Opinion Piece - Amateur Radio Has an Ageing Problem – And I'm Worried About Its Future

Attending the Tassie Ham-E-Con over the weekend left me thinking about something that I find increasingly difficult to ignore: the age of the people involved in amateur radio.

Over the weekend, I attended the Tassie Ham-E-Con, a conference dedicated to amateur radio, its technology, activities and community. There were some interesting presentations, plenty of opportunities to catch up with other radio enthusiasts, and a chance to spend time with people who share an interest in the radio hobby.

But there was one thing that really stood out to me. At 44 years old, I was one of the youngest people attending.

Stop and think about that for a moment. I'm 44. I'm hardly a teenager or someone just starting out in life. Yet, in a room full of amateur radio enthusiasts, I found myself among the younger generation.

That should concern us.

A hobby that is getting older

Amateur radio has an ageing population. This isn't exactly a new observation, and I'm certainly not the first person to raise it. However, seeing it firsthand at a conference made the situation feel particularly obvious.

Where are the operators in their 20s and 30s? Where are the younger people who should be discovering the hobby, experimenting with technology, building antennas, exploring the radio spectrum and developing the skills that have kept amateur radio interesting for generations? Of course, there are younger operators out there. There are people experimenting with SDR, digital modes, satellites, portable operating, software-defined radios and all sorts of interesting projects.

But are we doing enough to attract them, encourage them and, more importantly, make them feel welcome?

I'm not convinced we are.

Have we become too comfortable?

One of my concerns is that parts of amateur radio seem to be very comfortable doing things the way they have always been done.

There is enormous value in experience and tradition. Many operators have decades of knowledge, practical skills and technical experience that should be celebrated and passed on.

But tradition should not become an excuse for resisting change.

Technology has moved forward enormously. We have inexpensive SDR receivers, powerful computers, readily available software, digital communications, online communities and a wealth of information available to anyone with an internet connection.

Someone can now explore large portions of the radio spectrum with relatively inexpensive equipment and a computer.

Yet, sometimes, the hobby still seems to place considerable emphasis on doing things the traditional way.

There is nothing wrong with traditional operating. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a conventional radio, making contacts and participating in established activities.

The problem arises when those traditional approaches become the only approaches that receive attention, encouragement or recognition.

Younger people have different interests, different expectations and different ways of engaging with technology.

If we want them involved, we need to recognise that.

The cost and complexity of getting started

Another potential barrier is the perception that getting involved in amateur radio requires significant financial investment.

Good radios, antennas, power supplies, feed lines and accessories can quickly become expensive.

For someone starting out, particularly a younger person who might not have much disposable income, this can be intimidating.

There is also the learning curve.

Licensing, regulations, operating procedures, technical terminology, equipment configuration and understanding propagation can seem like an awful lot to take on.

We should be making it easier for people to get started, not making the entry point feel like an examination in everything that has happened in amateur radio over the past 50 years.

We need to demonstrate that you don't need thousands of dollars of equipment to enjoy radio.

A simple receiver, a modest antenna, a computer and a willingness to experiment can open up an enormous world of discovery.

Are we making the hobby relevant?

This is perhaps the biggest question.

What does amateur radio offer someone growing up in 2026?

They already have smartphones, instant messaging, social media, online gaming, computers and access to almost unlimited information. We cannot simply expect them to become interested in amateur radio because previous generations found it fascinating.

We need to show them what makes it interesting today.

There are plenty of opportunities:

• Software-defined radio and spectrum exploration.

• Digital communications and experimentation.

• Satellite communications and tracking.

• Antenna design and practical electronics.

• Portable operating and outdoor radio activities.

• Emergency communications and resilience.

• Programming, automation and radio-related software development.

• Exploring propagation and making contacts around the world.

These are genuinely interesting activities that connect radio with modern technology. We should be promoting these aspects of the hobby much more actively.

We should be making it clear that there is no single correct way to enjoy radio.

It's not just about attracting young people

I don't think the answer is simply to organise a youth day, put some photographs on Facebook and declare that we have solved the problem.

