Since so many people have cell phones, you may wonder why
two-way radios have not disappeared from the shelves of electronics
stores. The truth is that even in an age where portable
communication has gone high tech, less recent innovations such as
two way radios can be quite useful in certain situations.
These hand-held, wireless communication devices, known in bygone
days as walkie-talkies, often work well in environments where cell
phones do not. Two-way radios do not depend on the proximity of a
cell phone tower to facilitate a signal. Thus, many outdoor
recreationists rely on radio communication in remote terrain where
there is either no cell tower or cellular signals are blocked by
rocky outcroppings.
Families that are traveling in two or more vehicles, or people
who caravan on long-range treks, can more easily use two-way radios
to keep in touch. To operate a radio, all you need to do is press
the talk button, and others whose radios are set to the same
frequency can reply in the same way, allowing you to keep your eyes
on the road.
The more obvious advantage to using radio communication over
cell phones is that once you have purchased the units, you pay
nothing additional for unlimited use.
One drawback of two-way radios is that these units are limited
in their reach. Many have a range between 30 and 35 miles under
optimum conditions. Another concern is that any radios tuned to the
same frequency allow strangers to listen in or over-talk your
communications. However, most two-way units offer many frequencies,
so this problem has a simple solution: just have everyone in your
communication network switch to another frequency.
Some two way radios have more features that add value to the
devices. You can set your radio to emit an SOS signal in case of
emergencies so that others can find you. Some radios have different
animal calls you can select as your signature signal when calling
another radio. If you are in a situation where silence is
essential, such as in a hunting blind, you can set your radio to
vibrate should another person call you at an inconvenient time.