What frequencies can I use without a ham license?

Almost all GMRS radios also support FRS frequencies, which can be used without a license. Channels 8-14 on a typical 22 channel consumer radio reserved exclusively for FRS. These channels can be used license-free, but are limited to a half watt of transmit power and will have limited range.

What frequency can I transmit on?

Amateur radio operators can transmit on frequencies as low as 136 kHz and as high as 250 GHz. Since most newcomers buy radios that operate in the VHF and UHF regions, let's look at those bands first. We use VHF, UHF, and microwave frequencies mostly for line-of-sight terrestrial communications.

What ham frequencies can I use?

For ham radio operators, you'll use the frequency range from 420 – 450MHz. Unlike the reliability of VHF radio waves, UHF has a much shorter wavelength and is prone to interference from basically any solid object, whether that's a building blocking your signal or even your body.

Can you use Baofeng without license?

The baofengs are easy to program for FRS/GMRS frequencies. Also, it is perfectly legal to transmit on ham frequencies without a license in an emergency. I typically program in repeaters where I travel for this reason, but don't use them for basic communication.

What are the unlicensed frequency bands?

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three primary frequency bands designated for unlicensed operation. Unlicensed means the operator of the radios does not need to file directly with the FCC to use the radio. The three frequency bands used for this in the U.S. are the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.

Baofeng UV-5R: Legal Things That Anyone Can Do - NO HAM LICENSE NEEDED - Easy

Is 900 MHz unlicensed?

For wide-area communications, the primary unlicensed bands used are 900 MHz (868 in Europe, 915 in the US) and 2.4 GHz. These unlicensed bands are free to use, but are subject to regulations and the potential interference of competing wireless signals.

What is the difference between licensed and unlicensed frequency bands?

The big difference between licensed and unlicensed bands is that the licensed bands are allowed to be used only by the company that licensed them, whereas the unlicensed bands are used by anyone who wants to use them."

What happens if you transmit on a ham radio without a license?

Key Points: You need a license to transmit on a ham radio, but not to listen. The penalties for transmitting on a ham radio without a license include seizure of equipment, fines, and civil/criminal penalties.

Is it illegal to own a BaoFeng UV-5R?

While it's true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.

How far can 5 watts transmit?

The 5 watt radio can reach up to 12 miles or more. Some handheld radios have 6 watts which can reach up to 20 miles in the right conditions.

Is amateur radio FM or AM?

Frequency modulation, FM is used in many areas of amateur or ham radio, particular on the VHF and UHF bands as well as Ten Metres. Frequency modulation provides many advantages when used for amateur radio communications.

What bands can a general class use?

The General Class license is for those who want to do more in amateur radio. General Class licensees can do all of the things that Technicians can, but they are given more HF privileges, most notably, can operate digital modes and SSB phone on the HF bands below 28 MHz.

How far can a 10 watt radio transmit?

Thus the typical ranges with around 400 MHz frequency range with 1 W transmitter power are up to ~30 kilometers and up to ~80 kilometers with 10 W transmitter power.

How far will a 50 watt ham radio transmit?

They assume a 5 watt handheld, 50 watt mobile, 5/8 wave mobile antenna with 6 dB gain and 5/8 wave, 6dB gain omnidirectional base antenna at 50′. Urban Environment – Around 1/2 – 1 mile from handheld to handheld, up to 2 miles mobile to handheld, and up to 5 miles or more, base to mobile, with base antenna at 50′.

Can you use a UV-5R without a license?

Radios like the popular Baofeng UV-5R can access both of these ranges. It is perfectly legal to listen to amateur radio on a Baofeng without a licence.

Is a BaoFeng a ham radio?

Yes, the popular BaoFengs are amateur (ham) radios, and the right ham radio can indeed communicate over hundreds of miles. But BaoFeng handi-talkies are not the right radio for long-distance comms.

Is it illegal to use BaoFeng as just a walkie-talkie?

See FCC Back pedals — All transceivers capable of transmitting on frequencies that require certification must be certified and can not be used on Amateur radio for more info. It may just be that the FCC does consider these radios to be illegal for use on amateur radio frequencies.

Can walkie-talkies be traced?

2 way radios are difficult to trace. Two-way radios, also known as walkie-talkies, remain popular even after the advent of cell phones. Police and security forces, the armed forces, event managers, hunters and many others use them. Two-way radios are extremely difficult to trace.

Can a ham radio talk to a CB radio?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a CB Radio? The short and quick answer to whether you can talk to CB radio with your ham radio is: Yes, you can. CB radios operate in the HF range on the 11m band. Ham radios can communicate in the HF range on the 10m and 12m band, both of which are pretty close to the citizen's band.

Is ham radio traceable?

While enthusiasts are unlikely to trace you, another potential group that may attempt to locate a broadcast location is law enforcement. Under F.C.C. guidelines, it is possible to use HAM radios in an illegal manner, either through operating without a license or improper use of the radio.

What are licensed frequencies?

Licensed bands offer two major advantages: reliability and performance. Each frequency is typically dedicated for a specific use. If another entity attempts to use radio equipment in the same band without authorization, legal remedies -- in the form of FCC enforcement and other actions -- are available.

Does Wi-Fi use licensed spectrum?

Answer: Wi-Fi is a particular service that uses unlicensed spectrum, but there are others as well. As the FCC puts it: Low-power, non-licensed transmitters are used virtually everywhere.

Is 24 GHz licensed?

Because the 24GHz band is unlicensed a wireless installation of a 24GHz point to point wireless link can be deployed in a day without the need to wait for a FCC license. There are many applications that need 100Mbps full duplex connectivity or greater.

What band is 915mhz?

915 MHz is the center frequency of what is known as the 33-centimeter band, which is named after the wavelength at this frequency. It is also known as the 900 MHz band and spans 902 MHz to 928 MHz.