- General Information
- Sound quality
- Range
- Security
- Features
PMR 446 is a handportable short range voice only communication system, which provides a basic but effective radio service for both business and non business users. It is ideal for providing communication over short distances; such as within office buildings, factories and building sites. Only speech transmissions can be made.
Lusonic sell two types of walkie talkies, Licenced and Unlicenced, both known as 446 due to the fact they work on the 446 frequency, what are the differences:
Licenced – These products are more professional, provide longer range and clarity, and are 5 watt power. They require a £75 licence that lasts for 5 years and covers as many radio’s you, your club or organisation own, and is paid direct to Ofcom by completing a form provided in the box.
Unlicenced – These products are licence free and do not require any registration at all. They are lower powered at 0.5 watt and therefore offer lesser performance than licenced radio’s. Although not as powerful as licenced radio’s these products are used for recreational and business uses where a long range may not be necessary.
More detailed information can be found on the Ofcom fact sheet at the link below:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/ra/publication/ra_info/ra357.htm
Sound quality of all two way radio’s varies a great deal depending on the environmental conditions as well as the actual terraine e.g. buildings, and materials where steel and concrete buildings would reduce performance. Many suppliers will quote exaggerated ranges to improve there chance of a sale, therefore it is best to be cautious of what the manufacturers quoted range e.g. up to 3/5/8/10/12 km, is exactly what it says up to, and the maximum range will be achieved in an open area with no buildings or obstructions (line of sight).
As above, range varies a great deal by the conditions they are used in, built up areas will offer far shorter range than open spaces, and more powerful radio’s (licenced) offer greater range. Most unlicenced radio’s are fine for general recreation and business use, including skiing, hiking, camping, rambling, event organisation, festivals, security etc etc
These frequencies are open, therefore offering limited security, the more channels the greater chance of not being over heard, but it would not be recommended to make personal or confidential calls if you are worried about being over heard. There are products available that offer greater security at a much higher price.
Standard features offered:
- 8 Channels
- 38 Sub channels (specific models)
- 83 DCS channels (specific models)
- LCD
- VOX (handsfree with headset)
- Rechargeable batteries (specific models)
- Charging pod (specific models)
- Headsets (Optional)
- Squelch (added security)
- Push to talk
- Splashproof/waterproof (specific models)
- Confirmation tones
- Volume control
- Belt Clips
Q1 – What is the difference between licenced and unlicenced radio’s
A1 – The main difference is that licenced are more powerful 5 watt vs 0.5 watt unlicenced, and this offers better range and clarity. They also work on different frequencies therefore cannot work together. Licenced also require a £75 Ofcom licence (our Mitex products have application in the box) that last 5 years for as many radio’s you, your organisation or group purchase.
Q2 – How many radio’s can I use at once.
A2 – The group can be as large as you like, but the larger the group the more chance of interference.
Q3 – If I buy a pair, can I then buy another pair that will work with the first radio’s I purchased.
A3 – Yes, as long as the have the same channels/frequencies e.g. If you bought a pair of 8 channel, then added a pair of 8 channel with 38 sub channels, only the 8 channels would work + if you bought products that had DCS channels the same applies.
Q4 – Are all walkie talkie headsets compatible.
A4 – No, generally each supplier has a version that fits their radio’s although some do work together.
Q5 – What size headsets do products use.
A5 – They vary, but all Lusonic headsets sold under the Olbi brand are 2.5mm and single jack.
Q6 – How secure are these radios
A6 – These radio’s are using open frequencies, therefore not secure at all, all it needs is for another person to be on the same channel within range and they can hear your conversation. The more channels you have, the less chance of being over heard, e.g. 8 channels = 8 options, 8 x 38 Sub channels = 304 options, then 8 x 38 + 83 DCS = 968 options.
Q7 – What batteries do they take.
A7 – They vary, some basic models only use Alkaline batteries, but most models will take either rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery packs + may also work with Alkaline batteries.
Q8 – Can I use these overseas.
A8 - PMR 446 radio equipment can be used in certain countries, but:
Before using PMR 446 radios outside the United Kingdom, users should check that the relevant administration has implemented the Decisions. Users who fail to do this and use their radios overseas, may break the laws of the country concerned, run the risk of prosecution and the confiscation of equipment.
Details of the progress made by CEPT member countries in implementing PMR 446 can be obtained from the European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) website http://www.ero.dk
Q9 – How long will one charge last.
A9 – This information is generally supplied by the manufacturer as it varies by model, but it will depend on usage, modest usage will in most cases allow a full days use, but it is always worth taking either a spare set of rechargeable or alkaline batteries with to avoid disappointment.
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