What is the Difference Between Walkie-talkie and Two-way Radio

12 Oct. 2016   Information

As we know, walkie talkie and two way radio being used interchangeably. But, there is vast difference between the two. Walkie talkie is a device which allows communication between two people who are in proximity. It is a small device with antenna and is portable as well. On the other hand, two way radio as the name suggests, allows two way conversation, that is, it can send and receive signal at the same time.  One can also say it is an advance version of walkie talkie. Both these devices are used in several cases.

Walkie-talkie
A walkie-talkie is a half-duplex communication device; only one radio on the channel can transmit at a time, although any number can listen. The transceiver is normally in receive mode; when the user wants to talk they press a "push-to-talk" (PTT) button that turns off the receiver and turns on the transmitter. Typical walkie-talkies resemble a telephone handset, possibly slightly larger but still a single unit, with an antenna mounted on the top of the unit. Where a phone's earpiece is only loud enough to be heard by the user, a walkie-talkie's built-in speaker can be heard by the user and those in the user's immediate vicinity. Hand-held transceivers may be used to communicate between each other, or to vehicle-mounted or base stations.
Walkie talkie is a portable device that comes with push to talk technology. It is made available in various forms ranging from toys to much advance commercial units which are useful for business and other important purposes. It is also a viable option where there is no network. With walkie talkie it becomes easy to communicate.

More about Commercial Walkie Talkies
These are much rugged in their outlook and are covered with metal cases as it makes them more resistant to work in all kinds of conditions. Commercial walkie talkies have certain frequencies assigned to them and they work at these frequencies only. Hence, these are preferred by army personnel as they have to carry out two way talking at certain frequencies.

Development in Walkie Talkies
There has been huge development in walkie talkies. Now, there are commercial walkie talkies available that are small in size, portable and are capable of working in specified band widths. Even powerful walkie  talkies are now of certain watts only. Repeater has also been designed which is placed at some high point to cover an area. It sends signal of one frequency and transmits to the other handheld devices. Walkie talkies have also become popular for personal use. They come in bright colors made up of plastics.

Two-way Radios
Two-way radios have become most common and popular means of communication. These are two-way radios as the name suggests they send and receive two way signals. They are available in two models that are half duplex and full duplex radios. Half duplex radios are those who send and receive signals one by one. On the other hand full duplex radios are those which are enabled to send and receive signals simultaneously with ease.
Commercial two way radios are similar to walkie talkies and are enabled with transceivers, that is, they allow sending and receiving of signals. They come with push to talk technology. Two-way radios are basically found in your mobile or cellular telephone. They allow the mechanism of two way communication that is calling and receiving at the same time utilising two different radio frequencies.

Uses of Walkie-talkie and Two-way Radios
Walkie talkies have been useful not only for communication for general purposes. It is most  frequently used communication  device in military. All the military soldiers depend on walkie talkie to carry on with their orders and other related conversation.  Walkie talkie during disaster have been also been very useful. It is because of its easy functioning and portability they are so popular. They were first developed during world war and after that were made available for general public as well. It is great device for connection during emergency as well, as it doesn’t require towers to relay signal and hence can be used to transfer messages without fail. During disaster, walkie talkies help to alert people and also allow giving out instructions with ease. It is a great boon in life threatening emergencies. On the other hand two way radios are much developed and allow two way communication at the same time. They are used very frequently now.

Why Two-way Radios are Better
Two-way radios do not require any kind of towers to carry out communication. These are free to work in absence of electricity as well, making them suitable for remote places. Communication can be easily carried out from a fixed location. There is also no headache of telephone lines that may fall or get damage due to bad weather.
Walkie talkies and two way radios have proved to be great means of communication. With these handheld receivers it is simple and fast to communicate with people who are in your band width. Signals can be transferred in the analog or digital form. Two way radios are mostly used by military people, firemen, security people, construction people and many more. So, carry out communication without fail and on the move. Move forward to know HQT Digital Two-way Radios.

(Source: Radioissue.com)