Cell phones are big–almost everybody has one–but two-way radios remain popular for work and play.
Walkie-talkies are part of every smart outdoorsman’s camping kit and radios continue to be valuable
on jobsites and other places, especially when you need to talk to several people at once.
“Breaker one-nine, good buddy, old Smokey’s got his eyes open, so keep it at the double nickel near
milepost 215!”
Those old enough to remember the CB-radio craze of the late ’70s might also remember their colorful
broadcast lingo. For most people, 2-way radios are more than just the way for truckers on Citizens’
Band channel 19 to avoid highway patrolmen using radar guns to catch speeders. To get the right
radio for your situation, you’ll need to know a few important terms:
FCC: Federal Communications Commission–the federal agency that oversees public airwaves. The FCC
licenses users, sets rules for use and fines for misuse and abuse of all radio communications.
Pirates: Those who put illegal radio traffic on the air; the FCC won’t hang you from the highest
yardarm, but if they notice you running without a license when you need one, you will notice the
fines.
VHF: Very High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 30MHz to 300MHz. Range is approximately
line-of-sight, meaning if the transmitter can see the receiver, the receiver can hear the
transmitter. In relatively open ground like suburbs, VHF has better range than UHF. Among common VHF
uses are FM radio and television stations 2-13.
UHF: Ultra High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 300MHz to 3GHz. UHF frequencies operate
well with very small antennae and pass through buildings better than VHF, making these superior for
city use. Low-power UHF transmits very short ranges so many UHF devices (cordless phones, baby
monitors, Wi-Fi Internet, etc.) can be used in proximity without annoying each other. Some
television stations still broadcast in the UHF range.
Citizens Band (CB) operates at 27MHz (below the VHF band). Set aside for public use in the 1950s, it
reached its height in the 1970s. Range is limited by law to 5 miles. Other two-way radio
technologies are giving CB serious competition, but CB is still an inexpensive, easy, fun-to-use
option, especially when “driving the boulevard” (the interstate highways).
Family Radio Service (FRS) operates at 462-467MHz. Created in 1996 as a UHF alternative to CB; these
2-way radios are limited to 14 channels and 0.5Watts power. No FCC license is required because FRS
was designed for private, short-distance, personal communications. It’s great for casual use around
the neighborhood or a public venue.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) also operates at 462-467MHz. Created in the 1960s as “Class A
Citizens Radio,” anyone over 18 may apply for a license, which also covers immediate relatives and
must be renewed every five years. GMRS uses 15 channels (7 of which they share with FRS) and are
limited to 50Watts power. The walkie-talkies themselves are superior to CB or FRS because the FCC
sets higher technical standards for them. New combination 2-way radios are available featuring all
FRS and GMRS frequencies. Also designed for casual, private use, these radios are for the serious
hobbyist.
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) operates at 151-154MHz. Created in 2000 as a VHF citizens band
(license-free) band for personal or short-range business use, MURS 2-way radios have five channels
and are limited to 2Watts. MURS advantage is the lack of limits on external antennae for handhelds.
This means, for example, you can attach a good-sized antenna to your car, plug your handheld into
that antenna and get greater vehicle-to-vehicle range with MURS over FRS.
Additionally, the Industrial/Business Radio Pool (IBRP) includes several groups of channels
operating at various frequencies in VHF and UHF bands. It was designated in 1995 for business
operations–dispatching, coordinating equipment, etc. Since many varied frequencies are available,
IBRP licensees must purchase sets of radios on matching frequencies.
Digital two-way radio (DTR) is a new business radio idea that’s catching on fast. DTR walkie-talkies
operate at 2.4GHz and do not require a license. Being digital, these UHF communicators offer
enhanced privacy, greater range, longer battery life and higher audio quality. They will,
undoubtedly, soon work their way into the private use market.
How to buy a two-way radio:
Two-way radios come in three basic types: Base stations are two-way radios that sit on the table or
desk; plug into the wall and operate through a tower antenna. Mobile stations are radios mounted in
a vehicle–they may be designed specifically for vehicle use or for both home and auto. Handhelds
is the proper term for self-contained, battery-operated radio units commonly called walkie-talkies.
Before considering which 2-way to buy, consider how you will use it. Will it be used occasionally
around the neighborhood, campground or mall? Will it be used every day to keep the office in touch
with the jobsite? Will it be used on the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains? How far apart will
users usually be?
The half-watt FRS two-way radios are the least expensive and have the shortest range. Within these
limits, they are very good radios. MURS-type radios have greater power and range than FRS. A GMRS
radio is the best choice for areas with more interference problems (cities, hills, forests) or for
those who need to talk over longer ranges. If you can afford the hardware and you can get the
license, DTR is the best technology available.
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in walkie-talkies, mobiles or base stations. To use
GMRS or DTR channels, you need the same type of radio that police and fire departments, road crews
and commercial businesses use. This means you’re buying professional grade electronics, higher in
price than what you find in the local hobby shop, but better gear overall.
Obviously, two-way radios with more power have greater range. They also use more energy, so
batteries run dry faster (not a consideration with base stations, of course). If you use
walkie-talkies frequently, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.
Solid state electronics means breaking your radio is a much smaller problem than the vacuum tube
days. Still, don’t drop your radio–especially into the water, as water and electricity don’t mix
nicely. Unless your walkie-talkie is designed and built for rough weather or maritime use, keep it
dry. Turn it off when not in use. Clean it with a dry cloth or canned air after use. Store it out of
direct sunlight. Buy a protective case in leather, nylon or plastic. Handhelds, especially, will
wear out but, if you use common sense, you and your two-way will have years of fun together.
If you’re looking for a tough walkie-talkie that’ll stand up to hard use, look for “mil spec radio”
in the description. These radios meet Defense Logistics Agency guidelines to withstand the rough and
tumble things soldiers deal with regularly. If you might use your radio around flammables, Factory
Mutual Global has set the “intrinsically safe” standard for the industry; two-way radios meeting
this criterium do not produce sparks.
Why choose a radio instead of a cell phone?
Several reasons: Good 2-way radios will reach into cell phone dead spots, especially in the great
outdoors. Walkie talkies allow you to talk to everyone at once. Two-way radios usually have much
better warranties (1-2 years vs. 90 days). Many new radio models have telephone interconnect,
selective calling and caller ID technology, just like cell phones. Walkie talkies don’t require a
monthly fee; buy the radio and the license (if required) and you are good to go. A walkie talkie
will often continue working when cell or landline service is interrupted by disaster. Cell phones
have not entirely replaced radios, and never will–in their particular spheres, each is a great
communications tool.
For more information:
The Personal Radio Steering Group (http:www.provide.net/~prsg/home.htm) is a volunteer advocacy
group for citizens’ radio users and a great place to find the latest info on rules changes and other
matters.
Phoenix Roberts has been a journalist, freelance writer and desktop publisher for over 10 years.
Presently, he is an SEO Content Writer for Internet discount retailer Overstock.com
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