whirley1
Member
I have several motorola radios that I brought from England what I returned. Some have an E after the model number. Can I use these radios here in the states? All radios are uhf.
british radios
- Thread starter whirley1
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Welcome to RR,
The following thoughts come to mind:
Hope this helps,
The following thoughts come to mind:
- Without knowing the specific radio models, it is hard to direct you to English and American owner's manuals for comparison of technical specifications.
- From a legal side, transmitters in the US are supposed to be "Part 9..." approved for their specific band, etc. If your radios are not approved in that manner, then it might be illegal to use them here.
- Some radios might not be available for purchase in the states due to import restrictions. I don't know if such restrictions would apply to your radios.
- Often "E" radios are equipped with transmitters tuned for a different frequency range that would be slightly overlapping, but also out-of-bounds compared with the "A" radios. This might cause two problems.
- You might be able to transmit on a frequency for which you are not permitted.
- You might not be able to transmit on a frequency for which you are permitted.
Hope this helps,
Are you looking to use them on ham frequencies?
KD8TZC
Member
I would think that as long as you stay within the legal limits and within the legal frequencies for what you are licensed on, I don't see why you couldn't use them.
Functionally that might be true, but legally, the radio must have the FCC's approval as a transmitter, meaning that it is "Part 9...." approved, etc. with respect to the intended band of transmission.
For example, just because a radio can transmit on on both ham-UHF and FRS/GMRS does not mean that it is legal to do so. From the other forums here, it seems clear that any radio approved for FRS/GMRS cannot also be able to transmit on any other frequencies. This restriction causes them to meet certain "Part 9...." requirements.
Amateur radio has its own "Part 9..." requirements. Business band radio has its own "Part 9..." requirements. If the OP's radios do not have any "Part 9..." approval by the FCC, using the radios might be illegal on every band. That doesn't mean they won't physically work, but just that such use carries a risk of penalties.
Hope this helps,
I was under the impression that part 9 regs refer to the sale of radios only. If they referred to use it would preclude the use of home built gear.
That might be true. But, since the item in question is a product manufactured for sale, and not built by a licensed amateur radio operator for their own personal use within the amateur bands, it might still need FCC approval for use in the US. Buying something out-of-country and importing it is not much different than trying to get it first imported and then buying it here. I would expect the FCC would want to have a "say" in both circumstances. Also, if I understand correctly, as amateur radio operators, we must be ready for the FCC to inspect our station(s) to ensure they operate correctly. I don't know how such an inspection would go for a person who uses a manufactured-for-sale radio that was not manufactured for the US-band-plan.
If the OP shares more details here, or researches the particular radio models a little more, maybe by visiting the manufacturer's website, their documentation (if available) might be able to clarify the legal aspect for each device.
Hope this helps,
rfradioconsult
Member
There is no type approval for Amateur Part 97 operation, you can build or modify your own transmitting equipment. Part 90 approval is required for users licensed under Part 90.
KD8DVR
Member
A minimum of Part 15 approval is still required for commercially manufactured equipment. This primarily deals with the receiver sections,
Token
Member
Only if the equipment is to be imported for commercial sales, but not required for use.
There are no requirements for any approval or certification for gear you use in ham radio. There are requirements if the equipment is to be marketed for sale.
You can, for example, run a Japanese WW II transmitter / receiver pair, or a USSR built R-173 transceiver, or even that home brew rock bound CW rig that some ham built in the 1940's, all can be 100% legal for use in amateur service. As long as you as the station operator meet the spectral requirements defined for the service and the band in question.
T!
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