Getting Licensed For UHF Itinerant Frequencies

[JASII]

Back when I was a bit more active in the hobby, some frequencies were available that required an FCC license, but did not require frequency coordination. I am thinking 464.5000 and 462.5500, but it seems like there are others. My wife and I would likely use these while out ATVing/UTVing. I would like to be able to use a digital mode, possibly MOTO TRBO or P25. Where do I start?

If anybody has websites that give current, up-to-date information on this, please feel fee to share them here.

 

[KevinC]

Back when I was a bit more active in the hobby, some frequencies were available that required an FCC license, but did not require frequency coordination. I am thinking 464.5000 and 462.5500, but it seems like there are others. My wife and I would likely use these while out ATVing/UTVing. I would like to be able to use a digital mode, possibly MOTO TRBO or P25. Where do I start?

If anybody has websites that give current, up-to-date information on this, please feel fee to share them here.

I know this doesn't answer your question, but why not get amateur radio licenses? You can use any mode you wish and tons of frequencies to choose from.

 

[hill]

I don't think atv riding would justify get licensed to business itinerant frequency.

Also 462.550 is GMRS.

Most people just use GMRS for this with $35 fee to get licensed for that covers the whole family. Analog only and no digital.

 

[mmckenna]

Back when I was a bit more active in the hobby, some frequencies were available that required an FCC license, but did not require frequency coordination. I am thinking 464.5000 and 462.5500, but it seems like there are others. My wife and I would likely use these while out ATVing/UTVing. I would like to be able to use a digital mode, possibly MOTO TRBO or P25. Where do I start?

If anybody has websites that give current, up-to-date information on this, please feel fee to share them here.

Those are the Itinerant channels. They do require FCC licensing, but the FCC does not require frequency coordination to license them.

You'd need to go through the pool to find suitable itinerant channels: Federal Register :: Request Access
I believe there is a list on this site, also.

However, before you get too far down this path, simply wanting a frequency for personal use isn't going to get you one. There are requirements for licensing Part 90 frequencies (these -are- Part 90 frequencies), and those requirements are very specific about business use. Personal use isn't permitted.

Starting your own company that did ATV tours would qualify, however.

 

[DeoVindice]

You'd need some type of 90.35 eligibility. I have several UHF itinerants licensed through my mine services company for field work.

 

[JASII]

I know this doesn't answer your question, but why not get amateur radio licenses? You can use any mode you wish and tons of frequencies to choose from.

She and I are already licensed amateur radio operators. I would want the ability to have at least one or more frequencies that aren't amateur radio frequencies in case I hand it to an unlicensed user. For exampled, our son is not a ham and may be here at the farm doing things.

I don't think atv riding would justify get licensed to business itinerant frequency.

Also 462.550 is GMRS.

Most people just use GMRS for this with $35 fee to get licensed for that covers the whole family. Analog only and no digital.

Yes, good catch on the typographical error. I fat fingered it and should have put 464.550. I do have a GMRS license, too.

Those are the Itinerant channels. They do require FCC licensing, but the FCC does not require frequency coordination to license them.

You'd need to go through the pool to find suitable itinerant channels: Federal Register :: Request Access
I believe there is a list on this site, also.

However, before you get too far down this path, simply wanting a frequency for personal use isn't going to get you one. There are requirements for licensing Part 90 frequencies (these -are- Part 90 frequencies), and those requirements are very specific about business use. Personal use isn't permitted.

Starting your own company that did ATV tours would qualify, however.

I do have a farm. In fact, got an EIN for it just last year, but it is a farm not a business.

You'd need some type of 90.35 eligibility. I have several UHF itinerants licensed through my mine services company for field work.

I will have to review that.

Coincidentally, the ATV club that we are members of are also looking at what to do for radios. I think that will remain GMRS.

Our ATV club does also do Youth ATV Safety Training, but it is not for profit. In my way of thinking a business is in it for profit.

 

[mmckenna]

I do have a farm. In fact, got an EIN for it just last year, but it is a farm not a business.

Would it qualify as: "The operation of a commercial activity;" per 90.35?

Our ATV club does also do Youth ATV Safety Training, but it is not for profit. In my way of thinking a business is in it for profit.

90.35: (2) The operation of educational, philanthropic, or ecclesiastical institutions;
Doesn't matter if it's not for profit. Lots of non-profits have FCC part 90 licenses.

 

[JASII]

Would it qualify as: "The operation of a commercial activity;" per 90.35?...

How would I determine that?

Or, more importantly, how does the FCC determine that?

 

[mmckenna]

How would I determine that?

Or, more importantly, how does the FCC determine that?

Well, why did you get an EIN for your farm?

...got an EIN for it just last year….

 

[vagrant]

Perhaps use MURS as it is licensed by rule with zero fees and no registration.
- Five frequencies and you can use tones
- Two watts
- Outdoor antenna above the roofline and or magnet mount are okay - A definite plus for open areas
- Set your radios to scan the five frequencies and it will not matter which one someone transmits on. ( Tones are your friend here ) The benefit of scanning is that if another cannot hear you, or their reception of you is poor, you can easily switch to another frequency to TX. This may be occurring due to someone else transmitting nearby on that particular frequency. A simple 'click' and you're back in business as all radios are already scanning the five frequencies. Again, this can be performed at any time should one encounter RFI as the scan will do its job. Alternatively, the radios could scan just four of the frequencies, leaving one of them for side traffic so as not to bother the entire group for a long and or quick QSO while riding with your ATV club.