Attracting new people is one thing. Keeping them involved is another. New operators need encouragement, support and opportunities to participate. They need to feel that their ideas are valued, even if those ideas challenge established ways of doing things.

They need access to people who are willing to share knowledge without making them feel inexperienced or unwelcome.

Most importantly, they need to see a future for themselves in the hobby. We should be asking ourselves whether our clubs, conferences, events and online communities are genuinely accessible and welcoming to newcomers.

Are we encouraging experimentation?

Are we supporting people who want to explore different aspects of radio?

Are we embracing new technology?

Are we listening to people who might have a different idea of what amateur radio should look like?

These are important questions.

What happens in another 20 years?

This is what concerns me most. If I'm one of the younger people attending an amateur radio conference at 44, what will the situation look like in another 10 or 20 years?

Who will be organising the conferences?

Who will be maintaining the repeaters?

Who will be running the clubs?

Who will be sharing decades of accumulated knowledge?

Who will be encouraging the next generation?

There is an incredible amount of experience within the amateur radio community. Losing that knowledge because we haven't done enough to encourage people to follow in those footsteps would be a terrible outcome.

We cannot assume that the hobby will simply continue because it has always existed. It needs people. It needs new ideas. It needs enthusiasm and, above all, it needs a reason for people to get involved.

A hobby worth saving

I don't want this to come across as an attack on older amateur radio operators.

Far from it.

Many of these people have contributed enormously to amateur radio. Their knowledge, experience and commitment deserve recognition.

But we need to be honest about the demographic situation and what it might mean for the future. Being 44 and one of the youngest people at the Tassie Ham-E-Con was an interesting experience, but it was also a sobering one.

Amateur radio has so much to offer. It combines technology, science, communication, engineering, experimentation and community in a way that few other hobbies can. I still believe it is a fantastic hobby.

But believing in the hobby also means being willing to question where it is heading. We need to stop assuming that the next generation will automatically find us.

We need to go out and find them, show them what is possible, make it affordable, embrace modern technology and give them a reason to stay.

Because if someone in their mid-40s is considered one of the young people in the room, perhaps it's time we stopped pretending that everything is fine.

The future of amateur radio depends on what we do today, not what we did 30 years ago.

The Scanner DXer – Approaching Radio Scanning with a DXer's Mindset

Exploring the radio spectrum, discovering unknown signals and making the most of what your scanner can receive.

Introduction

When most people think about radio scanning, they probably picture a scanner programmed with a collection of known frequencies, favourite channels and local radio systems. You turn on the scanner, select a scan list and listen to whatever activity happens to be taking place.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach. It is, after all, one of the main attractions of the hobby. However, there is another way to approach radio scanning that borrows heavily from the world of DXing and shortwave listening. Rather than concentrating on what you already know is out there, why not approach scanning as an exercise in exploration and discovery? Why not take the mindset of a radio DXer and apply it to the VHF and UHF bands? 

What can you receive that you weren't expecting? What frequencies are being used that aren't in your database? Can you identify an unknown transmitter? Can you receive something from further away than you normally would?

I like to think of this as Scanner DXing.

It isn't about buying the most expensive receiver or installing the biggest antenna. It is about developing a process, experimenting with your equipment and getting more enjoyment out of discovering what is happening across the radio spectrum.

1. Change your mindset: From monitoring to exploring

Traditional scanning is often focused on listening to known activity. You might have frequencies programmed for local emergency services, aviation, marine, rail, business radio, amateur radio and public utilities. You know what to expect, and you wait for something interesting to happen.

A DXer's mindset changes this slightly.

Instead of asking:

• What can I listen to today?

• Which of my programmed frequencies are active?

• What is happening on my local radio systems?

Start asking:

• What else is transmitting in this band?

• Are there signals I haven't identified?

• Can I receive something from a more distant location?

• Has a frequency become active that I haven't previously noticed?

• Can I identify a signal using nothing more than its characteristics and some research?

The difference is subtle, but important. You stop treating your frequency database as a complete representation of the radio spectrum. Instead, you treat it as a starting point for further exploration.

