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Category: Auto Tips

Choosing A Portable Radio Station In The Car

2024

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Video: Choosing A Portable Radio Station In The Car

Video: Choosing A Portable Radio Station In The Car
Video: What is the difference between CB Radios and Ham Radio? 2024, March
Choosing A Portable Radio Station In The Car
Choosing A Portable Radio Station In The Car
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In this test, we compared rather not the products of one class, but the classes themselves. We chose walkie-talkies from the cheapest (less than a thousand per pair) to mid-range models (about 5, 000 rubles). At the same time, they tried to acquire radio stations with different power supplies (batteries or batteries), as well as with a different set of additional functions - from simple to tricked out.

The main goal of the tests is to check one of the main declared parameters: the range of stable communication. And both on the highway and in the metropolis. The fact is that the optimistic kilometers shown on the boxes could only be measured in the vast expanses of the sea. And all sorts of buildings, the flow of transport and even the “radio operator Kat” car itself reduce real range by many times! This is reminiscent of the data on fuel consumption in standard driving cycles: manufacturers do not seem to lie, but get the declared 5 liters per hundred in life.

Are you interested in using walkie-talkies on the go? The ban on talking on the mobile does not apply to the radio. However, a number of models are equipped with a kind of “hands-free” analogue - automatic inclusion in the transmission of voice (like voice recorders).

CONNECTION WAS LOST? EXIT THE MACHINE

The first test was arranged for radio stations on a direct section of Novorizhskoye Shosse. We simulated a ride in a convoy: one radio operator driver emitted radio waves through the rear window, the other through the windshield. As expected, the window openings in the metal casing for a wave of about 0.8 m in length were cramped. We have not received the promised 3-5-15 km of stable radio communications. All walkie-talkies were within 1.2–2.4 km, so there was no need to travel far from each other. But here's an ambush: how can I tell my partner that the tests have been completed and you can return to the base if you have already left for 2.5 km, there is no communication, but you can’t turn around on the highway? The solution was found quickly: as soon as I got out of the car, a steady reception appeared.

CITY: DON'T LOSE ANOTHER FROM ANY VIEW

Even less gas was burned during city tests. Barely between the cars were buildings, communications began to disappear already from 150 m! The most powerful of the walkie-talkies hoarsely gurgled the “end of communication” for 200 m and fell silent.

However, is there a way out without getting out of the car? The solution is known: manufacturers of the most expensive radio stations have provided the ability to connect an external antenna on the roof of the car. Obviously, this will actually increase the communication range, but it's about portable walkie-talkies! Then it’s better to purchase a CB radio station operating on longer wavelengths and powered by a car battery.

In general, first decide what exactly you want to receive from the radio station. And do not believe the advertising kilometers, large printed on the boxes. The photo captions on which the radio stations are arranged in ascending order of price will make it easier for you to make the right choice.

LEARN MORE

01 JET MINI

Origin of the JJ-Group, China

Estimated price 800 rub

PMR range

Number of channels 8

one

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Declared / actual range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 3 / 1.2 / 0.1 km

Power supply Nickel-metal hydride batteries or AAA batteries (3 pcs.)

Reception hours 20 hours

A very cheap kit, which, however, includes batteries and a charging base. There is even a flashlight, but for some reason with a blue LED. The communication range is small, but within its limits the sound is clear. There are no subtones and codes - you will hear everyone who works in your range.

02 MOTOROLA TLKR T4

Origin Motorola Solutions, China

Estimated price 1050 rub

PMR range

Number of channels 8

2

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Declared / actual range of radio communications on the highway / in the city 6 / 1.3 / 0.1 km

AAA Battery Power (3 pcs.)

Reception hours 20 hours

The simplest battery-powered kit. Here is a more advanced display, promised as much as 6 km of stable communication. In our conditions, the result, however, is very modest. Subtons and codes are not provided.

