Thread: Any radio experts out there?

Hi everyone I would like to get some advice on handheld radios.
Am after a set that works in bush up to 2km with 1 or 2 hills in between the 2 units.
Is there anything out there that doesn't require an amateur radio operator license?

I was looking at the Wouxun radios (used some one elses unit before and it worked great) but you need a license to buy it now.

Anyone here got an ARO license? Much of a hassle to get it?

Cheers

BF

Get a couple of baofengs off AliExpress.

What is an ARO license and what does this mean? Is there a limit to what radios I can use? Just want to stay safe....

Amateur radio operator i think

Following with interest. I’d like to know what’s recommended too.

Just looked on baofeng page at AliExpress and there seems to be a range of options...

Ideally something that’ll talk to my Rhino650 too.....

Ha. I just ordered a set of Baufeng radios yesterday. See how they go

Originally Posted by hotsoup

Ha. I just ordered a set of Baufeng radios yesterday. See how they go

Baofeng is on the list too so am a bit worried that it will end up in the crusher at customs if I try to bring one in. @hotsoup

https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-go4836

Originally Posted by northdude

Amateur radio operator i think

correct

Originally Posted by timattalon

What is an ARO license and what does this mean? Is there a limit to what radios I can use? Just want to stay safe....

https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-go4836
@timattalon

I think they are trying to ban those baofengs

Originally Posted by northdude

I think they are trying to ban those baofengs

From the link:

(4) The use or installation of unrestricted two way radio devices is prohibited other than by a person holding a General Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competency, and operating within the terms and conditions of the amateur radio licence.
Schedule
Radio equipment or part thereof capable of being front panel or computer programmed by the user onto any frequency outside the frequency range prescribed in the amateur radio licence or replacement thereof , including, but not limited to, the following makes and models:
Baofeng
Wouxun
Pofung

Cordite's take on it:
Basically, unrestricted radio means any clever idiot with the money can buy one and program it to broadcast on almost any frequency - not just on the permitted bands. In other words, cause interference, consequences of which can range from nuisance to serious.
Get yourself an ARO (you no longer have to learn Morse as I had to), or just go to Jaycar and ask them what is available and legal. Advantage of the latter approach is that neither you or the person on the other radio will cause interference or break any laws, etc. Alternatively, a satellite phone is sexy, works over any hill, not that expensive either. Comms on steroids.

i heard someone got one of those baofengs and programmed a police frequency into it and jammed their coms just what heard tho may or may not be true

Originally Posted by northdude

i heard someone got one of those baofengs and programmed a police frequency into it and jammed their coms just what heard tho may or may not be true

Don't know if it is true, but the Baofeng CAN be programmed to police/ambulance frequencies, for transmit and receive, I know at least one person who has one (no, not me), but he works with the police in official capacity so needs it, and he is also a licensed ARO to boot. That said, even he would never dream of transmitting with it on a police frequency. A lot of potential for indirectly destructive activity, so a license is a good idea. Not too different from guns really - fit and proper principle. Some people are clueless about the potential disruption a radio transmitter can cause --- a bit like the idiot who recently impeded helicopters fighting fires by flying a camera drone near them!

Originally Posted by Cordite

Don't know if it is true, but the Baofeng CAN be programmed to police/ambulance frequencies, for transmit and receive, I know at least one person who has one (no, not me), but he works with the police in official capacity so needs it, and he is also a licensed ARO to boot. That said, even he would never dream of transmitting with it on a police frequency. A lot of potential for indirectly destructive activity, so a license is a good idea. Not too different from guns really - fit and proper principle. Some people are clueless about the potential disruption a radio transmitter can cause --- a bit like the idiot who recently impeded helicopters fighting fires by flying a camera drone near them!

The odd thing is that this would also include all Tait units that are commonly used in the transport, and many other, industries. These are also programmable with a USB cable and some software.

Originally Posted by Cordite

From the link:

(4) The use or installation of unrestricted two way radio devices is prohibited other than by a person holding a General Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competency, and operating within the terms and conditions of the amateur radio licence.
Schedule
Radio equipment or part thereof capable of being front panel or computer programmed by the user onto any frequency outside the frequency range prescribed in the amateur radio licence or replacement thereof , including, but not limited to, the following makes and models:
Baofeng
Wouxun
Pofung

Cordite's take on it:
Basically, unrestricted radio means any clever idiot with the money can buy one and program it to broadcast on almost any frequency - not just on the permitted bands. In other words, cause interference, consequences of which can range from nuisance to serious.
Get yourself an ARO (you no longer have to learn Morse as I had to), or just go to Jaycar and ask them what is available and legal. Advantage of the latter approach is that neither you or the person on the other radio will cause interference or break any laws, etc. Alternatively, a satellite phone is sexy, works over any hill, not that expensive either. Comms on steroids.

Looked in Jaycar already, they only had GME UHF-s. Are there any of these wouxun units that are pre programmed so doesn't fall into this category.
I looked into the training material for the ARO and it's