Despite the prevalence of mobile communications, almost throughout Russia there are still areas from which it is difficult to get through by phone. As a rule, the need to use an additional communication device appears among people who are fond of hunting and fishing, traveling to the most remote corners of the country, as well as some specialists, such as crane operators.

For operational communication, it is better to use not mobile phones, but walkie-talkies. Also, portable gadgets have a number of advantages over smartphones:

• Robust design of the device (can be used in extreme or difficult production conditions);
• Loud audio signal (will be heard in places of increased noise);
• A wide range of accessories specifically for security services (repeaters, antenna systems);
• Calling all stations at the same time (all employees can listen to traffic);
• In an enterprise, the system is owned and operated by it alone;
• Functioning in emergency situations that disable cellular communications (flood, earthquake, hurricane);
• Unauthorized use of communication by personnel is excluded;
• There is no payment for the use of the system and airtime.

A walkie-talkie is a portable transceiver designed to communicate with a group of people located at a remote distance from each other. This type of equipment is suitable if you like to ski with friends in the mountains, travel, as well as for the protection of a hypermarket, coordinating the movement of a motorcade, communicating with a crane operator at a construction site and other purposes.

The walkie-talkie is easy to use: to transmit information, just press the tangent (a button or key to switch from reception to transmission), you do not need to dial numbers and look for contacts in the phone book. Manufacturers offer three types of radio stations:

• Stationary;
• Mobile;
• Portable.

The former are mounted on stationary objects, the latter on mobile surfaces, and the third are suitable for carrying in a pocket or bag. Mobile and portable radios are compact in size and light in weight (100-400 grams), while stationary models can weigh more than 1 kg.

There are walkie-talkies for hunters, fishermen and truckers, builders and others on the market. The devices themselves fall into several categories:

Unlicensed devices in Russia² work in three frequency ranges:

• CB;
• LPD;
• PMR.

The first is suitable for large devices with large antennas, however, the connection may not always be stable due to the quality of the radio waves. LPD and PMR operate on closely spaced frequencies in the UHF (decimeter) band. In this case, radio waves propagate in a straight line, there is practically no industrial interference at frequencies, so the communication quality always remains consistently high, and speech is legible and understandable. Some models have ANL, NB and HI-CUT filters for great sound even in the presence of interference. Each type of license-free radio has its own characteristics:

Portable and professional radios must have:

• High strength;
• Simple control;
• Increased reliability;
• Long service life;
• Excellent communication quality;
• Tone protection of the walkie-talkie;
• Possibility of programming from a computer.

Editor’s Choice

Motorola DP1400 UHF Analog

UHF radio with a frequency range from 403 to 470 MHz, due to which the radio signal is always stable, and the device can be used in dense urban areas, indoors, as well as underground, on water and in the forest. The frame of the model is made of metal, and the body is made of polycarbonate, so the device withstands high loads and has a standard of protection against moisture and dust penetration IP54.

The standard package includes a 1400 mAh Ni-MH battery that provides uninterrupted operation for 9 hours, but you can optionally install a more capacious 1600 or 2200 mAh battery (in these cases, the operating time increases to 10.5 and 13.5 hours, respectively) ). The model operates in the UHF band, has a transmitter with a switch power of 4 W with a sensitivity of 0.3 μV.

16 channels are provided for information transmission and additional functions: operation mode through a repeater, setting to an emergency channel, voice activation via a headset (VOX), push-to-talk (PTT), scanning, channel monitoring. Loudspeaker power with regulator — 500 mW. According to user reviews, the volume knob loosens over time and stops working on shutdown.

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Pros and cons

Rating of the top 7 best inexpensive walkie-talkies

1. «SOYUZ 1» Ver.2.0

The radio station is suitable for use in public organizations, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts. The device is made in a compact case protected from dust and moisture according to the IP54 standard. The transmitter power of the gadget is 2 W, the range is up to 10 km, and 16 channels are provided for transmitting information. According to user feedback, when adjusting frequency ranges, there is not enough numbering of waves (no numbers), there may also be interference.

The model is equipped with a removable 1100 mAh lithium-ion battery and additional options: push-to-talk (PTT), channel monitoring, PC programming, talk timer, power saving mode, noise reduction, volume control and headset connection. The device supports CTCSS, DCS encoding (155 codes).

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2. Baofeng UV-5R

Just ten years ago, no one had heard of BaoFeng. And today, the company’s walkie-talkies are among the best-selling (and most popular). The UV-5R is one of the best models released by the company and has become a favorite among users as a cheap and functional portable radio.

