Radios

Questions: radios

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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 a display backlight. With higher-quality models, you get a backlight function plus additional features such as various “ring tones”, a greater range (usually between 500 m and 5 km) and further comfort functions. A headset connection 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 paired radios that you can of course also use for convoy driving in the car (possibly only permitted with VOX).

What does VOX mean?

A headset connection is also very practical, as it allows you to keep your hands free while talking. This applies if it also supports voice control or voice activation via VOX. Ideally, the VOX sensitivity is adjustable to prevent continuous automatic transmission in strong wind noise or similar conditions.

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 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 motorcycle in an easily accessible position to make transmitting as simple as possible.

May CB radios be used in the car or on a motorcycle?

A useful quote from Wikipedia: "The installation of (CB) radio equipment 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 all depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Standard micro or AA batteries can be replaced quickly and carried by the dozen as spares. However, a roughly comparable runtime can be achieved with the flatter Li-ion rechargeable batteries used in some devices. The downside: you should ideally buy them at the same time as the device – if available – because they can otherwise be hard to obtain, 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 a power source is available. Naturally, standby performance can be one of the most decisive purchasing criteria for this class of device.

What transmission techniques 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, lightweight and not overly large 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 the Family Radio Service (FRS).

LPD (Low Power Device) on 433 MHz in the ISM band ("Industrial, Scientific and Medical Band"). Also often called SRD for Short Range Devices. Disadvantages: Short 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 (though heavily dependent on the antenna used), nowadays: no license or operating permit required (in the past, a so-called "frequency allocation certificate" was still 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.