Selecting your Walkie talkie frequencies for outdoor or indoor locations

All the communication devices work on certain frequency bands or frequency ranges. You cannot say which frequency band is better than the other. Before discussing further their roles in working of the radio devices, let us know what does frequency and channel means.

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Frequency

Technically, radio frequency is the rate of switching on and off of oscillator inside the radio. The electric current thus generated is fed to the antenna which generates an electromagnetic field and is transmitted into space. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a range of frequencies from 3KHz to 300GHz and radio frequencies cover the major portion of this spectrum.

The radio frequency bands are reserved by the government for various purposes. The radio band fixed for the public is governed by FCC regulations.

Channel

Channels are just like telephone numbers of radios to communicate with each other. The channel is basically partitioning of 2-way radios and each partition or channel is tuned to different frequencies. To enable to talk to each other in a group, every group member has to tune a particular channel number to the frequency where the sound is clear. When a channel is optimally tuned to a specific frequency, in order to communicate, the members should select same channel number and frequency.

Hand held radio device and frequency type

There are various types of radio devices or walkie-talkies available in the market. Some are designed and manufactured for home use while others are tuned for commercial purposes. Hand held radio devices work on two frequency bands viz. UHF (Ultra high frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency). Some devices, available in the market, work on the UHF while others work on VHF. Beforefinalizing two-way radio device, you have to be very sure which frequency range, you should go for and what is your area of operation of the walkie-talkie or radio device.

So, let us know a bit about both these frequencies, VHF and UHF.

VHF (Very High Frequency)

Very High frequency ranges from 136MHz to 174MHz. The VHF radio waves are longer and travel close to the horizon.This is the reason why VHF waves can cover more distance, even at low signal strength(power). The only limitation with VHF walkie-talkies is that they need clear line of sight, without any obstruction in their travel path. The VHF radio devices find their use in applications like,over water surfaces and vertically from the earth towards the sky. These devices work best in open landscapes, water sports, golf courses and any outdoors with minimal hindrances.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency)

UHF waves operate at 400MHz to 512MHz. Ultra high frequency radio waves are shorter, but have the ability to penetrate opaque objects like buildings, furniture, steel, wood etc. If you are planning to use walkie-talkies indoors or both at insides and outsides, then UHF based radio devices are the best choice.

To sum it up, VHF travel longer distances and are good in clear line of sight since their wavelength is wider(5ft) and are often reflected back from dense obstacles. The UHF on the other hand have less wide wavelengths(1.5ft) can easily navigate in or around buildings.

FRS/GMRS radio bands

The federal communications commission, which manages the public radio spectrum has allocated frequency bands to certain types of users. The two-way radio service bands are divided into following categories.

• Family Radio service
• General Mobile Radio Service
• Business radio service
• Extreme radio service
• Multiuse radio service

To use both GMRS and BRS, a license from the FCC is required on paying nominal fees. We will discuss here two most commonly radio bands FRS and GMRS which are used in handheld two-way radios.

FRS

FRS or Family Radio Service as the name suggests is meant to use for families enjoying fun outings or for communications within their housing colonies. There is no need to procure a license from the FCC, but you have to cross check in your respective countries. Although they are not as durable and long-lasting as BRS (business radio service) devices, yet they are much better than UHF/VHF walkie-talkies. There are some limitations to FRS use. The FRS devices work on the signal strength of 0.5 watts and cannot use detachable antennas on the devices.

Unlike UHF/VHF device, where UHF device cannot talk to VHF devices and vice versa, The FRS devices are capable to communicate with GMRS devices at some common frequencies, they both share.

GMRS

The FCC has dedicated General mobile radio service for families like FRS. They are intended to be used by families going on hiking, sailing or any other communication purpose with childrenandfriends. The GMRS operates on 23 frequencies in their allotted band and also share 7 frequencies with FRS. You have to procure a license from the FCC to use GMRS frequencies which have more power as compared to FRS. With GMRS, you can use detachable antennas and can avail the service of repeater stations to further extend the signals.

Compatibility between various radios

While buying new radio for your group you have to match certain parameters to communicate with the new one. If you are buying the same brand of two-way radio device, it is not sure that it will work with older mobile. The most important parameter to match is the frequency.  Most of the devices have pre-programmed frequencies. You have to get the new device programmed exactly the same as the older one from the vendor.

For FRS/GMRS devices to communicate with another manufacturer’s radio set, you have to match the channel number and privacy codes of each set since the frequencies are already pre-programmed in these type of radio sets.

Final Words

To date, the radio communication devices are transitioning from analog to digital technology. There are becoming more and more user-friendly and simpler to use. Before buying you have to clear about which application you want to use it and what frequencies will suit those applications. The other important thing you have to take care is the licensing part. If you have plans to use GMRS or BRS, you may need to geta license for that.