How to Choose a Good Walkie Talkie
Walkie talkies have found usage in several places these days. From simple toys used by kids to professional ones bought for the military, there are several kinds of two way radios available at your disposal.
There are few important pointers you need to cross check before investing on a good GMRS radio.
What is a walkie talkie?
A walkie talkie is a hand held two way radio device that can connect two or more people at different locations. It works on radio frequencies and need no network signal to connect. They use a half duplex mode of communication which means that only one person can pass signals at a time, unlike a mobile phone where both the parties can simultaneously talk.
These devices convert the transmitted voice signal into a radio signal that travels across the pre determined frequency band and reaches the receiver antenna connected to a handie talkie. This is then decoded back as voice signals and heard through a speaker/headphone.
Difference between a FRS and a GMRS devices
There are 2 basic types of handie talkies one can invest on.
Most of the cheaper handie talkies sold online work on a 27 MHz bandwidth. This is the free range allowed by the government and does not work inside buildings and in cities due to interference. This is a discontinued band all over the world.
In India, 350 MHz is an accepted frequency range for an approved walkie talkie to function. Based on the power of the device, the distance covered between the transmitter and the receiver can vary.
A walkie talkie with around 2 Watt power can connect up to 3 Km while high end models like TalkPRO H350 plus works on a 7 Watt power and can easily reach a receiver at a distance of 6-7 Km
It is advisable to do a little research before investing on a device. Do not buy unknown brands sold at cheap prices in e-commerce sites. They never deliver what was promised and the user will only end up losing money and being disappointed. These products claim a reach of even 20-30 Km with a Watt power of less than 1. They use penlight batteries that do not last for even an hour. Check if the batteries are rechargeable types and a good battery should have at least a 2000 mAh capacity.
A good walkie talkie will last you for years. Spend a little time in choosing the right one.
There are few important pointers you need to cross check before investing on a good GMRS radio.
What is a walkie talkie?
A walkie talkie is a hand held two way radio device that can connect two or more people at different locations. It works on radio frequencies and need no network signal to connect. They use a half duplex mode of communication which means that only one person can pass signals at a time, unlike a mobile phone where both the parties can simultaneously talk.
These devices convert the transmitted voice signal into a radio signal that travels across the pre determined frequency band and reaches the receiver antenna connected to a handie talkie. This is then decoded back as voice signals and heard through a speaker/headphone.
Difference between a FRS and a GMRS devices
There are 2 basic types of handie talkies one can invest on.
- FRS or Family Radio Service - This works on a free frequency bandwidth and has very less power. It cannot connect to more than a few meters and are cheaper alternatives of the effective handie talkie
- GMRS or General mobile Radio Service – These devices need proper approval from the government to be used. The process of obtaining permission is very simple. It involves paying a nominal fee of around INR 850 per radio per annum and these processes do not affect the end user at all. For instance, when a person buys TalkPRO walkie talkies manufactured by Iconet wireless, the brand takes charge in connecting with the respective authorities and obtaining the necessary documents and approval
Most of the cheaper handie talkies sold online work on a 27 MHz bandwidth. This is the free range allowed by the government and does not work inside buildings and in cities due to interference. This is a discontinued band all over the world.
In India, 350 MHz is an accepted frequency range for an approved walkie talkie to function. Based on the power of the device, the distance covered between the transmitter and the receiver can vary.
A walkie talkie with around 2 Watt power can connect up to 3 Km while high end models like TalkPRO H350 plus works on a 7 Watt power and can easily reach a receiver at a distance of 6-7 Km
It is advisable to do a little research before investing on a device. Do not buy unknown brands sold at cheap prices in e-commerce sites. They never deliver what was promised and the user will only end up losing money and being disappointed. These products claim a reach of even 20-30 Km with a Watt power of less than 1. They use penlight batteries that do not last for even an hour. Check if the batteries are rechargeable types and a good battery should have at least a 2000 mAh capacity.
A good walkie talkie will last you for years. Spend a little time in choosing the right one.