Why is Walkie-Talkie Range Always Poor?

5 reasons why walkie-talkie PMR446 and FRS radio range is always bad and a few tips as to how you can improve it.
One of the most common questions on my other videos relating to PMR446 radios relates to how much range people can expect to get or that range is much less than expected.
I thought I'd do a quick video discussing some of the reasons that this may happen and also answer some of those questions of how far you can realistically expect a radio of this type to cover.
If I've got any of my radio knowledge wrong, let me know in the comments.
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[@jamesk0ua]

You did a pretty good job of explaining what in actuality is a very complicated subject with many facets and "yah-buts" I have been an Amateur Radio operator for 50 years and worked for a while in a commercial 2 way radio shop. Explaining complex subjects to lay people is not so easy. Again, good job. 73 James K0UA

[@SuperEntelechy]

You explain complex issues well! Please could you add a bullet point summary to your video for a fast recap as these were not only useful tips but also relatively easy to apply too! tnx again for posting

[@pokedude104]

I've had luck improving the reception on these by literally taping a collapsible antenna from an old broken radio I had onto the non removable one. Certainly not a substitute for a radio with a removable antenna, and it does look ridiculous, but it makes a noticeable difference

[@kubelkowy]

Ok that's an awesome explainer. Thank you for that!

[@ibramguirguis]

Very very hepful. I just have returned a moto t82 for the same reason. Its 700m if im lucky and they advertised it for 10km distance. Thanks mate you have done a good job explaining things as I started doubting if i did a mistake in pairing but Im sure i havent.

[@m.9243]

Excellent video and great advice! Don't waste money on 'toys'. If you need to have those buy one that is at least 4 watts to be useful in suburbia. In UHF communication the most important sequence in long distance contact is: 1) Location 2) Antenna ( high gain, elevation) 3) output power.

[@HazardXXX]

like Baofeng UV-5R? 5watt can be used on licence free 446 frequencies PMR 1-16 channels

[@m.9243]

@@HazardXXX Depending where you live. There's different licencing requirements in countries. Where I am, there's no need for licence to use them in the UHF CB band (80 channels)

[@atomicdynamo6062]

Which radio would you recommend. Are the Baofengs any good?

[@m.9243]

@@atomicdynamo6062 The Baofeng radios are exceptional value and don't miss very much from the more expensive "brand" name radios (Uniden, Icom etc) I've been using them for several years with no issues at all! Make sure you get the 5 watt or higher models.

[@ezralimm]

I've been messing around with a 0.5W and 5.0W tranceiver in a very heavily built up environment. The difference between 5W and 0.5W is about 800m vs 1km. It's less than you think. Note this is at 477mhz UHF CB, which probably has a bit better penetration than PMR 446. Im estimating 30-35 vs 35-40 building penetration. Gear: 0.5W AAA powered Uniden Kid's walkie talkie (UH45 w stubby antenna), vs iCom IC41s commercial 5W radio (with a ?2.1dBi Whip). Base Station: 6dBI ground independant antenna hooked up to a prosumer 5W uniden (850S).

[@garkeinen7034]

You crushed my dream which I didn't even know of 30 minutes ago.

[@RepoMan550]

Great information in this video! Only thing I will add is these radios that operate on UHF frequencies actually gets the best range inside buildings (such as schools, malls warehouses etc). With the short wave length, it more easily penetrates walls and even brick and steel structures at short distances. But UHF radios suck using outdoor in wooded areas and urban environments. Like you say, having a high antenna and being line of sight is everything for getting any kind of acceptable range.

[@MrStarstreak]

The narrator neglects to mention that a cellphone aerial does not need to be large and that's the result of the frequency. UHF is superior to VHF in built-up areas as well.

[@squashum778]

Hi there, thanks for the explanation, just trying to get my head around this whole thing. I was thinking of buying a ‘so called ‘ high watt walkie Talkie from AliExpress for use here down under in NZ. So checking reviews etc. Thanks again

[@analytics8055]

The new Dewalts are 2 watts , here in the colonies..(America) We are testing at 4-6-7 miles easy in straight shot coms.

[@beergrill]

If you're looking for a good pmr check Midland G9, unlocked to 5W They easily go 3-4km in urban areas with 1-2 storey buildings.

[@phillipsmiley5930]

If you are going to operate illegally why not use UV5R

[@beergrill]

@@phillipsmiley5930 sometimes you just need something simple, straightforward and reliable. I.e. for your grandmother

[@davidhummel7041]

i am very impressed what these tiny radios can do. i bought one recently for my outdoor activities such as kajaing an caveclimbing and i have to say it works brilliant. Finally no need to scream anymore to talk to my companion in an upper Level of the cave to tell him what to do... its so much easier now and we always make special rules like codes when the other one does not answer anymore or can`t hear what the radio is reseaving meaning we use the radio as a kind of Morse System. It works for us. and just for you to understand in caves ther mostle is no Satelite to reach with mobile phone and so they are pretty useless but the PMR Radios still work. Of course they are limited in Range through all the Rock and Dirt but they work and thats mostly important for us. I know i have never seen or heard of caveclimbers using those Radios to comunicate to each other but i do. Sorry if my english sometimes is a bit bad, i am not used to it.

