How Do Walkie Talkies Work?

Have You Ever Wondered How Do Walkie Talkies Work?

Walkie Talkies, or Walkie Talkie radios, employ a radio band to transmit audio signals between radios. The Family Radio Service, commonly known as the FRS, makes available 14 channels in the 462-467 MHz range, for use by two way radios. This range is set by the Federal Communications Commission or FCC.

What Are FRS Walkie Talkies?

Independent of the brand you use, these are the wavelengths you will be using. In essence, FRS is a singular radio service that utilizes frequencies in the UHF band and therefore has nothing to do with phones, baby monitors or CB radios. They employ FM instead of AM and you don’t need a license.

A wide range of brand names are available: Midland, Cobra, Audiovox, Sylvania, Motorola and Cherokee to name a few. They do not require a lot of power and are useful in any situation where you want to keep in touch. They are very popular with hunters, campers, people with big gardens who want to stay in touch with the kids, bikers, construction workers, walkers and so on. Range can be anything up to two miles.

What Are GMRS Walkie Talkies?

Alternately, GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios utilize specific frequencies in the 462 MHz range provided by the FCC. These radios are larger, have a greater range, (up to 5 miles) and do require a license from the FCC, so are slightly more serious and are generally used for serious communications like those in a business environment.

As regards power, FRS radios have a limit of 0.5 watts and GMRS radios are usually limited to 2 watts. Rechargeable 2 way Walkie Talkies are available so you don’t always have to rely on batteries. Some Walkie Talkie headsets have a scrambler so that you can keep conversations private.

Why Use a Walkie Talkie When You Have a Cell Phone?

We are all familiar with phone ‘black spots’ where you can’t get a good signal. Two way Walkie Talkies will work in situations where your cell phone can’t get a signal. Unlike cell phones, there are no ongoing costs once you have purchased your 2 way radio. They are also useful if you need to communicate with a group of people at the same time. All you need to do is make sure that the settings on your radios are the same and you can contact your entire group simultaneously. If the signal is strong enough, there is no limit to the number of your group.

In reality the Walkie Talkie represents a serious alternative to the cell phone in certain situations. They are cheap, convenient, fun and very simple to use.

Yuasa 4-Pack of AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (2500mAh)

$14.50

Yuasa high-capacity AA batteries provide superb amounts of clean, fresh energy to any device that uses AA batteries. Rechargeables save the environment because there is no need to throw them out when they are depleted. Ni-MH batteries such as these can be recharged fully or partially up to 1000 times, and occasionally beyond, without experiencing "memory effect." Excellent for high drain devices s...

Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

$59.99

- Up to 23-mile range- iVOX hands-free communication- 11 NOAA weather channels with alerts-Quiet talk(TM) filter-10 call tones- Rechargeable- Battery save feature- Mini-USB charging port. Item is water resistant....

Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver)

$50.09

This pair of Midland handheld GMRS radios allows you to keep in communication up to 36 miles apart during extreme outdoor activities. These feature-loaded radios include NOAA weather alert to automatically inform you of severe weather hazard information 24/7. Waterproof protection from splashing water and built-in SOS siren for emergencies. Channels (qty.): 50, Range (miles): 36, Privacy Codes (qt...

Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

$50.70

Motorola Talkabout MR350R 2 Way Radio MR350R Walkie Talkies...

Midland XT20 22-Channel GMRS Radio (2 Pack)

$22.88

If you need a reliable and affordable pair of FRS/GMRS radios for your outdoor excursions or other activities, this bundle from Midland is a great choice. A pair of easy-to-use and seriously affordable FRS/GMRS radios. Easily add a mic/headphone headset for hands-free operation. 22-channels with a 20-mile range. Affordable 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Radio 22-Cha...

ChatterBox FRS Multisport Communicator Kit

$149.95

ChatterBox FRS Multisport Communicator Kit The ChatterBox FRS Multisport with up to two full miles of range is a best selling unit. Its called a Multi-Sport communicator because its uses are endless. The FRS uses frequency modulated FM transmission for crystal-clear communication and its voice-activated for super convenience. The state-of-the-art electronics and shock resistant casing make the H...