Understanding Walkie Talkie Range - Rocky Talkie Range Testing

The range of hand held radios (like Rocky Talkies) largely depends on two key factors: Transmission Power and obstructing Terrain. In this video we show how the Mountain Radio (a 2-watt FRS radio) can get ranges from over 25 miles to just 0.5 miles depending on the terrain.
We tested the radios across lake Tahoe and got great audio quality around 25 miles apart. Our product tester Don Bowie got around 20 miles through trees, showing that ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves can penetrate trees and other foliage fairly easily. However, radio waves cannot pass though large bodies of earth like hills and mountains and must instead bounce around them. We show how a large hill was able to prevent communication at 0.7 miles on a hike near Tahoe. We also tested a 5 Watt GMRS radio around the same hill (not shown in video), and we were able to get spotty communication. This illustrates how higher power radios can extend range but are still often limited by the terrain.
Overall, from our testing, we conclude that 2 Watts of power is the best choice for sports like climbing and skiing where weight and size are critical and the distance between radios is within a few miles. For other activities that consistently require longer distances and where weight is less important, higher power licensed radios are worth considering.
Learn more and shop Mountain Radio here: rockytalkie.co...

[@UrbanSurvivor]

I did a range test with 8 different FRS radios and found the Rocky Talkies performed best. Got about 2.7 miles range in a dense urban environment! Well done.

[@rockytalkie1682]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing and I hope the radios continue to treat you well out there!

[@the_atomic_punk487]

Urban as in city? How about way off grid testing deep in remote forest.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

Informative. Looking forward to receiving my pair this Friday.

[@marcosramos4596]

So how are they so far??

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Mike, Thank you so much for the support! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I hope you’ve been getting good use out of your radios!

[@il_Presepe]

These radios (got the frs 2w) are a phenomenal product. Awesome quality, compact, clear sound and lots of features and very easy to use. Just placed a pre-order for the gmrs 5w. Hope you'll also have them available for the EU, (with EU frequencies obviously) at some point. By the way, exceptional customer service.

[@rockytalkie1682]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support! I'm so stoked the radios are treating you well out there. We're looking forward to expanding region of sales and can't wait to see Rocky Talkies all over the world! Stay Tuned!

[@chillios2222]

Mountains are easier, rolling hills here in PA are difficult for radios

[@adamglenn6392]

Why was the “City” Range element not detailed? Could you provide more information on city range expectations in your home city of Denver?

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Adam, that’s a great question! We designed Rocky Talkies primarily for our core sports of climbing and backcountry skiing, and we wanted to highlight the environments most suited to folks interested in our radios. Urban environments are full of manufactured obstacles and competing wireless signals, making it really hard for radio waves to navigate. Though there are a lot of variables, we generally see range anywhere between 0.5 miles up to 1 mile in urban settings. I really appreciate your curiosity and if you want to continue the conversation, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail]. We’re always happy to chat radios!

[@Superjeanmarc]

Hay guys! This really seems like an amazing product .. One question though: Is this using internal, non-removable battery? Meaning that after a few years of use and the battery life cycle is, you're good to throw the entire set to the trash? I'm aware this is (sadly) more a more common practice with Costner electronics like the Apple AirPods etc.. but this would be definitely a no-go for the planned obsolescence aspect of the product. Thanks!

[@rockytalkie1682]

That's a great question! Feel free to check out our video showing how to replace the battery in our Tech Tips playlist! If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always stoked to chat radios!

[@ralphdering837]

Hi I have a question. What kind of batteries or power exist with this radio? Do you use regular batteries? Do you use rechargeable batteries Or do you use solar charge? And my next question is For a full charge how long does the radio last? Thank you

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Ralph, those are great questions! Our radios use a specially designed lithium ion rechargeable battery. The battery is totally removable so you can carry spares or replace it as need be. We find the radios last 3-5 days on a single charge with all day use. I hope this helps and if you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

[@sebastianwilliamnee1998]

Would love to get this product in eruope!

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Sebastian, Thanks so much for your interest in Rocky Talkie! While we are only able to sell our radios in the US and Canada due to radio frequency regulations, we are hoping to have our radios available for international use soon! We don't have any firm timelines for sales in Europe but please stay tuned!

[@il_Presepe]

Hi are they available for the EU market yet?

[@jamesanonymous7289]

How do they work in a canyon environment? Got some to use when doing long rappels and other things and haven't gotten to try them yet.

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey James, that's a great question! For canyons, it depends on the width of the canyon. In the Grand Canyon, for example, range is very good since signals can bounce off nearby walls. Communication is more challenging in constricted canyons with numerous curves. For your example of doing long rappels, they should work really well! If you'd like to discuss your use in more detail, feel free to reach out to [e-mail] we're always stoked to chat radios!

[@Msanche198512]

Will these radios connect with Motorola and midland radios? Thinking of purchasing but my friends have Motorola and midland radios so I want to be able to communicate with them.

[@rockytalkie1682]

That's a great question! Our radios will line up with any FRS or GMRS radio. If you'd like to double-check, feel free to give us a holler at [e-mail] and we can help get you dialed in!

[@GRDDAN1]

Hi, Will these radios work well and clear in NYC(Manhattan) ?

[@rockytalkie1682]

That's a great question! We find urban settings to be the toughest for radio transmissions. Typically we get about 1 mile max but your range can vary greatly depending on the situation. I hope this helps and if you would like to discuss further, drop us a note at [e-mail] we're always stoked to chat radios! -Nate

[@hellohogo]

can you use an earpiece?

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hi there - yes you can! The Rocky Talkie has a standard dual pin 3.5mm-2.5mm K1 style Port. We currently don't manufacturer our own headsets, but you can easily find a good option on sites like Amazon or ImpactComms.

[@cefsky98]

would these work in a hospitality setting? (hotel, hospital, etc.)

[@rockytalkie1682]

That's a great question! It depends on the materials used in the building and how far you're likely to be apart. Each wall or floor the radio waves pass through weakens the signal. That said, we have had folks use the radios in schools and in construction so it's possible they could be a good fit! If you'd like to discuss further, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] we're always happy to chat radios! - Nate

[@stephenedgecock]

i can use this device to interfere with emergency communications? yes?

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Stephen! Rocky Talkies are FRS radios and are not able to interfere with emergency communications. This is one reason why they don't require a license and can be used right out of the box! I hope this answers your question and hope you have a great weekend!

[@ok-mw1et]

Could i take these when im out jetskiing off shore?

[@rockytalkie1682]

That’s a great question! You could absolutely take them jetskiing with you! Rocky Talkies are IP56 rated and therefore splash, rain, and snowproof, but not fully submersible. If there’s a chance of heavy water exposure, you may want to pair your radio with a drybag like this one: www.rei.com/product/814231/sea-to-summit-tpu-accessory-case-medium?cm_mmc=email_tran-_-ereceipt-_-20220602-_-bt_prod1&ev36=&RMID=EReceipt_PROD&RRID=34490058&ev11= It fits the radio nicely and still allows you to use your radio while keeping it dry! Keep in mind that on open bodys of water, your range is limited by the natural curvature of the earth so you’d probably get about 3 miles despite there being no obstructions. You can check out this fun line of sight calculator to see how radio height influences your range: www.southwestantennas.com/calculator/line-of-sight I appreciate your interest and if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to [e-mail]!

[@outdoorjeff7097]

Where can you buy it

[@rockytalkie1682]

Hey Jeff, thanks for reaching out! You can purchase on RockyTalkie.com or check out our retail locations here: rockytalkie.com/apps/store-locator/ we appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing how you like the radios!