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Radio: Difference between revisions
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Walkie-talkies operate on license-free broadcast frequency ranges in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band respective to the region the walkie talkie is purchased within. In the EU the allocation is known PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio, 446 MHz)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMR446</ref>, whereas in the US it is typically the Family Radio Service (FRS)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service</ref> or GMRS<ref>https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs</ref>, and in Australia UHF CB<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_CB</ref>. | Walkie-talkies operate on license-free broadcast frequency ranges in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band respective to the region the walkie talkie is purchased within. In the EU the allocation is known PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio, 446 MHz)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMR446</ref>, whereas in the US it is typically the Family Radio Service (FRS)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service</ref> or GMRS<ref>https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs</ref>, and in Australia UHF CB<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_CB</ref>. | ||
Regardless, if you are in a region using 2 or more walkie-talkies operating on unlicensed bands, they will still function. Typically walkie-talkies include a channel selector for selecting a pre-agreed channel to operate on. This selector is either a button or dial. It is important to agree on a channel to use before splitting up your group and using the walkie-talkies. Some walkie talkies also include a radio scanner, allowing the operator to quickly find and tune into a local radio station. Some even include NOAA weather radio receivers. | Regardless, if you are in a region using 2 or more walkie-talkies operating on unlicensed bands, they will still function, but may overlap with existing local broadcasts. Typically walkie-talkies include a channel selector for selecting a pre-agreed channel to operate on. This selector is either a button or dial. It is important to agree on a channel to use before splitting up your group and using the walkie-talkies. Some walkie talkies also include a radio scanner, allowing the operator to quickly find and tune into a local radio station. Some even include NOAA weather radio receivers. | ||
When selecting a walkie-talkie it is good to ensure it has a high IPX water rating, is durable, has a 'squelch' function (allows for 'cleaning' up a noisy signal to hear it better), good battery life and has at least 3W of power. Importantly, some walkie-talkies can only be charged in a special charging dock, and so if you choose a walkie-talkie of this sort it is important that it has removable batteries such that you can bring pre-charged batteries with you. If not, it is good to get walkie-talkies that take AA batteries, that you can recharge in a standard battery charger, one of which may include a portable solar charger. | When selecting a walkie-talkie it is good to ensure it has a high IPX water rating, is durable, has a 'squelch' function (allows for 'cleaning' up a noisy signal to hear it better), good battery life and has at least 3W of power. Importantly, some walkie-talkies can only be charged in a special charging dock, and so if you choose a walkie-talkie of this sort it is important that it has removable batteries such that you can bring pre-charged batteries with you. If not, it is good to get walkie-talkies that take AA batteries, that you can recharge in a standard battery charger, one of which may include a portable solar charger. | ||