[@jetseverschuren]

So fun fact, if you look at the European regulations for PMR446, the 500mW limit is actually for the effective radiated power (ERP). That means if the antenna has 3dB of gain, the max transmit power (PEP) can only be 250mW. So even if the antenna was better, you're not actually gaining anything (pun intended)

[@koningbolo4700]

5:42 Well you are not as stuck with a fixed antenna as you might think. A German chap did a inductive coupled antenna slip on diy build which was capable of up to 20% gain in performance... On youtube you can find the video searching for "Biatone Walkie Talkie Antenna Modification". The kicker is the radio is kept unmodified and in most jurisdictions the use of a slip on type enhancement can not be deemed illegal as the radio isn't modified in any way...

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

are radio here in the U.S are limited to a 1/2 watt transmitter only short range

[@MujoNovak]

With poor radio the range is poor. Thats logical to me. I can recommend WLN-KD-C1. Superior radio.

[@ericgoodall7089]

Great vlog you just saved this narrowboat owner some money.

[@ssgeek4515]

Hi. Always try to purchase radios with removable arials like motor bike sets. There are lots of diy ext arial designs on utube with a type called a yagi (like a tv arial design) that will boost the power quite a lot....fascinating. pmr 446mhz just needs 16cm length arial to be OK. This is known as a quarter wave. A full wave is near a meter long. You can see the issue here. Go for a yagi it's not that portable but is extremely directional on tx and rx and will be amazing. Most sets that have removable arials have a connector called a SMA. A bugger to solder coax to but do - able. HAPPY RADIOIN' NO G!!!

[@dtv5362]

Given the same power and antenna size, I think UHF 440-470 Mhz has the best range for portable to portable. VHF 144-174 Mhz is a close second. When you go to 800 Mhz the portable range is far less. 27 MHz CB is terrible for portable use, less then PMR/FRS, but has good range with outdoor large base antennas

[@tdcattech]

I'd love to play more with VHF but the antenna lengths are just too clunky for a portable radio on your belt. I feel it should bump up the usable range and 'penetration' considerably. Marine stuff seems to do OK.

[@RoastMasterUK]

im using 2 baofeng uv9r 4 watts, they both go about a mile or so in a built up area which isnt bad

[@tdcattech]

No, that’s reasonable. 4 watts can give you decent coverage but you just can’t rely on it handset to handset. Drop over the slightest crest of a hill and it’s gone. I’ve done some testing with the DP1400 (geni.us/dp1400 ) and it provides a very usable service area.

[@nativetexan9776]

You are 100% correct on polarization

[@michaelloughlin734]

New radio out retevis rt667 this has a 3000mah battery on board looks a good solid radio about £19-99 each comes in a few colours black looks the best the antannae has a small hole at the bottom of it I hope it's got the small grub screw and when removed antannae reveals a mini sma so a quarter wave can be put on it 16 ch including the new pmr 446 channels from 9 to 16.

[@MrStarstreak]

That is not a budget radio by any means. It is a ruggedised version of their other radios not rubbish. The 10KM range claim is just an advertising con which should be addressed.

[@atomicdynamo6062]

Love your clear explanation and concise style. I learned a lot. Question: What if someone takes a walkie-talkie with a removable antenna and hacks it to transmit 10 watts of power with a 2 foot antenna? Would they have a clear reception between 2 such radios? I know it would be illegal but would it work better?

[@tdcattech]

The antenna would need to be sized in accordance with the frequency being used to work correctly and not damage a radio outputting 10W but sure, the coverage would be much better. Just probably not quite as good as you might think. 👍🏻

[@atomicdynamo6062]

@@tdcattech I have a feeling that with Elon Musk satellite network expanding and becoming cheaper and cheaper pretty soon cellphones will have coverage even where there are no cell towers. So maybe walkie-talkies will become obsolete.

[@EDCwhistlesSCRATCHCARDS]

@@atomicdynamo6062 I think walkie talkies will never become obsolete because they are more practical than cell phones because we can talk and listen instantly, without having to accept the call, I use it every day, I can't imagine having to make a cell phone call every time I have to say little spaced things out.

[@devilsatan2973]

These kind of radios really can't be "hacked" for more power. The architecture of the radio just doesn't allow for this. These are also microprocessor controlled. The flexibility just isn't there!

