Modern communications allow you to maintain contact at a distance, regardless of weather, cellular coverage or type of terrain. This has been made possible thanks to radio waves of different frequencies. For the correct operation of the device, you need to know how to configure the walkie-talkie. It is worth noting that the market offers a wide selection of devices aimed at universal use or a narrower specialization (automobile, hunting, railway radio stations).
general information
Any walkie-talkie must be tuned to a specific frequency. If the configuration is incorrect, an amateur or professional device will work with interference or at incomplete power. Recent modifications to digital devices do not require special adjustments, because they have an automatic setup function. The remaining devices are divided into portable (portable) or stationary (car) radios. The configuration of both modifications has its own nuances, although the general principle is largely similar.
How to set up a walkie-talkie?
Amateur portable radio stations operate in the range 433-434 MHz. They do not need to be registered by the center of radio frequencies, so setting them up is quite simple. If you plan to increase the power of the device, learn about the possibility of using a removable antenna before purchasing. Another important point is the aggregation of radios among themselves. To do this, it is necessary to set the same numbers and subcode on each device.
After carrying out these manipulations, the selected devices will work seamlessly among themselves. To communicate, you just need to press and hold the conversation activation key. After releasing the button, the device enters the standby mode of a signal from another walkie-talkie. An important point in setting up a portable device is the selection of an individual signal for recognition (call sign). Its role may be any digital or alphabetic code having a unique origin for the selected communication system.
Antenna setup
Let's consider general recommendations on how to set up a portable type walkie-talkie in the antenna part. For accurate element correction, a special analyzer is required. Alternatively, you can use the device KSV-meter. It will allow you to adjust the antenna to a minimum coefficient of stable waves. Most often, the coefficient of 1.5 or less is considered optimal.
It should be borne in mind that the higher the value of the SWR, the greater the indicator of the loss of transmitting power of the signal. Ideally, this parameter should approach unity, but in practice it is almost impossible to achieve such a result. If the FAC exceeds three units, it is quite possible to disable the transmitter cascade. From this we can conclude that not tuned walkie-talkie can quickly break down.
Car modification
How to configure a walkie-talkie of automobile (stationary) type? Beforehand, it is necessary to perform a number of mandatory procedures that will increase the efficiency of the further configuration and minimize the likelihood of the transceiver breaking during operation. The device in question is a stationary unit, fixed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an external antenna. It is the last element that plays a significant role in the reception and transmission of a signal. Therefore, it is necessary to know the basic rules for installing a receiving remote attachment.
Car Antenna Installation
It is not allowed to mount the element on the supporting parts, the body will be the best option. This will protect the ether from possible losses of reception and transformation of the signal.
In addition, the following points are important:
- Try to mount the antenna at the highest point on the body. This will increase the quality of reception.
- The working part of the antenna is installed at a distance of at least 500 millimeters from any parallel metal surfaces. This will make it possible to avoid absorption and reflection of the incoming signal.
- The placement of a magnetic antenna on the roof of a car has a definite effect on the coefficient of stable waves. Therefore, fix such an element after removal in one position.
Having correctly installed the antenna, we proceed to its setup.
Tuning the antenna for a walkie-talkie
To set up a stationary type walkie-talkie channel, the antenna is first configured. For this, it is best to use a professional analyzer. If one is not available, use an SWR meter. Work is carried out on a clean and flat surface, away from metal or concrete interference, as well as other analogs of the 27 MHz range.
First connect the SWR meter. Then make measurements on the channels and grids to display an extensive picture. Calibrate the SWR meter by setting the toggle switch on the front panel to FWD mode. On the radio set channel number 20 modulation AM. Then they activate and hold the talk key, while simultaneously turning the CAL knob clockwise until the instrument pointer is set to the extreme right position SET.
Without releasing the button on the tangent, switch the switch of the SWR meter to the REF position. Take the data issued by the device. After finding the minimum SWR, tune the antenna to the desired frequency. If the limit is lower or higher than the required frequency, the antenna is shortened or lengthened, respectively. Measurements are repeated until the SWR coefficient reaches 1.5 or less.
How to tune a walkie-talkie to a wave of truckers?
Consider this procedure using the example of the Sirio T3 Mag antenna (range within 5 km):
- The antenna is mounted on the central part of the roof, after which the protective cap is removed, the adjustment screw is tightened completely.
- An SWR meter is installed between the radio and the antenna.
- The radio is turned on, set to "long-range" (channel number 15 on AM).
- After pressing the tangents with the adjustment knob, the SWR brings the arrow to the SET position.
- Holding the tangent, move the SWR lever to the REF position, on the upper scale, observe the current value of the device. If the coefficient is higher than 1.5, using the adjusting screw, bring the readings to 1-1.5.
- The correction screw is fixed with a lock nut, put on the cap and re-check the readings of the SWR.
Knowing how to set up a long-distance truck radio, it is necessary to consider that these elements are narrow-band. Therefore, the settings are best done on the main working channel.
Megadget
First, the walkie-talkie is put into 240 channel mode using the AM / FM-ON combination. You can switch to the Russian grid by typing DW / M2-ON. Domestic frequencies end at 0, European waves - at 5.
How to set up a Megadget walkie-talkie? You can do this yourself by studying the instructions. In brief, the following points can be noted:
- First, turn on the radio using the VOL / Off knob and set the desired sound volume.
- By adjusting the SQ knob, the noise reduction threshold is adjusted.
- Using the UP / DN switch buttons, select the desired channel.
- To adjust the transmission mode, hold the PTT control, speak into the microphone at a distance of 50 mm.
- To receive, release the tangent and listen to the received message, adjusting the volume and noise reduction level.
Baofeng
Next, consider how to set up a Baofeng walkie-talkie. By default, the operating frequency of the device is 2.5 kHz. The general settings are identical for portable radios. The following are ways to program the device.
Simplex channels:
- Go to VFO A.
- By pressing the Band button, VHF mode is selected.
- In the menu, type '27' and press menu.
- Then use a free memory cell, which is searched using the UP / DOWN buttons.
- The selected frequency is confirmed by pressing the menu key again.
- To exit - Exit.
Repeater channels:
- Switch to VFO A.
- Select UHF or VHF using the Band key.
- Select the receiving frequency.
- In the menu find '27', then again in the menu.
- They are looking for a free memory cell, as in the previous case.
- Use the "menu" button to confirm your selection.
- Press EXIT.
- Then they re-enter the menu, select '27', press the “menu” twice.
Finally
The above describes how to set up a walkie-talkie. The wave should be selected, depending on the type of device, as well as the country where the device is used. An important role in the configuration of portable and stationary walkie-talkies plays the antenna. Therefore, its installation and configuration should be given special attention. If the device is adjusted correctly, you can freely communicate with the respondent at a distance specified in the instructions for the device.
There are many portable and car radio transmitters on the modern market. Among them, you can easily choose the option that best suits your needs. It should be noted that digital modern models are automatically configured, but their price is much higher than the considered analogues.