Do I need any special permission to use walkie-talkies?
In an amicable way, the buyer must register his radio station at the local Radio Frequency Center, but this registration is not mandatory and lies entirely at the buyer's conscience. No special permits are required, since the 433-434 MHz band, in which portable radios sold in our stores operate, is not licensed.
How to set up radios with each other and start a conversation?
On each walkie-talkie participating in the conversation (there can be as many of them as you like), you must use the buttons (or menu) to set the channel number and subcode. If the values of these parameters are identical on all radio stations, then they will be able to receive each other’s transmissions. To start broadcasting, you need to press the PTT (push to talk) key and, without releasing it, say a message into the microphone - the other participants will hear it. By releasing the PTT key, the radio goes into receive mode.
How can several subscribers talk at the same time?
To do this, their radios must be tuned to the same channel and subcode.
How to improve the quality and range of communication?
Some radios support different types of interchangeable antennas (such as JJ FreeQuency GIGA), extending the range up to 16 km. Others can be connected to an external car antenna. Changing the antenna is the only solution to improve the quality and range of communication. It is clear that we do not touch upon the geographical features of the area.
Is it possible to make sure that no one can overhear the conversation?
The vast majority of radio stations operate on any of the 69 unlicensed channels in the 433 MHz band. To communicate with other radios, they must be tuned to the same channel and subcode. Subcodes or subchannels are used to allow messages using a different code to pass through. In order to avoid interference of other users in the conversation, there are 3519 combinations of channels and subcodes. Some radios are equipped with the ability to encrypt speech (analog scrambling) with varying degrees of strength: from the simplest methods (spectrum inversion) to complex ones with a large number of encoding options.
What additional functions do walkie-talkies have?
- CTCSS- group codes. Using the CTCSS receive mode allows you to receive only signals with the corresponding code that the radio is tuned to, ignoring all other signals.
- VOX- voice activation function. The radio will automatically begin transmitting when the microphone detects your voice (or other noise). The mode can be used with the built-in microphone or with a headset and eliminates the need to press the talk button.
- MONI- radio broadcast control function. The radio station begins to monitor the specified channels. When a signal arrives on one of these channels, the radio station begins broadcasting.
- SCAN- channel scanning function. The radio station is tuned in order to all channels within its range on which the broadcast is currently taking place.
- ROGER BEEP- transmission end signal. The radio plays a beep when the speaker releases the talk button.
- CALL TONE- call melody selection function.
- Vibrate alert
What is the nanny function?
It may also be called "local monitoring mode" by different manufacturers. This mode is very similar to VOX (Voice or Noise Activated) mode, except that it ignores minor short sounds and only uses the highest microphone sensitivity level. When the local surveillance mode (nanny function) is turned on, the radio station, having recorded the sound, will broadcast for some time. If the sound continues, then the broadcast continues. Typically, this mode is used to monitor sleeping children: one radio station can be left next to the child's bed, and the other can be taken with you.
Terms asked
Nowadays, CB (citizen band) radio communication is becoming increasingly popular among motorists.. It is especially relevant for those who often travel long distances. These include truck drivers, travelers, and other people whose activities or recreation involve frequent travel.
Modern radio stations in the 27 MHz range are very diverse in their dimensions, technical characteristics and layout. Devices with a remote front panel are also common. In some designs, all controls and indications are located on the PTT. In other words, the industry produces products that can satisfy the most demanding customer.
We’ll talk about how to properly install and connect a radio station in a car, and also touch on the topic of setting up the antenna.
Table of contents:Antenna installation
It is customary to begin installing a communication device in a car with the installation of an antenna. Mortise antennas require good contact with the metal of the car body. This is necessary for the correct radiation pattern. The contact area of the bracket must additionally be protected from corrosion with any preservative. Regular Movil will also do. If possible, the antenna pin should be positioned as close to the center of the roof as possible. This especially applies to antennas with a magnetic base.
Please note: Placement on the trunk lid or rear bumper will result in poor performance and distortion of the radiation pattern lobes. This means that the maximum gain will not be distributed correctly and the antenna will only work effectively in certain directions. For example, if an antenna with a magnetic base is located on the rear of the car roof, then its maximum efficiency (both reception and transmission) will be directed towards the front of the car.
Antenna cable placement
The installation of the antenna cable should begin by laying it on the roof. In order not to spoil the paintwork, it is better to purchase special self-adhesive pads. The cable will lie on them without touching the roof surface. However, it should not be too tight.
It is advisable to route the cable inside the passenger car through the trunk lid (or the fifth door of a hatchback), and not through the side doors. Inside the cabin, the cable should be pulled under the trim; however, it is not advisable to attach it to standard electrical wiring harnesses. It is better to place it separately. The cable should be secured using nylon ties.