[@thomasnappo6309]

This is why l subscribed to you...Your honesty..the truth will set you free...so why spend alot of money when they all have roughly the same range....thx mate

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

but with the company I recived my radio's from have people that know in cluding a tec dept

[@wisteela]

Superbly explained, and very informative. This will help many people.

[@z1522]

At 8:00 this underscores one of the few variables the user can control - look cool, or gain 30% more range, it's up to you. Using in rural open areas where cell phone towers are scattered makes far more sense than wasting time in dense urban environments with cell relays every half block. Fifteen years ago, with a puny little Audiovox GMRS, got 7 miles line of sight between a high hill and car on a straight road, until it crested a ridge and instantly lost contact. Newer just does not represent significant gains, with power limits and same wavelengths.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

it's your range.

[@grzegorzsemik6406]

What microphone you using to that video ??? it sounds realy good

[@Nathan1975Liggy]

Where antenna gain is concerned it is that for every 3db of gain from the antenna it is double the power out of the antenna, so 500mw into an antenna with a gain of 3db looks like 1 watt out of the antenna (you double the density of the signal level making 500mw appear to work in the same way that 1W would), however License free PMR requirement is no external or after market antenna must be used thats why most PMR 446 radios have a fixed non changeable antenna

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

that is true here in the U s a the F C C call's the shots

[@raspberrypi4970]

It feels like walkie talkies were stronger when I was little and cheaper and plainer

[@tdcattech]

They probably were. Maybe they were down on 27Mhz?

[@clarke.inverary]

Great video could you recommend any radio base stations?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I will rugged radios have a 45 watt moble that will link you to six repeters covering 6 citys in 3 co.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

IF you are on this side of the pond that radio workes

[@olafelsberry9271]

Before you start it's mostly the antenna then next is power output

[@Skovsnegl]

What kind of music is that from the intro and outro - A search through Shazam and Soundhound didn't get me the track i was looking for? :)

[@tdcattech]

Stanley Gurvich - Terminal artlist.io/song/7947/terminal

[@MrKenken2346]

PMR walkie talkies all seem to do max distance of 1.5km to 2km, whether it is a cheap set or an expensive set it seems

[@michaelloughlin734]

Good info I get an excellent range from all our 446 radios where I'm located yes having a good take off point is very important + we use a simple simplex repeater on ours which gives us fantastic coverage on 500mw....many many miles and in built up areas....repeater radio is put into highest point in our house.....

[@mikesey1]

Repeater on 446: not legal.

[@michaelloughlin734]

@@mikesey1 neither is higher power but nearly everyone in the u.k is doing it on the baofengs and other Chinese imports you've just got to look on KZbin to view these the powers that be apparently don't give a hoot as long as you're not on naughty bands this has been mentioned around you tube and pmr 446 pages on facebook

[@mikesey1]

@@michaelloughlin734 Actually, I have all 16 PMR channels programmed into several Baofengs & others, but don't tell anyone 😁 There no longer appears to be any govt department investigating radio irregularities except TV interference. Cheers.

[@phillipsmiley5930]

TYT TH8000?

[@ezralimm]

Haha i've got a similar setup. What repeater are you using? I've got a Zello Crosslink with VOX to a CB tranceiver. So my folks from halfway round the world can get in touch with me while im out on my bike without a cellphone.

[@VickyGeagan]

The range is always bad, because the radios only put out 1/2 a watt. on UHF. So , do not expect to get much out of them. Maybe a mile or two at best line of site.

[@Youtube_free_always]

My radio have two mode: 0,5w and 1,5watts

[@silverback4175]

So let’s say if the power went out in the city, would the range be the same as if the city had power or would it be better?

[@jasonmhite]

In some cases it might be a little better if you have a lot of interference (like from nearby power lines) but generally it won't make any difference.

[@phillipsmiley5930]

@@jasonmhite It would make a lot of difference on lower frequencies like 27MHz CB, the lower the frequency the higher the electrical interference

[@jasonmhite]

@@phillipsmiley5930 Yeah it can make a big difference on CB and HF bands, but nobody is using CB walkie talkies.

[@realtyrocks1969]

​@@jasonmhitethat's changed since you wrote that comment a couple years ago.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I have no power line problums that is false

[@matthiaswilhelm9813]

The Output Power ist to Low,the short Antenna ist Not good and the Helixante na ist Bad.CB and Freenet 149 much better.😊😂😂😂❤

[@spinnerinthebubbleCT4543]

I got a contact 15 miles away today on my Motorola tlkr 60, the model down from the yellow one in the video. No line of sight or anything. I was hanging out my bedroom window in the loft. The guy I was talking to was on a base station and said I was crystal clear. I must admit I wasn't expecting 15 miles.

