Communication is very important nowadays! We use different devices like mobiles, laptops, and many other electronic devices to communicate with others around the world. There is one more significant thing that people have been using for a long time in the past and even today. Yes, we are talking about the walkie-talkies. These two-way radios will allow you to connect with the people where the network is not good or work in the basements or deep tunnels. They will ensure that the people can communicate over a wide area. You will get good value for money, and you don’t have to pay for any call charges.
Seems interesting? If you want to buy the walkie talkies, then you have to keep the following points in your mind:
What Are Different Categories of Walkie Talkies?
Walkie-talkies are wireless communication devices that will allow people to keep in touch with the help of radio waves. Push-to-talk button with microphone, loudspeaker, long-lasting batteries, transmitter/receiver, and antenna makes the communication very easy. Below are the two categories with two bandwidths:
General Mobile Radio
These devices are stronger and more reliable. They offer a wide range in comparison to the FRS radios. This device is going to provide connectivity up to 2 miles. This category is further divided into two frequencies:
Ultra-High Frequency Two-Way Radios: These will operate at 400 to 512 MHz and can easily penetrate the metal and concrete structures, so UHF is a good choice in built areas like cities, towns, and densely wooded or hilly areas. The radio signals can easily travel through and around dense objects.
Very High-Frequency Two-Way Radios: This is going to operate at 136 to 174 Mhz. VHF devices benefit from covering more distance as VHF waves are long and remain closer to the ground. These are exclusive for marine and aviation communication and great for ground maintenance workers, golf courses, open fields, and outdoor security environments. These signals cannot penetrate concrete and metal surfaces very well, so VHF is not the right option in built-up locations.
Family Radio Service
These devices will use FM radio frequency and will work with up to 99 channels. They are cheap in comparison to the GMRS system. Moreover, kids can also use them! But they have limited output and range in contrast to GMR. They provide you connectivity up to 1 mile.
What Are Different Types of Walkie Talkies?
The different types of walkie talkie which you can buy are as follows:
Long Range
These come in different ranges. The range of coverage increases with the power. For instance, a 2-watt radio can cover up to 8 miles, whereas a 4-watt radio can cover 30 miles.
For Hunting
These are the best for hunters. These devices have boom microphones, headsets, and car chargers so that hunters can pick as per their choice.
Waterproof
Want a device that you can use in all weather conditions? Then waterproof two-way radios are the right option! This feature is very much essential for nature walkers, camping fans, and mountain climbers. These are reliable and better in terms of sturdiness and reception in comparison to mobile phones.
For Kids
Such devices are designed for kid’s playing. These are made with plastic, so they are very light in weight. The power source present is double or triple-A batteries. You can also get them in different colors and designs.
What Key Factors To Consider When Buying Walkie Talkies?
Some essential features which you should look at when buying the best two-way radios are as follows:
Maximum Range
These devices are dependent on radio frequencies and have a limit of 400 to 512 Mhz with an ultra-high frequency range. It is essential to consider the range when you choose the best device for your use. They will work perfectly when all other means of communication are not working. Note that the instruments which use the PMR466 frequency transmit power of 0.5W at a distance of up to 10 km.
Channels
The main issue when using the hand-held two-way radio is that there is often distortion on different channels! The device should be capable of switching between other channels. Some of the best commercial and industrial devices have 99 channels with multiple tones set for different channels.
Design and Durability
You might have to use the device in tough terrains. When you have a radio that is well made and damage-resistant, this will be a huge benefit for you. Always buy a radio handset which is waterproof and dustproof.
Battery Life
These devices are built to be used for extended periods, and you can approximately use them for 8 to 12 hours. The people working in the open field have to work for hours, so a good battery device is a must! Longer support will enable them to communicate with the team or a specific person at one time.
What Features Should You Look at When Buying Walkie Talkies?
Some vital features which you should look to make your purchase more valuable are as follows:
Backlit LCD Screen
This feature will help you see the keypad and gadget even in the dark. An LCD screen will enable you to see the battery percentage, compass, timers, and alarms.
Income Alerts
This is important to know if there is an incoming transmission.
Channel Saver
It enables you to save different channels.
Weather Audio
Help you in getting the weather reports.
Talk confirmation
This feature will indicate the start and end of transmission so that you can know when it is safe to reply to the message instead of getting cut off.
Best Walkie Talkies FAQs
Q: Do I need a license to use walkie-talkies?
A: If you use the FRS (Family Radio Service) labeled devices, you can use them without a license. However, in GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), you will need an FCC license for use.
Q: Can you trace walkie-talkies?
A: A two-way radio work as a transmitter and receiver at the same time. Tracing can be done once the antenna from a transmitter and receiver start to communicate via radio waves and convert the waves into signals. Moreover, if the walkie-talkie is licensed, then tracing is legal.
Q: What are some codes of a walkie-talkie for communication?
A: Some of the few codes for communication across two-way radio devices are:
- 10-4= message received
- 10-5=Relay message to
- 10-6=Bus, please wait.
- 10-7= Out of service, leaving the air.
The codes mentioned above are just a few; there are still many more codes.