Walkie-Talkies: Reliable dialog When Smartphones Fail
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Berlin (dpa/tmn) – Walkie-talkies are more than retro gadgets. They connect us where smartphones fail – such as, when the mobile network is unreliable or the environment is challenging. At festivals, excursions, or sailing regattas, radios prove to be a practical and reliable means of communication.
The small, handy “sparks” are inexpensive, uncomplicated, and create an self-reliant connection at the push of a button. However,manny users don’t fully understand the technology they are using and what precautions to take to avoid issues.
Four Ways to Spark
Anyone looking for radios for leisure purposes in Germany has four different radio classes to choose from:
- “First, there’s CB radio on shortwave, mainly used by truckers. “It goes pretty far – sometimes you can even hear taxi radio from Spain,” says Urs Mansmann from the trade magazine “c’t”. Though, CB radio is less suitable for typical leisure use as it’s generally more susceptible to interference. Plus, moast devices are designed for installation.
- PMR radio (private Mobile Radio),approved throughout Europe,offers up to 16 analogue channels,and 32 digitally. “The advantage is that you can use these devices, for example, on holiday at a campsite in Italy, as the corresponding UHF frequency band 446 is approved across Europe,” says Mansmann.
- Then there’s Freenet – not to be confused with the mobile phone provider of the same name. It has significantly fewer channels and is only approved in Germany,but offers a better range.
- there’s LPD as a fourth option. According to Mansmann, it’s hardly relevant anymore due to its weak transmission power and short range.
License-Free – But Not Without Rules
Radio devices, also known as walkie-talkies, operating with one of these four variants can be used without a license in Germany. “In this context,we refer to these as ‘everyman radios’,” explains Matthias Jung from the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC). “however, public radio must be clearly distinguished from amateur radio, which, as a scientific and technical radio service, pursues a entirely different orientation and offers significantly more frequencies, options, and range.”
Radio amateurs are allowed to use higher transmission powers, build their own devices, or modify commercial radios and operate them with self-made antennas – activities not permitted in public radio. Though, amateur radio requires a valid radio certificate and admission to the amateur radio service with a personal call sign, both obtained by passing the technical test at the Federal Network Agency. “It’s comparable to getting a driver’s license for a car,” says Jung.
When it Comes to Everyman “Sparks”,Pay Attention to Approval
In Germany,anyone can use public radios without an exam or permit.Still, caution is advised. “You should only buy approved devices,” advises Mansmann.Untested devices can easily operate on the wrong frequency, potentially interfering with a business, for example.
“If complaints arise, the Federal Network Agency investigates the signal source, which can result in a hefty fine,” says the expert. This has happened to users of unauthorized baby monitors. Thus, always look for the CE mark and approval for the radio standard, as well as approval for use in Germany, when purchasing.
How Far Does Radio Reach – And Where Are the limits?
Unfortunately, the range claims made by many walkie-talkie manufacturers frequently enough don’t reflect reality, as shown by tests conducted by “c’t”. “The often-promised ten-kilometer range is illusory,” says Mansmann.
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