Walkie Talkies - Anyone advise please...

Discussion in 'Computers & Tech' started by Jack Napier, Jul 19, 2012.

  1. Jack Napier

    Jack Napier Banned

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    Hoping someone can advise.

    Want to get a pair of WT's, most for use in urban/city conditions.

    Waterproof is not a must, but good usability, value for money, those sorts of things are.

    Will give you couple of example at the end.

    One seems to involve needing a licence, I don't really know why.

    The other doesn't. Might be to do with range.

    Now, I was reading up a bit, and this caught my eye, on one site..



    UHF or VHF?

    UHF or VHF: Avoid a Costly Mistake

    Walkie-talkies that aren’t toys, are not cheap. Whether you’re reviewing a set of 4 for your Deli or a fleet of 40 for your distribution center, you’ll want to spend wisely to avoid having to live with a mistake. A critical point in choosing the right two-way radio is knowing that UHF is going to be your best bet in most circumstances. Note: UHF radios will never be able to communicate with VHF radios! So, if you already have radios and are looking to purchase additional units to use with them, be sure to select the same band.

    UHF

    UHF radios (Ultra High Frequency) operate on frequencies from 400 to 512 Megahertz (MHz). UHF radios work best for most two-way radio users because the waves are shorter and can get around or penetrate areas of interference found in buildings, thickly wooded or hilly areas and urban outdoor settings. UHF walkie-talkies with a good-sized antenna and enough power will reach further into a building and push through and around steel, concrete, wood and earth. If your two-way radios are going to be used exclusively indoors or if they’ll need to go indoors and outdoors, UHF is hands down your best choice.

    VHF

    VHF radios (Very High Frequency) operate between 136-174 MHz. The advantage to a VHF walkie-talkie is that it can cover more distance with less power because VHF waves are longer and remain closer to the ground. Two-way VHF radios work best when there’s a clear line-of-sight between the sender and the receiver with little obstruction. VHF radios are used exclusively in aviation and marine communications where signals are sent across open bodies of water or between the sky and the ground. VHF band walkie-talkies are also great for open fields, golf courses, landscaping and for outdoor security situations with few obstacles.

    Typically, VHF antennas are longer than those built into UHF radios because they need to facilitate transmission over longer distances and accommodate the VHF frequency range. Another benefit of VHF waves is that they will penetrate trees and foliage better than UHF radios. However, you will be better served with UHF radios, if you have any plans to use the radios indoors or indoors to outdoors. FRS/GMRS or Business Radios?



    Okay?

    Remember, new to this, so go slow lol.

    Look at these two...


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mitex-Gener...TF8&coliid=I2NB95EIECEPV0&colid=2TQ6AF77KTY2H


    Is this second one also UHF, I can't seem to see it?

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doro-WT91X-...TF8&coliid=I1BQCWMY85X0XP&colid=2TQ6AF77KTY2H

    So.

    Anyone want to start?

    Thanks for all help..
     
  2. Mushroom

    Mushroom Well-Known Member

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    First question I need to ask is what range you are requiring?

    This is the first thing anybody that knows what they are talking about needs to consider.

    Then there are other things, like security of the signal, if you are willing to work off of repeaters, and a great many other things. You really have not given me any information to work off of, other then "I want two transcievers".
     
  3. ballantine

    ballantine Banned

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    Yep. Range? If you want line-of-sight any old toy will do, if you require something more then you require something more.

    My best advice: you don't need to spend money. You can buy ham radio QRP kits for 20 bucks or thereabouts...
     
  4. sparky2

    sparky2 Banned

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    Twenty nine bucks at Radio Shack.
    16 mile straight-line range.
    (Probably four or less in a tall city.)
    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12676880

    I keep a set of an older model like this around the house. If I go for a long walk, or go down into my woods to do some exploring or trimming, my wife can always call and check on me.

    I highly recommend this option.
     
  5. mikezila

    mikezila New Member

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    what country are you in?
     

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