03 VOXTEL MR300

Origin Binatone Electronics, China

Estimated price of 1400 rubles

PMR range

Number of channels 8

3

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Declared / actual range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 3 / 1.5 / 0.15 km

Power supply Nickel-metal hydride batteries or AAA batteries (3 pcs.)

The developers pretty messed up the matter with the declared range: on the box 3 km, in the instructions - 10 km. We have almost one and a half. Battery life is not indicated at all. But 38 sub-tones of CTCSS will allow you to detune from other people's negotiations. And continuous monitoring of ether is available in two ranges at once.

04 ALAN 777

Origin CTE International, China

Estimated price 1900 rub

Range of PMR and LPD

Number of channels 8 + 69

four

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Declared / real range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 4, 5 / 1, 4 / 0, 17 km

Power lithium ion battery

Reception 21 hours

Very curious, very miniature dual-band radios. But just the miniature is not very convenient: it is not a mobile phone that is held near the ear. In addition, part of the key - on the side opposite the tangent: they are easy to accidentally press. But charging from 12 V is very convenient for motorists (usually 6 or 9 V). There are 38 CTCSS subtons and a voice-activated switch-on function - a kind of hands-free. It can scan all channels for their activity.

05 COBRA MICROTALK MT600–2

Origin Cobra Electronics, China

Estimated price 2200 rub

PMR range

Number of channels 8

five

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Declared / real range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 5 / 1.3 / 0.12 km

Power supply Nickel-metal hydride batteries or AAA batteries (3 pcs.)

Reception hours 12 hours

Comfortable, ergonomic walkie-talkie. Guaranteed to get away from other people's chatter on the air, if you want: 38 CTCSS subtons and 83 DCS codes. To charge the radios, you need a voltage of 12 V (there is, of course, a network adapter). Voice activation is provided. The button, including the maximum communication range mode, did not give much improvement. Among 17 languages there is no proprietary text in Russian; an additional sheet with a translation is enclosed.

06 MOTOROLA TLKR-T8 - SP

Origin Motorola Solutions, China

Estimated price 2900 rub

PMR range

Number of channels 8

6

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Claimed / actual range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 10 / 2.0 / 0.18 km

Power supply rechargeable Ni-MH batteries or AAA batteries (4 pcs.)

Reception hours 14 hours

A fairly advanced device with many additional features. Provides 38 CTCSS subtones and 83 DCS codes, provides work in group mode with automatic identification of each walkie-talkie. In addition to voice activation, a room monitoring mode is provided. This, in fact, is the same, but the radio does not work for reception, which guarantees the secrecy of wiretapping. Built-in clock and bright flashlight. By communication range in second place.

07 SWITEL WTE 203 TRIO

Origin Telgo, China

Estimated price 3600 rub

PMR range

Number of channels 8

7

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Declared / actual range of radio communication on the highway / in the city 3 / 1.5 / 0.15 km

AAA Battery Power (3 pcs.)

The simplest walkie-talkie on batteries differs from the others in the complete set: there are three devices in the box - for the whole family. The child will also cope with the setup and work, everything is so simple. Within range, the connection is clear. The range itself is at an average level (in our test). No subtones or codes: you will listen to everyone who works near you on the selected channel.

08 MIDLAND G9 - SP SELECTION

Origin CTE International, China

Estimated price 4400 rub

Range of PMR and LPD

Number of channels 24 + 69

eight

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Claimed / actual radio communication range on the highway / in the city 15 / 2.4 / 0.2 km

Power supply Ni-MH rechargeable batteries or AA batteries (4 pcs.)

The most equipped and powerful dual-band station in our sample. There are an additional 16 PMR channels, 38 CTCSS subtons, and 104 DCS codes. The devices can automatically control each other and give out an audio signal when the connection is lost. There is voice control, scanning and channel monitoring. And also an emergency call button "all, all" on a predefined channel.

QUESTION ANSWER

Ranges PMR, LPD - what is their difference?