It can receive and transmit on any frequency between 136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz at up to five watts of power, and also receive in the 65-108 MHz range. Other features include dual frequency monitoring and standby, and a built-in emergency siren.

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Pros and cons

3. WLN KD-C52

The device has a built-in scrambler, which increases the secrecy of negotiations, making speech unintelligible on other radio stations. On the right side of the model are standard Mini-USB connectors for charging and headset. The device is equipped with a 1000 mAh battery. The product complies with the UHF standard operating in the frequency range of 400-470 MHz and supports CTCSS and DCS level encoding.

The device operates within a radius of 7 km and allows you to transfer data over 16 communication channels. According to user reviews, the maximum range of receiving / transmitting information on the highway is 5 km, and in the city — 2 km. The package includes: 2 radios, charger, headset and batteries.

The body is made of durable plastic, its surface is slightly rough, so that the product does not slip out of the palm of your hand. According to user reviews, there is no button lock, so you can accidentally change the channel. A full charge of the battery is enough for only 5-8 hours of continuous operation.

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3. Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin Pack

A great walkie talkie set for kids, the T42 is available in a choice of blue, red, or a choice of three. With a range of up to 4 km, they are an excellent choice for short distances and an indispensable companion for family vacations.

They also include a dedicated quick pairing button that makes it very easy to pair all your radios.

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5. TurboSky T25x2

A two-way radio set does not require a license. The device is equipped with an automatic noise reduction function on 8 channels and 99 subtones, it works within a radius of 5 km. The body of the model is made of plastic, complemented by an LCD display and an LED flashlight.

The model is powered by a rechargeable battery or AAA 1.5 V batteries (sold separately), so daily recharging is not required. An indicator is provided on the case to monitor the charge level. According to the reviews of the owners, with infrequent use it is better to remove the batteries, otherwise the flashlight turns on spontaneously.

The device is controlled by two buttons. A belt loop is provided for easy portability. The gadget has several options: voice activation, channel scanning, end of transmission and call signals (10 melodies) and headset connection. According to user reviews, the interlocutor is well heard from a distance less than that declared by the manufacturer (up to 3 km).

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6. Baofeng BF-888S

BaoFeng BF-888S is very well received in the low cost radio market. It has a lot of great features and is definitely one of the most cost effective walkie talkie options. Decent little radio, incredibly easy to operate.

Getting the job done with minimal effort seems to be the main idea behind this walkie-talkie. If you want more cool features like high power, dual band or water resistance, you should probably consider other options, but the BaoFeng BF-888S will provide the basic features.

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7 Motorola Talkabout T62

Motorola’s TALKABOUT T62 is one of the brand’s latest models that packs a ton of features for an affordable walkie-talkie. A simple pairing button allows you to instantly sync your walkie-talkies, and the iVOX feature makes them a great choice for hands-free use.

The batteries provide up to 18 hours of use, which should be enough for even the most demanding users. Finally, the Motorola T62 offers a range of up to 8 km in optimal conditions, which is impressive given the price. If you’re looking for a decent two-way radio kit at an affordable price, then the T62 is worth considering.

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1. PRESIDENT RICHARD

A radio station operating in the frequency range 24.89-29.7 MHz. On the front panel of the device there are a large number of knobs, switches, a USB input, an LCD display with 7 backlight colors and an arrow indicator. The body of the device is cast, ribbed, on the back there is a radiator for cooling. The radio can be used both amateur and automobile for truckers or taxi drivers.

For high sound quality even in the presence of interference, three filters are provided: ANL, NB and HI-CUT, which can be switched on in various combinations. Also, the model is equipped with many options: a rotary channel switch, volume and power controls, manual and automatic noise suppression, a multifunctional LCD display, voice activation. The model is equipped with protection against incorrect power connection, operates under 12 V voltage.

The radio station supports 450 channels, transmits information with a power of 40 W within a range of up to 30 km. According to user reviews, the radio keeps the signal well and meets all the declared characteristics, however, it does not have the “standby mode” function, in which there is minimal energy consumption.

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2. COMRADE R90 VHF

The radio station is one of the most reliable walkie-talkies for motorists. The model operates in the frequency range 136-174 MHz and transmits information over 199 channels. The built-in scrambler ensures the privacy of conversations. The readings are displayed on a backlit display.

