Keep Kids Safe with Two-Way Radios
17/07/2008
The anniversary of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance has once again focused parents’ minds – and fears – on their children going missing. Our thoughts are with the family. Thankfully cases like Madeleine’s remain rare. Nonetheless parents worry – because that’s what parents do – especially during the summer holidays when kids roam freer on home turf or explore new terrain on a family holiday. One way to ease concerns a little is the use of two way radios.
Cheap, Easy-to-Use & Fun
Two-Way Radios (or ‘walkie-talkies) offer a cheap and easy way of keeping touch with your kids as they go about the serious business of having fun. But why go for a two-way rather than a mobile? Firstly, there are no network charges – a serious consideration given the wallet stinging nature roaming charges – and they’re not dependent on the vagaries of network coverage. They’re also pretty cheap without the theft-attracting cachet of video screens and MP3 capabilities.
Nicomm offer a twin pack of two-way radios for just £24.99 (subject to availability). What’s more you can add additional sets to communicate on the same channel, so you can chat with all your kids and they with each other. Better still, kids love them. They may not be able to text or play tinny pop tunes, but two-ways offer a sense of adventure.
Two Ways To Go
Nicomm offer a wide range of two way models so you can have a good browse. Models worth considering include the aforementioned Motorola TLKR T3, a great value model offering a range of up to 5km (3m) via eight channels, with automatic channel scanning and push-to-talk functions making them a doddle to use. Cobra’s MT800 is also low in cost and has a similar spec although it also offers ‘dual watch’ – the ability to use one channel and simultaneously monitor another.
Motorola’s TLKR T5 is a little more expensive but offers more features, such as 121 privacy codes to prevent eavesdropping, and comes supplied with rechargeable batteries plus drop-in and an in-car chargers - so immediately you’ve got all you need to get talking! Our latest affordable two-way radio is the Motorola XTR446 PMR which has a range of upto 8km.
Two-Way Radio Jargon - What’s What & What To Look Out For
When buying any electronic item you can expect to face challenging jargon when trying to make the right purchasing decision. Two-way radios are no exception. So, before you buy check out our jargon-busting guide which offers handy tips on what to watch out for.
Channels - The number of channels you require will depend on where you plan to use your radios. In congested areas you should opt for more channels so you are able to seek an available frequency. More basic models offer two channels with the more sophisticated providing up to 14 – prices vary accordingly.
Channel Savers - A fairly standard feature allowing you to save time and hassle by saving your most frequently used channels - but check the spec to see if saving is automatic or manual.
Privacy Codes - Channels are open so it’s possible that other users operating on the same channels could eavesdrop on your conversations. Privacy codes prevent this by scrambling your communication.
Scanning - This allows you to quickly find available channels and is offered as either an automatic or manual feature.
Licence-free radios - Nicomm supplies two-way radios which do not require a licence from Ofcom. These operate on PMR446 – the personal mobile radio 446 Mhz frequency. Please be aware that to operate other UHF or VHF radios you will need to buy an appropriate licence. Licences are not offered to personal users.
Range - Range refers to the maximum distance between which radios can communicate. Manufacturers may advertise “up to” ranges. These will be based on optimal conditions so remember that obstructions such as buildings, woods, high or low ground will significantly affect range capabilities.
Batteries - If you are going to be a moderate to heavy user it is better to opt for radios which will use not just regular alkaline batteries but also take rechargeable nickel cadmium ones. Check the manufacturers’ estimated battery life, bearing in mind that these will assume that a radio is on stand-by for around 90 per cent of its use. Check if your model is supplied with batteries and charger.
Hands free? - Some models feature a microphone jack, a lapel microphone or in-ear or headset microphone-speaker combinations.
Is there a limit to how many radios can be linked? - No. You can communicate with an unlimited number of radios, provided, of course, that they are within range and tuned to the same channel.