The LPD (Low Power Device) range covers the frequency band from 433.075 to 434.750 MHz on air and is allowed for free use, provided that the radio transmitter power does not exceed 10 mW. This is exactly what is indicated in all instructions, although not the fact that it is not exceeded. This range is divided into 69 channels, and the 35th almost coincides with the frequency at which the car alarms operate. If you configure the walkie-talkie on this channel and turn it on, it will work like a jammer. The PMR (Private Mobile Radio) range lies slightly higher (from 446, 000 to 446, 100 MHz) and is divided into 8 channels. It permits transmitter power of up to 0.5 W, which provides a significantly longer communication range, but, of course, with shorter battery life.

CTCSS Subtones and DCS Codes - What Are They For?

CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Subaudio Squelch) - specially mixed into the signal subtones with a frequency of 67 to 255 Hz (they are not audible through the speaker, since walkie-talkies reproduce, as a rule, frequencies from 300 to 3000 Hz, which is quite enough for speech). If you set one of these 38 subtones on both radio stations, then all third-party conversations on the same channel will be filtered out and will not interfere with communication. Digital Coded Squelch (Digital Coded Squelch) codes have the same meaning, only here one of 104 binary codes is mixed into the signal. It is important to understand: this eliminates the obstacles for you, but does not prevent outsiders from listening to your conversations. If they have not installed any subtones or codes on their walkie-talkies, but have chosen the channel you use, then they will perfectly hear everything.

Is it possible to talk on the walkie-talkie in the same way as on a cell phone?

No, and this is one of the fundamental differences between them. Almost all radio stations operate in the so-called simplex mode, that is, either to transmit or to receive. The choice is set by a special key - the tangent. When it is pressed, the transmitter is turned on and you can talk, when released - the receiver is working and you can listen. So you have to develop the habit of speaking in turn, not forgetting about this button. And so that the first words do not disappear, pronounce them with a small (0.5 s) delay after inclusion in the program. Many radio stations have a special Roger Beep audio function that informs you that they are switching to reception. So you will find out that the interlocutor is ready to listen to you, if, of course, he did not act like a pro and said: "Reception … Reception …". In general, radio communication is by no means intended for chatter on the air. After all, having occupied the channel, you make it impossible to communicate on the same frequency with other walkie-talkie owners within the range of their devices. For long private conversations are mobile phones. But radio stations allow you to exchange important information completely free of charge in any country, without wasting time on dialing and waiting for a subscriber's response.

Does the partner have to have a radio station from the kit or of the same brand?

No, you can communicate with any interlocutor provided that you tuned in to the same channel and turned on the same subton or code (if you turned it on at all). All frequencies, subtones and codes are strictly standardized.

And if the declared range of 10-15 km is not enough?

In this case, you have to choose CB (C-Bi) radio stations operating in the 27 MHz band with a transmitter power of up to 10 watts. In addition to increased power, they have a significantly longer wavelength (11 m versus “ours” 0.7 m). Such waves more easily go around obstacles and can even, reflected from the ionosphere, reach other continents. But their weak point is the abundance of interference, especially in cities. Yes, and the antenna requires an impressive length. Truckers often use such built-in radio stations powered by the on-board network, but if portability is important to you, this is not the best choice.

Which is better - powered by batteries or batteries?

Both options have their pros and cons. Batteries are cheaper and usually have a larger capacity. But they are, of course, disposable. If you plan to use the walkie-talkie occasionally, for example, going mushrooms to the forest, then batteries are a very reasonable choice. They store charge well, while batteries are more prone to self-discharge, they will have to be recharged periodically, even when the walkie-talkie is not needed. On the other hand, in multi-day trips, when it is possible to recharge at night, batteries are preferable.

Why do all radio stations have the same transmitter power, but different communication ranges?

One could say: “Do not believe what is written”, but we did not check the real power of the transmitter, so we have no right to blame anyone. But the communication range also depends on the sensitivity of the receiver, but it is not standardized. So an advanced radio station can catch a weaker signal, and therefore, at a greater distance.

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