Breaking the Myths Around Range of Walkie-Talkies

One of the most common questions people ask about two-way radios is “how far can we communicate with it?” The answer to this query involves a lot of variables involved at which radio frequencies depend on. These radio frequencies travel via the “line of sight” path. They can be blocked by obstructions such as walls. There is an invisible straight line of sight between the antennas and radios which can be bounced back and reflected.

As two-way radios are increasing in popularity among businesses because of their durable structure, there are also some myths that surround the range of best handheld walkie-talkies that are not to be applied. Let’s break some myths that surround today’s digital age communication technologies:

Myth #1 – Signals Always Interfere with Each Other

This is a common myth that two signals from different sources on the same channel collide somewhere in mid-air. Well, it is not like that. Two signals traveling through the air on the same frequency have zero effect on each other. There may be a possibility of signals interfering with each other if two or more signals that arrive at the same receiver. 

Myth #2 – High-frequency signals are weaker than Low-Frequency Signals

There is a stereotypical myth in a two-way communication world that High-frequency signals are weaker than Low-Frequency Signals. Low frequencies work at farther distances, not because the high-frequency signals are weaker but because of their aperture size. Lower frequencies have more surface area (aperture) to capture the signals so they transmit longer distances.

Myth #3 – Radio Waves Works like Magnetic Induction

This myth is not common but has been heard many times by some experts. A radio wave is a combination of the electric field at a right angle to the magnetic field. They both travel in the perpendicular direction as they propagate signals from transmitting antenna to receiving antenna. The field close to the antenna within one wavelength is called the near field. Thus, the transmission is done by combined magnetic and electric fields.

Myth #4 – Two-Way Radios have 50 Kms Range

This is a common myth among the walkie talkies world. Most consumer radios advertise 50 Kms range but the truth is that most basic consumer radios will not provide anything near this distance. Best long-range walkie-talkies provide you effective and reliable communication. The surroundings should be ideal for communication through radios as they prefer a direct line of sight communication. Obstructions such as buildings, walls, mountains or large trees can block signals, decreasing range capabilities. Walkie-talkies are excellent pieces of communication and are a reliable investment in managing construction sites, mining sites where cellular reception is less. Whether it’s about Endless communication with loved ones or relief team to help people in disaster-prone areas, Long-Range Walkie Talkies always helps. Best wireless walkie-talkies can make business operations and communication very effective and effortless.

An insight into the technology behind Vertel Walkie-Talkies

Communication devices have gone through various changes in the past few decades. Before the days of tweeting and texting, people used to communicate with the help of pagers and professional walkie-talkies. Due to evolving consumer needs, long-range Walkie – talkies have become a necessity for businesses. Management and even for households. Walkie-talkies are wireless, hand-held radio communication devices that are easy to carry anywhere. They are battery-powered transceivers and have a half-duplex channel. It means only one walkie-talkie on a channel can transmit a signal at one time. During a phone call, both the parties can interfere or add something to the conversation whereas in Walkie Talkies user needs to use a push-to-talk (PTT) button in order to speak and release the button to hear the sound coming from another unit.

There are many technologies that are used to build the best quality walkie-talkies. Let’s talk about the main technology that is CTCSS and DCS which is used for transmission.

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) is an analog system used to reduce the disturbance of listening to other users on a shared two-way radio communication channel. It adds the tone to your transmission at certain frequencies. When more than one group of users is on the same radio frequency this technology mutes those users, who are using different CTCSS tone or no CTCSS. In CTCSS mode, it unmutes the signal only when it is carrying the correct sub-audible audio tone. Human ears cannot hear these tones but communication-grade speakers reduce them and filter out before sending to speakers or headphones. CTCSS tones are standardized by the EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance).

Here’s an example of how CTCSS technology is used to reduce missed messages and the distraction of unnecessary voices for other users. Suppose there are two entities communicating with each other on two-way radio frequency. Conventional radios will hear all transmissions without CTCSS going on in both groups.

DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch)

DCS (Digital-Coded System) signal spectrum occupies more bandwidth. Transmitter or receiver may not seriously distort a signal but can degrade a wide signal containing multiple frequency components during low frequency.

