The portable two-way radio, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, has been around for almost 90 years. It is not clear who the original inventor is, because multiple engineers in different countries all made advancements in the field around the same time. During World War II, the United States Army Motorola SCR-300 was first given the moniker “walkie talkie.” Advancements in battery technology and solid-state electronics allow modern walkie talkies to weigh as little as 3.2 ounces, with some so small that they can easily be worn around the neck.
While the cellphone has become ubiquitous in modern communications, the walkie-talkie is still used by both public and private institutions. Cellphones are powerful tools, but they are almost always more expensive and less durable than walkie talkies. Traditional walkie-talkies operate on their own dedicated frequencies, so they do not rely on cellular or Wi-Fi networks (However, LTE walkie talkies do use both local cellular towers and Wi-Fi networks). Lastly, walkie talkies provide instant communication not just between two people, but also between large groups using the same frequency.
What Features to Look for in a Walkie Talkie
The two most important things to look for in a walkie talkie are battery life and range. Like cellphones, many walkie talkies have a low power mode. It can extend the battery life but reduces the transmission range. The best models can run in normal use conditions and without being charged for five days (while the cheapest models measure battery life in hours).
The range of any two-way radio is fundamentally determined by its power. There are two categories of U.S. consumer walkie talkies: FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). FRS radios are capped at 2 Watts, while GMRS radios can go up to 5 Watts. Note that GMRS walkie talkies require a license to use, but a license can be obtained pretty quickly and easily on the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) website. Licenses are valid for 10 years and cover everyone in your household. Range for non-LTE models will max out around 35 miles, though the intervening terrain and obstacles will play a large part in the effective usable range. LTE models can generally reach wherever there is a cell tower, while the cheapest walkie talkies on the market may not reach the next room over.
Choose the Right Level of Durability
Many of the current day applications and uses of walkie talkies are in some combination of outdoor and rugged conditions. In places like construction sites, campgrounds, and areas where emergency services are needed, it is a good idea to use hardened or ruggedized devices. Basic hardened models will often boast such features as waterproof and shock resistant construction, with the advanced protection types adding protection from salt, vibration, dust, and extreme temperatures. There are even models that offer protection against electromagnetic phenomena such as Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) waves.
When Security Is Needed
For the privacy minded, there are walkie talkie models available with privacy codes. This feature appends an inaudible tone to outgoing transmission, while filtering incoming transmissions so that only the ones with the same code are audible. The term “privacy code” is a bit of a misnomer, in that they do not keep your conversations private. Their actual function is to filter out transmissions from other users who are not using the same CTCSS or DCS tone. Unknown users that tune into the channel and code you are using will be able to hear your conversation. Think of the privacy code feature more as a distraction eliminator rather than a true privacy feature.
When security needs to be taken to the next level, it’s time to turn to walkie talkies with an encryption function. Most people understand encryption as the encoding of transmitted or stored data, and this type of encryption takes place every time you visit a website that starts with “https,” or use WhatsApp to chat. Walkie talkies send and receive radio signals instead of data packets, but radio signals can also be encrypted. The most common users of encrypted walkie talkies are law enforcement agencies, branches of the military, and emergency service organizations. However, encrypted two-way radio communications are used in areas you would not expect, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
Features for Specific Environments
Most people do not realize that walkie talkies are becoming increasingly used in hospital settings. The hospital environment has its own set of unique requirements regarding hygiene and security. In addition to battery life and the ability to send and receive signals through hospital walls, walkie talkies need to have antimicrobial properties, multiple channels for multiple medical teams, and HIPAA compliant security features.
The final factor to consider when purchasing a walkie talkie is whether it can be connected to a headset. The advantages of a headset include things like increased privacy and better sound quality, but at the end of the day it is all about keeping communication lines open while having your hands free to work (or play).
Going Abroad? Check Local Laws
Will U.S. walkie talkies work in other countries? The short answer is sure, radio waves don’t care about national borders. However, different countries have different laws about what kinds of radios can be used by the general public. These laws are generally directed at the amount of power that the device can use to transmit, and the frequencies allowed. If you plan to travel to another country with your American-bought radio equipment, get online and check the regulations for your destination.
Walkie Talkie Wrap-up
Prices, quality levels, and feature sets for these versatile communication devices range from the minimal and ultra-cheap to the cost of an expensive smartphone. Models range from flimsy devices designed for children to powerful and rugged versions designed for police and military forces. Choosing the right walkie-talkie will not always be an easy decision, making the right choice will ensure effective communication for the specific needs and settings of you and your organization.
