2 way radios - can we use them here?

[BongoBetty]

We've just returned from WDW with 2 way radios from Walmart as recommended on DISboards. Can anyone tell me if we can use them legally in the UK as I'm aware that radios bought here are illegal to use in the US.

Anyone please?

TT (BB's dad)

 

[MalcolmC]

I think they use different frequencies to otherwise identical UK radios. Therefore, legally, you shouldn't use them here.

 

[brigadoon]

I looked into this before, and technically they're illegal in this country (and Europe also, I believe). If the frequencies on the US radios match those of say, the UK emergency services, mountain rescue, government agencies or a host of other users who probably have to pay someone for the privilege of using those frequencies, then I was led to believe that you could expect a knock at the door or a dawn raid by the SAS. However, I'm sure that many people can't resist the US prices and probably use them merrily back here with no problems, so it would be interesting to find out from them. Two weeks ago, I too was standing in Walmart and couldn't believe the prices ($25 for 2 tiny Motorolas!), but the legality issue, battery life and free phone minutes at home decided me against the purchase.

 

[Sebastian]

So is it illegal to use ones bought in the UK over in the US?

I was planning on taking mine over to use in the parks etc.

If it is - what makes it illegal, and how would they know/what kind of punishment is there?

Thanks,

Sebastian

 

[mike230652]

Sebastian,

I believe brigadoon has answered your question i.e. the waves can interfere with emergency services.

Now that you know why and what makes it illegal...it sort of makes the rest of your question null and void?

 

[brigadoon]

I'm no expert, but I gather each government sets aside certain frequencies for no-charge personal radio use. All other frequencies have to be paid for, or granted free-of-charge. The unfortunate thing is that the US and UK use different formats/frequencies - FRS in the US, PMR446 in the EU. If you do a search on the web, you'll see that it is very much illegal to use a PMR446 radio in FRS territory and vice-versa. I would have thought that physically getting caught red-handed would be unlikely, particularly given the short range of these radios, but I don't think I'd trust the US authorities to see the funny side over the use of illegal communications equipment in the Homeland. Mind you, given that cheap FRS radios are apparently high on the list of Brit buys, maybe one of them will give us their own views, under the cover of anonymity, of course.

 

[Sebastian]

Wasn't that for bringing from the US to the UK though? Or is it the same the other way around?

If this is the case it seems like very poor design. Out of interest what safeguards are there against this ie. Does it warn against using them abroad in the documentation? I have thrown all mine away so can't check.

Sebastian.

 

[Sebastian]

As a side note, as it seems like I won't be able to use them in the US, how much can I expect to pay for a set over there?

Thanks,

Sebastian.

 

[amf]

Sebastian....for pricing in US you could do worse than try Walmart and K-Mart

 

[brigadoon]

Like I said above, Walmart were flogging a 2-pack of the smallest Motorolas I ever seen for an unbelievable $25. I don't know if this includes batteries though. If you want to splash out more, there were other Cobra and Motorola 2-packs for $50-$70 dollars, but these had the 5-mile range as well, which is well and truly illegal in the UK and possibly require a license in the US. I would avoid anything with NiCad batteries though. Most of the radios seem to take AAAs and it may actually be worth your while to stock up on these before you go. I get my batteries from www.7dayshop.com, which seems to be as cheap as it gets, particularly for rechargeables. To be honest, as FRS radios in the US are so cheap, it's not worth the hassle of taking your own illegal ones - you might as well just get them there.

 

[Sebastian]

Thanks everyone.

Staying on I Drive without a car I may have to purchase from somewhere other than WalMart, but these prices will give me an idea of how much to pay.

Thanks again,

Sebastian.

 

[MalcolmC]

Tesco were selling twin packs over in the UK a few months ago and they specifically stated they were for UK use only and could not be used in a long list of countries, including the USA.

I wouldn't presume that you could therefore use them legally in any other un-named country like, say, Lithuania.

I think every country guards its airwaves jealously!