Usually, walkie talkies are divided into two categories--licensed and unlicensed. The licensed walkie talkie radio is tuned to a certain frequency that is isolated from virtually every other radio, such as the kind crews, drivers, and directors for car racing teams use. The unlicensed walkie talkie radio is most commonly found in electronic stores; these do not come with an individual frequency, so these are at risk for cross communication. However, the unlicensed radio is less expensive than its licensed counterpart.
Radio Features
If you are wanting to buy a walkie talkie radio, there are some features you need to take into consideration, especially since there are so many walkie talkies to choose from. First of all, you need to select the right walkie talkie radio according to your main need. If you are using it for outdoor activities or fun, an unlicensed radio will do, but if you need it for security reasons, a licensed radio is your best bet.
Nowadays, the walkie talkie radio comes with quite a lot of technology. Some are designed to include the weather channel for your local area, to fit with a headset, or work with a wrist communicator. Even though it might be tempting, you should concentrate on finding a walkie talkie that suites your needs even if it does not have a lot of bells and whistles.
Communication Distance
Distance is another important factor when considering a walkie talkie radio. Again, the model you choose will partially depend on the distance you need it for. If you need a walkie talkie that can handle two miles or less, buy an unlicensed walkie talkie, but if you are looking at an upwards of five miles or more, be prepared to shell out more money for a licensed one.
Other Features
If you plan on using your walkie talkie radio collection among many people, a compatibility system will be required. With one of these systems, not only will many people be able to communicate between each other, but also there will be a reduction of interference and static.
Do not forget your power supply. Any walkie talkie radio will have to be charged periodically, so think about where you plan to primarily use yours. If you will be away from a power source, changeable batteries are better; however, if you are using your walkie talkie radio close to home, you can probably get away with using rechargeable batteries.
Using a Walkie Talkie
Once you do purchase your new walkie talkie, the first task you must learn is unscrambling signals. There are two methods to privatizing conversations--a voice scrambler and a subchannel. And of course, since you need to be understood while speaking through your walkie talkie, your messages and the messages of others should be kept short and to the point.
Aren't Walkie Talkies Obsolete?
Many analysts believed walkie talkies would be out the door when cell phones arrived on the scene. This could not be further from the truth because a walkie talkie radio can work where a cell phone does not have a signal and it can save people from wasting valuable cell phone minutes.