There is always something else to discover.

2. Start with the equipment you already own

One of the appealing aspects of ultralight DXing is the challenge of achieving good reception with relatively modest equipment. The same philosophy can be applied to scanner DXing. You don't need to immediately purchase a new scanner, install an external antenna or build a complicated receiving setup.

Start with what you already have. For example, a Uniden UBCD436PT is perfectly capable of being used as a discovery tool.

Experiment with:

• Different frequency bands.

• Different search ranges.

• Different antenna positions.

• Different listening locations.

• Different times of the day.

• Different receiver settings.

Try to understand what your existing equipment can achieve before deciding that you need something better. There is considerable satisfaction in discovering a new signal using equipment that you have owned for years.

3. Explore bands rather than just programmed frequencies

One of the biggest changes you can make is to spend more time searching entire frequency ranges. Most scanners offer frequency search capabilities, allowing you to investigate activity without having every frequency programmed beforehand.

Rather than simply scanning your existing database, dedicate time to exploring individual bands.

For example:

Band	Exploration opportunities
VHF Low	Industrial, utility and other services
VHF Mid	Land mobile and specialist services
VHF High	Business, public services and other land mobile activity
UHF	Business, commercial, industrial and other services
70cm	Amateur radio and associated activity
800/900 MHz	Trunked systems and other services

The exact services and allocations will depend on your location and the Australian frequency allocation arrangements.

The important thing is to avoid assuming that everything worth listening to is already in your programming. A frequency that has never appeared in your database could become your next interesting discovery.

4. Treat unknown signals as discoveries

Finding an unknown signal is one of the most enjoyable parts of this approach. Rather than immediately dismissing an unidentified transmission, take the time to investigate it.

Start with a simple process:

1. Record the frequency.

2. Note the date and time.

3. Listen to the transmission.

4. Identify the apparent transmission mode.

5. Look for repeated activity.

6. Investigate whether the frequency is allocated to a particular service.

7. Compare the signal with other known activity.

8. Attempt to establish the transmitter or service.

9. Record your confidence in the identification.

Don't rush to conclusions. A signal might sound like a particular business or service, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have identified it correctly.

There is a difference between hearing something, making an educated guess and confirming what it actually is. Keep those distinctions in your log for future review.

5. Experiment with distance and reception conditions

Scanner DXing is not just about finding something new. It is also about understanding how and why you can receive it. This is particularly interesting when experimenting with VHF and UHF reception.

Reception can be influenced by:

• Transmitter power.

• Antenna height.

• Terrain and obstructions.

• Antenna characteristics.

• Receiver sensitivity.

• Atmospheric conditions.

• Propagation effects.

Try listening from different locations. A frequency that produces little activity at home might reveal something interesting from an elevated location or somewhere with a clearer path towards a distant transmitter.

Keep notes about where you were listening and what equipment you were using. Over time, you may start recognising patterns in your reception.

Don't assume that a strong signal necessarily means a nearby transmitter, or that a weak signal must be distant. Reception conditions can be complicated. The objective is to experiment and learn.

6. Make logging an important part of the hobby

This is where I think a DXing approach can really improve the traditional scanning experience. Instead of simply adding frequencies to a database, treat every interesting reception as an individual observation.

A useful reception log should include:

Date	Date of reception
Time	Time of reception
Frequency	Frequency received
Band	VHF, UHF, etc.
Mode	Analogue FM, P25, DMR, etc.
Signal quality	Relative reception quality
Location	Where you were listening
Antenna	Equipment used
Identification	Known, suspected or unknown
Distance	Estimated distance, where established
Notes	Activity, audio and observations

You don't need to record every transmission. Concentrate on interesting receptions, new discoveries, unusual activity and signals that you want to investigate further.

For me, this is also an opportunity to make use of software and tools developed specifically for the radio hobby. A good database (such as RadioFreakDB) should help you build a history of what you have received, when you received it and what you have learned.

It should become a record of your exploration rather than simply another frequency list.

7. Introduce personal scanning challenges

One way to keep the hobby interesting is to establish challenges.

