Do Walkie Talkies Work Through Walls?
If you work in an indoor environment, you might find that mobile phone coverage isn’t always reliable. This is because the signal can be blocked by thick walls and structures. This may leave you asking the question ‘do walkie talkies work through walls?’. Fortunately, there are many different two way radio systems available that are designed to operate inside buildings, providing reliable coverage even where mobile phone signal might be patchy.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what it is that determines whether a two way radio will work inside a building, as well as showing you some of our favourite two way radio solutions for indoor working.
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Do Two Way Radios Work Indoors?
To understand whether a two way radio will work indoors, you need to understand exactly how this type of communication works. Two way radios operate using radio frequencies to transmit communication. The frequency that you choose will dictate whether it can penetrate through buildings, or whether it can transmit long distance.
UHF (ultra high frequency) radios operate on higher frequencies. These frequencies are able to penetrate through buildings, including materials such as steel and concrete. This makes UHF radios ideal for indoor use. However, the signal generated by these radios is relatively short distance, so whilst it does not require line of sight, it won’t be suitable for long distance communication.
VHF (very high frequency) radios are perfect for long distance use, where there are no obstacles through which the signal is required to penetrate. You’ll find these radios used at outdoor events, in golf courses and in the agricultural industry. The downside of VHF radios is that the signal is interrupted by obstacles such as buildings and mountains, so they are not suitable for indoor use.
Do Walkie Talkies Work Anywhere?
One of the main disadvantages of using mobile phones to stay in contact is that they need a signal to be able to communicate. This leads many people to turn to two way radios as a way to stay in contact in remote areas where mobile phone coverage may be patchy. But do walkie talkies work anywhere, or do they rely on signal like mobile phones?
The coverage that your two way radio will provide will depend on the type of system that you choose. If you choose a UHF radio, you’ll find that you get excellent signal inside buildings and where obstacles such as mountains may otherwise interrupt the signal. However, this type of radio is only able to transmit a signal short distance.
If you need a radio that will transmit over a long distance, you’ll need to opt for a VHF radio. These radios are able to transmit a long distance, in even the remotest of locations. However, this type of signal is not able to penetrate through buildings or other obstacles, so it can only be used in open spaces.
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Do Two Way Radios Need Line Of Sight?
Two way radios operate using radio frequencies. These waves travel from one walkie talkie to another, in a straight line. So, you might be wondering whether two way radios require line of sight to be able to communicate effectively.
Although “line of sight” sounds as if you should be able to actually see the transmitting radio with your naked eye, it actually just means that there should be no significant obstacles between the transmitting and the receiving radio. For VHF radios, this is important, as the long distance radio waves transmitted on this frequency are not able to penetrate through obstacles.
Line of sight is less significant for UHF radios, which are able to penetrate through structures such as concrete or steel buildings, dense woodland and mountains. However, it’s important to note that these radios are only suitable for short distance use, as the UHF waves cannot travel longer distances.
How Far Will Walkie Talkies Really Reach?
The distance that your two way radio system will be able to transmit will depend on the type of radio that you choose, it’s ERP (Effective Radiated Power) and the frequency on which you choose to communicate. For this reason, it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
You’ll also need to take into consideration the location in which you need to communicate. This is because certain features such as buildings, dense woodland and mountains can interfere with certain radio signals, meaning that the waves cannot travel as far.
If you have specific requirements, it’s best to consult with a two way radio specialist to find a solution that meets your needs and enables you to maintain a constant and uninterrupted channel of communication wherever you are.
Find The Perfect Two Way Radio For Your Needs
It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re looking for the right two way radio system for your business. There are lots of different things to consider, such as the frequency on which your radio needs to operate and whether or not you’ll need a licence from Ofcom.
If you’re feeling confused about two way radios, and you’re wondering which type will be the best fit for your business, we can help. At NRC Radio, we have a wealth of experience in helping businesses to find the right two way radio system. Our priority is finding a system that works for you, keeping you connected wherever you are.
In this article, we’ve answered the question ‘do walkie talkies work through walls?’ as well as exploring the range of two way radios in more detail. If you have further questions about two way radios, or if you need assistance in finding the right system for your business, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.
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