A two-way radio is a device that transmits and receives voice signals over the air. They work like a phone, but since they don’t require a central network, they can be used anywhere! With two-way radios, two or more people can have a conversation no matter where they are, sometimes while being miles apart! Another common name for a two-way radio is “walkie-talkie.”
The most common type of two-way radio for everyday consumers is the FRS/GMRS two-way radio. These are the radios you normally see in big box stores. FRS and GMRS are the different frequency ranges, or channels, that these radios can operate on. FRS channels are 8 to 14 and GMRS channels are 15 to 22. Channels 1 to 7 are shared and used by both FRS and GMRS systems.
All radios in your group must be set to the same channel before they can communicate. For example, if your radio is set to channel 7, it will send your voice over that channel when you speak and listen and allow you to hear other people speaking on channel 7. It is always important to remember that these channels are hearing! Always be careful what you say on a two-way radio, because you can never be sure who is listening.
When choosing a channel, privacy and reach should be your main concerns. If you are using an FRS channel only, due to government regulations your radio will only transmit at a maximum of 0.5 watts of power. This wattage will generally give you between a half mile and a mile of range. By using a GMRS channel, you can get the maximum power output and range from your two-way radio. However, if you are using a GMRS channel, the FCC requires you to purchase a license to operate on those frequencies.
As for privacy, if you choose a channel and notice others using the same channel, you should switch to a different channel to avoid confusion. Sometimes, like in a crowded amusement park, 22 channels just aren’t enough to provide privacy. Because of this, most midrange and up radios also provide “Privacy Codes,” which divide a single channel anywhere between 38 and 121 subchannels. When you calculate privacy codes, many radios offer over 1,000 individual channels for you to choose from.
Some two-way radios run on AA or AAA batteries. You’ll also find that many of the radios come with rechargeable battery packs and desktop chargers. If you buy a model with a rechargeable battery pack, you’ll get the convenience of rechargeable batteries and more, you’ll still be able to run them on regular batteries if your battery packs run out before you put them back on their chargers.
There are many good uses for a two-way radio, but they can be especially useful on vacations or family outings. Have you ever taken a trip to an amusement park or a ski trip and somehow got separated from your friends or family? A two way radio would have been very helpful in locating each other. How about carrying more than one because on a road trip? A two way radio would be a great means of communication between vehicles.
Another popular sport where two-way radios can play an important role is hunting. Hunters always need some kind of communication device to keep in touch with each other throughout the forest. The avid hunter can now even find two-way radios in camo color!
Major two-way radio brands include Motorola, Cobra, Midland, Kenwood, and Uniden. You can find radios from these manufacturers in all different ranges of power output and distance. There are also different types of features that you can get with your two way radios. Many two-way radios even support NOAA weather channels. There are also a host of accessories you can find for your two-way radios, including headsets, handheld speakers, headset receivers, and throat microphones. Many of these can even be operated hands-free, as long as they, and the radios, are VOX compatible. Now you can even buy car chargers for your two way radios!
There is no doubt that two way radios have come a long way over the years. Most people have found it impossible to live without them, just like mobile phones! Starting with a max range of around 2-5 miles, you can now find them with max ranges of up to 14 miles! The next time you’re traveling with friends or family, make sure you’re prepared and take a two-way radio with you. They can be quite useful.