[@tdcattech]

If one side can ‘hear’ very well, it’s amazing what these little radios can do.

[@kennethschultz6465]

Take 2 MOUNTIN peakes .. 70 miles is No problem .. but getting to the peaks is .. And a base station well !! 446 is not for extern antennas .. .. as far as i know

[@TheChico868]

Antenna, power and PMR limitations.

[@amysuresh4292]

I have the hunicom bt 900 and the range and sound quality are great

[@jonasbekaert2889]

i'm going off on a ski vacation soon and would like to buy a pair of radios to keep in touch when the group splits up or somebody goes back to the hotel early. Do you have any suggestions for a pair that will not break the bank but will have a good chance of receiving a signal from eachother? Or is it all just the same?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

family service radios all have one thing in coman there range is two miles tops at 1/2 a watt's that's why gmrs uses repeters so are range is 20 miles off repeter.

[@thomash8486]

Does it have a hole for earpeaces

[@Bruce-vq7ni]

Buy a £30 Baofeng with its 5 - 8 watts and full size antenna - Program in the 446 channels - Sorted. -- And bugger OFCOM -

[@phillipsmiley5930]

Only the tri power Baofengs are likely to reach a real 8 watts

[@mikesey1]

Distances of 89 miles are a regular occurrence on 446, but (apparently) 330 miles was achieved from a high hill in England to an elevated spot in the Netherlands. BTW: Ofcom now allows a removable antenna on 446, but the power must not exceed 500mw. No manufacturer has cottoned on to that yet, other than Retevis, with their RT 24 radios.

[@michaelloughlin734]

Yeah some amazing distances there is a few nets on the different bands but I must be in a bad spot to get them I bought some mitex pmr 446 radios yrs ago and just realised that they and my g.10 and g.18 Midlands have screw off rubber ariels which reveals mini s.m.a so that was a nice surprise.....yes the retevis radios on pmr 446 look smart and cheap....professional looking and robust might try a pair of them the ones td cat shows on here Midland t.80 are ok but I prefer my t.82 extremes which also have the new pmr 446 channels on them so it gets you away from the clutter great hobby....

[@tdcattech]

I didn't know they'd changed the regulations on that. So still limited to 500mW but potentially better antenna choice for reception improvements. Clearly I'm taking an official line with the law here. I'm well aware of the kit and variations people use and play with in reality :-)

[@tdcattech]

Michael - Good to see the second 8 channel included on the T82 Extremes. I might pick up a pair for testing.

[@michaelloughlin734]

@@tdcattech they are 8 chs when you get them it shows you in the instruction booklet how to activate the other eight simple button configuration I....

[@mikesey1]

@@michaelloughlin734 Retevis make the RT 27 as well. Problem is that they are insensitive, completely deaf to anything over a few hundred yards. The makers are aware of that so I'm not sure if they're still selling them. Shame, as they have a good build, better than the RT 24 on that score.

[@HandsONreviews4u]

Finally someone who is exposing the TRUTH😉👍 I almost waisted my money for one of these

[@NFS-shade]

Wasted = waste Waisted= waist (near hip) - ted

[@MeMe-ef5fw]

​@Lancer-Shade you must be fun at parties

[@HandsONreviews4u]

@@MeMe-ef5fw actually I am and PEOPLE LOVE ME because i bring their TRUTH to light.

[@mba2ceo]

wt should come with a better anty !!! Seems like the best way to improve them

[@scottbailey5644]

Very interesting. Recommendation on best range and quality walkie talkie under £100. I know, I'm a cheapskate 😄

[@sale7133]

Thanks But we need an experiment in nature to determine the distance

[@dastan8181]

What's a best motorola for mountain area ? Or any walki talkie Thank you

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

there all the same you are at two miles apart and you should reach base camp if you have one your welcome. frs is 1/2 watt no mater who sell them my radios have a company to call if you need help

[@minerva-265]

Buy Dutch Alecto FR-100 Quadset. Works for 5 KM in the mountains, Perfect price, perfect Quality.

[@tdcattech]

Are these standard PMR446 0.5W units?

[@phillipsmiley5930]

@@tdcattech From what i googled yes. The best value legal 446 i know are 16 channel Floureon FC200. 1 watt out into helical aerial giving legal less than 500mW ERP

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I routinely talk to a friend on legal 446 across town, through multiple buildings.

[@tdcattech]

It certainly can be done given a good signal path but I wouldn't ever guarantee someone more that 200m with PMR446.

[@millel2264]

hello what do you think about retevis rb648 ? better or similar range compare with motorola t92 ?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

thay are all the same you got two miles in city that's it you are at 1/2 watt that's why mine have aroger beep you will find my radios on dert bikes four wheel atv's and side by side's thay have a45 watt radio.

