PMR446 License Free Two Way Radio.
First a little history on PMR446:
In 1997 Europe allocated a portion of the 446MHz frequency band for a new licence exempt short range radio communication system.
The UK introduced PMR446 in early 1999, so PMR446 is a mature system.
These “inexpensive” radios are often seen as a cost effective solution to all radio communications needs.
Unfortunately, they are not all they seem.
Radphone have replaced a number of PMR446 license free two way radio systems, because of poor performance.
In the PMR446 market, there are “toys” and “professional” equipment.
Specifications allow for a transmit power of 500mW (1/2 Watt), which “professional grade” PMR446 radios use.
However, “toy” radios can be produced with a much lower transmit power (fractions of a watt). These are the PMR446 radios which can be purchased very cheaply on the High Street.
The advertising claims for these units can be very misleading.
“Up to 3 miles range.” Means just that… It MIGHT work up to 3 miles.
(We have seen claims of up to 25 miles range!)
The range of a radio system depends on a number of things, including the height of radios above the surrounding terrain.
Range can be many kilometres between high vantage points, but limited to only few hundred meters if a hill or large building is between users.
In licenced systems, range can normally be improved by increasing power or fitting a higher performance antenna.
With PMR446 equipment this is prohibited… Remember this system was intended to be “short range”.
There are eight channels available, with a number of signalling options, so you don’t hear other users who share your channel.
The extra signalling keeps your radio quiet whilst you aren’t in conversation.
Remember, other users are still there. You just don’t hear them and you will cause interference to each other if you transmit at the same time.
The bottom line is PMR446 can be adequate for short range, strictly non-critical applications.
The most usable areas for PMR446 tend to be outside large conurbations, where the available 8 channels can get congested.
Radphone do not generally supply PMR446 radios for business users.
If you have a poorly performing PMR446 system, you might want to consider other types of two way radios…
