As its name says in English, it refers to talking and walking at the same time. It is a portable radio-type transmitter-receiver. These devices already existed long before the appearance of cell phones, since then and until today they are innovative portable communication devices. They were originally created for military use, however today we see them even in daily use and for different professions.
Where is the use of Walkie Talkies necessary? There is a wide variety of functionalities that range from leisure to sports such as skiing, golf, excursions, mountaineering, fishing, airsoft among others as well as there are work environments such as construction, hotels, restaurants, security, schools, medical services, police, and lifeguards where communication is constant and cannot be affected by the lack of coverage
A walkie talkie is a portable radio transceiver, that is, a device that has a receiver and a radio wave transmitter that can be taken anywhere since it works with batteries or lithium batteries. Its fundamental characteristics are:
- PTT ( push to talk ) switch. It is the button that, when pressed, starts the transmission.
- Semi duplex channel. A walkie talkie is not a mobile phone and the fundamental reason is this element, which only allows one of the devices to transmit at a time. When the PTT button is pressed to start transmission, the paired device can only function as a receiver.
- Antenna. It is usually telescopic and protrudes from the structure. It determines the range of the walkie talkie since it is responsible for capturing the radio waves to later decode them and convert them into audio to emit them through the loudspeaker.
The first walkie-talkie in history was the Motorola SCR-300 and dates from 1940. Its inventor was Dan Noble and it had to be carried in a backpack. Its use was focused on the military field and it became especially popular during World War II.
However, the design of the wireless walkie-talkie as we know it today corresponds to Al Gross, who worked hard on this technology between 1934 and 1941. But, as it is a handheld device and not a backpack, it received the name by handle-talkie. Interestingly, despite the fact that it has been his invention that has lasted, the most popular name was the one used by Dan Noble.
The main utility of the walkie-talkie lies in allowing communication between two or more users in places where there is no mobile coverage or where the radio signal is more secure than the telephone. To do this, they offer a range that can reach 10 km. In fact, it is especially used:
- In forests, mountains, and other natural spaces lacking mobile coverage by hikers, forest rangers, emergency teams, etc.
- In military operations to establish communication between different units of the army.
- In police patrol cars to communicate with other vehicles or with the central.
- In taxis to maintain contact with the rest of the drivers.
- Etc.
Types of walkie talkies
In the market we can find all these types of walkie talkies:
- Analog walkie-talkies. The originals, but they are less and less used. The motives? They have a shorter range than digital ones and also offer less clear sound and a less stable connection. They are very sensitive to interference.
- Digital walkie-talkies. Without a doubt, the best long-range walkie talkies of the moment for standard users. They operate with a higher bandwidth and therefore offer clearer and better quality sound.
- ATEX walkie-talkies. They are walkie talkies designed for professional use. In fact, they are especially useful for establishing communication in explosive environments characterized by the presence of fog, smoke, gases, etc. They are usually used by the security forces and the army, as well as in refineries and oil platforms, chemical companies and port facilities, among others.
- TETRA walkie-talkies. The acronym for Troncalizada Terrestrial Radio. It is a radio communication standard intended for organizations that need to connect many users to a signal (between 100 and 1500). They are also professionals and are often used by emergency professionals, within industrial complexes, or by transportation companies. If they include TDMA ( Time Division Multiple Access ) technologies, they provide the ability to establish up to four talk groups on one frequency.
Licensed or unlicensed?
The Walkie Talkies without a license, was, is and will always be the simplest cheapest option and for which amateur users or athletes will lean, their power level is very low so their range range does not amount to 2 kilometers.
Licensed walkie talkies are required for greater communication distances but you can only use it legally by a radio amateur authorization in your area, they offer greater security and a much better power output.
What type of license is required?
The walkie talkies without a license are those that use either of these two standard frequencies:
- PMR-446 (Private Mobile Radio) . Short-range radio system that works in the frequency range 446.0-446.2 MHz. Channeling in analogue mode is 12.5 kHz, with 446.00625 MHz being the frequency of the first channel. However, for digital mode the channelization can be 6.25 kHz or 12.5 kHz, with 446.003125 and 446.00625 MHz being the first assigned channel frequencies respectively. The PMR446 walkie talkies have a maximum transmission power of 0.5 W (pra). These equipments are subject to the radio equipment directive 2014/53 / EU and must show conformity according to the EN 303 405 standard. In addition, they enjoy exemption from individual license and free circulation and use according to Decision ECC / DEC (15) 05.
- CB-27 (Citizen Band or Citizen Band). It is a fragment of the frequency spectrum that is used for free communication between civilian personnel. Its wavelength is 11 meters and, in Spain, it ranges from 29,965 MHz to 27,405 MHz. It is regulated in Royal Decree 188/2016 , of May 6.
Walkie Talkies have their own secure and encrypted frequency bands
For their part, licensed walkie talkies are those for professional use that allow private connections to be established. This license must be granted by the telecommunications agency and is mandatory for all models whose transmission power is greater than 0.5 W. In fact, even if it is less, if they do not operate on the PMR446 or CB-27 frequency standards. , they also require it. They are valid for a maximum of 5 years.
How to use a walkie talkie?
Undoubtedly, these incredible devices guarantee greater security in communication, thus achieving efficiency in operational or work safety issues.
Here we share a brief review on how to use your walkie talkie:
- Turn on your device and check if there is someone on the channel . That is, before making any calls, listen to see if someone is connected.
2. In many movies we see that in calls through walkie talkies, you should not interrupt, well this is real, since if the other person is talking, if you interrupt, in addition to creating interference, the safest thing is that you message is not heard so do not interrupt.
3. To talk, you just need to press the PTT (Push to talk) buttons , press it and start the communication.
4. It is important to emphasize that your walkie talkies are for short and clear communication, that is, for objective conversations that will not take more than 8 or 9 minutes.
5. It is also important that you respond immediately as soon as you receive a message.
What are the best options on the market?
According to the opinions in analyzed walkie talkies, the best options of the moment belong to these brands:
- Retevis . The most recommended brand in this comparison to buy a Walkie Talkie. Its devices allow connection to a maximum of 128 different channels and have a screen, headphone output and great autonomy. A safe bet.
- Pofung . A very interesting alternative to get a cheap walkie talkie. It specializes in much simpler designs and designed for the standard user, although they offer good performance in the professional field, especially due to their high ranges.
- Cacagoo . Value for money per flag. Its devices are equipped with noise reduction systems and are also waterproof and shockproof. They include practical charging stations to always have them ready.
Retevis, Pofung or Cacagoo are the best known walkie talkie brands
Read more about the best walkie talkie according to your needs. You just have to choose the right model and enjoy it.