Thread: UHF receive only chanels

Scott

The receive only channels are usually for people who who use frequencies outside but close to the UHF CB frequencies, or amateur radio operators to monitor an amateur band while operating in the Citizens Band.

This may be emergency service volunteers monitoring the frequencies used by their brigade and often land holders who have similar needs to know about local incidents where they may need to respond.

For citizens band service these channels are usually redundant.

Diana
vk2fvrc

G'day Scott,

As Di says these "receive only" frequencies are often used by radio amateurs, EMS volunteers (CFA, RFS, SES, VRS, etc) so that they don't need to maintain a separate scanner to monitor the frequencies relevant to their pursuits.

Our various state constabularies use frequencies covered by the receive only ranges on most UHF CB radios. Though since they are steadily migrating to APCO-25 secured digital usage of the frequencies this is less likely to be helpful as the days pass. Some of the rural (even those only just outside of the metropolitan area) still use analogue and unsecured units on these frequencies but they too are progressively migrating to digital usage.

Each state has different laws on just the reception of police traffic on these frequencies and even if it's OK to monitor the frequency it may not be legal to act upon information received.

For example, you may legally receive police radio traffic that indicates that there is a radar unit set up along the highway ahead of you. You do the right and proper thing and ensure that you are not speeding when you pass by its (now known) location. A case may still be made if you are found to have the ability to have received that information, in that you are in breach of federal law. Things have changed a lot in recent years.

Mind you, the law of averages would suggest that you are unlikely to receive attention from said unit unless you are doing something else to warrant their intervention.

Still, caveat emptor. Its certainly possible but do your own research on the potential legalities (or not) for your usage. Commercial and amateur frequencies are usually OK. Police and emergency services are a much dirtier colloidal solution.

Cheers,
Iain

Scott

The ICOM 440N is still a very good set, you should be very happy with it.

Diana