The device is equipped with functions: noise reduction, «push to talk», talk timer, scanning and channel monitoring, Talk-Around, which allows you to communicate with other stations outside the repeater zone, as well as an alarm and overheating protection (turns off when heated to 125 degrees), keyboard lock. The device supports VHF bands and transmits a signal with a power of 50 W (the manufacturer did not indicate the range). To connect the battery of the machine must have a rated power of not more than 12 V.

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3. MEGAJET MJ-333 Turbo

The radio operates in the MW range, the frequency range 26.515-27.855 MHz and a grid of 135 channels), has an increased output power level of 20 watts. The device is equipped with options for automatic spectral noise reduction ASQ, scanning and channel monitoring and power control. There is also a connector for connecting an external speaker.

On the front panel there are large keys for switching frequencies. The device is suitable for installation in a truck, city service cars or taxis. According to user reviews, there may be difficulties in the operation of signal transmission and the noise reduction regulator, as well as the transmitter power is not enough for everyone. Operates under 14 V voltage.

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1. «TEREK RK-501»

Portable professional walkie-talkie with the maximum possible range of 25 km. The device works according to the UHF standard in the range of 400-470 MHz with transmission at three power levels: 5, 10 and 25 watts. To display them, an indicator is provided (each of these indicators has its own color). Communication channels in the amount of 16 pieces are supported by CTCSS and DCS coding systems, including 155 codes.

The device is equipped with a repeater, FM-receiver and options: voice activation with and without a headset, «push to talk», scanning, noise reduction, loudspeaker (power 1150 mW).

Long-term uninterrupted operation is ensured by a 4850 mAh lithium-polymer battery operating in power saving mode. According to user reviews, the radio meets all the declared characteristics, but the channel controls are too smooth (without fixation).

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2. Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O

The Motorola TLKR T92 H2O is more or less identical to its T80 Extreme predecessor; boasts a maximum range of up to 10 km, a rugged and weatherproof design and all the same features. Built to withstand the elements, the TLKR T92 is one of the most reliable two-way radios around. It even contains a floating core, making it ideal for kayaking and other water adventures.

The gadget comes with a host of other features, including a built-in flashlight to help save valuable space in your kit bag. Combining durability with a sleek design and a decent 16 hours of battery life, the TLKR T92 is a solid choice that offers good value for money.

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3. VECTOR VT-80ST

A portable radio station that provides uninterrupted communication with an output power of up to 10 watts. The model supports unlicensed LPD and PMR channels with the ability to program frequencies in the range of 400-470 MHz. 16 channels are provided for information transmission, each of them can be set to a separate power, bandwidth, and also added or excluded from the scan list.

Rugged polycarbonate housing is equipped with a function of blocking the work on a busy frequency. Two keys can be programmed for quick access to frequently used options: coding, emergency call, microphone sensitivity adjustment, keypad entry, and vibrating alert.

The device is powered by a lithium-ion battery (4200 mAh) 350 hours in standby mode. According to user reviews, when switching channels, a sound is heard that cannot be removed, there is also no indication of the battery being full, and it is not clear when it needs to be charged.

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A reliable item of equipment for extreme sportsmen, hunters and fishermen

4. Nothing Scary BF-777S

A set of portable walkie-talkies of 2 pieces is suitable for hunting, fishing, hiking in the forest. The model belongs to the segment of budget license-free devices. It operates in the range of 400-470 MHz and has 16 memory cells, which is enough for most users.

The case is made of plastic, and the power is supported by a 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery. Of the functions available: coding at the CTCSS level and a loudspeaker with a power of 500 mW. According to user reviews, the device meets the declared characteristics. The range is not specified by the manufacturer, the case is made of plastic, so when using the gadget it is better not to drop it.

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5. Midland GXT100VP4

Midland has been making walkie-talkies for decades, but always innovating. The GXT1000VP4 is a great example with 50 channels, 142 privacy codes and an impressive 36 mile range. The gadget features a bright backlit LCD screen, offers 10 customizable alerts for incoming messages, and includes a whisper mode for communicating in quiet situations. These walkie-talkies are also rugged, waterproof and come with rechargeable batteries that keep them running for hours.

In addition to basic functionality, Midland designed the GXT1000VP4 for emergency use. An SOS siren alerts others when help is needed, and a built-in NOAA weather radio keeps users ahead of severe weather conditions.

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6 Motorola Talkabout T82

The Motorola T82 Extreme two-way radios are rugged and weatherproof, have an IPX4 rating and a hidden screen that can light up, making menu navigation easy. With a range of up to 10 km, they are ideal for hiking, skiing or other outdoor activities where you need to keep in touch.

