SJ Linking Systems, a communication rental
and sales company located at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, answers the top 10
Frequently Asked Questions in regards to Walkie-Talkies.
-
Q: Can walkie-talkies be used outside of the United States?
A: Walkie-talkies will work anywhere in the world. However, each country
has their own set of laws in regards to two-way radios and their usage.
-
Q: How far do walkie-talkies transmit?
A: This depends on three things: 1) Frequency – UHF is better at penetrating
structures, while VHF offers more range outdoors. 2) Power – more
power (watts) can penetrate obstructions like buildings or foliage. 3)
Surroundings – structures, buildings, trees and hills will all decrease the
range in which the radios can transmit.
-
Q: How many walkie-talkies can talk to each other?
A: The minimum number of radios required is two, while there is no
maximum, as long as all devices are using the same frequency.
-
Q: Are the two-way radios found in retail stores reliable?
A: This all depends on the application for which the radios will be utilized.
They are best suited for outdoor use like hiking, snow skiing and
caravanning. However, they are not intended for heavy-use and have a
short lifespan (approximately up to 6 months).
-
Q: How many watts do I need?
A: Watts (or wattage) refers to the power of a walkie-talkie. It is a key
factor in determining the range of a radio. The more watts, the bigger the
coverage area.
-
Q: What is the difference between UHF and VHF?
A: Generally speaking, UHF is best suited for in and around buildings,
especially in dense steel and concrete structures. And VHF is for primarily
working outdoors with few obstructions.
-
Q: What does UHF and VHF mean?
A: UHF stands for ultra-high frequency and VHF stands for very-high
frequency. They are essentially just a-little-higher-energy radio waves
used to transmit and receive information via the two-way radio.
-
Q: What is a repeater?
A: A two-way radio repeater is used to extend the coverage area. It works
much like a relay system by amplifying a signal at a higher wattage by “throwing” it to the receiving radio.
-
Q: Which battery is better: Nickel or Lithium?
A: Nickel batteries are typically less expensive than Lithium batteries,
however they suffer from “memory effect” (see below). Lithium batteries
have twice the energy and weigh 30% less than Nickel batteries.
-
Q: What is “memory effect”?
A: Found in Nickel batteries, if they are repeatedly partially discharged before
recharging, the battery will “forget” it is able to discharge further. The
best way to prolong the battery life is to fully charge then discharge the
battery on a regular basis.
For more information, contact SJ Linking Systems at 310-295-7728 or visit them online at www.sjlinkingsystems.com.
