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I get it,
430-450 is a pretty wide spectrum, from what I’ve listened to around here
For running experiments and such, I’d listen with an HT to see what’s free and go for it.
Surveypro has a list of frequencies in there already all over that spectrum.
I don’t think most people even listen to see what’s free
but I understand what you’re saying
@native1 In the US, the 420–450 MHz band is allocated: in the Federal allocation table, to the radiolocation service (e.g. certain radars, such as the Air Force Space Command’s PAVE PAWS installations), and in the non-Federal allocation table, to the amateur radio service. Any other uses are illegal. And for licensed amateur radio operators, one-way communications (such as from a GNSS base to an RTK rover) are generally prohibited. There are certain, specific exceptions, such as allowing beacons for the monitoring of propagation conditions. As already noted, the amateur radio service (Part 97 of the FCC regulations) is for amateur use, not for anything business-related. The FCC regulations go even further, prohibiting in the amateur radio service: “Communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services.” For something like a one-way GNSS data link, the FCC is going to say that the private land mobile service (Part 90 of the FCC regulations) is such a service.
Note that among amateur radio operators with their varied areas of interest, there are those who enjoy and are skilled at radio direction finding, including tracking and identifying people using the amateur bands in violation of the rules, and then reporting them to the FCC. The FCC does indeed have a track record of levying fines of thousands of dollars against licensed amateurs operating improperly and against unlicensed people who are operating at all in the amateur bands. And remember, if we’re talking about an RTK radio link, you’re advertising where your base is located, so you can be found even more easily than with traditional radio direction finding.
Thinking that you’re allowed to use the amateur bands for arbitrary purposes under the guise of “experimentation” is a mistake. If you don’t want to make the effort to get licensed in the private land mobile service, then stick to Part 15 equipment, such as LoRa radio modules, for experimentation.
It is quite alright
the talk is as if I’m stepping on voice comms while “using my amateur license” for gps work
no,
I’m turning on gps head units, configuring radios, and seeing if things work with the software and data collectors we have
Surveypro has a lot of programmed frequencies in it for corrections between 440-450. Any normal user would chose any of those
these gps units and radio were purchased from an authorized local dealer maybe 5 years ago.
I was given the ok to get them up and running again .
I have an amateur radio license, which apparently is not usable in this situation, and has triggered the federal authorities.
all kidding aside, I will look into the license that was set up or purchased for these units…..
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