DXers often have personal reception goals, country counts and station identification targets.

There is no reason scanner enthusiasts cannot do something similar.

Here are a few ideas.

- The 24-hour band challenge

Choose a frequency band and dedicate 24 hours to exploring it. Record interesting signals, identify new users and compare activity at different times.

- The unknown frequency challenge

Find five signals that aren't already in your frequency database. Your objective is to investigate and identify as many as possible.

- The antenna comparison challenge

Choose a selection of frequencies and compare reception using different antennas. Keep the receiver, location and other conditions as consistent as possible.

- The location challenge

Take your scanner to two different locations and investigate the same frequency ranges. Compare what you receive and identify any differences.

- The propagation challenge

Monitor a selection of frequencies over several days or weeks. Look for unusual reception, changes in signal strength and distant signals that appear unexpectedly.

- The database challenge

Find active frequencies or systems that aren't represented in your existing database. Investigate them and update your records where appropriate.

These challenges provide something to work towards without needing to spend money on additional equipment.

8. Don't forget Close Call and other discovery features

Modern scanners have features specifically designed to help discover radio activity. Uniden's Close Call RF Capture technology is a particularly useful example.

Rather than relying entirely on programmed frequencies, Close Call can help identify nearby transmissions. It is worth experimenting with Close Call in different environments and comparing the results with your normal frequency searches.

Remember that Close Call is not a replacement for conventional searching. It has its own limitations, and a signal being missed does not necessarily mean that nothing is transmitting.

Use it as another discovery tool in your collection.

9. Build a scanning routine

A structured routine can help make this approach sustainable. You don't need to spend every waking hour searching the bands. Instead, allocate time to different activities.

For example:

Day	Activity
Monday	VHF High and UHF exploration
Tuesday	UHF and 70cm discovery
Wednesday	VHF Low and VHF Mid exploration
Thursday	VHF High and UHF follow-up searches
Friday	Business and commercial frequency searches
Weekend	General scanning, Close Call and reviewing discoveries

This is only an example. Adapt it to the bands and services that interest you. The important thing is to have a reason for turning on your scanner beyond simply listening to whatever happens to be active.

10. Measure success by what you discover

Perhaps the biggest change is how you measure an enjoyable scanning session. Traditional scanning can sometimes become repetitive. You might spend hours listening to familiar services, hearing the same conversations and monitoring the same systems.

There is nothing wrong with that, but it can eventually become routine.

A DXing mindset gives you a different way of measuring success.

A successful session might mean:

• Finding one previously unknown frequency.

• Identifying a new transmitter.

• Discovering a previously undocumented talkgroup.

• Receiving a distant repeater.

• Identifying an unusual transmission.

• Learning something new about a particular frequency band.

• Discovering how much difference a change in antenna position makes.

You don't need dozens of new discoveries every day. Sometimes one interesting signal is enough to make an afternoon worthwhile.

11. Share your discoveries

Another enjoyable part of DXing is sharing reception reports and discoveries with other enthusiasts. The scanner community can benefit from the same approach.

Consider publishing:

• New frequency discoveries.

• Interesting reception reports.

• Antenna comparisons.

• Band exploration results.

• Unusual propagation observations.

• Equipment experiments.

• Updates to frequency databases.

Be mindful of applicable Australian laws and privacy considerations. Focus on technical reception information and avoid publishing private communications or personal information. Your discoveries might also help other enthusiasts understand what can be received in their own areas.

Conclusion: Become a Scanner DXer

I don't think radio scanning needs to be limited to programming a collection of known frequencies and waiting for something interesting to happen. There is an enormous amount of radio activity taking place across the spectrum, and much of it remains unexplored by individual enthusiasts.

By borrowing the mindset and process of ultralight DXing and shortwave listening, we can bring a different level of curiosity to scanner monitoring.

Explore rather than simply monitor.

Investigate rather than assume.

Experiment rather than immediately upgrade.

Log rather than forget.

And most importantly, enjoy the discovery.

You don't necessarily need a new scanner, a new antenna or a completely different hobby. You might just need a different approach to the equipment sitting on your desk.

