Handheld for use in both Australia and Canada/USA

seth · Post by **seth** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 6:25 pm

Hi,
I'm new to amateur radio.

I'm looking for a pair of small hand held devices that I can use legally in Australia and in North America (Canada specifically). I'll be using it while I am skiing.

From what I can tell the UHF CB channels in Australia use a different frequency to the North American equivalent FRS/GMRS. I'm assuming this mean I can't just purchase the normal 40 CH UHF Unidens from Dick Smiths etc.

Can anybody help me with some suggestions on this. I'm not sure this is the right place to ask but I can't seem to find other sites in Australia that may be able to help me with my questions.

Thanks in advance.

Seth

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 6:37 pm

seth · Post by **seth** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 6:59 pm

Hi MIchael,
Thanks for your prompt response. I've also found a uniden KYD TK-338 at DSE, would that do the job?.

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:09 pm

seth · Post by **seth** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:33 pm

Hi Michael,
Copy and paste error there. The uniden I was refering to is UNIDEN 92XLT VHF/UHF Scanner.

Anyways the KYD looks like it would do the trick. I'll try and hunt around for one, any suggestions where?

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:58 pm

seth · Post by **seth** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:59 pm

Hi Michael,
Now I am understanding things a bit better.

I'm in Sydney.

Cheers
Seth

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:10 pm

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:10 pm

You forgot to mention that field programmable radio's are illegal in both if not all countries. The radio's are not legally sold in Australia unless locked to the amateur bands only. To have modified radios will get you big fine and or imprisonment if caught. To operate on the Amateur band requires a license in all countries and a reciprocal license with any other countries you visit. Some like Singapore will not allow reciprocal licenses

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:18 pm

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:20 pm

ACMA .Possesion is sticky point but if connected to power and an antenna it is up to you to prove it is not being used illegally. Unlike normal police action where innocence is presumed until guilt proven with the act it is up to you to prove innocence. A lot harder to do and very few once caught get out of the charges
p.s. Antenna and power means whip and battery.

radiotech · Post by **radiotech** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:34 pm

fly_on_the_wall · Post by **fly_on_the_wall** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 11:21 pm

Post by **vk6hgr** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 11:38 pm

fly_on_the_wall wrote: Sorry to tell you Nick but you are completely wrong. Keypad programmable radios are NOT ILLEGAL in Australia, the US or Canada.

The Radio Communications Act isn't too clear about these radios. It's against it to own a radio that can transmit in bands you do not hold a license to operate.

I think though that a person who owns such a radio and is responsible with it is fine.

HEKTIK · Post by **HEKTIK** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:02 am

I got a Quansheng Keypad programmable UHF, can do all the UHF frequencies. I was questioned at Sydney airport about it as i left it in my hand luggage when i was about to board back. to Perth. I basically told them i was a hobbiest and was just picking up local frequencies top listen/talk too. They said ok and set me on my way. So id safely say they are ok to use as long as your not interfering with commercial operators.

This is great little handheld BTW, 5w of power, desk charger, keypad programmable, easy to use and does all AUS UHF CB frequencies with the correct mods.