Last Updated on May 7, 2020
Learn How a Walkie Talkie Works: Do you want to know How a Walkie Talkie Works? A Walkie Talkie is nothing more than a radio that can be used both as a transmitter and a receiver (which is why they are also known as “two-way radio”). In many ways, a walkie works in much the same way as a mobile phone, but there are important differences.
How a Walkie Talkie Works – All the keys to using a walkie talkie
Firstly, communication between two Walkie Talkies can only be done simultaneously, contrary to what happens with mobiles, where both parties can speak at the same time. On the radio, however, we must wait for the transmitter to finish speaking and then press the side button (push to talk) to transmit our message.
Secondly, professional radios have much more autonomy and independence compared to telephones, since the latter always need the signal from a nearby tower.
Meanwhile, walkie talkies are autonomous and independent radios that transmit and receive signals on their own. So that whenever there is another nearby device transmitting on the same frequency and from the same channel, communication will be possible.
Types of Walkie Talkies
There are different types of walkie talkies that are differentiated by the type of technology. But also by the use that will be given.
1. Analog Walkie Talkies
Less and less are being manufactured due to the better performance and quality of digital models. Still, there are many digital models that are compatible with analog.
2. Digital Walkie Talkies
Better sound quality than analog ones, more privacy, coverage, or advanced call control, plus they have longer battery life.
3. Walkie Talkies Atex
Mandatory for communications in explosive environments such as air mixtures with mist, vapors, gases.
4. Tetra Walkie Talkies
It is the most advanced telecommunications system. It ensures the highest quality and security in your transmissions, with more advanced encryption and protection systems—walkies designed for law enforcement and emergency.
Batteries for Walkie Talkies
Another element that confers greater autonomy is the batteries for walkies since their duration is greater than that of mobile phones. Indeed, a two-way radio can hold much longer without recharging than a mobile.
Channels of a Walkie Talkie
The two walkie talkies that are used for communication must be configured on the same channel, so before speaking, you must find the channel on which you want to communicate. The ideal is to use a channel for each department of your company.
For example, if you work in a nightclub, one channel can be used to speak confidently, another for bar waiters, another for table waiters.
The PMR446 Walkie Talkies (without a license) has 8 channels. But the most professional ones also have subchannels, which exponentially increases the number of people and groups to communicate with.
Range of a Walkie Talkie
There are Walkie Talkies, whose signal is capable of reaching several kilometers around. However, these are achievable peaks only in rural and flat areas, with no obstacles in sight.
Differences between UHF and VHF
UHF “Ultra High Frequency” and VHF “Very High Frequency” are two types of frequencies that walkie talkies use for very different situations. The UHF wave-type makes it suitable for interiors or small spaces with some obstacles between them, such as mountains, walls, or buildings.
However, the VHF is used for more open spaces, outdoors (in the field) without obstacles, and for transmissions that need a long-range. It is usually the type of frequency most conducive to use it in large outdoor events.
How to Increase the Coverage of a Walkie Talkie
With a walkie talkie repeater, preferably located in strategic areas, at high altitudes, and without interference or obstacles, a walkie talkie can emit much more distance. There are different types, but the most used is the duplex.
In this type of repeaters, there are two different frequencies for the same band. The input (the one that the walkie emits to the repeater) and the output (the one that the repeater emits to the receiving walkie).
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