Explore the radio spectrum, one frequency and band at a time.

Hobart Scanning - 6/11/2026 - 8/11/2026

I recently spent a few nights in Hobart for the Tassie Ham-E-Con amateur radio conference, as a part of this I also got some time to do some radio scanning and searching of the bands. This is the first time in a few years I have had a chance to spend some time actually scanning the bands in Hobart, so I was keen to see what I could hear and what had changed. I was staying on the edge of the CBD and had a few chances to spend time scanning the bands between the Friday night and Sunday morning.

VHF Mid Band (70-80MHz): Dead, nothing logged at all

VHF Airband: Tower, Approcah and AWIS logged.

VHF High Band: Some activity on 2m, some TasRail and coucils on DMR. I also logged a lot of random data types signals, some of this I think was due to overload at my location.

UHF: This was where I logged most of the active frequencies. This was a mix of FM and DMR, with a lot of encrypted DMR. I also got a few CloseCall hits but these were only data type signals.

Loggings

Frequency (MHz)	Name	Notes
29.6800	Hayden Honeywood
53.8250	REAST
118.1000	Hobart International Airport
125.5500	Airservices Australia
128.4500	Airservices Australia	AWIS - Weather Service
146.1000	REAST
146.7000	REAST
146.9625	Clayton Reading	DMR
150.9875	TSMRG	Data
156.6000	Tasmanian Ports Corporation Pty Ltd
162.3375	Hobart City Council	DMR
162.4625	Hobart City Council	DMR
162.5500	Tasmanian Railways	Data / overload
162.5750	Kingborough Council	DMR
162.6000	Tasmanian Railways
162.6500	Kingborough Council	DMR
162.9250	Hobart City Council	DMR
163.5375	Tasmanian Railways	DMR
411.2000	Radio Warehouse
415.1000	Tasmanian Health Organisation - South	DMR
415.3500	Tasmanian Health Organisation - South	DMR
439.7500	Damien Styles
451.04375	Metro Tasmania
462.91875	Pitt Communications
462.96875	Federal Holdings Tasmania Pty Limited
463.3250	Australian National Hotels	DMR
463.9375	Moorilla Estate	DMR
464.0000	Nyrstar Hobart
464.1750	Metro Tasmania
464.2250	Metro Tasmania
464.4375	Moorilla Estate	DMR
464.6875	Moorilla Estate	DMR
464.9375	Moorilla Estate	DMR
465.1875	Moorilla Estate	DMR
465.4375	Moorilla Estate	DMR
465.7500	Dept of Justice	NXDN?
473.3500	Ashley Cooper
476.5250	Damien Styles
476.6000	Damien Styles
487.3750	University of Tasmania	DMR
491.6750	Vicinity Centres PM
493.2750	University of Tasmania	DMR
509.7250	Hotel Grand Chancellor (Hobart)	DMR

Mt Nelson Lookout

On the Sunday morning, prior to the conference, I took a drive up to the Mt Nelson Lookout. I didn't get a huge amount of time to scan the bands, but I did grab some photos and explore the site a bit.

Tassie HAM-E-CON 2026 – A Weekend Celebrating Amateur Radio in Tasmania (VK7)

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend Tassie HAM-E-CON 2026, the Tasmania Ham Radio Conference, held in Hobart on 7–8 November.

It was a great opportunity to get together with fellow radio enthusiasts, hear from people doing interesting things across the amateur radio community, and spend some time thinking about where our hobby is heading.

One thing that stood out to me when looking through the conference program was just how broad the range of topics was. This wasn't simply a weekend of technical presentations about radios, antennas and propagation. There was a much bigger picture being explored, including education, community engagement, diversity, leadership, innovation and the future of amateur radio.

Saturday – Education, Engagement and Innovation

The conference kicked off with a keynote presentation by Alan Johnston (KU2Y) on the AMSAT CubeSatSim, a functional satellite model designed for education. This was an interesting way to start the weekend, highlighting how amateur radio can be used as a practical educational tool and how we can introduce new people to the technical side of the hobby.

