Transceiver vs Scanner?

[N_Jay]

See Original
http://www.sitt.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sittgateway-portailstit.nsf/vwapj/Pacific_Spectrum_Connection-Spring_2007_e.pdf/$FILE/Pacific_Spectrum_Connection-Spring_2007_e.pdf



Road Checks Lead to Forfeited Radios
Spectrum Management Officers recently began issuing tickets under the Federal Contraventions Act of BC for violations of the Radiocommunication Act and Radio Regulations. Tickets have been issued for non-payment of fees, operation on unauthorized frequencies, and possession of a front programmable radio. Fines for individuals are $288; the fine for companies is $575.
325 radios have been checked this year in Williams Lake, Pouce Coupe, Surrey, Hope, Muncho Lake, Revelstoke, Vanderhoof and Vernon and other locations.
The most common discrepancies found are:
Installation of illegal frequencies, such as RCMP channels.
Amateur radios illegally modified to hold land mobile frequencies.
Amateur radios in the possession of people who are not certified to operate them.
A 500 watt amplifier installed on a CB radio.
Front programmable radios.
In addition to tickets issued under the Federal Contraventions Act, some radio users were issued warning tickets and given a short time to correct their discrepancies. Some equipment was surrendered voluntarily and other radios were seized by Spectrum Management Officers. One order for forfeiture of seized radio equipment has been granted. Several court cases are pending as a result of these road checks.

Good post.

It is important to realize almost all radio rules vary from nation to nation.

 

[blueangel-eric]

Nobody seems to have mentioned that if you want to buy a 'transceiver' from an amateur radio shop or site you'll need an amateur radio operator's licence. The FCC and proper users of those bands take a very dim view of 'intruders'. One of the main reasons for transceivers being more sensitive is because they have the RF stages of the receiver only covering a narrow band, where scanners try to cover a wide band. If you buy a handheld radio that covers the amateur 70cm band for instance, you may find that that's the only frequencies you can listen to. Very exciting - not! The difference in sensitivity is only marginal ans could be made up for by a higher antenna.

my friend and both got our first radios without a license. No problems.

 

[ScannerDude244]

"Real" radios, especially part 90 commercial radios, always blow away any scanner as far as RX sensitivity, selectivity, S/N ratio, audio output etc because they have to. Scanners cover many frequency bands, and are cheaply built consumer devices (except the pro grade stuff like Icom IC-R7000/9000, AOR, Harris) and you get what you pay for.

Using a CONVENTIONAL (non-trunked) radio for a single band RX is not a bad idea. Most modern UHF radios made in the last 5 years or so usually cover large portions of the UHF band. Usually in two splits, a 400-470 version and a 450-490 (or 512+) "T-band" version. Either one would work for you. The challenge would be getting it programmed. It is perfectly legal per Federal regulations to have a RX only (however your local laws may be different), so check with them. Some radio shops won't program anything public safety (even RX only) unless you show a badge, letterhead from chief, etc- others don't care. Almost all commercial radios allow you to program conventional channels as RX only, and there is no way to "make" them transmit (unless you reprogram the radio to do so).

I looking at doing the same all the stuff I listen to is conventional and ditching the scanners.

If you were to buy a commercial transceiver I would suggest Vertex. They have great reception and are not that expensive. Also the programming software is a lot cheaper than the programming software for a Motorola radio.

I was thinking about getting the VX-4200 that has the dual band, but I have a bad feeling the local dealers wouldn't give the time and day I have no ham license.

 

[jonny290]

My Icom 208H has a special function that turns on a TX lock, so you don't actually transmit.

Knowing what I do about Icoms, this feature is probably duplicated on anything from the T90a generation or newer, if you're talking handhelds.

Just thought I'd mention.

 

[majoco]

The law in the US must be considerably slacker than in other countries then. Trying to buy any form of ham band transmitter through a reputable (note that!) dealer without proof of identity and suitable licence would lead you being smartly escorted to the door!

 

[N_Jay]

The law in the US must be considerably slacker than in other countries then. Trying to buy any form of ham band transmitter through a reputable (note that!) dealer without proof of identity and suitable licence would lead you being smartly escorted to the door!

There are almost no laws regarding the possession of radio equipment.
Most of the laws are targeted at use.
There are some on commercial sale and importation.

There is no requirement to be licensed to sell or buy equipment that is designed for amateur use, other then it must meet Part-15 and not be sold for illegal use, such as 10 meter radios sold for CB use, Ham radios sold for use on Part-90 frequencies, devices that by there design are illegal (radio/cellphone blockers, etc.)

Yes, our country was founded and is based on personal freedom and responsibility.

 

[majoco]

As I have absolutely no idea what Part-15 or -90 is, I cannot comment. Here we do not have blocked cell phone coverage on scanners, but everybody is notionally bound by the 'secrecy of correspondence act 1896 or something.....'!

 

[N_Jay]

As I have absolutely no idea what Part-15 or -90 is, I cannot comment. Here we do not have blocked cell phone coverage on scanners, but everybody is notionally bound by the 'secrecy of correspondence act 1896 or something.....'!

The US radio laws are primarily issues by the FCC in the form of sections of the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).
They are segmented into Titles, Volumes, Chapters, Parts, and Sections, and Paragraphs.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1
Title 47 is Telecommunications, and most of the radio services with their associated rules reside within a Part.
Part 15 is RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES and covers unlicensed transmitters and unintended emitters.
Part 90 is Land Mobile Radio, including commercial and public safety services.
Part 95 is CB, FRS, and GMRS
Part 87 id Amateur.

 

[majoco]

I take it that Title 47 is not an ideal bit of bedtime reading then....

I had enough of the Civil Aviation Regs Part 145 - I've retired now!

 

[N_Jay]

I take it that Title 47 is not an ideal bit of bedtime reading then....

I had enough of the Civil Aviation Regs Part 145 - I've retired now!

That would be Title 14 over here.

Its great bedtime reading, if you want to get to sleep quickly. (but the nightmares can be really bad!)

 

[RayAir]

Are they also set for 12.5 kHz bandwidth?

(I know you don't care if they are legal)

I know for a fact my HT6000e's are 25kHz bandwidth and they are on FRS/GMRS with 4W power and MASC. But, shhhhhh!!!! Don't tell the Secret Radio Constabulary Police. I don't want to go to the Gulag.:lol: Actually, I don't even use these radios.

 

[N_Jay]

I know for a fact my HT6000e's are 25kHz bandwidth and they are on FRS/GMRS with 4W power and MASC. But, shhhhhh!!!! Don't tell the Secret Radio Constabulary Police. I don't want to go to the Gulag.:lol: Actually, I don't even use these radios.

Ray, Ray, Ray, I thought only "Those People" would brake the law with such audacity?

Not, "Good People" like yourself.

You disappoint me?