Operating Mobile Ham Radio when on the Road
In Canada, the national calling frequencies for ham radio operations are:
- 146.520 MHz: This is the primary national calling frequency for VHF/UHF ham radio operations in Canada.
- 146.580 MHz: This is the secondary national calling frequency for VHF/UHF operations in Canada.
- 147.360 MHz: This is the primary repeater frequency for VHF/UHF operations in Canada.
These frequencies are designated for voice communications and are typically used by ham radio operators who are mobile (i.e. operating from a vehicle) or portable (i.e. operating from a temporary location). It is worth noting that these frequencies may not always be active, and you may want to try monitoring other nearby frequencies to see if there is any activity.
The 70 cm band (also known as the 440 MHz band) is a portion of the UHF frequency spectrum that is allocated for amateur radio use. The following frequencies are commonly used for calling and general communications on the 70 cm band:
- 432.100 MHz: This is a popular calling frequency for the 70 cm band, particularly for weak-signal and EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communications.
- 446.000 MHz: This is the national calling frequency for the 70 cm band in many countries.
- 446.100 MHz: This is another popular calling frequency for the 70 cm band, particularly for repeater operations.
- 446.500 MHz: This is the national simplex frequency for the 70 cm band in many countries.
It is worth noting that these frequencies may not always be active, and you may want to try monitoring other nearby frequencies to see if there is any activity.
It is also important to remember that you must have a valid ham radio license to operate on these frequencies. If you do not have a license, you are not allowed to transmit on these frequencies.
ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is a Crown corporation that provides universal auto insurance to residents of British Columbia, Canada. If you are a ham radio operator in British Columbia and you want to use your radio equipment while driving, there are a few rules that you need to follow:
- You must have a valid ham radio license.
- You must follow all federal and provincial laws and regulations related to the use of ham radio equipment.
- Your ham radio equipment must be installed in a way that does not obstruct your view of the road or interfere with the safe operation of your vehicle.
- Your ham radio equipment must not interfere with the operation of other electronic devices in your vehicle (such as the radio or navigation system).
- There are Strict Rules for Distracted Driving in BC. Make sure that you comply with the BC Motor Vehicle Act. Use of Electronic Devices While Driving Legislation 9 Subject to section 6, a person may use a hand microphone while driving or operating a motor vehicle on a highway if (a)the device is within easy reach of the driver’s seat, and (b)is securely fixed to the motor vehicle or worn securely on the person’s body in a manner that does not obstruct the person’s view of the front or sides of the motor vehicle or interfere with the safety or operating equipment of the motor vehicle.
It is important to note that these rules apply to all drivers in British Columbia, regardless of whether they have a ham radio license or not. If you have any questions about the rules for using ham radio equipment while driving in British Columbia, you can contact ICBC or your local ham radio club for more information. See Links Below:
http://www.chwkarc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/electronic-devices-while-driving.pdf