Can I use a handheld ham radio as a walkie talkie?

And the answer to that is: Yes, you can. Ham radios have various handheld models, popularly known as handy-talkies in the Ham radio community. These devices allow Ham radios to double as walkie-talkies and enable you to communicate with other Hams even when you are on the go.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fieldradio.org


Can you use ham radios like walkie talkies?

Although it is possible to connect a ham radio to a walkie talkie, this is illegal in the U.S. The reason for this is because walkie talkies are required by law to broadcast only within specific low-power frequencies, depending on whether this is FRS or GMRS.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on walkie-talkie-guide.com


Can you use a ham radio as a walkie talkie without a license?

You need a license to transmit on a ham radio, but not to listen. The penalties for transmitting on a ham radio without a license include seizure of equipment, fines, and civil/criminal penalties.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on shtfblog.com


Can you use a Baofeng radio as a walkie talkie?

The baofeng UV-5R is dual band and most certainly does cover MURS, which is an acceptable choice if you want a commercial "walkie-talkie" to be able to talk to an amateur radio. If you're stuck with FRS/GMRS then that's fine too, FRS is also licence-free (but GMRS is not).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ham.stackexchange.com


What can you do with a handheld ham radio?

Many portable Ham radios can listen to NOAA and commercial FM stations, as well. Plus, you get the huge bonus of picking up and talking with your local emergency services (fire, police, medical, etc.).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theprepared.com


Ham Radio vs Walkie Talkie | Handheld Ham Radio Comparison



How far can a 5w ham radio transmit?

The 5 watt radio can reach up to 12 miles or more. Some handheld radios have 6 watts which can reach up to 20 miles in the right conditions.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thegpsstore.com


Are Baofeng walkie talkies illegal?

While it's true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lucky225.medium.com


Can you use Baofeng as walkie talkie without a license?

The baofengs are easy to program for FRS/GMRS frequencies. Also, it is perfectly legal to transmit on ham frequencies without a license in an emergency.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on expeditionportal.com


What frequency can I talk on without a license?

Almost all GMRS radios also support FRS frequencies, which can be used without a license. Channels 8-14 on a typical 22 channel consumer radio reserved exclusively for FRS. These channels can be used license-free, but are limited to a half watt of transmit power and will have limited range.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hq98.com


Is ham radio traceable?

While enthusiasts are unlikely to trace you, another potential group that may attempt to locate a broadcast location is law enforcement. Under F.C.C. guidelines, it is possible to use HAM radios in an illegal manner, either through operating without a license or improper use of the radio.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.tn


What walkie talkie can I use without a license?

The Motorola DLR1020 is our first no FCC license radio. It's a two-channel walkie talkie, meaning that you can segment your business' staff into two different groups. That means you can have a dedicated channel just for management. It only uses one watt of power to push out the signal.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on techwholesale.com


Can walkie-talkies be traced?

2 way radios are difficult to trace. Two-way radios, also known as walkie-talkies, remain popular even after the advent of cell phones. Police and security forces, the armed forces, event managers, hunters and many others use them. Two-way radios are extremely difficult to trace.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on techwalla.com


Can family use ham radio?

You Can Have This Capability for Yourself and Your Family-- Unlike some other types of radio services, you need an FCC license to communicate with a ham radio. There are three levels of Amateur Radio Licenses, and getting your first one is not all that hard.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on arrl.org


Can a ham radio talk to a CB radio?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a CB Radio? The short and quick answer to whether you can talk to CB radio with your ham radio is: Yes, you can. CB radios operate in the HF range on the 11m band. Ham radios can communicate in the HF range on the 10m and 12m band, both of which are pretty close to the citizen's band.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fieldradio.org


Can a ham radio talk to GMRS?

FRS and GMRS can talk, but a ham radio can only receive FRS and GMRS if it has a wide enough receiver. GMRS cannot transmit on ham frequencies legally and ham radio cannot transmit on GMRS frequencies legally.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jlwranglerforums.com


Is a Baofeng a ham radio?

Yes, the popular BaoFengs are amateur (ham) radios, and the right ham radio can indeed communicate over hundreds of miles. But BaoFeng handi-talkies are not the right radio for long-distance comms.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theprepared.com


Can you use a UV 5R without a license?

Radios like the popular Baofeng UV-5R can access both of these ranges. It is perfectly legal to listen to amateur radio on a Baofeng without a licence.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on essexham.co.uk


Can Baofeng pick up police?

Keep in mind that some Police and Fire departments have/are moving to encrypted (trunked) digital radio. As far as I am aware you can not use this Baofeng radio to pick up on the chatter on trunked frequencies. For that, you will have to either buy a police radio scanner or use an SDR.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yasoob.me


Can I listen to the police with a Baofeng UV 5r?

No, Baofeng radios are not police scanners.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on zipscanners.com


Why Is the Baofeng illegal?

Because these devices must be, but have not been, authorized by the FCC, the devices may not be imported into the United States, retailers may not advertise or sell them, and no one may use them.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kb6nu.com


What is the average range of a handheld ham radio?

For example, if you and a friend are using handheld transceivers (HTs) with a typical output power of 5 watts, you can expect your range to be about 5 miles maximum. If you're using a repeater, however, you should be able to talk much farther.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hamradioprep.com


How far will a 50 watt ham radio transmit?

They assume a 5 watt handheld, 50 watt mobile, 5/8 wave mobile antenna with 6 dB gain and 5/8 wave, 6dB gain omnidirectional base antenna at 50′. Urban Environment – Around 1/2 – 1 mile from handheld to handheld, up to 2 miles mobile to handheld, and up to 5 miles or more, base to mobile, with base antenna at 50′.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on woofthebeatenpath.com


How far will a 100 watt FM transmitter reach?

If an ERP of 100 Watt is used, it is very likely that 20 kilometers of range will be reached because a 100 Watt ERP is able to propagate a strong signal as far as 20 kilometers. If an ERP of 1000 Watt is used, it is very probable that the signal will reach 20 kilometers, and it will also penetrate eventual obstacles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tekobroadcast.com