Important: Do not allow strong bends, twists or deformations of the cable.
The length of the cable supplied with the antenna is usually 3.5-5 meters, so make sure it is long enough. It is not recommended to lengthen or cut the cable - this may lead to a violation of its coordination with the antenna and deteriorate its technical characteristics.
Placing and connecting the radio station
The device should be placed in such a way that it will not obstruct access to controls, limit visibility, or distract the driver. At the same time, the device should be easy to control. If it is difficult to find a suitable installation location, then preference should be given to devices with a remote front panel. It is always easier to place a small panel, but the block can be fixed in any convenient place. The only requirement is that you cannot place it in places where it will be heated from various sources.
All radios are designed to be powered with a voltage of 12-13.8 V. It is advisable to run the power wires from a battery. And both positive and negative. This will eliminate unwanted interference with which the 27 MHz band is already clogged, especially in urban areas. The power cable included in the kit already contains a noise filter and fuses. If there is a need to extend the wires, it is most preferable to use soldering and insulation with heat shrink tubing. It wouldn’t hurt to hide them in a plastic corrugation.
The power cable is laid carefully, without twisting or deformation, using nylon ties for fixation.
Please note: You should not power the radio from the standard cigarette lighter, and especially from the lampshades, because their wiring may not be able to withstand the current drawn by the transmitter. This cannot be taken lightly as there are many cases of car fires.
It is also a good idea to install an additional power switch in the cabin. This is easy to implement using a relay and a button, or purchase a ready-made switch. The latter must be designed for a current of at least 20 A. You can place such a switch anywhere, but remember - it must be fixed and not dangling on the wires.
Antenna setup
Antenna tuning is a very important procedure and should not be avoided. The efficiency and quality of radio communications will depend on this. It is best if a specialist does this, but with minimal equipment you can set up some types of antennas yourself.
Tuning an antenna involves bringing it into resonance with the operating frequency. The frequency on which drivers operate is 27.135 MHz (channel No. 15).
To set up you will need:
- SWR meter is a device for measuring standing wave ratio. Simply put, this parameter indicates the quality of matching between the antenna and the radio station.
- a piece of cable with “UHF-male” connectors at both ends (made independently) no more than 0.5 m long. From now on we will call it an “adapter”.
The measurement is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- connect the antenna connector to the “ANT” socket of the SWR meter;
- connect the adapter to the antenna socket of the radio station, and the other end to the “TX” socket of the SWR meter;
- turn on the radio station and set the frequency to 27.135 (or channel No. 15);
- press the “PTT” button on the PTT and look at the readings of the SWR meter needle
IMPORTANT: NEVER TURN ON THE RADIO STATION TO TRANSMISSION WITH THE ANTENNA DISCONNECTED!
The normal value lies in the range of 1-2, the closer it is to unity, the better. If the value is normal, disconnect the SWR meter, connect the antenna to the radio and use it to your advantage.
If the value is higher than 2, the actions are as follows:
- write down the obtained SWR value;
- set the frequency to 27.405 (or channel No. 40)
- press “PTT” and look at the device readings.
If the SWR decreases, this indicates that your antenna has resonance at higher frequencies and the rod needs to be made a little longer. To do this, loosen the fastening of the pin to the base (usually 2 hexagon screws) and slightly extend the pin. It must be remembered that in this case the possibility of adjustment is small.
If the SWR has become larger, this means that the antenna resonance lies below the frequency of 27.135. In this case, you need to shorten the pin by about 1 cm and measure the SWR again. If it becomes less than the value obtained during the first measurement, then you are on the right track. Thus, by gradually reducing the length of the pin, excellent readings can be achieved.
Before using the radio, carefully read the attached instructions.
Setting up a car radio comes down, in general, to setting the SWR of walkie-talkies and antennas. Therefore, in this article we will not talk about installing the radio itself into the car, but about installing an antenna for the car radio.
The most important thing here is to adjust the SWR of the radio. SWR is the standing wave ratio. Without going too much into wave physics, there should be harmony between the frequency characteristics of the walkie-talkie and the antenna. To configure the antenna for a walkie-talkie, you need a special device - an SWR meter that works with the frequency of the walkie-talkie (if you are setting up a CB radio, it will be 27 MHz). Here's how it's used:
- It is best to place the antenna in a stable place in advance and not move it from there again, so as not to disrupt the settings;
- Now setting up the radio: it is done on a certain grid (in CB stations this is usually grid C). Now figure out, if you haven't done so before, which channels you are going to work with. Tuning the car radio antenna is done on one of the channels, the number of which is the arithmetic average of the channel numbers you will work with (for example, if you work with 10 and 16 channels, then tune on the 13th);
- The device is connected between the walkie-talkie and the antenna. Set the arrow to the zero mark, and then press the PTT button on the radio. Here you will see your SWR! Good indicators are 1.1-1.3, and if you see higher indicators, look at the system for connections, device malfunctions, etc., since communication with such an SWR will not be the best and even dangerous;
- adjust the antenna for radio transmission by increasing or decreasing the length of the pin. There is no need for a device here: just make several attempts to receive or receive a signal with different antenna lengths, and you will understand when everything is perfect. That's all: now you can use it!