[@jfs5873]

What is you think would be the best thing to get or look for if I want a simple walkie talkies that can reach 300m in an urban environment and out of line of site without worrying about licensing? Not too concerned with above 300m

[@stfuplsok]

do* you *sight

[@phillipsmiley5930]

Floureon FC200 PMR446 16 channel UK/EU or 22 channel version for US FRS/GMRS In UK use channels 9 to 16 less users to interfere, most are on 1 to 8 US version not legal in UK or vice versa

[@MeMe-ef5fw]

​@@stfuplsokget a life grammar nazi

[@jaycee7594]

Getting any serious distance on these fixed antenna radios requires a fair amount of elevation - 50 miles from the top of a hill is not uncommon - these type of antennas are OK for close work though and have their place. Forget buying expensive Motorola blister pack radios though! Let's face it, all of these commercial radio packs are offering the same thing essentially. Limited by power/antenna. A £6 Baofeng 888s radio with a £1.Nagoya 771 antenna would runs rings around most commercial PMR sets - advantages are obvious. Better range, more power (2W), very cheap and ability to use the full 16 PMR channel allocation. (Once programmed) Of course this is not technically legal here in the UK but with the regulator OFCOM never putting any resources into policing the band and never bringing anyone before a court for infringing PMR type rules it seems crazy not to . Keep the Bids coming mate

[@skidhvh]

Mr Aphoristic baofeng bf 888 s have 5 watt transmitter ,(of course not full 5 watts ), my tests show that there is about 4.6 watts

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

we have strict rules to fallow here in the us

[@JakeLDS]

What would happen if you use FRS radios in the UK?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I am not from the U K and that government mite have something to say as IN the us we depend on the fcc

[@docnotdoctor7750]

My internet can't even go through my walls

[@janhumpolicek8373]

We use t 80 extremes as home intercom

[@tdcattech]

They're great for that if you're in either a large or multi-storey building. Just remember, of course, that the transmissions are completely in the clear and can be listened to by anyone.

[@Luke-sw5gz]

Question here from someone completely ignorant on the topic. At the end of the video you mentioned using a bay station for the higher end walkies to boost the range. Could you not do something similar for the cheaper ones like you showed in the video? Say for example you were camping with some friends. Put a bay station in the tent or just somewhere at the campsite. Then you all went your separate ways. Could the bay station boost the cheap walkies from say a 1/4 mile to like 2 miles or more? Just an example. Does anyone know if they even make bay stations for the cheapies?

[@Luke-sw5gz]

Also nice video! From someone who knew next to nothing about walkies you gave me a lot of good information in a very easy to understand way! I'm looking at buying DeWalt FRS 2-way 2 watt radio set for work. I do electrical and plumbing and some job sites I'm at have little too no service. If anyone could tell me whether these would be good for that application would be nice. I'm planning on using these for talking through houses without having to yell. Say I'm in the crawlspace or attic and other man is at the panel box or other end of the house. Would these transmit well through multiple walls? Either multiple sheetrock or concrete walls? Thanks!

[@tdcattech]

Yes, walkie-talkies are perfect for that. You would struggle in a 10+ storey building but across a house is not a problem. As I always say, you can count on 100m solid coverage with these type of devices.

[@tdcattech]

By base station, I'm referring to a repeater using two frequencies located in an elevated location and optimised antennas. You could set up a rudimentary relay using multiple walkie-talkie handsets using something like this geni.us/sr629 - This could work as a way of boosting things a bit.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

yes middlen does but it is the same thing 1/2 watt radio in a box the only base station you can buy requires a license from the f c c and mine runes 45 watts out put.

[@pixotica]

Reflector about 15 cm from the antenna would double your power, grab a coat hanger, line it up , hanger , antenna, to second radio, just doubled your power.

[@SuperLordofwar1]

When you're using it properly your body is the reflector...

[@pixotica]

@@SuperLordofwar1 yes, a very, very, very poor reflector

[@SuperLordofwar1]

@@pixotica I don't wanna start anything here but you're simply wrong and don't know much about 70cm RF characteristics...

[@pixotica]

@@SuperLordofwar1 fire away always here to learn. I have been modeling, designing and building antennas for about 2 years have built and flew something like 20, and not on 70 cm, on 11m, so very large, I am no expert on 70 cm for sure, but I do know antenna materials and radiation patterns. Feel free to post some data. Find all things antenna very interesting. I enjoy hearing and researching all things antenna, do no be afraid of offending, non will be taken, we all have ideas to contribute.