It is extremely important for the receiver and transmitter to be on the same frequency to achieve maximum output of DCS function. Discriminator output as a step function may pop-up because of errors in transmitter and receiver frequencies and can block the decoder for some time. In DCS operations, the occurrence of errors frequently may result in blocking out of the decoder. For reliable DCS operation, a sub-audio filter that removes low-frequency energy before audio is re-transmitted is necessary.

Why CTCSS is Different from DCS?

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) uses continuous tones below 300 Hz whereas DCS (Digital-Coded System) uses digital data or encoded-words which are very unique and all encoded words can be used on the same channel without interference. Transmitter un-keys the code at the end of transmission and just 0.5 seconds before the transmission which indicates the radio at 134 Hz tone which serves as turn off code. The FM deviation level should be in the range of 500 Hz to 800 Hz in DCS technology.

About Vertel

Vertel, a leading provider of best professional Walkie-Talkies uses multiple CTCSS/DCS technology so that you hear the best at all times. It has the best handheld walkie-talkies and best range walkie-talkies. The communication devices made by the company swear to be

UHF vs. VHF Two Way Radios – Which one is Better for You?

It is very important to identify the type of walkie talkie that is going to serve your purpose well. Installing a wrong tool not only leads to poor functionality but also we cannot utilize the tool upto its full potential.

Vertel Walkie Talkie works on two radio frequencies Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency, UHF radios and VHF radios can’t communicate with one another, it’s important to consider their differences when making a purchase.

Ultra-High- Frequency radios operate on frequencies from 400-512 MHz.They can easily penetrate metal and concrete structures, that is why UHF radios are a good choice in built-up areas like towns and cities, or for densely wooded or hilly areas. In these environments, the radio signal is more easily transmitted through and around dense objects. It is also called “brick” radio because of the absence of digital displays and coarse exterior. This tends to help with the durability since there are not many parts.

Very High- Frequency radios operate between 136-174 MHz. The advantage to a VHF walkie-talkie is that it can cover more distance with less power because VHF waves are longer and remain closer to the ground. Very High-Frequency signals occupy the lower end of the radio frequency spectrum. The VHF has a longer wavelength that allows it to travel further than UHF, so VHF radios could be right if you are primarily looking for two-way radios for outdoor use. VHF radios are used exclusively in aviation and marine communication and are great for grounds maintenance workers, use in open fields, golf courses, and outdoor security environments. VHF signals don’t penetrate metal and concrete structure very well though, so VHF radios may not be right in very built-up locations.

The primary economic difference between VHF and UHF operation is the higher cost of UHF equipment. It is more difficult and more expensive to design and manufacture UHF devices. This variation in cost is due to antennas, cables, and other accessories as well as to the basic transmitter and receiver.

Vertel has long-range and short-range walkie talkies both in VHF and UHF categories for sale. Let’s figure out the best range walkie talkie for your objective.

DMR HANDHELD

(DPR-7000)

This model is available in both VHF and UHF frequency bands and is ideal for Police and Public Safety, Defense Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces Forestry, Railways, Fire Fighting Forces Airports, Seaports and Utilities.

DMR BASE/MOBILE

(DMR-8000)

DMR-8000 is available in both VHF and UHF frequency bands. Similar to DMR BASE/MOBILE, it is ideal for Forestry, Railways, Fire Fighting Forces, Airports, Seaports and Utilities, Police and Security Services, Military, Central Paramilitary Forces.

DMR REPEATER

(DRR-9000)

This is available in VHF and UHF frequency bands for digital functionality including individual calls, text messages, and emergency calls.

ANALOG HANDHELD

(VL-747)

VL-747 is attainable in VHF and UHF frequency bands and is perfect for expanded communication range, clear and high- sound audio 

ANALOG HANDHELD

(VL-767)

Available in both VHF and UHF frequency bands. Optimal for elongated communication range, unwilted and loud-voiced audio.

Team Talky

Available in VHF. Team Talky can be installed in homes, offices, basements with staff, elderly, family & more. It can also be used in trekking, climbing, racing, home security, home improvement, retail, etc.