Suitability of Motorolla Talkabout T600 in NZ

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Suitability of Motorolla Talkabout T600 in NZ

TerryRF

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#233708 29-Apr-2018 10:01

Hi I have purchased a Motorolla Talkabout T600 walkie talkie set and being a total novice I am a bit lost as to what channels I can access. Their frequency settings listed FRS/GMRS 462 - 467 MHz in the Ultra High Frequency(UHF) Band seem to be different to NZ ones that I have checked out but I really am a little confused by the whole thing. Can anybody put in plain english (non technical) what channels i will safely be able to access. Primary use will be when out kayak fishing off the coastal areas.

Thanks in advance.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2004423 29-Apr-2018 10:11

Your radio is illegal to use in New Zealand.

Using it here will mean you're in breach of RSM rules and will very likely be prosecuted if you are caught using one of these devices in New Zealand.

If you purchased these from somebody in NZ you should return the product and also report the seller to RSM so they can be prosecuted. If you purchased the radios overseas and can't return them you'll just have to accept it as a life experience and buy some new PRS radios in NZ that are legal to use here.

Mighty Ape

Shop Mighty Ape for electronics, games, computers books and more (affiliate link).

Linux

10294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2004427 29-Apr-2018 10:23

@TerryRF You should of done more research on the operating freq of the device, Sounds like you did the research after purchasing it

Linux

SATTV

1480 posts

Uber Geek

#2004445 29-Apr-2018 10:56

You need a marine VHF radio for kayaking.

You can have a chat on one channel and in case of emergency you hit the channel 16 button and everyone within earshot can hear you and you have a much better chance of survival.

I am a kayak fisherman ( still learning ) and would never get in the water without a VHF handheld as a minimum.

I know you will pay more for a waterproof handheld VHF here but it might save your or a friends life one day.

John

Viking 400 kayak owner.

I know enough to be dangerous

scottjpalmer

5886 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2004448 29-Apr-2018 11:02

Note though:

Any person operating a maritime VHF radio must hold, as a minimum requirement, a Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate (unless transmitting in an emergency or a distress situation). In addition, all maritime radio communications are required to be positively identified through the use of a Callsign (and in the case of a VHF DSC radio, an MMSI).

From https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/3/maritime-vhf-radio-operator-certificate

TerryRF

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2004485 29-Apr-2018 11:57

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I have not received the items as yet so am attempting to cancel my order after getting the facts. Pity they don't mention that they are not suitable this on their webpage when they are advertising the product but I also should do a bit more research 1st. Hopefully I'l get my money back.

So in light of all said any recommendations as to a brand on the market reasonably priced to now look at getting.

As before stated to be used for kayak fishing on my PF400.

Linux

10294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2004487 29-Apr-2018 12:01

Is this a New Zealand based seller?

Linux

TerryRF

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2004514 29-Apr-2018 12:49

No I purchased off EBay in AU

richms

26402 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#2004561 29-Apr-2018 13:50

Not even sure if they are legal in AU either.

Richard rich.ms

shk292

2692 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2004579 29-Apr-2018 15:21

The Uniden ones are quite good value. I have the slightly cheaper one than this: https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-MHS75-Handheld-Submersible-Marine/dp/B001J5MQ20/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524971988&sr=8-2&keywords=uniden+vhf

I bought a two-pack from Amazon for less than the price of a single one in NZ. Just make sure they have the international maritime VHF channels.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2004580 29-Apr-2018 15:23

richms:

Not even sure if they are legal in AU either.

They're not.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2004581 29-Apr-2018 15:24

As for replacements it really depends what the purpose of radios are. It's no point having a radio to take out to see if nobody else can hear you if you get in trouble. The advantage of a marine radio is CH16 (or the local channel) where you could call for assistance.

shk292

2692 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2004583 29-Apr-2018 15:24

OP - the other thing to consider getting, if you're heading offshore is a PLB. The ones here are very good value:

https://www.skippersmate.co.nz/