What’s more, the T82 also includes a number of handy additional features such as an LED flashlight for professionals working at night. Another advantage of the T82 is the iVox function, with which you can enjoy automatic voice and hands-free activation.

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Leaders of the Past

1. Midland GXT1050

If you need to stay connected offline, these are the walkie-talkies you need — the feature-packed Midland GXT1050 with 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). GMRS radios are more powerful than their traditional FRS (Family Radio Service) counterparts, so the signal travels for miles without interruption. In this case, the GXT1050 radios cover about 58 km in open areas. With obstacles such as buildings and trees, the range is reduced. Since these are GMRS radios, a license is required to operate them.

Pros and cons

2.Bao Feng BF-F8HP

If you are looking for power, choose Baofeng BF-F8HP. The F8HP is an upgraded version of the popular BaoFeng UV-5R, which has conquered the low cost high power radio market. The new BF-F8HP boasts a whopping 8W of power compared to 2W or less on most FRS radios. With power comes complexity, and the Baofeng BF-F8HP is not exactly an easy-to-use walkie-talkie. This is a full-fledged radio with the ability to broadcast on public FRS channels.

Pros and cons

3. Midland LXT-425

The Midland LXT630VP3 is on our list of the best FRS radios on sale right now. They are equipped with all the features including 36 channels, belt clip, fast charging and a range of up to 30 miles. The bright yellow faceplate makes it easy to find, while the durable outer shell is ideal for use anywhere. They have weather alerts to alert you when it goes bad.

Simple activated voice and sound transmission (eVOX) with three levels of sensitivity makes hands-free operation a breeze. Customers praise these radios for their impressive sound quality and range. While this radio package only offers two walkie-talkies and costs a bit more than most of the other options we’ve listed, we think the performance makes them worth the money.

Pros and cons

How to choose a radio

Walkie-talkies for different purposes have distinctive characteristics. To understand exactly whether the device will cope with the tasks or not, you need to look at the following values:

VHF or UHF

These abbreviations stand for operating radio frequency bands:

• VHF — high frequencies that are in the range of 126-174 MHz. They work well at all distances, including long distances, but are sensitive to large obstacles, such as rocks, buildings;
• UHF — ultra-high frequencies with boundaries in the range from 400 to 512 MHz, capable of passing everywhere — even through the walls of structures.

Radius of action

Always specified for an open area free of houses, trees, and other obstructions. Therefore, if the radio range is declared by the manufacturer, for example, at 8 km, and in the forest it takes 3, then there is nothing surprising. When this parameter is fundamental when choosing a device, it is better to look at models with the largest range.

Battery

Professional walkie-talkies are equipped with removable or built-in batteries (usually lithium-ion) that work in all weather conditions, including at low air temperatures. The duration of uninterrupted operation depends on the capacity of the battery and the presence / absence of the energy saving option.

Channels

Most good walkie-talkies have up to 20 channels, which is enough for hiking and calling for help in emergencies. Devices with many fixed ranges (from 50), for example, like automobile ones, are more expensive, but can also be equipped with a large number of functions (noise reduction, scanning, and others).

Coding

These are the tone protection of the walkie-talkie and the subtone scanning function, which allow you to negotiate with great convenience, “filtering out” part of the tonal signals from the air. For this, special CTCSS and DCS codes are used, which refer to specific tones.

Optional equipment

It is worth looking at what options the model supports, whether it is possible to charge it from a car cigarette lighter. The display will be useful (especially with backlight), vibration alert (for hunters, so as not to frighten off the prey), channel memorization if you are communicating with several people at once, and others.

Feedback from an expert on walkie-talkies

Shares experience in choosing walkie-talkies Nikolai Evstigneevsales manager at a radio company:

“The most important thing when choosing a radio station is not power, but the sensitivity of the transceiver, the element base (what the radio is made of) and the manufacturer. Transmission is affected by incoming power, and reception is affected by outgoing power. The reception itself goes through the transmitter. If you choose walkie-talkies for relaxing with your family or hiking in the forest, you can safely buy the simplest kits. They operate in the PMR range (unlicensed) — 0.5 watts. No papers are required for them, and you can use them all over Russia and the world.”

Popular questions and answers

Answers popular questions from readers about walkie-talkies Mikhail Pedenkovthe seller of the radio engineering store:

Sources

1. https://base.garant.ru/402961872/
2. https://58.rkn.gov.ru/directions/p2231/p9827/p20503/
3. https://rkn.gov.ru/