WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Hey, I have found this pretty decent radio (at least I think it is), and I just wanted some good thoughts. The product is programmable, with all accessories, like battery charger, earpiece etc. I just don't know what the range is? It's 5W and the frequency is 400-520MHz which I know is Aus allowed, and I just want you guys to tell me wether it is a good buy and the estimated talk range, here is the product: http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=108943

This is not a CB. It is not legal to use it on CB frequencies.

robbage wrote:This is not a CB. It is not legal to use it on CB frequencies.

Dude look at the product, programmable, 400-520mhz frequency, Australia's frequency is 476-477mhz, preeeeeeeeeee sure this is legal, and will work in Australia.

danoroth wrote:Hey, I have found this pretty decent radio (at least I think it is), and I just wanted some good thoughts. The product is programmable, with all accessories, like battery charger, earpiece etc. I just don't know what the range is? It's 5W and the frequency is 400-520MHz which I know is Aus allowed, and I just want you guys to tell me wether it is a good buy and the estimated talk range, here is the product: http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=108943

No, that's not a CB Radio either. It's programmable in the range of 400-520MHz which is not allowed for CBs. It must come pre-programmed to the 80 channels, not be change-able or re-programmable.

You need to buy a CB from an Australian retailer that complies with Australian regulations. Buying any of these cheap programmable radios from overseas won't work and aren't legal.

Zebedee wrote:

danoroth wrote:Hey, I have found this pretty decent radio (at least I think it is), and I just wanted some good thoughts. The product is programmable, with all accessories, like battery charger, earpiece etc. I just don't know what the range is? It's 5W and the frequency is 400-520MHz which I know is Aus allowed, and I just want you guys to tell me wether it is a good buy and the estimated talk range, here is the product: http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=108943

No, that's not a CB Radio either. It's programmable in the range of 400-520MHz which is not allowed for CBs. It must come pre-programmed to the 80 channels, not be change-able or re-programmable.

You need to buy a CB from an Australian retailer that complies with Australian regulations. Buying any of these cheap programmable radios from overseas won't work and aren't legal.

Well say if i program it to australian regulations, lock it to 80 channels, and use it only on those 80 channels, what's wrong with it? It's not illegal to use the right frequency and right channel is it? and even if I'm not allowed to do that, how would i get in trouble using the right channel and right frequency? this is plain and simple ridiculous.

This radio is not authorised as a CB in Australia. No amount of programming or wand-waving will change that. I also disagree with the first line of your first post.

robbage wrote:This radio is not authorised as a CB in Australia. No amount of programming or wand-waving will change that. I also disagree with the first line of your first post.

Well tell me this, who will charge me of using a CB radio on the right channels and frequency, only having the option to change frequency? WHO? because it is not illegal to bring into the county, so who?

danoroth wrote:Well say if i program it to australian regulations, lock it to 80 channels, and use it only on those 80 channels, what's wrong with it?

As robbage says:

robbage wrote:This radio is not authorised as a CB in Australia. No amount of programming or wand-waving will change that.

The fact that the radio is is capable of being programmed straight away makes it illegal to use in Australia. It doesn't matter WHAT you do with it, HOW you program it or what you use it for. The radio is not legal to use in Australia as a CB Radio, full stop. The end. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. You can ask as many "what ifs" that you like but the answer will come back the same time for each and every question - it is not legal in Australia.

You've asked

It's not illegal to use the right frequency and right channel is it?

Yes it is. The radio is not a type that is approved under the class licence therefore merely posessing that radio is illegal, you don't even need to turn it on. You are not licenced to OWN or OPERATE that radio in Australia as a CB under ANY circumstances.

and even if I'm not allowed to do that, how would i get in trouble using the right channel and right frequency? this is plain and simple ridiculous.

What, that you're openly admitting on here that you fully intend to break federal law that has HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS and YEARS IN JAIL as a penalty and you just don't care? Yes, I find that ridiculous as well.

This site is all about RESPONSIBLE radio use in Western Australia. What you are saying you want to do is not legal and is therefore not responsible behaviour. Therefore, any further posts by you asking for advice on ways to break federal law to own or operate a radio that you know you are not allowed to own or operate will be dealt with.

danoroth wrote:Well tell me this, who will charge me of using a CB radio on the right channels and frequency, only having the option to change frequency? WHO? because it is not illegal to bring into the county, so who?

The ACMA will charge you under the Radiocommunications Act if they decide to. The radio is not legal to own or to use in Australia under that law. You are right, it's not illegal to import it but it is illegal to own such a radio and it is illegal to operate such a radio without the proper licence. You do not have the proper licence.

And consider this - there may be people on this forum who work in a law enforcement capacity. They may have already seen your posts and you may now be the subject of some official attention. If you do decide to try and operate those radios on any frequencies (CB or otherwise), you're actually making it very easy for the right authorities to figure out who you are and what you've already admitted to doing.

Perhaps when you grow up a bit more, you can be trusted with radios. But at the moment, you haven't demonstrated the required maturity or responsibility required. The fact that you keep asking the same question, over and over again, just worded slightly differently shows that you either won't or can't understand what you're doing.

How about this (from the same shop) ? Did I miss anything in there that's not legal ?

http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=102826

Looks like it probably meets the class license specs and should be ok. Too bad it's only 40 channels though... UHF CBs should really be set up with the new 80 channels these days.

Zebedee wrote:

danoroth wrote:Well say if i program it to australian regulations, lock it to 80 channels, and use it only on those 80 channels, what's wrong with it?

As robbage says:

robbage wrote:This radio is not authorised as a CB in Australia. No amount of programming or wand-waving will change that.

