Radios

Questions: Radios

What are the differences between high-end and low-priced devices?

Whether it’s an entry‑level, Midland, or professional radio, the cheapest models start at around 60 euros. For this you already get a usable device in a pair version with functions such as the familiar “Roger” beep and 8 selectable PMR radio channels (PMR = Private Mobile Radio), as well as a (simple) LC display that is still easy to read in sunlight. In return, you have to do without display backlighting. With higher‑end models you get, in addition to a backlight function, further features such as various “ring tones”, a greater range (usually between 500 m and 5 km), and additional comfort functions. A headset jack is also very practical; more on this in the following section on VOX. Full‑size base‑camp radios in desktop versions are also available, as are the small, lightweight, and practical radio pairs that you can of course also use for convoy driving in the car (possibly only allowed with VOX).

What does VOX mean?

" are called this because of their shape and are ultimately

What is Push-to-Talk (PTT)?

Since radio technology differs fundamentally from that of mobile phones, it is not possible to transmit and receive at the same time (full duplex). For this reason, you have to explicitly control when you want to speak, while your conversation partner can only receive at that moment (half-duplex operation). The transmit button required for this is often referred to as PTT. Some models conveniently offer a button located on the cable that can be mounted, for example, on a motorbike in an easily accessible position to make transmitting as easy as possible.

Are CB radios allowed to be used in cars or on motorcycles?

A useful quote from Wikipedia: “The installation of (CB) radios placed on the market after 11 January 2005 in motor vehicles (cars/trucks) first registered after 17 June 2003 is only permitted if the radio is marked with an E mark or a CE mark.”

Which power supply is recommended?

Here too, as so often, it depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Standard micro or AA batteries can be replaced quickly and are easy to carry by the dozen as spares. However, some devices with flat Li-ion rechargeable batteries can achieve a roughly comparable runtime. The downside: ideally you should buy them together with the device – if available – because they can otherwise be hard to source, as they are device-specific. For some of these models there are also practical charging cradles, which of course can only be used at home or wherever you have a power supply. Naturally, standby performance can be one of the most decisive purchasing criteria in this class of devices.

What transmission technologies are there?

PMR on 446 MHz UHF (Private Mobile Radio) is now probably the most widespread radio technology for private use. Advantages: moderate to very good range, light and relatively compact devices, still inexpensive, no license or operating permit required. Disadvantages: only 8 channels, so you may occasionally get an uninvited radio guest. A comparable American radio standard is Family Radio Service (FRS).

LPD (Low Power Device) on 433 MHz in the ISM band (“Industrial, Scientific and Medical Band”). Often also called SRD for Short Range Devices. Disadvantages: low range, approval being phased out.

CB radio (Citizens’ Band Radio) on bands from 26.5 to 27.4 MHz: the standard for non-commercial, private radio transmission of voice and data. Advantages: good range (but massively dependent on the antenna used), today: no license or operating permit required (in the past a so-called frequency allocation certificate was needed), significantly more users than with PMR & co., long range (~10 km depending on antenna, transmission power, and line of sight). Disadvantages: devices are sometimes somewhat larger than PMR units.

Freenet on 149 MHz: Advantages: good range, few users, less signal interference from obstacles. Disadvantages: expensive, few users, exam required.