How to Use Walkie Talkies

Two-way radio transceivers have come a long way since they were designed in World War II. Today walkie-talkies are commonly used for professional, recreational and even kids' use. This portable device has many features and is becoming more compact with each new design. Become familiar with some of the features and technology to use your walkie-talkie.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the purpose for your walkie-talkie before purchasing one. Determine whether you'll be using them for recreational use such as hiking, or indoor use as an intercom system like within a building. This will help guide your choice.

2. Update yourself on the latest technology in walkie-talkies. Some features include; weather channels, compass device, headset models, wrist models, holsters and belt clips. Don't pay for a feature you'll never use.

3. Think about the amount of distance you'll need to cover with your walkie-talkies. If it is for close range than two miles would be sufficient. If it is for five mile usage consult the appropriate authorities to license the walkie-talkies with the FCC.

4. Communicate on a multi-user compatibility system. If your purpose will be to have many user's for the walkie-talkies consider a high quality and versatile radio receiver. This system is designed to eliminate the static and interference among users.

5. Know whether you'll want a built in rechargeable battery pack or battery operated system. If you're planning to use the walkie-talkies away from an electrical outlet, than buy those with disposable or rechargeable batteries since the other type requires a base station to recharge.

6. Learn how to scramble your voice. Messages can be decoded by a voice scrambler or Morse code to personalize your message. Some walkie-talkies have a 14 channel system with sub-channels to keep conversations private and limited to only those who have the same sub-channels.

7. Watch what you're saying. Remember that others can and will hear what is being said. Keep your conversations brief and be specific. Keep personal and intimate conversations for a one on one meeting.

[Mike0526]

on 4/25/2008 As a ham operator of 14 years I found this posting to be very accurate on most all aspects. How ever the point that there might be more privacy on a multi channels needs to be taken with a grain of salt. If any one wants to have a longer range radio you can find what you need at www.qrz.com or American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org are good places to see how to get a FCC ticket for your usage.