A recent radiocommunications interference case in New Zealand found a crane telecontrol transmission in radio spectrum issued exclusively to another user. The incumbent licence holder’s radio service was degraded and, not surprisingly, the crane control user also reported issues.
Radio spectrum is a resource which needs to be managed. The main management tool is radio licensing. The two categories of licence available for crane control (or other radio control or communication associated with industrial equipment) are General User Licences or assigned Radio Licences.
While no fees apply, General User Licence frequencies are not recommended for applications involving safety or critical functions as their use is not coordinated or protected from interference. Instances can occur where many users, including domestic users, can be in the same area using the same frequency bands at the same time.
Assigned radio Licences in New Zealand include channels for Crane Control and Bush Winch application. These are narrow band 12.5 kHz channels in sections of the EEX band (VHF) and FNX band (UHF). Crane Control channels are generally reserved for cranes temporarily operating at specified locations - typically at construction sites. These licences are engineered to avoid interference, and licence fees apply. Approved Persons are responsible for certifying these licences.
Enquiries about radio licensing can be directed to rsmlicensing@mbie.govt.nz.
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