* As to digital modes, enjoy amateur radio licensing, or look at the Motorola DTR series. The DTR will also provide encryption between radios, but that is 1W maximum using 900 MHz. Also, while the antenna is detachable, the attenuation loss pushing the 1W to an external antenna will be disappointing.

 

[N4DES]

Here is the current rule on itinerant frequencies:

CFR-2010 title 47-vol5-part 90
§ 90.138 Applications for itinerant frequencies. An application for authority to conduct an itinerant operation in the Industrial/Business Pool must be restricted to use of itinerant frequencies or other frequencies not designated for permanent use and need not be accompanied by evidence of frequency coordination. Users should be aware that no interference protection is provided from other itinerant operations.

Federal Register :: Request Access

Low power UHF itinerant frequencies are below, and you would need to choose an area of operation (citywide, countywide, statewide, or nationwide):

Group C Frequencies. The Industrial/Business Pool frequencies in Group C are available nationwide for non-coordinated itinerant use as follows.

​

URLhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/part-90/section-90.267#p-90.267(e) Citation47 CFR 90.267(e)


(1) Group C frequencies are available for voice and non-voice operations on a co-primary basis. Only mobile operations will be authorized on Group C frequencies. Stations may operate at fixed locations for a temporary period of time. No stations operating at a permanent fixed location will be authorized on Group C frequencies.

(2) Operation on these frequencies is limited to 6 watts effective radiated power for fixed or mobile units and 2 watts ERP for portable units. Stations operating at fixed locations for a temporary period of time will be limited to an antenna height of 7 meters (20 feet) above ground.

(3) The Industrial/Business Pool Group C Low Power Frequencies are as follows:

461/466.03125	461/466.15625	461/466.28125	462.8125
461/466.0375	461/466.1625	461/466.2875	462.8375 (unpaired)
461/466.04375	461/466.16875	461/466.29375	462/467.8625
461/466.05625	461/466.18125	461/466.30625	462/467.8875
461/466.0625	461/466.1875	461/466.3125	462/467.9125
461/466.06875	461/466.19375	461/466.31875	464/469.48125
461/466.08125	461/466.20625	461/466.33125	464/469.4875
461/466.0875	461/466.2125	461/466.3375	464/469.5125
461/466.09375	461/466.21875	461/466.34375	464/469.51875
461/466.10625	461/466.23125	461/466.35625	464/469.53125
461/466.1125	461/466.2375	461/466.3625	464/469.5375
461/466.11875	461/466.24375	461/466.36875	464/469.5625
461/466.13125	461/466.25625	462.7625 (unpaired)	464/469.56875
461/466.1375	461/466.2625	462.7875 (unpaired)
461/466.14375	461/466.26875	462.8125 (unpaired)

 

[jeepsandradios]

FWIW when I was in the shop field I did many itinerats for farm use. Actually did many small repeaters on silos for them as well. You should be fine using your farm ein for the license.

 

[JASII]

FWIW when I was in the shop field I did many itinerats for farm use. Actually did many small repeaters on silos for them as well. You should be fine using your farm ein for the license.

Thank you for the reply. That is great to know. I always wonder if the farm has to be a certain size or meet any other criteria.

Then I realize that I am probably just overthinking this. If I decide to go this route, I should just apply. And, do a meticulous job illustrating my needs and hope for the best..

 

[DeoVindice]

Thank you for the reply. That is great to know. I always wonder if the farm has to be a certain size or meet any other criteria.

Then I realize that I am probably just overthinking this. If I decide to go this route, I should just apply. And, do a meticulous job illustrating my needs and hope for the best..

Commercial use means your operation is qualified, there are no size requirements.

 

[speedway_navigator]

Lots of non-profits have FCC part 90 licenses.

One of my first installs as new hire was swapping GE MASTRs in Salvation Army trucks, I still have skinned knuckles from trying to get those buggers out.
. The FCC shows they have 16 licenses.

 

[mmckenna]

I still have skinned knuckles from trying to get those buggers out.

I got roped into installing radios in 4 "new" buses earlier this week. My knuckles are still raw. Young mans work….

 

[Project25_MASTR]

I used my Texas Ag/Timber ID for my itinerants...I'm a supporting agribusiness and not a farm/ranch. Which means, I directly cater to support agricultural production (i.e. services to farmers/ranchers who are also volunteer fire fighters).

 

[wwhitby]

I got roped into installing radios in 4 "new" buses earlier this week. My knuckles are still raw. Young mans work….

Its not the skinned knuckles or cuts on my hands that gets me. Its the ache in my lower back that won't go away for days.

I'm rapidly realizing that installing radio equipment is a young man's game.....

 

[mmckenna]

Its the ache in my lower back that won't go away for days.

I finished up the last bus yesterday afternoon. I'm currently lying here in bed trying to figure out how to get vertical, and if it's actually worth it. My back and shoulders are upset at me.

 

[speedway_navigator]

I'm currently lying here in bed trying to figure out how to get vertical

Would be a much quicker task for us shorter folks...