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UHF (or Ultra High Frequencies) is better able to penetrate man-made obstacles such as steel and concrete. UHF walkie talkies are typically used in urban built-up areas for two-way communication. VHF (Very High Frequencies) is more suited to distance or open-area operations such as offshore at sea for vessel-to-vessel or shore-to-vessel communications.

The range of walkie talkies is entirely dependent on where they are used and whether there are any obstructions such as hills, buildings between them.

All walkie talkies are capable of working over several kilometers provided there is good line of sight under ideal situations. But the range will be reduced by any obstructions such as walls, buildings and even trees.

You would need to know where the walkie talkies are used and that will determine if you would require a UHF or VHF two-way radios.

Radio communications have evolved through the years, paving way for options that meet the needs and requirements of today’s organizations.

Analogue (or analog) radio is a traditional type of radio. It has been around for a long time which makes it a reliable form of wireless communication since its introduction in the 1930s. Even to this day, most business would still use analogue. They use frequency modulation (FM) that creates constant wave with the voice signal. This makes it simple to install and therefore cost efficient.

This type comes with standard features:

• Push-to-talk
• One-to-one or one-to-many conversations
• Scanning
• Limited encryption

Digital radio is a new radio technology that delivers a much better audio quality at a much greater distance than analogue. It provides more feature-rich options such as

• Better calling range
• Better audio
• Increase in coverage
• Advanced software

Push-to-talk over cellular is the next-generation radio communication technology. It delivers instant yet secure communication over carrier networks or broadband connectivity, making it possible to communicate with other users anywhere in the world. It offers one touch instant communication with one or to many in less than a second. Push to talk communication offers intuitive and easy to use built for business as it can be managed using a dispatch management system. It can provide not just instant talk, but live GPS tracking, emergency alert notifications and more.

You must first understand the purpose of using the walkie talkie, such as for leisure / recreational purpose or for commercial purpose.

Leisure walkie talkies are ideal for recreational purposes such as when trekking, cycling or camping. That means you would not require the frequent use of the walkie talkies. You may wish to consider purchasing a license free walkie talkie as the equipment are more affordable.

Commercial walkie talkies have a much broader range for communicating, extending up to 18km. These aren’t intended for hobby use, rather they’re meant for businesses or commercial activity.

You may consider purchase either the Analog or Digital walkie talkie, depending on your budget and type of usage, such as whether could you require text messaging or just plain 2-way group communication.

Walkie Talkies can also be known as two-way radios, are handheld, portable, two-way radio transceivers.

Major characteristics of walkie-talkies or two-way radios include a half-duplex channel (only one radio transmits at a time though any number can listen), making it essentially the fastest way to communicate with large group of users.

Typical walkie talkies resemble a telephone handsets, which could be slightly larger or compact in size, operates with an antenna mounted on the top of the unit.

User will have to trigger the “Push-to-Talk” (PTT) button to transmit the signal or your voice message to another two-way radios or walkie-talkies.

The two way radios have built-in speakers that allow user to hear the transmitted message.

Over time, walkie talkies have expanded beyond their initial functions and environments. There are different types of two way radios that can be used in many industries, including security, construction and hospitality as well in many different environments including hazardous locations, homes and for sports.

Depending on what you choose whether analogue or digital, you can maximise the use of the radio to your advantage. However there are also disadvantages that you need to consider.

Analogue

Advantages

1. Most basic way of radio communications
2. Short learning curve
3. *Ability to communicate in situations where a received signal is weak or noisy
4. No compatibility issues when used between  different make and models
5. Lower purchase costs

Disadvantages

1. Only one conversation can occur per channel at a time

Digital

Advantages

1. Availibility of multiple talking paths
2. Ability to transmit data such as equipment ID, text messages via digital radio channel. Improves workflow and productivity.
3. Exceptional voice quality
4. High security through encrypted signal

Disadvantages

1. May have compatibility issues between other make and models.
2. Equipment may become obsolete quickly
3.  Higher purchase costs
4.  Higher learning curve

Push-to-talk over Cellular

Advantages

• Instant and secure communications
• Private one-to-one call
• Private one-to-many or group communication
• Dispatch management for decentralized tracking from any PC
• Solid devices
• Live GPS tracking
• Emergency alarm notifications
• Global coverage

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for mission-critical communications such as emergency response and crisis situations
• Not everyone in your contact is available through PTT, limiting the number of personal calls

The minimum number is two and there is no maximum limit. Provided the walkie talkies are within range of one another plus all are using the same channel and set to the same frequency.

Businesses can utilise our PoC radios by getting the full-suite PTT over cellular radio solutions. It comprises the following:

• the PoC radios
• dispatch management system
• surveillance (evidence management system)