The fact that the radio is is capable of being programmed straight away makes it illegal to use in Australia. It doesn't matter WHAT you do with it, HOW you program it or what you use it for. The radio is not legal to use in Australia as a CB Radio, full stop. The end. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. You can ask as many "what ifs" that you like but the answer will come back the same time for each and every question - it is not legal in Australia.

You've asked

It's not illegal to use the right frequency and right channel is it?

Yes it is. The radio is not a type that is approved under the class licence therefore merely posessing that radio is illegal, you don't even need to turn it on. You are not licenced to OWN or OPERATE that radio in Australia as a CB under ANY circumstances.

and even if I'm not allowed to do that, how would i get in trouble using the right channel and right frequency? this is plain and simple ridiculous.

What, that you're openly admitting on here that you fully intend to break federal law that has HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS and YEARS IN JAIL as a penalty and you just don't care? Yes, I find that ridiculous as well.

This site is all about RESPONSIBLE radio use in Western Australia. What you are saying you want to do is not legal and is therefore not responsible behaviour. Therefore, any further posts by you asking for advice on ways to break federal law to own or operate a radio that you know you are not allowed to own or operate will be dealt with.

danoroth wrote:Well tell me this, who will charge me of using a CB radio on the right channels and frequency, only having the option to change frequency? WHO? because it is not illegal to bring into the county, so who?

The ACMA will charge you under the Radiocommunications Act if they decide to. The radio is not legal to own or to use in Australia under that law. You are right, it's not illegal to import it but it is illegal to own such a radio and it is illegal to operate such a radio without the proper licence. You do not have the proper licence.

And consider this - there may be people on this forum who work in a law enforcement capacity. They may have already seen your posts and you may now be the subject of some official attention. If you do decide to try and operate those radios on any frequencies (CB or otherwise), you're actually making it very easy for the right authorities to figure out who you are and what you've already admitted to doing.

Perhaps when you grow up a bit more, you can be trusted with radios. But at the moment, you haven't demonstrated the required maturity or responsibility required. The fact that you keep asking the same question, over and over again, just worded slightly differently shows that you either won't or can't understand what you're doing.

Listen mate, I have never said and never would break federal law, why in the world would I do that? I'm just looking for a friend decent radio at a price under $100, and earlier I said the government IS ripping everyone off trying to buy a CB radio, the government makes only one kind of radio legal to be operated, and gives stores the advantage to sell them for a ridiculous price, and for a CRAP range. Give me one link where I can get a CB radio with the range of 10+km for under $100.
You won't find ANY within Australia.

danoroth - You have come to this forum seeking advice. The people that have been giving you that advice are trained, qualified and licenced radio operators and many of our members also work in the radio, electronics, communications and law enforcement fields, yet you have constantly ingnored or questioned the advice and feedback these people have patiently given.
Quite simply, just because you are presented the opportunity to buy a product from outside of Australia, it may not make it legal or compliant in Australia. You have repeatedly been advised that if you wish to own and operate a radio in Australia, then buy an Australian compliant radio, within Australia.
It has nothing to do with what you want to do, what you think you can achieve or what products fit your price range, nor does it have anything to do with government control or corporate greed. It is simply about purchasing and operating an appropriate and lawful product within Australia.
Graciously accept the advice you have been given.

auntys_eyes wrote:danoroth - You have come to this forum seeking advice. The people that have been giving you that advice are trained, qualified and licenced radio operators and many of our members also work in the radio, electronics, communications and law enforcement fields, yet you have constantly ingnored or questioned the advice and feedback these people have patiently given.
Quite simply, just because you are presented the opportunity to buy a product from outside of Australia, it may not make it legal or compliant in Australia. You have repeatedly been advised that if you wish to own and operate a radio in Australia, then buy an Australian compliant radio, within Australia.
It has nothing to do with what you want to do, what you think you can achieve or what products fit your price range, nor does it have anything to do with government control or corporate greed. It is simply about purchasing and operating an appropriate and lawful product within Australia.
Graciously accept the advice you have been given.

Well i received it today, literally just then and ALL the other buyers in Australia said they use them between the 2 CB radios and have had no worries, for about 5 years. But i AM taking all you's knowledge and really am not going to use these, thank you for your help. Also i want to know, how old you have to be to get a CB license and where from? Annnnnd if any1 knows if there is a ACMA building in Perth WA, and if not. Who even enforces the 'rouge' frequencies in Perth??

danoroth wrote: Well i received it today, literally just then and ALL the other buyers in Australia said they use them between the 2 CB radios and have had no worries, for about 5 years. But i AM taking all you's knowledge and really am not going to use these, thank you for your help. Also i want to know, how old you have to be to get a CB license and where from? Annnnnd if any1 knows if there is a ACMA building in Perth WA, and if not. Who even enforces the 'rouge' frequencies in Perth??

I'm not sure about CB ... but there is no age restriction for anyone to get an Amateur Radio License ... so basically anyone can get it after they pass the exams ...

Check this out if you want to get one ...
http://hamcollege.com.au/wordpress/

Nosferatu wrote:

danoroth wrote: Well i received it today, literally just then and ALL the other buyers in Australia said they use them between the 2 CB radios and have had no worries, for about 5 years. But i AM taking all you's knowledge and really am not going to use these, thank you for your help. Also i want to know, how old you have to be to get a CB license and where from? Annnnnd if any1 knows if there is a ACMA building in Perth WA, and if not. Who even enforces the 'rouge' frequencies in Perth??

I'm not sure about CB ... but there is no age restriction for anyone to get an Amateur Radio License ... so basically anyone can get it after they pass the exams ...

Check this out if you want to get one ...
http://hamcollege.com.au/wordpress/

Thanks mate, so if i were to get a license i could use the CB on any channel, within the frequency of the chosen license?