting that I have ulteria motive...

cyril7

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#1564602 2-Jun-2016 21:07

Simply that the radio you want to use can operate in bands you have no legal right to use, this would expose you to potential risk, that is all, nothing sinister in my comments.

Jaycar have a number of UHF-CB radios that are in you budget and sufficient for intra trail use.

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/search?q=uhf+cb%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3A751A&text=uhf%20cb

Cyril

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1564607 2-Jun-2016 21:16

cyril7:

Simply that the radio you want to use can operate in bands you have no legal right to use, this would expose you to potential risk, that is all, nothing sinister in my comments.

Jaycar have a number of UHF-CB radios that are in you budget and sufficient for intra trail use.

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/search?q=uhf+cb%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3A751A&text=uhf%20cb

Cyril

I had a look at the jaycar selection but to be honest I just wanted to try out a cheaper option before I commit to something more expensive. Should I choose to get more serious I'll probably check out some Uniden radios as they seem to be the real deal.

I'll admit that at the the time of buying I didn't fully understand the in and outs of the radio world, I just needed something cheap to get me started, and needed it quickly. After doing further research I further understand the potential risks but am aware of them and taking steps to ensure I don't enter areas I'm not allowed in (so to say).

Nevertheless, I appreciate the help, thanks.

cyril7

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#1564615 2-Jun-2016 21:25

Uniden is the product I would normally have directed you to, its solid, but you indicated a budget.

Leave it to you, but you now understand the issue with the other product, and your legal standing.

Cheers

Cyril

Fred99

11109 posts

Uber Geek

#1564746 3-Jun-2016 08:34

Won't cheap PRS do the trick (ie have enough range for vehicle convoys and across a farm?).

I bought a pair of them years ago to throw on our boat - mainly for when kids etc went ashore in the dinghy etc and you wanted to keep contact, letting kids loose with a hand-held marine VHF isn't a great idea. Have used them a couple of times when we've been way off-road 4WD, line of sight in steep hill county is a potential issue. I can't recall the brand - they're on the boat now - but in quality terms they were "bottom of the range" from DSE of Jaycar. Bought on a whim as toys really - but remarkably effective.