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I have an interest in studying and researching how radio technology can be used in other fields of electronics. What kind of license should I look into so I can carry out some experiments or research?

My interest is Data propagation in Radio contexts.

My intent is to experiment with Ham radio equipment to research viable Data networking and create equipment off of it.

I working at any band or VHF, UHF etc. that I fit and what I can do with once I have the documents in hand.

What I intended to do was co op existing radio hardware into designs or create external addons or chips to plug into your desktop or an existing sets. The reason why I ask this question is that I am fully aware of the idea that you need paper work to fully operate the transmitter or work in the bands.

If I don't intend to operate as a full blown "Station" but rather in a controlled environment, do I need an operational license or is there a specialty documentation that I can get to permit to me to use the equipment that I am co opting.

Radiation will be at times emitted but the bulk of the time the radiation will be confined. I will have to at times radiate but hopefully in low power modes. High power if permitted.

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    $\begingroup$ This is an amateur radio site, I guess people are going to suggest you get an amateur radio license. $\endgroup$
    – Phil Frost - W8II
    Oct 21, 2018 at 2:24
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    $\begingroup$ The Internet is international, and this sort of thing varies by country, so stating in which country you live (assuming that's where you will conduct your experiments) will be of help. $\endgroup$
    – Jim MacKenzie VE5EV
    Oct 21, 2018 at 4:37
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    $\begingroup$ What aspects of radio technology are you interested in? It's quite a broad topic! We can better tailor our answers if you give us some specifics or some examples of things that you might like to do with radio technology. (Please edit your question rather than reply with a comment.) $\endgroup$
    – rclocher3
    Oct 22, 2018 at 16:23
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    $\begingroup$ By "data propagation" do you mean the physical propagation of (information-carrying) radio waves? Or do you mean matters of transferring digital data over radio? Or…? $\endgroup$
    – Kevin Reid AG6YO ♦
    Nov 12, 2018 at 20:46
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    $\begingroup$ @BenMadison I'm still not clear what you're asking. You say your intent is to experiment with ham radio equipment, so isn't it obvious that you should get a ham radio license? $\endgroup$
    – Phil Frost - W8II
    Nov 17, 2018 at 23:15

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If you're going to transmit a signal in the designated amateur bands youll need an appropriste level license. Todays levels are Techncian, General then Amateur Extra. Get Gordon Wests study materisls, or even download a study app like ham radio test prep, and go from there. Yiu may find you enhoy the hobby beyond your research work.

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  • $\begingroup$ To clarify: For what you want to do on UHF and VHF, all you need is a Technician license. While studying for that license you will learn what higher level licenses are needed for privileges on other bands. But a Technician license is all you need based on your description. $\endgroup$
    – Chris K8NVH
    Nov 25, 2018 at 16:03
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You may be able to conduct your research on one or more of the "ISM" bands, set aside for industrial, scientific and medical research without a license. Though there are some regional variations, most of the bands can be used worldwide.

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    $\begingroup$ It seems to me that the legality of this was discussed here before. Here are several ISM threads that you might find useful. $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters ♦
    Oct 22, 2018 at 2:21
  • $\begingroup$ Now that we know more about what the OP is doing, perhaps your answer is a good one, Brian. $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters ♦
    Nov 25, 2018 at 2:41
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Ham Radio is not broadcasting or a "cloud", and each transmission must have a Control Operator actually supervising to assure no inteference. Ham radio is non-commercial.

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  • $\begingroup$ Let's see if he answers my new comment. Perhaps he is not radiating. $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters ♦
    Nov 24, 2018 at 16:21
  • $\begingroup$ Also, welcome to hamSE! :-) $\endgroup$
    – Mike Waters ♦
    Nov 24, 2018 at 16:27

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