Be carefull using airband scanner or SBS1er in South Africa (or better dont use it)

[Charky]

Hi,
I was thinking about setting up a SBS1er in south africa. But now I have to think again about it, because the 1er contains an airband receiver.
If somebody knows about the legal side using a ADS-B / ModeS receiver in south africa please let me know. Will be the airnav box or the old SBS1(e) be allowed in South Africa ?

http://www.cqhq.co.uk/2010/10/sa-plane-spotter-prosecution.html

http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=66398

[Mike]

Charky, have you checked the law? Using and owning airband scanner is two completely different things.

[Charky]

I know, but the SBS1er contains an airband receiver.

[Anmer]

The SBS-1eR has an integral AM/FM radio. There's no scanner feature.

Is it illegal to own a radio in South Africa?

[Charky]

yes, if you can receive airband with it. Its not important if its a scanner or not.

[Anmer]

Has that Swift case come to court yet?

Maybe the distinction is to be made between being in possession of an airband receiver and using it? Are there shops openly selling airband receivers in Sourh Africa?

At the end of the day you can either spend a lot of money getting legal advice or take your chances. Or take up train spotting.

[Charky]

Its different, country by country.
In most countries you can sell everything, if you inform the buyer that he has to have a look for the local law.
In some countries you are not allowed to travel around with a receiver which can be made working with some easy steps. putting batteries in, connecting an antenna, etc.
And in some countries this receivers, allowing to receive not allowed frequencies, are not allowed at all.
And, in some countries you can use this receivers, but you are not allowed to tell somebody that you can receive these frequencies or tell somebody of the content of the messages received (or upload).
The case is in court currently since some month. Every frequency put into the receiver is a single case ! Will go on further around 11.1.2011.
Have a look at the second link. They have even opened an advokat account to help this spotter.

Again. The problem with the SBS1eR is that it contains an airband receiver. I prefer this box. But it would help some users in some countries to receive ADS-B without problems (legally currently worldwide allowed) without running into legal problems. I would be happy if there is an ADS-B receiver without airband, well supported like the SBS1eR and with its quality.

[Anmer]

I find it strange that the "authorities" would be more concerned about the inclusion of a radio and ignore the ModeS capabilities?

And which clever policeman would work out that the SBS-1eR has an inbuilt radio? Would the tuning dial and frequency display give him a clue?

[Mike]

I have an old SBS-1 without radio if you want it Charky?

[Charky]

ok Mike. see you in the chat.

[Charky]

Mike, Ive sent to you an email a week ago. you received it ?

[Mike]

I have been at hospital last week with limited internet and computer access so I have not answered any mails this week.

[Charky]

An update to the airband scanner in south africa: http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/con...al-radio-comms

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is illigal to use and airband in the UK but the airport roads are surrounded by them being used. Never mind Charky Malema has gone now!!!