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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
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. @hotsoupQuote:
Originally Posted by hotsoup
https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-go4836
correctQuote:
Originally Posted by northdude
https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-go4836Quote:
Originally Posted by timattalon
@timattalon
I think they are trying to ban those baofengs
From the link:Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
(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
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
I looked into the training material for the ARO and it's :o
Hi @boar_Freak Thanks, but unfortunately I speak english and not lawyer. Can you simplify what I can use? I currently have a couple of Uniden 720s but would like something with a bit more range. Will that get me into trouble? I could not see any definition of what an "unrestricted two way radio" was/is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boar Freak
Yes thats true but all of those are licenced and also pay an annual fee and in some cases have exclusive right to use that or those frequenciesQuote:
Originally Posted by gadgetman
But even I can program them to use any frequency. I know a number of people that can and do.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikee
Its not the reprogramming that will get you in the poo its using it.Quote:
Originally Posted by gadgetman
Up here RSM is actively enforcing the regs and people who they catch (and they are pretty good at catching) really cop it
Bear in mind, you'd need your hunting buddy to be ARO to legally benefit from a pair of ARO-only transceivers. Not SO practical, really.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boar Freak
Why not go for something like this here? https://www.jaycar.co.nz/5w-uhf-hand...utm_medium=web
The 20km range is optimistic, with line-of-sight open, but even half or third that range in bush should be fine.
RSM ?Quote:
Originally Posted by mikee
Hay VC i was wondering the exact same thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by veitnamcam
I had to google it, but they sound serious.
Its Radio Spectrum Managment.
https://www.rsm.govt.nz/
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
It's like the IRD, except on radio waves.. They can listen in on everything and teleport their agents into any gathering if even just a transistor radio is being used in the room. Oh, no, I'm confused, the omnipotent and omnipresent ones are the UK listening van agents ... who catch out scared crooks who don't pay the TV license fee. Nowhere to hiiiide.... boooh!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/...acking-devicesQuote:
Originally Posted by kukuwai
and
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-ba...ectid=11193539
and a Nelson guy copped a 30K fine for importing, selling and repairing Illegal Garmin units from memory
Looks like a good unit but question 20km using only 5watts (prices seem to have come own since I last looked as wellQuote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
So provided you stay away from using prohibited frequencies are you going to get caught? Is it ok to use a couple of handhelds on marine channels for example?
If you have a callsign issued and operators ticket then you shouldn't have an issue even away from the marine environmentQuote:
Originally Posted by Chur Bay
OK so ARO isn't an option then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
They had these 2 models in store when I was there last time. Are they any good?
https://www.jaycar.co.nz/gme-5w-uhf-...utm_medium=web
https://www.jaycar.co.nz/gme-5w-uhf-...6160x/p/DC9054
Am no expert on these things but if it's a UHF you'r safe :DQuote:
Originally Posted by timattalon
Yes they are good. Great range, clear receptionQuote:
Originally Posted by Boar Freak
Have you used them in bush with a hill between the 2 units? @GWHQuote:
Originally Posted by GWH
That's the point of what I said. If they ban the stuff from overseas then they should also ban the Tait gear. Both can be programmed to operate legally, or illegally. It is the illegal use that is the issue. We don't ban cars that can go over 100km/h.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikee
CheersQuote:
Originally Posted by Boar Freak
They are Uniden UHF ones that I have.