[@SuperLordofwar1]

@@pixotica See now, 11m is HF , UHF has totally different characteristics, it's way shorter and like to creep in into places but sure it cannot travel distances like HF...It's perfect for urban environment if used with a little knowledge sometimes even better than 2m. My point was your eyes, head and body are perfect reflector 'cause you would hold the radio at the perfect distance when you talk.You mention 15cm, I can agree with that but even if you ad some sort of reflector, where would you put it? Right on the mouth? It's pointless, really.

[@Jose-tw9bl]

First of all thaks for the video! great explanation. I wanted to ask about the antena part 5:03, is it possible that you put 1 W into an antena, and 10 W come out? where do the other 9 W come from? thanks!

[@tdcattech]

Not really, however an antenna can focus the radio waves which gives an antenna an 'effective' radiated power (ERP) of 10W. Think of it a bit like the beam of a torch. Same LED, same power but lots of light hitting a smaller area. The trade off is that it becomes directional. This could be in the horizontal or vertical plane or both.

[@Jose-tw9bl]

@@tdcattech so intresting! I think i get now the concept of ERP. I was looking to buy some Motorolas like the one you showed in the video, the antenna part is absolutly worth considering! Thanks again from Barcelona :)

[@stfuplsok]

Joan *antenna

[@JWS1968]

I need a walkie talkie and need to be able to get through buildings and thick trees reliably. I know nothing about walkie talkies. Could anyone recommend

[@ETB9090]

Ive just bought a pair of Mitex General high power walkie talkies, I bought them them for camping use and hiking to use between my family, is it a simple light business licence I apply for, cheers

[@tdcattech]

These are 5W radios so you'll need a 'Business Radio (Simple UK) Licence' (sometimes called a Simple UK Light) and the radio will need to be configured to use the appropriate channels and bandwidth. 👍🏻

[@ETB9090]

@@tdcattech Cheers mate for reply, is configuring to the appropriate bandwidth and channels straightforward? and is this type the norm for my intended application, I only got them as we use them on the outdoor ranges at our gun club and they seemed good enough for that, but as I said I'm only using on hikes and camping with the family 👍

[@ETB9090]

@@tdcattech For what I want it for do you think I should swap for the license free Mitex PMR446? 👍

[@pavelsbistrovs1739]

Tell me please if PMR and FRS Frequency is bad! Then what frequency is good one????

[@tdcattech]

Good question. I guess it’s swings and roundabouts with all frequencies. I always think the FM broadcast band is a nice compromise between wavelength and practical antenna size. Shame it’s in use! 😄

[@phillipsmiley5930]

The hang gliders are doing quite well operating illegally on 143MHz with UV5R

[@pavelsbistrovs1739]

@@phillipsmiley5930 143 Mhz that is not PMR or GMRS frequency but VHF Frequency better for open area! PMR frequency that is free license of EU! GMRS is for business radio, they need be license! And GMRS frequency that is American collection base!

[@user-qc6yq1jh4j]

can a 5 watt transmiting burn up a 1 watt receving or 1 watt transmitting burn up 5 watt receving

[@devilsatan2973]

Nope.

[@Youtube_free_always]

Hello you,,good night My rádio have two options:0,5w and 1,5watts made by motorola mr350m

[@volkerking5932]

One other question is also important - why is it allow that a building contractor are using this radios without a commercial license for a frequency on a reserved band? Is it illegal to use a radio like this on a construction site? In case of security that one other children also can say a word on this band?

[@tdcattech]

PMR446 is for both business and personal use. Any larger business will use licensed radios for coverage or extra privacy but it’s absolutely fine for a pub, leisure centre, shop etc to use PMR446.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

there line of site or a mile

[@samueledimauro1043]

Can i use two walkie talkies between a distance of 2km about, in my city? I believe there are some palaces (not skyscrapers but palaces 4 or 5 storey buildings). I've searched but everybody says that it's not possible to use walkie talkies like this, because of obstacles. Can someone help me?😓

[@tdcattech]

Not a chance. You won't manage 2km across an urban setting like this. With 0.5W, reckon 200m maximum.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

that is true I was a block from home and could not talk to the base be course of the two building between both of us

[@IKanye_south]

My Motorola MG160A went around a whole mile in a neighborhood.

[@tdcattech]

That's good going. I wouldn't expect more than 600ft in an urban area with both units at ground level.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

range depende's on how maney brick buildings there is between both radios

[@ezralimm]

dbi gain does not increase radiated power, it just flattens the donut pattern that the antenna beam produces. High gain is not suitable for handhelds because who ever holds their walkie talkie with the antenna facing perfectly vertically?? An 8dbi gain antenna prob needs to be at least 80 deg vertical for any kind of range.

[@tdcattech]

I doubt I ever suggested it did. It does impact ‘effective’ radiated power.

