Pig hunters can cause radio interference

The New Zealand radiocommunications regulator says some pig hunters use unauthorised dog collar transmitters which can cause harmful interference to other radio services.

From http://news.business.govt.nz/news/info/rsm/article/9534

Dog tracking collars interference

Pig hunters routinely use radio transmitting dog collars and tracking receivers to locate pig dogs lost in the bush. It is essential that equipment used for this purpose complies with the New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations 2001.

Many of the tracking systems available from overseas use frequencies that have been allocated to other radio services in New Zealand. If you buy such equipment you could find that interference from broadcasting or radiotelephone services prevents the equipment from working properly.

These dog collar transmitters may also cause harmful interference to other radio services, making you liable for fines, prosecution and forfeiture of the gear.

Use of the collars in remote bush doesn’t ensure that other radio services won’t be affected. If the equipment is on the wrong frequencies it can harm services used in remote situations, such as logging winch systems, forest communications and even search and rescue communications.

Make sure your tracking system has the protection of operating on frequencies that are authorised for this service in New Zealand. Your equipment supplier can confirm that the equipment they are selling meets required New Zealand standards and operates on the correct frequencies for the New Zealand market.

You can also check on the RSM website the frequencies available for this service in New Zealand.

If you need further information you can contact RSM at info@rsm.govt.nz or freephone at 0508 776 4636

New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management (RSM)
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/

Skype ID: NewZealandRadioSpectrum