When choosing a walkie talkie, in addition to price factors, the more crucial factor is the range of coverage of this radio. The radios on the market range from 0.5w to 10w, with a wide variety and complex functions, making choosing a radio a difficult task.

How far can the walkie talkie transmit?

The coverage range of 0.5W-10W radio can range from 1km to 12km. However, in real life, we do not have the perfect conditions to achieve maximum radio coverage. The best effect of radio is in areas with no or few obstructions (such as coastal areas where testing results are generally the best). If we use it in cities, forest areas, or environments with more obstructions, the signal range will be shortened.

Choose frequency based on environment

VHF and UHF basically cover frequencies ranging from 49MHz to 952mMHz. On this basis, the FCC divides them into four different categories: low-frequency VHF (49-108 MHz), high-frequency VHF (169-216 MHz), low-frequency UHF (450-806 MHz), and high-frequency UHF (900-952 MHz). The commonly used ones are 136MHz to 470MHz

walkie-talkie distance

Obstacles

Interphone is a bidirectional mobile communication tool, and the propagation between two radios can be seen as a straight line, so the less the barrier between the straight lines, the farther the propagation distance. Walls, buildings, and forests are all obstacles that can affect the distance traveled. Generally speaking, using UHF in urban areas is more effective, while VHF in suburban areas is more effective.

Obstacles--Urban Buildings/Forested Areas

FRS and GMRS

FRS has many people using this frequency. The common FRS frequency (462.5625-467.725 MHz) has a total of 22 predetermined frequencies. The maximum power for channels 1-7 and 15-22 is 2 watts, while for channels 8-14 it is 0.5 watts. 0.5w-2w can achieve transmission of 0.5km-3km.

GMRS radio, also known as gmrs bidirectional radio, is used by individuals in general communication. Gmrs shares some channels with FRS, 462-467MHZ. But it provides greater power, range, and versatility than FRS radio. GMRS radio comes in portable handheld models with power up to 5 watts and mobile/base station models with power up to 50 watts, with 30 or more channels. The 5W radio can reach a maximum distance of 5km.

FRS VS GMRS

How to expand communication distance

Two common methods:

1. Replace the antenna: Use a high gain antenna (for example, 7.2dBi has a better effect than 5dBi); Erect the antenna in a high position;

2. Using a repeater: Using a signal repeater can better expand the range as it will retransmit signals from the radio. Installing it on a high tower will improve the transmission effect.

According to the distance you want to reach, choose the appropriate radio~