[@ezralimm]

@@tdcattech i've actually been doing alot of testing with a 0.5W uniden vs a 5W commercial iCom iC41pro. In a fully built up urban setting. Im starting to be convinced that power has less influence on range than most people think. We're talking 800m vs 1km in a heavily built up area (30-40 house penetration). Im also starting to believe that with unity gain fixed coil antennas (like in most 0.5W cheapies), orientation/polarity doesnt seem to make any difference. Range is effectively the same held at 90deg or vertical.... as long as youre not pointing the antenna towards the base station it's fine. (antennas have a deadspot vertically)

[@michaeltarek6323]

So hey what do you recommend for skiing? The BCA ?

[@tdcattech]

I honestly don’t know how radios perform on the slopes as I’ve never used one there. I think the BCA stuff is FRS so no good in Europe. Something like the T92 geni.us/motot92 would be a nice choice.

[@michaeltarek6323]

@@tdcattech Hey thanks for responding it means a lot. Between the T92 or T82 Extreme which do you recommend? Or which Motorola is the best to you? The T800 ?

[@tdcattech]

Motorola wise, I would like to say the T92 but I've just remembered that it takes 4 x AAA. The T82 is much better power wise with 3 x AA batteries. If you replace these with decent rechargeables, it's the difference between a 900mAh battery pack and a 2,500mAh pack. If you want to increase your budget, I love the XT420 geni.us/xt420 but they are pretty expensive.

[@michaeltarek6323]

@@tdcattech thank you. I'm going to take a look at the one you like most see how much it costs and decide.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I have three hand held's at a cost of 150,00 each and a 45 watt base at 250.00 and thay all work fine on G M R S.

[@volkerking5932]

A Radio frequency can't go trough walls! it is every time trough the windows and/or glass doors. 1st problem of this radio is the wrong made antenna. This Antenna is not really in the right length. For example 446.0 - 446.2MHz is the band where it is used for. In the mid the lambda is Lambda(m)=c(speed of light)/f(frequency) => 300000/446.1= 0.672494956288m is Lambda. This is a 1/4 wave antenna => 0.672494956288m/4= 16.8123739072cm - question for all the blind people? is this antenna 16.8cm long? - no it isn't! This is a coil antenna so the energy can't transmit over the air. 2nd a 1/4wave antenna need a counterweight but what is this? 2nd a transmission can only be at full power of 0,5Watt if the counterweight is correct. This can't be because you are the counterweight for the frequency with your hand that hold the radio. Your hand is not metal and this is why you can't emit the full power all in all the power will not transmit into the air. This is the problem and well the urban situation is also a big problem remember the wave can't go trough walls! Best Regards Volker

[@josecanedo007]

It is not that radio also 2watts? Believe it is also gmrs, right?

[@RKingis]

PMR446, UK.

[@veronicacroucher5910]

Hi does it work with police scanner channels

[@tdcattech]

Not in the UK, no. Police is totally encrypted.

[@toritori4430]

Half a watt is a joke , The uk should allow abt 2 watts If it did pmr would fly off the shelves By small businesses and hikers . Face it half a watt is to end of the street if each oerson stands outside 10km is only possible if each person is on a beach or on hills or one of each its a toy .

[@lynnburson6728]

dewalt dxfrs800 2w heavy duty 2 way walkie talkie radio system works very good you may need one lol :-)

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

the answer to that is you radio is two watts meaning short range two miles in town there is your reasion why

[@ando5899]

Is there such a thing as a pmr base station?

[@tdcattech]

If using a repeater, yes. The base station would sit on a hill or building in RF reach of all the handheld or mobile units.

[@phillipsmiley5930]

Yes Sharman Multicom Control PMR 446 Base Station, comes under many other names Intek DRS 5070 version that can modify for LPD433 69 uhf channels

[@JOHNSMITH-dc6lr]

Let's focus on city range, obviously walkies are no match for business radios w repeaters

[@tdcattech]

Gosh no. No comparison. 👍🏻

[@davidmarzean5828]

that's why you need a DTR650

[@tdcattech]

Why is the DTR650 better (apart from a little more power)?

[@davidmarzean5828]

@@tdcattech Because it's in 900 MHz and they are digital radios. They also frequency jump so nobody can tune in your conversation. Not even with a scanner. They do not need a license to use them.

[@asterbaster96]

@@davidmarzean5828 900Mhz is reserved for cellular use in europe and those radios could cause some trouble there. There is an equivalent standard called SRD860, although Motorola hasn't gotten around to releasing a European version of the radio.

[@davidmarzean5828]

@@asterbaster96 ahh true

[@JamesDC42]

I'm new to the walkie talkie world thanks for the information. I was planning on getting the beofeng one that comes with two antena or the one up from that yellow you got. I think its the t82

[@Petkow66]

Baofeng is piece of junk, check Retevis RT50. UHF radio, analog/digital, easy to program to any UHF frequency.