A couple of caveats:
- We do not recommend setting up the CB antenna without the device. Some people who like to do things quickly simply put on a walkie-talkie and tug on the antenna pin to make the sound good. However, an untuned antenna can easily burn out the radio during transmission! You need to know if your SWR is correct, and for that you need an SWR meter. If you want to correctly configure a car radio in Moscow, without having the device or not wanting to purchase it, you can contact us: we will do it professionally;
- Be careful when extending the pin: if it is too long, it can easily be blown away by the wind.
We can set up your radio station in Moscow and also advise you on similar issues. Call!
To set up a radio antenna in a car, you need to debug its standing wave ratio (SWR). This simple process ensures the radio works. To make the adjustment, you need to acquire a special device - an SWR meter. When purchasing an antenna, you should remind the seller about setting the SWR, otherwise even instructions on how to set up the radio will not help ensure its smooth operation. Moreover, an antenna without adjustment can cause breakdown and failure of the radio. The SWR meter device operates in different ranges: for example, to work with a twenty-seven MHz walkie-talkie, you will need a device operating at the same frequency. In addition, most of these devices determine the actual output power of the radio, which often does not coincide with the information on the product packaging. To start tuning the radio, the FAC meter should be connected to the gap between the radio and its antenna.
While choosing a walkie-talkie is a simple matter, setting it up will require some knowledge. The instrument pointer must be set to zero. After this, you need to turn on the device, then press the transmit lever on the radio or push-to-talk. The instrument needle will instantly determine the real standing wave coefficient. Ideally, it is slightly higher than one, but in general, the lower, the better. If the ratio is high, the transmission will be of poor quality. The reason for the overestimated coefficient lies either in the transmitter, or in the antenna, or in the connecting wires. Since making a walkie-talkie a well-functioning gadget is a matter of comfort, this task will require scrupulousness. The radio needs to be tuned to one of the grids. Most often this is grid C. When working with the fifteenth and nineteenth channels, it is better to tune in the middle - on the seventeenth channel. After tuning the channel, moving the antenna is prohibited.
In view of this, the location for the antenna must be chosen carefully, since by moving the magnetic base even a short distance, the user will certainly disrupt the SWR settings. After you have finally installed the radio, you can begin setting up the antenna by slightly unscrewing the screws on its base. The pin must be lowered inside the coil or raised to achieve the optimal position. The main thing is not to overdo it with lifting, otherwise when driving the pin will fly away with the headwind. You may have to resort to radical measures and break off the excess length with pliers. When buying a pin separately from a coil, you should not believe the seller’s words that the antenna is tuned. This can only be done on the user's car by pairing it with the radio. Now, knowing how to independently configure the radio in your car, you can enjoy the perfect sound produced by yourself!
Despite the weather disasters, summer still came into its own this year, and many easy-going motor tourists rushed to long routes - some to the south, and some to the more curious and remote corners of vast Russia. At the height of the travel season, car owners traditionally have an increased interest in CB radio stations operating on the “truck drivers channel”, which can be useful on long journeys. For those who want to purchase and install a walkie-talkie on their own - our instructions!
Connecting the radio to power
The following guide to installing a CB radio in a car concerns not those who use radio communications daily and professionally, but those who need it for occasional use, mainly on long trips. In this case, most drivers will prefer not to mount the radio permanently in the car, spoiling the interior and provoking parking thieves, but will want to attach it temporarily in a suitable place: between the seats, between the seat and the side pillar, or in a tray for small items under the dashboard, as is done, for example, in the photo of the Chevrolet Lachetti:
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We've installed a walkie-talkie - connect power to it! There is an opinion that the radio station in the car must be connected with a separate wiring from the battery, but this solution is more suitable for daily use. In our case of occasional use, this is completely unnecessary - it is much more convenient to take power from the cigarette lighter connector. This is the simplest, fastest, and at the same time, we especially emphasize, a completely correct connection. Not a hacky compromise, as some people think, but meeting all the requirements - both in terms of the power unit and in terms of the direct operation of the radio station on the air.
This connection is absolutely safe for electrical wiring and can be completed in half an hour. And most importantly, it is optimal in the case of a new car and harmful warranty providers who are just looking for a reason to refuse a warranty for far-fetched reasons.
