Walkie Talkie help please.

[frank rabbets]

My garage is 120metres from the house. I need a WT to save my wife from coming to get me all that way. I thought a WT would be the answer but have the following questions/facts.

1. It will have to go through walls of house and garage.
2. Best make ?
3. Can I leave it plugged to mains all the time to avoid flat batteries ?
4. Can I get one to ring like a telephone or will the first thing I hear be my wifes voice ?

I've done research online but got lost so I thought plenty of people one here with WT's.

Thanks

 

[Firewout]

Baofeng uv5r.
Can be left in the mains.
Cheap.

 

[Higgy]

Like your thinking Frank.. My missus just shouts .. Drives the neighbours mad..

 

[Jacob100]

Frank - get Zello for your phone if there’s reception in your garage. Free of charge and works brilliantly. We used it daily for a courier company. You can get wired and Bluetooth speaker mics and accessories so you don’t have to fiddle around with your touch screen with oily or greasy hands.

 

[StarCruiser]

On Zello Frank, it’s an app you download and works over the mobile network using data but only a tiny amount. The best thing is it can be used anywhere there is mobile signal or WiFi internet, even if Mrs Rabbets is in Australia!

Now, I get that this might be overkill for your situation (or it might be just what you’re looking for), if so just get a plug in intercom.
Something like this
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/221189808490
One of my customers has used something similar for years. No batteries, no radio, works over the mains wiring.

 

[Jacob100]

We started using the predecessor to Zello many years ago when it was still in beta. It’s amazing to see what it’s evolved into.

There’s a pro version that used to be free for >10 users which gives you a closed, encrypted network and a streamlined app. Having gone from paying big money for digital Motorola radios that never worked properly in central London this was a revolution. All you needed was a cheap Motorola Defy handset and a Giffgaff data SIM and you had a crystal clear PTT setup that worked anywhere in the world.

 

[StarCruiser]

My 4x4 response group has been trialling Zello since the summer. They’re so taken with it they’ve bought a trial batch of 10 Inrico handhelds.

With Zello on a phone, the Bluetooth PTT button is useful to attach to a steering wheel and the rest will work through an in car hands free.

 

[frank rabbets]

It will have to be a WT as I don't have a smart phone.

 

[Jacob100]

It will have to be a WT as I don't have a smart phone.

That changes things. I envy you sometimes.

I couldn’t believe how useful and cheap the handsets that Wout recommended above were. Ordered two of them for 35 quid posted to play around with.

 

[StarCruiser]

It will have to be a WT as I don't have a smart phone.

Then have a look at the intercom Frank.

 

[frank rabbets]

Thanks for the help. I'll go with Wout but when I click on the link it takes me to an earpiece. Does anyone have the exact part number I need.

 

[Jacob100]

I went with this seller. Appears to be UK shipping and includes all accessories and box.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/263984934812

 

[Firewout]

I just typed the name, don't have a clue where the link came from.

 

[StarCruiser]

I went with this seller. Appears to be UK shipping and includes all accessories and box.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/263984934812

Those need an amateur radio licence to work them. They aren’t simple walkie-talkies.

Look for PMR 446 licence free which are always handheld. Not Business PMR though, that requires a licence.

Do bear in mind that any conversation over the air is not private nor is it without others nearby ability to talk on the channel you are using.