At Mediawinkel.eu you will find an excellent walkie-talkie that is suitable for multiple occasions. But what exactly is a walkie-talkie system? The device, which is also popularly known as a walkie-talkie, allows you to communicate with other people. This device is a transceiver, which means that you can both send and receive messages via this device. This concerns voice messages. The term 'walkie-talkie' mainly refers to transceivers that are used for professional purposes. The synonym 'walkie-talkie' is actually mainly used for walkie-talkies that are used for recreational purposes. Below you can read more about the radio systems, how this device was created, how exactly this device works and more.
The history of the walkie-talkie
The invention was inspired by two inventions that were a huge step forward for humanity: the telephone and the radio. Using a telephone you could have a verbal conversation with someone over a long distance, while the radio ensured that broadcasts could be distributed on a large scale. Such a mobile device combines the two, as it were, whereby this device can both transmit and receive by using the technology that is often associated with radio. Instead of fixed programs, the consumer can broadcast and receive themselves using this mobile device. Opinions are divided about the inventor: some say it was invented in 1937 by Donald Hings, others believe that Alfred J. Gross invented it in 1938.
These first walkie-talkies were quite large and had to be carried on the back, after which you could talk through a horn. Using frequencies, comparable to a radio, you were able to communicate with others. Especially during the Second World War, the popularity of the walkie-talkie grew steadily, because it enabled soldiers to communicate with each other on the battlefield. After this, walkie-talkies were developed that could be used for both professional and recreational use.
How does a walkie-talkie work?
You should actually see this device as a kind of mix between a mobile phone and a radio. You can take this device anywhere and carry it with you at all times like a mobile phone. However, with a walkie-talkie system it is not possible to talk at the same time. To talk you have to press a button, but by pressing this button you cannot receive messages. As soon as the button is released, you can hear the other person again. This communication takes place using channels with certain fixed frequencies, so unlike mobile phones, no transmission towers or providers are involved. Professional radios generally have at least eight channels with fixed frequencies. These have a certain bandwidth, comparable to the frequencies of radio stations.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a walkie-talkie
Like any device, this also has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the benefits. Unlike a mobile phone, you do not have to deal with cell towers and providers that are necessary to have a conversation at all. You are not committed to anything and if there is another system relatively nearby, nothing will stop you from starting a conversation. By pressing the button you immediately have a conversation with one or more people, so it is a fast method of communication. Thanks to the availability of multiple channels, you can communicate without interference. If one channel is busy, simply choose another channel.
The biggest disadvantage of the walkie-talkie is the fact that you cannot transmit and receive at the same time. If you press the button to set something, you will no longer hear anything. So you have to make clear agreements about who talks and when. That is why 'over' is often said when someone has finished talking, so that the other person knows that it is their turn. In addition, others may use the same channel, which can cause conversations to overlap. Others can also listen in if another device is tuned to the same frequency. Fortunately, the chance of this is relatively small.
Walkie-talkie on the water
Walkie-talkies are often used by mariners, whether pleasure or commercial. This is partly due to the previously mentioned advantages associated with its use. You don't have to be near a transmission tower to communicate with others, and a walkie-talkie can be used wherever and whenever you want (including in the middle of the sea). It is therefore smart to always have walkie-talkies on hand when other forms of communication are (temporarily) unavailable.
Advantages of maritime walkie-talkies
In addition, walkie-talkies developed for shipping have other specific advantages. Because these devices must be able to withstand a blow, they are robust. They are also water resistant, a useful feature for devices that frequently use water. Walkie-talkies for shipping vessels are often equipped with an ATIS code, so that the other person can immediately see who they are dealing with. In addition, this type of radio meets the ATEX guidelines, so you can be sure that safety is guaranteed. The MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F standard is also used, so that you can be sure that the radios you purchase from Mediawinkel.eu can actually handle all conditions on the water.
Walkie-talkie brands
In the Mediawinkel.eu range you will find three brands of walkie-talkies that are specially designed for shipping:
Entel Marine: since 1995, this brand's walkie-talkies have been the gold standard. Entel is known for its high-quality products, and many mariners recommend this brand. Several models can be found in the Mediawinkel.eu range, from cheaper variants to more expensive models.
Sepura: this company, founded in 2002, focuses on all kinds of radio products, including walkie-talkies. You will also find various models from this brand in the range.
Icom: one of the older specialists in the field of radio communications. Since 1954, this company has been producing radio equipment for both amateurs and professionals
