Freenet
What is the Freenet range at
149 MHz?
The Freenet range at 149 MHz is a frequency range used for radio communication on approximately 2m wavelength. It was designed in Germany specifically for professional radio and is a license-free range. Transmit power is limited to 1 watt, and only handheld radios with built-in/fixed antennas are allowed. There is one exception, for devices with a maximum of 0.5W, the antenna may be removable. The use of mobile radios is actually not allowed domestically, but there is a gray area for commercial devices with a permanently attached antenna.
What are the advantages of the Freenet area?
The Freenet range offers many advantages. For one thing, the voice quality is very high thanks to FM modulation, which leads to very good intelligibility overall. The low level of interference in the FM range also contributes to this. Secondly, using the Freenet range is very simple and straightforward. You don't need a special license or permission to use this range.
What is the range of the Freenet area?
The range of the Freenet area depends on one's location and terrain. Typically, you will find range specifications of approx. 500 to 6000 m from the manufacturers. Inside massive buildings (reinforced concrete!) it is sometimes only possible with difficulties over small distances, outdoors it can be enough for 10 km and more from mountain top to mountain top. Overranges like in CB radio are also known on VHF, but much rarer.
Which devices can be used in the Freenet area?
In the Freenet area, only handheld radios with a maximum transmit power of 1 watt are allowed. These devices are usually very compact and lightweight and can be carried comfortably in your pocket or on your belt. There are also a variety of accessories, such as headsets and earphones, that allow convenient "hands-free" operation.
How does code squelch or selective calling work in the Freenet area?
Code squelch or selective calling is permitted in the Freenet area. In code squelch, a specific group code (sub-audio tone or a digital code) is sent out together with the voice. Each user can select one of several codes.
This ensures that several user groups can use a frequency simultaneously without interfering with each other too much. Selective addressing means that only the users in one's own group can be heard. Simply speaking, the Freenet band offers 6 analog and 12 digital radio channels.
Classic selective call (as known to firefighters, police or companies), switches all desired radios on the channel to receive.
What are the differences between analog and digital modulation in the Freenet range?
Until 2016, only analog FM modulation was allowed in the Freenet band. FM corresponds to the modulation as in FM broadcasting and is characterized by very high voice quality and low interference. Overall, therefore, intelligibility is much better than with other methods. The slightly smaller range of FM is considered a disadvantage.
Since the last change in the law in 2016, digital modulations have also been permitted in Freenet, more precisely the DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) method. By using modern compression methods, the number of radio channels could be doubled. The DMR standard has the advantage that it is supported by many manufacturers worldwide. So in most cases you can assume that devices from different manufacturers can also communicate with each other.
However, each manufacturer is free to choose which digital process to use. Since different digital processes require the purchase of (expensive) licenses, there are no uniform processes. This means that devices from manufacturer A may not be compatible with devices from manufacturer B (they do not "fit"), and even different models from one manufacturer A may not work together. It is recommended to buy the devices in a specialized store and to test which devices fit to each other before buying them.
The use of modern compression methods has doubled the number of radio channels.
What restrictions are there on the use of
the Freenet band?
The Freenet band is only in use in Germany and may not be used abroad. There, the frequencies are used for other purposes. There are no special rights in the Freenet band. If a channel is already occupied, another channel should be selected. If you want to discuss "company internal" things: Keep in mind that all users can listen to suitable devices, even if they do not make themselves known.
Conclusion
The Freenet range at 149 MHz is a license-free frequency range for professional radio. It is mainly suitable for small teams working in close proximity, such as security, event crews or catering businesses. Families and hobby radio operators have also discovered this range for themselves. Using the Freenet area is very simple and straightforward. You don't need any special license or permission to use this area.
-
Kenwood NX-1200D-FN Freenet handheld radioProfessional handheld radio for analog and digital voice communication, registration and toll free, max. 1W, incl. battery and quick charger
In stock, shipped in 1 to 2 days
€249.00incl. VAT, plus shipping €209.24