Paul Hoffman (VK5PH) followed with From Hello to CQ – Re-engineering the Amateur Radio Pipeline, looking at the journey into amateur radio and how we can make it easier for people to get involved.

This was followed by Prajwal and Kiri Bhattaram, discussing practical teaching strategies for amateur radio education and mentoring.

These presentations raised an important question: how do we get people interested in amateur radio, help them develop their skills and, importantly, keep them involved?

The morning continued with presentations about the Huonville Electronics and Radio Team (HEART), engaging the next generation of radio amateurs, and the work being done to improve diversity and participation through groups such as ALARA.

Just before lunch, Dr Paris Buttfield-Addison (VK7SYN) presented Gamifying Amateur Radio. It was an interesting change of perspective, exploring how we might use some of the ideas behind gaming to make amateur radio more engaging.

Other afternoon presentations included the amateur radio journeys of Sisters Akousmatica, inter-club collaboration, and neurodiversity in amateur radio, this chat by Warwick VK7WOZ and Ben VK7BEN was a highlight of the conference and something that I had been espically looking forward to. The presentation on neurodiversity was particularly important as we consider how amateur radio clubs can become more welcoming and accessible to people with different needs, experiences and ways of thinking.

The day finished with Dr Nicholas Chantler (VK7WW) presenting The Spirit of Amateur Radio, followed by presentations on CubeSats, SatNOGS and the Pluto SDR transceiver.

It was a fitting way to finish a day that covered everything from education and community to some very interesting technical developments.

Sunday – Research, Leadership and the Future

Sunday continued with a more focused look at innovation, research and the future direction of amateur radio.

Rex Moncur (VK7MO) opened with a presentation on aircraft scatter propagation, an interesting area of radio research that demonstrates there is still plenty to explore and discover within our hobby.

John Maizels (VK4JPM) then presented a keynote on leadership, motivation and encouragement in volunteer organisations, this talk I found really engaging.

This was followed by a discussion about club revitalisation and moving beyond simply running a club towards supporting a community. I think this is an important distinction. Amateur radio clubs need to be more than just a place to attend meetings. They need to provide opportunities, encourage participation, share knowledge and give people a reason to be involved.

The conference concluded with the True South panel, bringing together several presenters to discuss direction, purpose and strategic planning for individuals and clubs.

It was a good opportunity to bring together many of the themes explored throughout the weekend.

More Than Just Radios

One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was that amateur radio is about much more than the equipment we use. We can spend hours discussing radios, antennas, frequencies, modes, digital systems and propagation. Those technical interests are certainly a big part of what makes the hobby enjoyable.

However, the future of amateur radio also depends on the people involved.

How do we attract new operators? How do we support people who are just starting out? How do we make clubs more welcoming? How do we encourage people to share their knowledge and experiences?

And perhaps most importantly, how do we make sure that amateur radio remains relevant and interesting for the next generation?

These are questions that every amateur radio club and individual operator should be thinking about.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Tassie HAM-E-CON 2026 offered a broad look at amateur radio, bringing together technical innovation, education, community engagement and some important conversations about the future of the hobby.

I particularly appreciated the fact that the program wasn't limited to traditional amateur radio subjects. Including topics such as neurodiversity, gamification, education and club revitalisation showed an understanding that the hobby needs to evolve alongside the people who participate in it.

There was something for people with a wide range of interests, whether they were interested in satellite communications, software-defined radio, propagation, education, club activities or simply finding new ways to enjoy amateur radio.

It was also a reminder that we shouldn't take the future of our hobby for granted. We need to keep experimenting, sharing knowledge, welcoming newcomers and finding ways to make amateur radio accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A big thank you to the organisers, presenters, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who helped make Tassie HAM-E-CON 2026 happen.

It was great to see amateur radio being celebrated in Tasmania, and I hope this is something we continue to see in the years ahead.

73.

