This is why most emergency responders and rescue units normally rely on them for reliable and clear communication. Since they work using a duplex system they will allow the operator to either talk or listen but cannot do both simultaneously. While many walkie talkies are advertised to provide you with up to 35 miles in range, you will only get several miles of effective range. However, if you shop well and follow the best practices you should be able to get the best long distance walkie talkie. If you are looking for the best walkie talkies, click here to read our in-depth review.

Advantages of long-range walkie talkies

They provide you with the best service during an emergency. Landlines and cell phone service may fail during a disaster or emergency. However, long-range walkie talkies will continue to work well during such situations. Additionally, with long-range walkie talkies, you can connect to all the workers at once as opposed to dialing individual numbers throughout the phone.

Lightweight durability. Long-range walkie talkies are designed in such a way that they should be long-lasting and lightweight. Although some phones may need protective case during working, long-range walkie talkies are built for to IP and military specifications so they are less likely to break or crack when dropped down. They also come with long battery life with some models that may continue to operate for up to 26 hours without any issue.

Cost-effective. As compared to the cell phones long range walkie talkies cost much less than the cell phones. For instance, with these two-way communication devices, there are no service charges, monthly fees or calling minutes. Also, since several workers can share one of them you can significantly cut on the cost.

Communication clarity. As compared to many cellphones long range walkie talkies are designed in such a way that they will provide you with clear communication in several conditions that you are in. They are often fitted with several features that will help you minimize wind noise and allow resistance to extreme temperatures, wind vibration, and even wet conditions.

Ease of use. Long-range walkie talkies come with touch button talk that will help you create an easy means of communication wherever you are. Some models also have cloning capabilities which will simplify the process of copying radio settings.

A brief history of the walkie talkies

The first thing that could have been considered as walkie talkie was a portable radio signaling system that inverted by Canadian Donald Hings in 1937. By the year 1947, this system was deployed by allied military forces in the Second World War. During this time the US came up with their system known as the Motorola SCR-300 which was the first of its kind to be termed as a walkie talkie. However, these devices did not line the powerful tiny devices that we have today. Although handheld model existed during the war, it resembled a giant cell phone of the 1980s.

Over the next few decades, the technology became easily available to the normal citizens and they exploded the industry. In 1977 the FCC realized that smaller radios were having their systems hijacked by CB traffic regularly so they came up with a different frequency range for the new toy models. That range is what still being employed by the long-range walkie talkies of today. Nowadays, high-powered ones are not only easy to come with but are also relatively inexpensive. This means they can give you the best communication especially if you want to talk to anyone within your channel.

How long range walkie talkies work

A long-range walkie talkie is just a wireless communication device that allows people to keep in touch I through radio waves. Powered by battery some of its important features include a microphone, push to talk button, an antenna and loudspeaker and transmitter/receiver. When you talk into one your voice is generally changed into radio signals through the device’s spectrum. This is actually what transmits your voice to the other radio system.

Types of long-range walkie talkies

Long-range walkie talkies come in different types and different based on their specific brand namely FRS/GMRS

Family radio type

Also known as FRS, these long-range walkie talkies with earpiece are much smaller than other radios. They not only use the FM radio frequency but also work with between 1 to 14 channels. As compared to others they are inexpensive and more accessible than the GMSR systems. Plus, since they are easy to use even the kids will comfortably use them without any problem. However, as compared to their GMRS counterparts they normally come with a very limited output which means that they also have very limited range. At best they will have an output of 0.5 watts which translates to 1-mile radius range. Up to that and they are still useful methods of communicating especially if the range is not so far.

General mobile radio service

Called GMRS, these long-range walkie talkies are more reliable and much stronger. Coming with an output capacity of 1 to 5 watts they can comfortably be used over a long-range. In fact, in some instances, they can reach even 50 watts without any problem at all. Due to this as compared to FRS they cover a much wider range. This means you can sue them to connect to a device which is two miles away. However, it’s important to note that this comes at a price since they tend to be a bit expensive. Also, for you to use them you must have especially license which can also cost you more money. The good news, however, is that you can use the license for up to 5 years and it does not come with any test requirements. While FRS can work across 1 to 14 channels, GMRS radios have up to 22 channels.

PMR446 models

These are models that are most popular in Europe and what sets them apart is the fact that they normally work according to the different frequencies that they operate in. it’s also important to note that GMRS and FRS are illegal to buy, sell and use in Europe. This is because they operate in channels that are generally reserved for emergency communications and public safety.

ESXi Radios

Although this is are fairly new in the market they’ve already captured the market in such a way that most people nowadays prefer them. Manufactured by TriSquare it’s believed that they are more cutting edge version of the FRS radio. In fact, in terms of range connectivity, some say that they are even much better than some GMRS. They not only have a 6-mile range but also provide decent coverage even in the worst weather conditions. Since they function according to the system frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, you can use them to connect to several other devices and even send a text message with a lot of ease. This is a big plus since in some situations it’s better to send a text message than speaking through the device. Also because they work according to 15 band spectrum you don’t have to get a license to operate them whether you are using them for personal or commercial use. However, just with any other device they also have their disadvantages, you can only connect them to other TrSquare models meaning that you cannot connect the to other brands and models. So if you plan to use them with a friend you must pair them with the same model.

The difference between UHF and VHF

Once you’ve settled on the type of radio that you want to use you need to decide the type of frequency that you’ll use on the radio. As compared to other frequency VHF needs very little power to work and can be used to cover a very long distance with a lot of ease. This is because it has longer more grounded wavelengths. This means they are suitable for use in wide-open spaces with very minimal obstruction in the form of trees, people and steel doors. But it’s still the most, viable and reliable type of long-range walker talkie frequency out there. However, since there may be a lot of obstructions it’s not perfect for use in ships on the other hand UHF are way more powerful hence are ideal for use in shops since they can easily penetrate the obstacles.

Number of channels

If you are going to use cheap long distance walkie talkies to communicate then it’s also important to ensure that you are I the same channels. You just need to understand that you have to wait until the other person has passed their message before you can pass yours. This is because whether long or short, long-range two-way walkie talkies do not allow for a simultaneous form of communication. Depending on the number of people that you are planning to communicate with your options range from 2 to 7 channels on FRS or 30 channels on GMRS. The more channels you have the better the device will be at versatility and privacy. However, you must note that any gadget with more channels will also be costly.

Quality of audio

The benefits of having long-range walkie talkie that’s always clear make for very effortless communication. This means you’ll not have to worry whether the other person hears you on not. Good quality is therefore very important since it will enable the other person to get what you are saying fast. So if you are going to shop online for your long-range walkie talkie you need to consider opting for reputable brands which will give you the best audio quality. It’s also important to check out the customer’s reviews so you can know what the other customers are saying about the brands.