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Walkie talkie for communication when mountaineering

Original Post
Poterium · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2015 · Points: 0

Hallo. I would like to ask a question. I want to bye a walkie talkie for communicating when trekking or mountaineering. What special features should I take into account? Is there a certain brand that it is better?

Thank you

Jason4Too · · Bellingham, Washington · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

Think about who you want to communicate with and in what conditions.

If it's just end-to-end with your partner on a long pitch with howling wind a couple times/year then most half decent radios will work ok. Someone will inevitably say that so will tugs on the rope but that is hard to feel when rope drag gets bad. Most of the FRS radios I've used (Motorola Talkabouts of various vintages going back to ~1997) are ok over short distances, especially if you have good line-of-sight. Say a mile or so in the mountains.

If you want to communicate over longer distances or with MSAR then you'll need more serious radios. I think my MSAR friends have recommended Bao-Fung radios but they take a license and a bit of a learning curve. If you want to communicate frequently in bad weather then look for a water resistant radio.

Here's a fairly recent post from Wildsnow on the subject:

Edited to try to add a link again:
wildsnow.com/5854/2-way-rad…

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

There have been numerous threads about this in the past on MP. Search "walkie talkie"and you shall be amazed

Clint White aka Faulted Geologist · · Lawrence, KS · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 151

By MSAR radio, u mean mountain search and rescue? I believe you need to search for GMRS radio, which is the USA frequency block allocated by our FCC, and require a 5 yr license- see REI article below.
The FRS radios are shorter range, are cheaper, no license.

Since u said hallo, I assume ya ain't from around these parts... Check if frequency allocation is the same where you are.

m.rei.com/learn/expert-advi…

Clint White aka Faulted Geologist · · Lawrence, KS · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 151

Also, if you are going to also carry a GPS, buy the Garmin 650 that is a combo gps, NOAA weather radio, GMRS/FRS radio, compass, barometer, and lets your dog out to pee while you are away from home.

Clint White aka Faulted Geologist · · Lawrence, KS · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 151

The Wildsnow link didn't work, but from the 404 page it drops you at, click the article dropdown, then 2-way radio link. May be just a mobile issue, I am using my phone. Good article and endless comments at the bottom.

Jason4Too · · Bellingham, Washington · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

I fixed the Wildsnow link and yes, when I said MSAR I meant Mountain Search and Rescue. The radios that have been recommended to me by friends involved in MSAR are more advanced, require licenses (that I'm told are easy to get), require a bit of education to get them programmed right, allow communication with other users over greater distances and also communication with search and rescue parties that are in the area, either to help you or another group that you might be able to assist with. That said, I'm still using FRS radios for end-to-end communication on a rope but not too frequently. I wouldn't put more money into FRS radios though, I'd go with something more serious if I wanted to replace what I already have.

GLD · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 83

Seriously, google first.

However, you are likely referring to FRS and GMRS radios. GMRS I believe still requires a license, but it is free to request and I don't think anybody is denied-most people don't bother. There are some rules around it but they aren't restrictive. I think the channels that are GMRS are the channels >15 on most radios.

The difference is in power that is allowed to be transmitted on the band. More power = more range. Newer radios will also have digital amps. This is important as the way the radios are tested (or supposed to be tested) is pre-amp. Digital means you get more effective power out the antenna and it is also more battery efficient.

If range is important for minimal hassle you can get something 5W with digital amps.

If you are never going to be more than a rope length away something cheap and FRS should do it.

forums.radioreference.com/g…
rei.com/learn/expert-advice…
fcc.gov/encyclopedia/genera…

Poterium · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2015 · Points: 0

OK. Very useful all the information. Thank you!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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