Photos

CloseCall Drive to Hobart and Tassie Ham-E-Con Radio Conference

 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSpMq6LFD/

Picking a Random Radio Frequency Isn't Harmless – The Anko Walkie Talkie Recall Is a Wake-Up Call

My thoughts on this: https://trenddigest.com/au/trends/technology/kmart-and-target-recall-anko-walkie-talkies-over-radio-frequency-breach-2026-05-18

Radio Scanning, Amateur Radio and Responsible Frequency Use

Every now and then, a story comes along that reminds us why radio frequencies aren't simply a collection of numbers that you can pick at random and start transmitting on.

A recent nationwide recall of the Anko Long Range Walkie Talkies, sold through Kmart and Target in Australia, is a particularly good example of what can go wrong when radio equipment operates outside its authorised frequency allocations.

According to the recall notice published on 18 May 2026, the devices were found to operate on unauthorised radio frequencies, creating the potential to interfere with licensed radio communications. Customers were instructed to stop using the devices immediately and return them for a full refund.

For the average consumer, this might seem like a relatively minor product recall. For anyone involved in radio communications, scanning or amateur radio, however, it highlights a much bigger issue.

You cannot simply pick a frequency because it is available on your radio.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding two-way radios is that if a frequency can be entered into a radio, it must be suitable to use. That is simply not true.

A radio might allow you to program virtually any frequency within its technical operating range. That doesn't mean you are authorised to transmit on it.

Radio spectrum in Australia is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Different frequency bands are allocated for different purposes, including:

• Emergency services.

• Aviation communications.

• Marine communications.

• Amateur radio.

• Commercial and industrial communications.

• Public safety networks.

• Personal and recreational radio services.

• Government and other licensed services.

These allocations exist for a reason. They allow different services to operate without unnecessarily interfering with each other.

When someone purchases an inexpensive walkie talkie, programs a random frequency and starts transmitting, they could potentially interfere with an existing service.

And that service might be considerably more important than a couple of kids chatting between the backyard and the bedroom.

The consequences can be more serious than you think

Imagine a cheap walkie talkie transmitting on a frequency allocated to another service.

Depending on the frequency, location, equipment and circumstances, the interference could affect:

• An aircraft communication.

• A marine radio transmission.

• A commercial radio network.

• An industrial control or operational communication system.

• An emergency services communication channel.

It is important not to assume that interference will necessarily happen simply because a device is operating incorrectly. However, the potential consequences are precisely why radio equipment and frequency use are regulated.

Emergency services and other critical communications rely on radio networks being available and reliable. Nobody wants an unauthorised transmission interfering with an important communication at the wrong moment.

Even if the person transmitting has absolutely no idea what they are doing, the potential impact doesn't disappear.

Cheap radios and online marketplaces

The Anko recall also raises questions about the number of inexpensive radio devices being sold to consumers.

Walkie talkies are popular for:

• Children playing around the house.

• Camping and outdoor activities.

• Family road trips.

• Sporting activities.

• General recreational use.

There is nothing wrong with wanting an inexpensive way to communicate. Imported radios, particularly inexpensive devices purchased through online marketplaces, deserve some additional scrutiny. Before purchasing a radio, consumers should consider whether it is compliant with Australian requirements and whether it is actually authorised for the intended use.

A product being advertised as a long-range walkie talkie doesn't automatically mean it is legal to operate in Australia.

A little knowledge goes a long way

For anyone purchasing or using two-way radios, there are a few simple things worth remembering.

1. Don't randomly select frequencies.

A frequency being available in your radio's programming menu doesn't mean it is available for your use.

2. Understand the service you're using.

Know which frequency band your radio operates on and what the relevant Australian regulations permit.

3. Buy compliant equipment.

Check that the radio meets Australian regulatory requirements and is suitable for the intended service.

4. Don't assume that low power means no harm.

Even a relatively low-powered transmitter can cause interference, particularly when transmitting close to another receiver or communications site.

5. If you're unsure, don't transmit.

Take the time to research the frequency allocation and applicable licensing conditions before pressing the PTT button.

Resources worth bookmarking

For Australian radio users, there are some useful official resources:

• Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): https://www.acma.gov.au/

• Australian Product Recalls: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls

These are good starting points for understanding frequency allocations, radio licensing and product compliance.

