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Hand held transceiver (walkie talkie)

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Gliderman8

Gliderman8

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I’m looking to purchase a decent pair of walkie talkies. Good range (higher than 2 watts). Rugged and something that doesn’t require programming.
Any suggestions are welcome!
 
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cell phone to cell phone wouldn't do it?
 
When do you need to get them?
 
Update…,. As I do more investigating I’m finding that they may not be legal for use overseas as they have totally different rules of use in each country. I’m finding that unlicensed walkie talkies can only be a maximum of .5 watts. Anything more may require a license.
Also, the frequencies used in the US may not be compatible overseas.
I’m going to have to do more investigating before purchasing.
 
I’m learning that in the US we use FRS (Family Radio Service) outside the USA they use PMR (Personal Mobile Radio) both of which operate on different frequencies.
While a FRS walkie talkie will of course work in a different country you could be interfering with other agencies that use those frequencies.
 
Elliot - you don't mention what country(ies) you're heading to, but take a look:

Walkie Talkies in Different Countries - Legal Issues

Legal and practical issues to consider when using walkie-talkie radios in different countries.
www.walkie-talkie-radio.co.uk www.walkie-talkie-radio.co.uk

That's why I'm still thinking cell is the way to go - if there are cell signals where you go.
 
NutmegCT said:
Elliot - you don't mention what country(ies) you're heading to, but take a look:

Walkie Talkies in Different Countries - Legal Issues

Legal and practical issues to consider when using walkie-talkie radios in different countries.
www.walkie-talkie-radio.co.uk www.walkie-talkie-radio.co.uk

That's why I'm still thinking cell is the way to go - if there are cell signals where you go.
Click to expand...
I actually read that article this afternoon.
I also read that unlicensed radios could be confiscated when entering a country.
 
Have you looked at handheld VHF Marine radios Cobra, Standard Horizon and other brands? most have international emergence channel 16
 
CaptRandy said:
Have you looked at handheld VHF Marine radios Cobra, Standard Horizon and other brands? most have international emergence channel 16
Click to expand...
Yes, I did look but as previously mentioned, other countries assign frequencies differently so I may not be able to use VHF.
It’s not so much for emergency use, but merely to stay in contact in case of no cell service
 
70herald said:
Or worse.... there was an article I saw recently about a tourist to India (maybe) who brought her sat phone and found herself in jail.
Click to expand...
I guess you never know until you set foot in another country. I also thought about purchasing the radios when I get there but they have a .5 watt max (without a license) which is not worth it.
 
In the uk we used to have USA AM CB radios. I think the airwave band interfered with other systems so we adopted a weak FM system. But there was a big market in amps or burners.

I have never heard of any “policing” of the airwaves in the uk. And I think it would be the same in Europe. You would be mobile and infrequent use. So you would be very unlucky to be picked up.
Just make sure you are not on an emergency use frequency.

Worst case is an existing frequency user may come on air to tell you to get off.
 
Hamish Racing said:
In the uk we used to have USA AM CB radios. I think the airwave band interfered with other systems so we adopted a weak FM system. But there was a big market in amps or burners.

I have never heard of any “policing” of the airwaves in the uk. And I think it would be the same in Europe. You would be mobile and infrequent use. So you would be very unlucky to be picked up.
Just make sure you are not on an emergency use frequency.

Worst case is an existing frequency user may come on air to tell you to get off.
Click to expand...
Radios are for use in South Africa not Europe.
I would hate to see them confiscated when going through customs.
 
Gliderman8 said:
Radios are for use in South Africa not Europe.
I would hate to see them confiscated when going through customs.
Click to expand...
Can you get them shipped to South Africa (amazon?)
 
JP - on a related tack ... maybe Elliot's friends in South Africa could get what he needs to use, so no customs or legal issue would exist.

TM
 
JPSmit said:
Can you get them shipped to South Africa (amazon?)
Click to expand...
Surely I can order on Amazon or Takealot (SA equivalent to Amazon) but the radios would conform to the SA standards. 1/2 watt (unlicensed) is for the Boy Scouts :LOL:
 
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