While the term walkie talkie brings thoughts of kids playing in the neighborhood and running through the woods, this once-simple device has evolved into a complex tool used throughout a variety of industries.
Designed for a range of skill levels and uses, these popular products can come in handy in many personal and professional scenarios. In fact, two way radios are one of the highest selling product categories at Petra.
Despite their popularity, the jargon can be confusing to those looking to purchase them.
As the name implies, it can both send and receive messages over radio frequencies. Those frequencies have been allotted by the FCC. Full duplex radios can send and receive simultaneously for full, 2-way conversations. A half-duplex radio, when transmitting a message, cannot receive a message at the same time. And when it’s receiving, it cannot transmit. Typical two way radios are half-duplex. All of them should have a microphone, antenna, speaker, and a push-to-talk button.
All walkie-talkies are handheld. Two way radios don’t have to be handheld. Base stations can be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall, while mobile radios are mounted in a vehicle or on a boat. So basically, all walkie-talkies are two way radios, but not all two way radios are walkie-talkies. Generally speaking, the term two way radio is preferred for today’s more sophisticated devices. But walkie-talkie is still used.
For consumer radios, yes—as long as they are all operating on the same frequency, channel number, and privacy code. Many consumer radios now come with dual FRS/GMRS capability, so make sure the same general setting is used between various brands. For more on that aspect, see the next question.
Business 2 way radios work in a variety of frequencies, including VHF and UHF, and have other distinguishing reception and broadcast abilities. So, for them, it’s best not to mix brands.
VHF marine radios are their own entity. They are designed for a completely different kind of communication need, but they do communicate with other marine radio brands.
FRS stands for Family Radio Service. GMRS means General Mobile Radio Service. Both FRS and GMRS work in the same frequency range of 462 to 467 MHz. However, GMRS has special channels within those frequencies that FRS can’t access. Also, GMRS radios can be amplified for stronger, long-distance transmissions. The range of FRS cannot be boosted.
The FCC defines FRS as “a private, two-way, short-distance voice and data communications service for facilitating family and group activities. The most common use for FRS channels is short-distance, two-way voice communications using small hand-held radios that are similar to walkie-talkies…An individual license is not required to operate an FRS radio provided you comply with the rules. You may operate an FRS radio regardless of your age, and for personal or for business use if you are not a representative of a foreign government.”
The FCC defines GMRS as “a licensed radio service…The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.… An FCC license is required to operate the GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license. After a license expires, an individual must request a new GMRS license.”
So, although a 2 way radio may be dual-banded FRS/GMRS, the FRS bands can be operated without a license.
No, they operate on different frequencies. CBs also have a longer transmission range and broadcast to everyone on that channel within the reception range. Two way radios have privacy codes to filter transmissions, restricting reception.
Today’s two way radios are powerful and well-constructed. As a result, they are able to hold up at construction sites, oil fields, or even against raging rapids. These radios are designed for the harshest conditions; however, this doesn’t affect portability. Many radios also offer a sleek design.
Furthermore, many have similar key features that let them go the extra mile.
Both kinds include most of the common features listed above. Business radios, however, do not have NOAA alerts. And most of them operate on either a VHF or UHF band, rather than FRS/GMRS.
Also, business radios list coverage by square footage or the number of floors, or even watt transmission. Consumer/personal grade walkie talkies generally use the number of miles as a distinguishing characteristic.
Finally, there’s a big price difference. Business/professional grade two way radios cost significantly more.
And because of their ability to receive NOAA alerts, personal walkie talkies are ideal for emergency preparedness, and any activity that can be impacted by severe weather. Brands that Petra carries that fall into the family-friendly category include Uniden, Cobra, and Walker’s Game Ear.
…be used at a variety of job sites. Bearcom.com lists 8 different industries that may incorporate this kind of communication:
Each of these industries can benefit from the speed and ease of 2-way communication.
Business two way radios are also more affordable options in contrast to company cellular phone plans. From cashiers checking on the status of products in the back to hotel staff communicating between floors, radios can make tasks much simpler.
Unlike consumer-grade walkie-talkies, they may use VHF or UHF business band frequencies for clearer transmissions. Professional two way radios are also more durable, have a longer battery life, and have higher output. Pro brands that Petra carries include Cobra Business, KENWOOD, and DEWALT.
Cobra’s Business Radios work on the FRS spectrum. Depending on the model, they can cover up to 300,000 sq. ft. and 35 floors. The 500BC model is available in multiple bundles, making it easier to outfit a team right away.
…survive submersion, among other things! Petra carries Uniden- and Cobra-branded VHF marine radios.
Marine radios are really their own category of 2 way radios. Fixed-mount units are rated in watts, use Class D Digital Selective Calling for boat-to-boat and other kinds of communications, and can access Coast Guard channels. Many incorporate GPS positioning information or can integrate with a separate GPS unit. Handhelds are designed to float. They also use the VHF spectrum to communicate and some may even have Bluetooth and GPS positioning. Both kinds incorporate weather awareness alerts—a lifesaver when on the water.
While they traditionally appeal to an outdoors market, two way radios may provide a profitable solution to industry customers you haven’t traditionally targeted. So, open a new line of two-way communications with your customers today with two way radios from Petra. Our lines of personal, business and marine two way radios can expand your customer base in ways your bottom line will appreciate.