Final thoughts

The Anko walkie talkie recall is a good reminder that radio spectrum is a shared and regulated resource.

I have been interested in radio communications since the 1990s, and one of the things I enjoy most about the hobby is discovering what is happening across the radio spectrum.

From amateur radio and aviation through to marine, rail, commercial and emergency services communications, there is an enormous amount to discover.

But there is also a responsibility that comes with understanding and using radio equipment.

A frequency isn't just a number you can randomly select because it sounds interesting or happens to be quiet.

There could be an entire communications service operating there, with people relying on it every day.

Listen, learn, research and understand the frequencies you're working with, And if you don't know whether you're authorised to transmit, leave the PTT button alone.

Daily Carry Radio Case – November 2026

One of the things I have been working on recently is improving how I carry and protect my radio scanning equipment. While my previous case served its purpose for a while, it was becoming increasingly obvious that it wasn't really standing up to everyday use.

After a few incidents and some searching around, I've now put together a new Daily Carry Radio Case.

Why the change?

My previous case had started showing its weaknesses. On a few occasions, the clips had come open while the case was being transported, which isn't exactly ideal when you're carrying radio equipment around.

It had also developed a crack near the hinge, and I was finding that it wasn't holding everything as securely as I would have liked.

For equipment that gets carried around regularly, I wanted something a little more robust. I also wanted to keep everything together in one compact package rather than having various bits of equipment floating around in my backpack.

Finding a replacement

While browsing around recently, I came across the ToolPRO-X Metal Modular Storage System Small Plastic Organiser. It was on special for just $24, and after a quick check of the dimensions, it looked like it might be a good fit for what I needed. I decided to give this one a go.

It's a relatively compact organiser, but the layout and construction looked promising. It also offered a few features that addressed the problems I had been having with my previous case.

Reusing my custom foam insert

One of the biggest advantages of the new case is that I could reuse the custom foam insert I had previously made for my Uniden UBCD436PT. The foam was originally cut to suit the scanner and its accessories, so I was hoping it would transfer across without too much work. Fortunately, it fitted extremely well. Only a small amount of foam needed to be removed from the side to get everything sitting comfortably. This saved me having to start again and make another custom insert.

It also means the scanner remains securely positioned inside the case rather than moving around during transport.

Removable storage tubs

Another feature I particularly like is the removable plastic storage tubs.

These provide some additional flexibility and allow me to separate smaller accessories and equipment.

The tubs can also be removed individually when I only need to take a particular selection of gear with me. This is a nice bonus and makes the case a little more versatile than my previous setup.

It's always useful having somewhere to keep the smaller bits and pieces that tend to accumulate when you're involved in radio scanning!

A more robust design

The new case also has a couple of construction improvements that I was specifically looking for.

The heavy-duty latches provide a much more secure closure, while the protected hinges should help avoid the sort of damage that developed on my previous case.

Considering this case will be regularly carried around in a backpack, having something that can better handle everyday knocks and movement is important. I'm not expecting it to be indestructible, but it certainly feels like a step in the right direction.

Getting back to portable scanning

One of my goals over the coming months is to get back into doing more portable radio scanning sessions.

While I enjoy having my scanning equipment set up at home, there's something different about getting out and about, finding somewhere interesting to sit, and seeing what activity you can discover. Having a compact, organised case makes that a lot easier.

This new setup is small and neat enough to carry around in my everyday backpack without taking up too much room. It gives me a convenient way to transport my UBCD436PT and associated equipment while keeping everything protected and organised.

Final thoughts

For $24, I'm pretty happy with this little upgrade.

The ToolPRO-X organiser has given me a more practical carrying solution, allowed me to reuse my existing custom foam insert, and provided some additional flexibility with the removable storage tubs.

Most importantly, it addresses the shortcomings of my previous case.

Sometimes the best equipment upgrades aren't necessarily expensive or complicated. A little bit of repurposing and some careful planning can produce a very practical result.

I'm looking forward to putting this one through its paces over the coming months, particularly as I get back into more portable scanning.

Another small improvement to my radio scanning setup.