A Brief History of Walkie Talkies
Walkie talkies have become an iconic communication tool, but their origins date back over 80 years. They were first invented in 1937 by Donald L. Hings, an engineer at Canadian inventor Al Gross's company. Hings led the development of the "packset", one of the earliest handheld two-way radios.
Walkie talkies gained major widespread use during World War II among infantry troops and other military personnel. Their portable nature allowed soldiers to communicate quietly and securely in the field. Notable early walkie talkie models used in WWII include the SCR-536 and the SCR-300, which was often called the "walkie-talkie" by troops.
After the war, surplus military walkie talkies found their way into the hands of farmers, construction foremen, and other industries in need of short-range mobile communication. Companies like Motorola began producing commercial walkie talkie models for business and personal use in the 1950s and 1960s. The invention of transistors led to smaller and more portable designs.
Over the decades, walkie talkies have continued evolving with extended battery life, improved durability, and sophisticated digital features. However, the core functionality remains the same - providing immediate voice communication without infrastructure.
Types of Walkie Talkies
There are three main types of walkie talkies suited for different applications based on factors like intended range, mobility, and power output.
Handheld Walkie Talkies
Handheld walkie talkies offer the ultimate portable package for personal two-way communication. Leading models like the Motorola T100 offer up to a 5-mile range with components packed into a compact handheld device. Typical power output is under 5 watts.
Key features make handhelds ideal for activities like hiking, skiing, and hunting where handsfree communication in a small package is essential. Their relatively low cost also makes them accessible for individual recreational users.
Mobile Walkie Talkies
For longer range communication from vehicles, mobile walkie talkies are ideal. Models like the Midland LXT600 feature power outputs from 5 to 50 watts for vehicle-to-vehicle communication up to 15 miles apart. They can connect to a high gain external antenna mounted on the roof.
Taxi services, construction foremen, overland rally racers, and RV owners often rely on mobile walkie talkies installed in their vehicles. The ability to communicate farther distances while navigating makes them essential for drivers.
Base Station Walkie Talkies
Base station walkie talkies take communication up another level by connecting to a roof or radio tower antenna. This allows reliable communication across 20 miles or more, even over challenging terrain.
Large entities like factories, airports, and emergency services establish base station networks to coordinate staff across extensive properties. Repeaters can further boost the coverage. Rugged base station models like the Motorola CP200d are designed for this critical communication role.
Key Features and Specifications
With a wide selection of walkie talkie models available, it's essential to compare the specs and features that impact real-world performance:
Channels
Having multiple channel options allows switching to a clear frequency when encountering interference from other users. Most consumer walkie talkies have at least 16 channels, while advanced models may have over 100. High channel counts become essential in areas with heavy walkie talkie usage.
Range
A walkie talkie's range depends on several factors like power output, antenna quality, terrain, structures, and weather. Handhelds typically achieve up to a 5-mile line of sight range. Vehicle models can reach over 10 miles with a high gain external antenna. And base stations cover up to 20 miles or more when connected to tower antennas and using repeaters.
Battery Life
Because walkie talkies aim for maximum portability, battery life is a prime consideration. Rechargeable lithium-ion packs provide around 8 hours of life for heavy usage, while alkaline batteries may last over 24 hours for lighter use. Models with higher power output or more accessories will drain batteries quicker.
Common Walkie Talkie Applications
Thanks to their ease of use and reliable short-range communication, walkie talkies serve a diverse range of recreational and professional users:
Key Recreational Uses
- Hiking - Groups utilize them for coordination and safety.
- Skiing - Stay connected with your party while on the slopes.
- Hunting - Quietly coordinate during hunts.
- Boating - Communicate between boats or back to shore.
Professional Applications
- Construction - Coordinate workers across large job sites with base stations.
- Hotels - Staff use handhelds to provide guest services.
- Outdoor Events - Production crews rely on them to manage many moving pieces.
- Public Safety - Fire, EMS use them to manage disaster response effectively.
Walkie talkies also play an essential role in emergency and disaster scenarios when cell networks and other infrastructure goes down. Relief workers, medical responders, volunteer groups, and prepared civilians rely on them for critical coordination when traditional communication methods fail. Key features like durability, long battery life, and simplicity keep walkie talkies effective in crises.
Purchasing Considerations
With many factors impacting real-world performance, it's important to weigh your specific needs when purchasing walkie talkies:
Intended Use
Consider your typical use case and environment. Frequent outdoor use in rugged conditions requires maximum durability, while indoor use may warrant more channels for avoiding interference.
Range Requirements
Evaluate the maximum range you need to communicate over. Long distance base station models exceed handheld limitations but may be overkill for short range uses.
Battery Life Needs
Mission critical uses require maximum battery life, while casual users may tolerate more frequent charging. Fortunately, most units accept standard alkaline batteries as a backup option.
Accessories
Accessories like headsets, microphones, and chargers tailor walkie talkies to specific use cases. A model that accepts abundant accessories ensures flexibility.
Budget
With models ranging from $25 to $600+, setting a firm budget ensures you get ideal features for the price. Compromise on range before durability or battery life.
Conclusion
In summary, walkie talkies continue providing essential short-range mobile communication for recreational and professional users. Handheld models serve portable personal uses, while vehicle and base station units enable longer range communication. Matching key features like channels, range, battery life, and durability to your specific use case is crucial when purchasing. Thanks to their ease of use and flexibility, walkie talkies will continue adapting to serve diverse communication needs well into the future.
