Operating radio equipment is regulated by law in virtually every country. This page provides a general overview of regulations and compliance strategies. It is your responsibility to verify and comply with the specific regulations in your jurisdiction.

Frequency Bands

The Aegis-Beacon operates in the 410-525 MHz band. Specific allocations and regulations vary by region.

European Union

PMR446 (446.0 - 446.2 MHz)

License required: No (license-exempt)
Max power: 500 mW ERP
Channels: 16
Bandwidth: 12.5 kHz (narrowband FM)
Aegis-Beacon compliance: The device supports PMR446 frequencies in the firmware. At +17 dBm (50 mW), it is well below the 500 mW limit.

Note

PMR446 is designed for short-range voice communication. Using it for Morse beacons is technically permitted but unusual. Check with your national regulator if in doubt.

433.05 - 434.79 MHz (ISM Band)

License required: No (license-exempt, low power)
Max power: 10 mW ERP (up to 25 kHz bandwidth)
Use: Short-range devices, telemetry, alarms
Aegis-Beacon compliance: At +17 dBm (50 mW), the device exceeds the 10 mW limit. Use PMR446 frequencies instead for EU compliance.

United States

MURS (151-154 MHz)

License required: No
Max power: 2W
Note: Aegis-Beacon does not cover this band.

FRS/GMRS (462/467 MHz)

License required: FRS (no license), GMRS (FCC license required)
Max power: FRS: 2W, GMRS: 5W
Aegis-Beacon compliance: The 462 MHz frequencies fall within the supported range. FRS use at +17 dBm (50 mW) is well within the 2W limit.

Part 15 (Various ISM bands)

License required: No
Max power: Varies by frequency
Note: Part 15 operation is very low power and generally not useful for emergency beacons.

International (ITU Region)

The 400-470 MHz band is allocated to various services internationally:

Mobile service: Primary allocation in most countries
Amateur radio: 430-440 MHz ( amateur license required)
ISM: Various sub-bands with power limits

Warning

Transmitting without a license in a band that requires one is illegal and may result in fines, equipment seizure, or criminal charges. Always verify your local regulations.

Compliance Strategies

Use License-Exempt Frequencies

The safest approach is to use frequencies that do not require a license in your jurisdiction:

EU: PMR446 (446.0-446.2 MHz)
US: FRS (462 MHz)
Other: Consult your national spectrum authority

Obtain a License

For maximum flexibility, consider obtaining an amateur radio license:

EU: Varies by country (e.g., Novice, Class 1, Class 2)
US: FCC Technician, General, or Amateur Extra
Benefits: Access to wider frequency range, higher power limits, and legal protection

Operate Under Emergency Exemptions

Most countries have emergency exemptions that permit unauthorized radio transmissions in genuine life-threatening situations:

The transmission must be for the purpose of preserving life.
It should be for the minimum duration necessary.
It should use the minimum power necessary.

Important

Emergency exemptions are a legal defense, not a pre-authorization. They should only be invoked in genuine emergencies where professional rescue services are not available.

Documentation Requirements

Even for license-exempt operation, keep the following records:

Frequency list: Which frequencies the device is configured to use.
Power levels: TX power for each frequency.
Location: Where the device was operated.
Date and time: When transmissions occurred.
Purpose: The reason for operation (rescue, training, testing).

Testing and Certification

CE Marking (EU)

For commercial sale in the EU, the device requires CE marking:

EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Electromagnetic compatibility testing
Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU): Radio performance and spectrum access
RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU): Restriction of hazardous substances

The Aegis-Beacon is open-source hardware and not certified. If you intend to sell assembled devices, you must obtain certification.

FCC (US)

For sale in the US:

FCC Part 15: Intentional radiators require FCC ID
Process: Testing at an accredited lab, filing with FCC, receiving FCC ID
Timeline: 4-8 weeks typical

Self-Certification

For personal use (not commercial sale), self-certification is generally acceptable:

Operate only on license-exempt frequencies.
Stay within power limits.
Use approved antennas (or equivalent).
Label the device with the operating frequency and power.

Record of Compliance

Maintain a compliance log for each device:

Field	Value
Device Serial	AB-XXXX
Firmware Version	v5.5
Frequencies	446.000, 446.0625, …
Max TX Power	+17 dBm
Operator License	PMR446 (exempt)
Last Tested	YYYY-MM-DD

Tip

Keep a printed copy of this log with the device. In the event of an inspection, having documentation readily available demonstrates good faith compliance.