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Author Topic: A license-free Kenwood HT that's in the 446MHz HAM Band?  (Read 1990 times)

Offline ThaDood

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A license-free Kenwood HT that's in the 446MHz HAM Band?
« on: July 07, 2021, 1851 UTC »
Huh??? Found this interesting. Kenwood has a license-free HT that operates from 446.000MHz to 446.100MHz, at 1/2W ERP, in the 70cm HAM Band? When was this allowed? https://www.kenwood.com/sg/com/lfr/pkt-23/   Thought it 1st to be FRS, then I'd seen the 446MHz FREQ spec's. Looks like a neat simplex-only HT.
UPDATE:   Ah... Thank you Sparx! (Added reply below.) That would explain a few things there.
« Last Edit: July 08, 2021, 0548 UTC by ThaDood »
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“I am often asked how radio works. Well, you see, wire telegraphy
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Sparx

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Re: A license-free Kenwood HT that's in the 446MHz HAM Band?
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2021, 1922 UTC »
PMR446 is a license-free service in Europe.
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Offline RobRich

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Re: A license-free Kenwood HT that's in the 446MHz HAM Band?
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2021, 1522 UTC »
On a related note, another license-free option many overlook in the USA is the MURS band. VHF with up to a 2-watt limit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service

There are nicer MURS radios with lots of various features, but I know the entry-level Retevis RT27V handheld is a quite affordable option. I never bought anything directly from the company site, so YMMV, but right now it is apparently on sale for under $20.

https://www.retevis.com/RT27V-MURS-Business-Radio
« Last Edit: July 09, 2021, 1637 UTC by RobRich »
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Offline NJQA

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Re: A license-free Kenwood HT that's in the 446MHz HAM Band?
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2021, 1417 UTC »
Many of the Retevis products are available on Amazon (though the RT27 is not as cheap as the factory is selling it). I have found that almost all of the Retevis radios have programming software available, though sometimes I have to email them to get it.
« Last Edit: July 09, 2021, 1551 UTC by NJQA »
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