Things to Consider When Buying a Walkie Talkie

Buying a walkie talkie for you domestic or busines use? Choosing the right device can be very complicated. Deciding what to choose and what to lose can make a world of difference in how much money you will pay and how much value you will get. Here is a simple, 10-point checklist for things to consider when buying a walkie talkie.

Walkie Talkie

1. Licensing: The very first thing you must check out when you plan to buy a walkie talkie is licensing. Some radios are in Citizen Band and are thus not spectrum controlled by government. The others need a license to operate. This means extra costs. If your requirement is satisfied by license free walkie talkie, you should choose the same.
2. Range: Range is of course the second obvious concern. On a pound-to-pound basis, make sure that you get the device with longest range. Most devices also allow you to increase the range of communication by changing the ariels. You must consider long range radio if you plan to travel with it.
3. Encryption: Information security is a key concern, particularly in business usage of walkie talkies. You should never compromise on the kind of encryption available to you. Always choose the device that offers strongest encryption in the price bracket that you want to buy devices in.
4. Screen and features: While screenless walkie talkies are generally available for prices cheap as chips, they are almost always very basic. It is best to choose a device that has a screen and offers basic features like man down and emergency alert. Such devices offer better value for money.
5. Upgradeability: Upgrading a walkie talkie is generally done in both hardware and software terms. Common hardware upgrades include larger size battery, longer range in regular device through bigger ariels and long range radio module attachment to standard devices. Software upgrades include feature addition and adding stronger encryption algorithms.
6. Ruggedness: A walkie talkie is generally used in a rough and tough environment. It is frequently exposed to dirt and dust. These devices fall or get bumped around a lot. Therefore it is very important that you choose a device that is very rugged. Look for IP rating on the device before you buy it.
7. Repairability: As with ruggedness, it is also very important that you buy a device that is very easy to repair. Buy a walkie talkie which is modular to maximum extent. Ensure that the device is field serviceable and has user replaceable parts. This will allow you to keep devices in service for as long as possible.
8. Battery life: This is a very simple feature that you must consider when you buy a walkie talkie. Make sure that you get the devices with the longest possible battery life. Make sure that the charging time on the battery is as short as possible. Buy extra battery if one is not included in package.
9. Brand History: There are a number of companies selling long range radio and walkie talkie devices in the market. Maker sure that you buy the device from a well-established, reliable brand. Buying a cheap, no name brand means you get lesser reliability and a smaller service network.
10. Included Accessories: Always make sure that you get as many accessories in the box as possible. Why pay extra if you can get things like a spare battery, fast charger, charging dock, spare ariel etc. in the original sales package.

Always remember that needs of different people differ, so you are welcome to assign different weightage to each item on the list to make your decision.