• Two Way Radios Hq
• The Basics of Motorola Walkie Talkies
• Kenwood Two Way Radios: The FreeTalk Line
• 2 Way Helmet Radios for Sports
• Professional Walkie Talkie use Protocol
• Understanding and Using Walkie Talkies
• How to Make a Successful Two Way Radio Purchase
• AudioVox Walkie Talkies: 2 Mile Radios
• Two Way Radios: Finding the Right Replacement Antenna
• Lightweight Headsets For Two Way Radios
• Long Range 2 Way Radios Family
• Midland 2 Way Radios: GMRS Radios for Consumer Use
• Practical Uses of Two Way Radios
• Motorola Two Way Radios: The TalkAbout Series
• Midland Two Way Radios: GMRS Radios for Consumer Use

The Basics of Motorola Walkie Talkies

Motorola walkie talkies (also known as two way radios or handi-talkies) work almost like a cellular telephone in that they are used as a method of communication between people in different locations but there are a few major differences between walkie talkie communication and telephone communication. The most noticeable difference between walkie talkie and telephone communication is that to the people talking on walkie talkies have to take turns talking -- this is called the 'half-duplex' mode of operation (telephone conversations, where people can be talking at the same time, use what is called full-duplex mode).

There are two frequency bands in use for walkie talkies these are the Family Radio Service (FRS) band and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band. The FRS band is specifically used for short-range communication between walkie talkies -- short range is defined as 2 miles or less. The GMRS band is used for walkie talkie uses that require longer range operation, where the users may be up to eight (or even fifteen) miles from each other.

Some walkie talkies are only able to use the FRS band but almost all Motorola walkie talkies in commercial use are able to take advantage of both the FRS and GMRS bands.

One important note about GMRS operation: The FCC regulates walkie talkies that operate on the GMRS band and requires users of this type of walkie talkie to obtain a license and pay a fee. The GMRS license is good for five years and costs $80.00; the license must be obtained by an adult (the radios operating under the license may be used by minors but only with the licensed adult's knowledge and permission). Go to the FCC's Internet page at:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile
for more information on GMRS licensing.

Channels! There are 22 channels commonly used on walkie talkies: Channels 1 through 7 can be used by all walkie talkies whether they are using the FRS range or the GMRS range; channels 8 through 14 are reserved for used by walkie talkies using the FRS band and channels 15 through 22 are reserved for use by walkie talkies using the GMRS band. How this works in practical terms is pretty simple; basically, all the walkie talkies within eight miles of each other that are set to the same channel will be able to communicate with each other. The catch is, everyone with a walkie talkie set to that channel's frequency will also be able to hear whatever is said (so be careful about what you say). To combat that problem, most Motorola walkie talkies are also equipped with "privacy codes." These privacy codes will break up a single channel into many sub-channels which gives the radio users much more privacy.