Converting vfh to channel 0 to listen to ditress calls
Discussion
I’m sure it’s possible to do with the right kit however:
Under section 48 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (as amended), it may be an offence if a person uses radio equipment with the intention of receiving a message of which they are not an intended recipient.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/00...
Under section 48 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (as amended), it may be an offence if a person uses radio equipment with the intention of receiving a message of which they are not an intended recipient.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/00...
DavieBNL said:
You are absolutely correct but just another utterly unenforceable law. Must be thousands of scanners and receivers sold a year; I bet you can count on one hand the number of prosecutions under that Act for listening in.
Because it is hard to enforce the law does not mean you should ignore it. It is there for a purpose and will do you no harm to obey it.Edited by DavieBNL on Sunday 12th April 10:24
"Just because you can" thinking has no traction when lives are at risk.
I could drawer a parallel to the current corvid 19 situation......
My hand held and on board VHF both have CH 0.
My understanding is unless you're UK based SAR or Coastguard you don't use it in UK waters. Both will still be monitoring VHF 16 so if you are able to offer information or assistance in a distress situation then use CH 16 to make initial contact then if requested switch to whichever channel you're directed too.
My understanding is unless you're UK based SAR or Coastguard you don't use it in UK waters. Both will still be monitoring VHF 16 so if you are able to offer information or assistance in a distress situation then use CH 16 to make initial contact then if requested switch to whichever channel you're directed too.
Jaguar steve said:
My hand held and on board VHF both have CH 0.
My understanding is unless you're UK based SAR or Coastguard you don't use it in UK waters. Both will still be monitoring VHF 16 so if you are able to offer information or assistance in a distress situation then use CH 16 to make initial contact then if requested switch to whichever channel you're directed too.
If it’s SAR then it will all be working from CH16 with just lifeboats, Coastal rescue teams, control room and helicopters operating on CH0. My understanding is unless you're UK based SAR or Coastguard you don't use it in UK waters. Both will still be monitoring VHF 16 so if you are able to offer information or assistance in a distress situation then use CH 16 to make initial contact then if requested switch to whichever channel you're directed too.
loggo said:
DavieBNL said:
You are absolutely correct but just another utterly unenforceable law. Must be thousands of scanners and receivers sold a year; I bet you can count on one hand the number of prosecutions under that Act for listening in.
Because it is hard to enforce the law does not mean you should ignore it. It is there for a purpose and will do you no harm to obey it.Edited by DavieBNL on Sunday 12th April 10:24
"Just because you can" thinking has no traction when lives are at risk.
I could drawer a parallel to the current corvid 19 situation......
What a utterly bizarre parallel to make. Genuinely baffled as to what "harm" those folks who do scanner type stuff are causing other people.
DavieBNL said:
Wow - seemed to have touched a nerve there.
What a utterly bizarre parallel to make. Genuinely baffled as to what "harm" those folks who do scanner type stuff are causing other people.
Because sensitive information might be transmitted over that channel, medical details, the fact somebody has deceased and so on. I wouldn’t say it’s a bizarre parallel at all. What a utterly bizarre parallel to make. Genuinely baffled as to what "harm" those folks who do scanner type stuff are causing other people.
OK - I'll put my hands up - not really defending anything specifically here. I have no real interest in what these listening folks do (not doing it as a hobby I have no idea what the correct term for them is) but...I was under the impression that all emerg services stuff, medical info, etc was encrypted these days with TETRA radios so you cannot listen in?
I think the issue raised above was (I think) regarding compliance with the law, picking and choosing? Some people are going to listen to these radios for right or wrong in the same way some people will drive at over 70mph on a motorway.
I think the issue raised above was (I think) regarding compliance with the law, picking and choosing? Some people are going to listen to these radios for right or wrong in the same way some people will drive at over 70mph on a motorway.
DavieBNL said:
OK - I'll put my hands up - not really defending anything specifically here. I have no real interest in what these listening folks do (not doing it as a hobby I have no idea what the correct term for them is) but...I was under the impression that all emerg services stuff, medical info, etc was encrypted these days with TETRA radios so you cannot listen in?
Police, Ambulance, Fire operate on Tetra as do the coastguard helicopters but coastguard teams, lifeboats and mountain rescue teams operate on VHF. It is also possible but very hard to listen to Tetra so it’s not fully secure.
Edited by ecsrobin on Monday 13th April 18:00
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