The term two-way radio is a technology that allows individuals to keep in contact with each other using radio waves. it has the ability to both transmit and receive a radio signal, as opposed to a radio that can only receive. A two way radio can either operate in a half-duplex or full duplex mode. Half-duplex allows the radio to transmit or receive in turn but not both simultaneously. Full-duplex allows the radio to transmit and receive at the same time. A two way radio is also commonly called a transceiver, because it can both transmit and receive radio communications. In either case, the radio operates two ways; it can send and it can receive. Two-way radios are available in a variety of configurations, including mobile, stationary, and hand-held (also known as walkie-talkies).
Two-way radio works by converting audio to radio waves that are then transmitted through the air. These radio waves are received by other radios which convert the radio waves back to audio.
The conversion to radio waves can be sent as an analogue signal or a digital signal, with digital transmission being the more modern technology. With digital radio, it is possible to send other types of data over the radio waves such as text messages and status updates. It is even possible to encrypt data when using digital radio to stop people using your network without your permission.
Two-way radio works between the frequencies of 30 MHz (Megahertz) and 1000 MHz, also known as 1 GHz (Gigahertz). This range of two-way frequencies is divided into two categories:
Very High Frequency (VHF) - Range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) - Range between 300 MHz and 1 GHz.
From these ranges, most two-way radio equipment falls into the 136 - 174 MHz and 403 - 527 MHz parts of the spectrum and must be licenced. Each country has its own organisation tasked with allocating licences, but some two-way radio frequencies are allocated as licence-free (for instance, PMR446 at 446MHz).
It depends on what type of system you require. If you only need a small number of radios in a remote location over a small area then you might be able to use license free radios (such as PMR446). If you require a larger area of coverage, require secure communications, have multiple teams who need to communicate separately, or are operating in a built-up area such as a town centre then you will need to buy licensed equipment.
The answer to this question depends on the equipment you are using and the infrastructure you have installed around it. Different obstacles have different communication distances. If you are in a city, the communication distance is less than or equal to 3 kilometers. If you are in the mountain, the communication distance is the 10 kilometers.
Two-way Radio over Internet can thus serve large geographic areas economically, which is essential for services such as law enforcement, emergency medical care, and energy utilities.
In reality, the terms walkie talkie and two way radio are often considered interchangeable, at least here in the US, and are sometimes even used together in the same conversation to reference the same thing. Of course, there is a difference between a two way radio and a walkie talkie that is somewhat universal. Technically speaking, the two are not the same thing, although in some cases, they can be. To understand the difference, we need to define the terms.
A walkie talkie is a portable two way radio, particularly one that can be held in the hand. This type of radio, also known as a handy talkie, handheld transceiver or HT, allows you to talk on the radio while walking around, hence the name walkie talkie.
According to the definition, a walkie talkie is a two way radio, but a two way radio is not always a walkie talkie. This is because there are types of radios that are not portable handhelds, such as a mobile radio mounted in a vehicle or a desk or wall mounted base station.
But, it can be one. In fact, most, if not all manufacturers of business, CB radio, FRS radio, GMRS radio, marine radio, airband and amateur portable handheld radios or walkie talkies do not usually refer to their products as "Walkie Talkies", but as "Two Way Radios".
Do you consider walkie talkies and two way radios different or the same things? How and why? It's a great topic and we'd like to know what you think. You can leave your message about two way radio and walkie talkie.