Long-range
walkie-talkies (which we’ll abbreviate here to LRWT, for short) come in many
different shapes and sizes. They also typically boast a wide variety of extra
features, such as LCD screens, weather warnings and emergency buttons. It is up
to you to decide which of these extra features are worth spending out on.
Shopping
for an LRWT is essentially the same deal as shopping for any other kind of
walkie-talkie or two-way radio. Of course, you should ignore any claims that
the radio can communicate across
distances of 30, or even 25, miles, such claims are always to be considered
fallacious (as we’ve discussed elsewhere this month). In addition, it is worth
investing in a radio that has a ‘privacy’ function if you are planning to use
it at a crowded event, or indeed in any place that is likely to play host to a
lot of signal traffic.
Remember
also that VHF and UHF
radios are completely incompatible. DO NOT attempt to buy a VHF radio to go
with a UHF radio (or vice versa), just trust us on this.
It
also pays to be aware of licensing requirements. Many radios will need to be used
with a license, which you can attain relatively easily (and often surprisingly
cheaply). It does, however, absolutely need to be done. Of course, an LRWT that
is listed as PMR446 (or has a power output of less than 0.5 watts) requires no
license.
Other
questions you could ask yourself are:
What
type of batteries does your prospective LRWT use? Are they AA, AAA or
rechargeable (we recommend the latter)?
Is
the radio water/shock proof? Does it need to be?
Another
consideration is ease of use. In order to be truly effective, a walkie-talkie
needs to be easy to use. There is a school of thought which suggests that, the
more buttons there are to press and functions there are to master, the less
effective the user will be in a crisis. If you can get extra functions that do
not otherwise impede the simplicity of layout and use, then you’re probably
onto a winner, but otherwise, we reckon simplicity is key.
The
most important thing to keep in mind, however, is what you want the radio for.
Do not, under any circumstances, lose sight of the task at hand. If you are
looking for a professional piece of equipment, many of these decisions must be
made with your staff in mind. However, if you’re just looking to have a bit of
a laugh, then you needn’t be as picky as we’ve suggested.
