Freenet (radio application)
Freenet was a product name of the Motorola company and today colloquially describes a radio application for everyone in Germany, which was set up in 1996 at the insistence of Motorola in a part of the freed-up frequencies of the former mobile B network .
Technical and conditions of use
Originally only three channels in a 12.5 kHz grid were approved for Freenet . In January 2007 the number of channels was increased to six. Since November 23, 2016, these six channels can also be used for digital voice transmission in addition to conventional analog voice transmission. In addition, since then in the same frequency area on twelve newly created channels in the range from 149.021875 MHz to 149.115625 MHz, digital voice radio in the 6.25 kHz grid has been permitted.
With the Official Gazette Order No. 60/2019, the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) adjusted the terms of use for Freenet radio. The maximum equivalent radiated power ( ERP ) was increased from 0.5 watts to 1 watt. The ban on using Freenet in the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb in locations above 600 m has been lifted. At a distance of 10 km from Belgium and Poland, however, only 0.5 watt radiated power (ERP) is permitted.
Within the framework of the neighboring state regulation, no harmful interference may be caused by frequency usage in neighboring states. If the frequency use disrupts the use of frequencies in neighboring countries, the frequency user must immediately cease broadcasting on the frequencies in question at the request of the Federal Network Agency.
Freenet radios must meet the requirements of the Radio Equipment Act ( FuAG ). For example, only radio systems may be used that are intended for use in the Federal Republic of Germany and that are provided with the CE mark . In addition, every device must be accompanied by a certificate of conformity .
With Freenet devices, a realistic range of 500 m to 5 km (depending on obstacles such as houses, trees, etc.) can be achieved. The signal attenuation is not as high as with the SRD and PMR446 public radio applications, which are based on higher frequencies . The antennas of the devices are often removable so that they can be replaced by more powerful ones to increase the range. However, it is important to ensure that the antenna gain does not result in the radiated power exceeding 1 watt.
Channel table
The channels are in the 2-meter band in the frequency range of corporate radio .
Analog frequency usage
| channel
( FM ) |
Center frequency
in MHz |
Channel width / channel grid
in kHz |
Use (unofficial)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 149.0250 | 12.5 | |
| 2 | 149.0375 | 12.5 | |
| 3 | 149.0500 | 12.5 | Unofficial prepper channel |
| 4th | 149.0875 | 12.5 | |
| 5 | 149.1000 | 12.5 | |
| 6th | 149.1125 | 12.5 |
Digital frequency usage
| channel
( TDMA ) |
Center frequency
in MHz |
Channel width / channel grid
in kHz |
Use (unofficial)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 149.0250 | 12.5 | |
| 2 | 149.0375 | 12.5 | |
| 3 | 149.0500 | 12.5 | |
| 4th | 149.0875 | 12.5 | |
| 5 | 149.1000 | 12.5 | |
| 6th | 149.1125 | 12.5 |
| channel
( FDMA ) |
Center frequency
in MHz |
Channel width / channel grid
in kHz |
Use (unofficial)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 149.021875 | 6.25 | |
| 2 | 149.028125 | 6.25 | |
| 3 | 149.034375 | 6.25 | |
| 4th | 149.040625 | 6.25 | |
| 5 | 149.046875 | 6.25 | |
| 6th | 149.053125 | 6.25 | |
| 7th | 149.084375 | 6.25 | |
| 8th | 149.090625 | 6.25 | |
| 9 | 149.096875 | 6.25 | |
| 10 | 149.103125 | 6.25 | |
| 11 | 149.109375 | 6.25 | |
| 12 | 149.115625 | 6.25 |
Gateways
Sometimes analog freenet is also used to bridge large distances over the Internet via HF gateways using VoIP . For this purpose, a program (e.g. eQSO , FRN , TeamSpeak or Mumble ) is set up that feeds the audio signals received into the Internet and then at another location via a CB radio , PMR446, Freenet or LPD / SRD radio device sends out.
Legal
Freenet abroad
Freenet is a national radio application that is only permitted in Germany. Foreign telecommunications administrations grant i. d. Usually no permission for the use of Freenet devices because the frequencies there are often assigned for other radio applications. For radio operations abroad, we recommend PMR radio , the use of which is harmonized across Europe, or CB radio , for which, however, different national regulations must be observed.
Radio operation in the car
The so-called ban on cell phones at the wheel generally also applies to the use of radio devices in motor vehicles. However, until January 31, 2021, a general exception for two-way radios still applies to this ban on vehicle drivers.
Individual evidence
- ↑ FM - the radio magazine: "Freenet" now also with digital voice transmission. Retrieved December 1, 2016 .
- ↑ Federal Network Agency (BNetzA): Order No. 60/2019 of May 13, 2019. Accessed on May 23, 2019 .
- ↑ RadioMaster Reports: 3-3-3 Radio Plan for SHTF Communications. Retrieved May 24, 2019 .
- ↑ § 23 Para. 1a StVO
- ↑ § 52 Abs. 4 StVO