[@skidhvh]

Petkow66 bro, retevis is almost same, they are same from antenna to receiver + baofeng have very much accessories like extended battery, very much antennas + you can program frequency direct from walkie talkie +there are UHF + VHF UV-9S is better (15 watt transmitter ,screen , programming direct from walkie talkie , +you can buy extended battery that allows to extend power, UHF + VHF transmitter)

[@skidhvh]

Baofeng/retevis need license bechause they have 400-470 mhz transmitter (that’s not pmr) of course you can program it then it will transmit only in PMR

[@stfuplsok]

@@Petkow66 you are just saying that the/your Chinese brand Retevis is a piece of junk like the Chinese brand Baofeng too. Lol

[@rjmp5900]

Hey!!can you test the t801 Motorola is 35miles!!! 😊😊😊😊

[@tracywolzfelt8008]

I think it's false advertising when you a license to run them . I have buy 3 set walkie talkies I past year can't take back my cb work great

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

all family service radio on the market operate at 1/2 of awatt TWO your range is 2 miles so if your three miles your out the F. C . C informed all co building these radio's builders that so thay did I refer these radio's as your bacie child he can go two block's and that's it I have a F R S G M R s radio I am license operater

[@ReganMarcelis]

...any walkies that I can get to MY son as his mom keeps shutting off his phone or taking phone away If I ... got him IT, he can have a walkie talkie as just me ONLiNE - so she can not use her BS excuses OF predators, etc, etc, HELP, I am being alienated! ....I need it to reach from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to New Jersey Long Beach and sometimes Tuckerton area of NJ, prob impossible?.... Hey didn't the U.S.A. drop millions of copper needles in space, mid space too be exact still circling the earth today thus to give us better reception, it worked, sorta.... I am totally urban, he is NOT....

[@phillipsmiley5930]

Simple, it's the Inverse Square law

[@yaboidustin2447]

I have 60s walkie talkies, I haven't used them but I imagine the range is ass

[@michaelloughlin734]

I've had my Midland g.9e+ radios on five watts and they are still rubbish on the 446 band also the intek mt5050 on four watts especially In built up areas is a disappointment. Different story on my portable repeater.....

[@tdcattech]

I'd like to try to setup a repeater (just for fun, you know) but I just don't have a suitable location. Anyone near Bristol, UK live on a hill? :-)

[@michaelloughlin734]

@@tdcattech the repeater I use is nothing fancy just plugs into another handheld and located in top room with height it gets out good it is a radiotone simplex portable repeater from china....

[@kodiakandgrizzlybears3787]

@@michaelloughlin734 Okay. So it's got to be the Surecom device.

[@michaelloughlin734]

@@kodiakandgrizzlybears3787 a radio tone model no RTC-SRC1+

[@avicciimmxx8156]

Junk plastic dear in RSA

[@thedancingalien7766]

Mmm?

[@RonRPL]

Becose of rubbish power limit. 0,5 W? This is a joke. I use only Baofeng with 1 W or sometimes 5 W now.

[@JamesDC42]

Did you not hear him. That's illegal.

[@skidhvh]

if you want 10 km than buy 10 watt baofeng uv-s9, ik that it need license buth 0.5 watt walkie talkie is just a toy

[@user-gd1lk7zh9l]

Интересно, но ничего не понял😀

[@Max-jh9ng]

I stole 2 from the movie theater and thy worked great real far until the battery died out and the charger was $100

[@willemscastro4687]

I made a diy charger using a phone charger and some cardboard!

[@addy.is.live1]

😂😂😂

[@armandomauriciomontenegro6987]

Traducción

[@wannabetowasabe]

PMR446 users: DO NOT BRING THESE RADIOS TO THE UNITED STATES AND USE THEM!!!! PMR446 radios use frequencies assigned in the United States for licensed amateur radio users and at times and places, military services. Licensed amateur radio operators will find you and actions can be taken. FRS/GMRS users: DO NOT TAKE THESE RADIOS TO EUROPE OR ANY OTHER REGION OF THE WORLD AND USE THEM!!!!!! FRS/GMRS radios use frequencies assigned in other countries for public safety (police, fire, emergency medical) and the military. You will be in serious trouble with all those services.

[@tdcattech]

And thus here ends our public service announcement. We thank you for your attention. 👍🏻

[@wannabetowasabe]

@@tdcattech Are you trying to be sarcastic with your reply?

[@tdcattech]

Just having a bit of fun. It was a somewhat serious sounding, though very valid comment.

[@TheChico868]

Buy a 5watt Baofeng and program it to PMR. Rules are meant to be broken lol

[@brian.7966]

are you having a laugh.?

[@tdcattech]

Please elaborate