Walkie-talkies are tools that enable verbal communication with other people using the same equipment. Two way radios can be said to be the advanced version of walkie-talkies and function the same way as the later does. Describing it straight, two way radio is like a radio that transmits as well as receives voice contents, unlike a broadcast receiver, which only receives the voice content.



Usually, there are two types of two way radios available today. The first operates on Family Radio Service (FRS) while the second operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). FRS radios are for personal usage and are quite inexpensive. If weather is favourable, it can transmit signals up to a maximum distance of 2 miles. To own as well as use it, one doesn't need a license. GMRS radios are, on the other hand more expensive than FRS, and can transmit signals to a maximum distance of up to 10 miles. These radios transmit at pretty high power levels and require a GMRS license to be operated.

Gradually being used in diverse fields, two way radios have several features attached with them. Such radios give users an option to use private code to protect the system from being caught by any other radio users. Some of the expensive radios sets have the system of reduced eavesdropping, which blocks your conversation with companions from being eavesdropped upon by other radio users. These radios have different ways of getting call alerts to be notified if a new message is on its way.

The radios of today are being equipped with a weather channel, which gives you the latest weather information. Little left to wonder, some highly efficient two way radios are endowed with features like barometer, thermometer, digital compass, AM/FM radio and GPS navigation unit. This handheld and easy-to-carry gadget is becoming much helpful in facilitating our lives to a great extent.