For a radio station with an output power of 4-5 watts, the maximum current consumption does not exceed 2-3 amperes, and for a radio station with a power of 8-10 watts - less than 5 amperes, which is at least two to three times less than the current of the fuse protecting the cigarette lighter connector.
To connect the radio to the cigarette lighter, we extend the two power wires coming out of the radio - black and red - by soldering or twisting to a length of 1-2 meters (depending on the intended installation location of the device). At the end of the attached wire we solder (the center is plus, the side contacts are minus) a standard male connector into the cigarette lighter, which is sold in every car store.
The plug of the radio's power cable must be inserted into the cigarette lighter in the dashboard; it is undesirable to use splitters, the quality of which is often disgusting!
If there is only one cigarette lighter socket, but you need to power your phone, recorder, and other gadgets on the road, and the warranty period has already ended, and your skillful hands are not afraid of the need to drag the wire from the engine compartment into the cabin, then you can connect the radio directly to the battery. Although I will note once again in parentheses: such a connection does not have any advantages over power supply through the cigarette lighter - neither from the point of view of electrical safety, nor from the point of view of communication quality.
In this case, you will have to buy a three-meter (approximately) piece of ordinary electrical wire with a cross-section of 2x1.5 mm, pack it along its entire length in a plastic corrugation and drag it from the battery into the cabin through some kind of rubber seal on the engine shield. Terminals for M6 bolts and a 10-amp fuse are crimped or soldered onto the ends of the wires near the battery (the fuse is placed in the positive wire next to the battery), and the “tail” of the radio’s power supply is connected to the two opposite ends of the wires, observing polarity. The junction of the wires is carefully insulated with adhesive tape or heat shrink.
Antenna installation
The station is installed and connected, now we install the antenna. We will assume that it is quick-release with a magnetic sole, which will not require damaging the body for installation.
Therefore, we will give only a few general theses - without delving into unnecessary theory.
- Antennas with a length of about a meter or even less are functional, but extremely ineffective. The dependence of efficiency on length is direct; when purchasing, you should prefer an antenna with a length close to two meters. However, as the length increases, so does the price...
- The optimal installation of the antenna is on the roof (in the center or on the edge - there is actually no difference). It’s a little worse on the trunk, but still quite acceptable. In order not to spoil the paint on the roof, we place polyethylene under the magnet.
- The wire from the antenna to the station is passed between the door seal and the doorway or between the trunk lid and the trunk opening seal, and is led into the cabin. Make sure that the seals do not leave noticeable dents on the cable!
- The antenna cable on a magnetic sole cannot be arbitrarily shortened or lengthened - its length must remain unchanged, about 3.6 m. We hide the excess under seats or rugs, without twisting them into rings or coils.
- And now the most important thing: antennas in the store are sold untuned, since the setting depends on the installation location on a particular car. Most often, adjustment is carried out by changing the length of the antenna pin (extending and retracting), for which a small hex key is included in the kit. The location of adjustment will be indicated in the instructions for the antenna.
Antenna setup
Actually, setting up the antenna is the most important moment in our entire history. It may be worth hiring a professional for the tune-up: these services are inexpensive, take less than half an hour, and are offered at truck stops and near major auto shops along the highways. But many prefer to figure out the issue on their own, professing the principle “if you want it done well, do it yourself!” and want to have their own set of tools to monitor the condition of the antenna in the future. The following master class is for them. Again: only an algorithm, without delving into unnecessary theory and physics of the processes taking place, which everyone can dive into on their own if they wish.
To tune the antenna, we need a device called an SWR meter (standing wave ratio meter), which is easy to purchase - Google to help. The cost of the simplest model is from 500 to 1000 rubles. The most common device, which has been on sale for many years under different names (SWR-420, 430, KW-520, etc.), is in fact the same Chinese SWR meter with the same operating principle and the same designation of switches and connectors. The device is certainly more than average, but for infrequent use it will do just fine.
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We will also need a high-frequency connector of the same standard as the socket on the walkie-talkie and the plug on the cable. It is needed to connect the SWR meter between the radio station and the antenna without significantly lengthening the antenna cable. A barrel adapter in a male-to-male format (for a hard connection) or a short (10-20 cm) antenna cable, also with male connectors at both ends, is suitable. The connector standard is best known as “PL”, which is how you should ask for it in the store.
RTX, insert the antenna into the SWR meter connector marked as ANT.
(if the connectors of the SWR meter are not marked, insert them however you like - the SWR meter is, in principle, a symmetrical device)
And that is all. As you can see, it's not that difficult. But now, on the road, you can have fun listening to conversations of “long-range fighters”, sometimes useful, sometimes not so much. And don’t forget that you may have children in the car with you, who are too early to listen to these conversations.
