How to connect radios of different models. FAQ - walkie-talkies. Setting up a car antenna

Modern technologies allow us to always stay in touch, regardless of where we are, the weather, or the presence or absence of cellular networks. All this is possible thanks to radio communications - a type of communication that uses radio waves of different frequencies as an information carrier. Today, the majority of the radio equipment market is represented by walkie-talkies and radio stations, which can be used as a means of communication for motorists and the military, security guards and hunters, fishermen and skiers. A simple solution buy a walkie talkie sometimes it saves you in difficult situations when you need to call for help or convey particularly important information. But it is not always possible to achieve excellent quality of the radio reception and transmission signal.

This is largely due to the fact that the selected radio needs to be adjusted to the desired wavelength. That is, initially any walkie-talkie, whether amateur or professional, may not operate at full power or may operate with interference. Modern digital walkie-talkies do not require configuration, since they have a built-in button that allows you to automatically adjust the device to the required radio wave. The rest of the radios can be divided into portable (wearable) and car (stationary). Setting up walkie-talkies These two types are similar in many ways, although they have their own characteristics.

Setting up walkie-talkies

Portable radios in the amateur band (433-434 MHz) do not require registration with a radio frequency center, so setting them up is a fairly simple process. Before purchasing, you need to find out whether the radio supports replaceable antennas, in case you want to increase the power of the radio. Also, an important point in the operation of portable radios is their adjustment to each other. To do this, you need to set the same channel number and subcode on each radio. Only in this case, the selected radios will work harmoniously with each other. To send a message, just press and hold the talk button. After releasing the button, the radio waits for reception from another device. An important element of setting up a walkie-talkie is the choice of call sign (individual identification signal). This can be any alphabetic or numeric alias that will be unique to the selected radio system.

Further setting up a walkie-talkie includes setting up the radio antenna. We will consider setting up the radio antenna in more detail below for car radios. For now, let's just note that to fine-tune the antenna you will need an antenna analyzer. But in many cases, to adjust the radio to a first approximation, a device called an SWR meter is sufficient. Using it, you need to adjust the antenna to the minimum standing wave ratio. Typically, an SWR value of 1.5 or less is considered optimal. It is also important to understand that the higher the SWR value of the wave, the greater the percentage of power loss during signal transmission. But in practice, achieving SWR = 1 is almost impossible. If the standing wave ratio is greater than three, then operation under such conditions can damage the transmitter stage. Thus, an untuned walkie-talkie can easily fail.

How to set up a car radio

Before as set up car radio, you need to perform some mandatory steps. They will not only increase the efficiency of subsequent setup, but also minimize the likelihood of transceiver failure in the future. Typically, a car radio is a stationary unit that is fixed in the car and an external antenna. It is the antenna of a car radio that plays a key role in the quality of the signal. Therefore, you need to know the basic rules when installing a car antenna.

Rules for installing a car antenna

Installation of the antenna on supporting elements is prohibited. Always try to install the car antenna on a supporting body. In this way, we will protect ourselves from possible losses in the efficiency of radio signal transmission.
It is important to install the antenna on the very top part of the body, usually the roof. The higher the antenna is installed, the stronger the signal.
The antenna sheet must be installed at a distance of at least 0.5 meters from any metal surfaces parallel to the emu. This will prevent possible signal reflections and absorption.
The position of the magnetic antenna on the roof of the car has little effect on the standing wave ratio. Therefore, always try to fix the magnet in the same position after removing it.

After the antenna is installed correctly, it must be tune. Only after setting up the antenna can you safely use the radio at full power.

Setting up a car antenna

The best option for tuning an antenna is to use a professional antenna analyzer. But since the prices for such devices are quite high, many car enthusiasts find an alternative in SWR meters. With this device you can adjust the radio antenna to a first approximation. This is what the simplest SWR meter SWR-430 looks like

So, tuning the antenna must be done on a flat and clean surface free of any interference: metal, wood or concrete objects. It is also important that when setting up the antenna there are no other 27 MHz antennas nearby. Armed with an SWR meter, you can begin tuning the antenna. The first step is to connect the SWR meter between the station and the antenna in a special way (as shown in the figure below).

It is important to take measurements on different channels and grids to see the broader picture.
We calibrate the SWR meter. To do this, set the toggle switch on the front panel to the FWD position. We set AM modulation channel 20 on the radio. After this, press and hold the start conversation button, while turning the CAL knob clockwise, so that the device arrow goes to the extreme right SET position.
While holding the PTT button, switch the toggle switch on the front panel of the SWR meter to the REF position. We take readings from the device.
We find the minimum SWR and tune the antenna to the desired frequency. If the minimum is below the required frequency, then the antenna is shortened. And vice versa, if the minimum is higher than the required frequency, then the antenna is extended.
All manipulations are performed before re-tuning the antenna.
We repeat the measurements until the result is achieved (SWR no more than 1.5)

As mentioned above, achieving SWR = 1 is largely problematic, precisely because of the characteristics of a particular antenna-body pair. But even if in the desired section of the radio frequency range SWR = 2, the loss in efficiency will be no more than 10%. That is, for comfortable communication and transmission of messages without interference, SWR = 1.5 is sufficient.

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 broadcasts. 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

Sound warning about low battery, blocking a busy channel

Griffin G 44 is a budget UHF radio station. The walkie-talkie works with 16 communication channels and has a low price. G-44 is a full-fledged portable radio station at a competitive price from a domestic manufacturer. Reliable communication is guaranteed by the name of the market leader (ARGUT company), and stable operation and ease of use are guaranteed by Russian-language software developed specifically for Russian all-weather conditions. The Griffin 44 walkie-talkie is suitable for both security industry workers, fishermen and travelers.

For 15 years, the Argut company has been developing high-quality, inexpensive portable radios for radio enthusiasts. The Gryphon G44 model turned out to be quite small and light, fits perfectly in the hand, and the radio station controls are in quickly accessible places. For its low price, the Griffon G44 radio station received an output of no more than 3 watts, but a fairly capacious 1500 mAh battery, allowing the Griffon G44 to work autonomously for over 20 hours. 44, like all Arguts, is assembled from shockproof ABC plastic, based on an aluminum chassis. The Griffin radio is very similar in appearance to the Kenwood Tk-F6 radio stations. The Griffin has 5 controls, at the top there is a Volume switch and Turn on the radio, Switching channels 1-16, at the side there is a PTT button, and two programmable buttons (one by default is responsible for turning off the automatic noise suppressor, the second is for the LED flashlight installed on the top.

Portable radio stations GRIFON. - this is a balanced combination of low price, reliability, quality and attention to Russian realities. Griffin radios are manufactured using modern technologies and great professionalism, therefore they have high quality and reliability. G44 is designed specifically for Russian users, taking into account climatic conditions and GOST standards.

Programming of the radio station is carried out using a PC. The software for flashing the Griffin G-44 radio is available in Russian. This model is covered by an official one-year warranty from the manufacturer, the Argut company.

When testing over rough terrain, the G 45 model is up to 5 km, the Griffin 44 model is up to 4 km. In open areas, the G-45 model is approximately up to 10 km, the Gryphon G44 model is about 7 km. ATTENTION: Testing and communication range data were made with a fully charged battery and maximum power.

Despite its low cost, the Griffin G44 walkie-talkie has all the technical characteristics characteristic of professional equipment. The easy-to-use radio station G-44 will provide you with stable and economical communication. In the forest, on the road, in the mountains, at work and on vacation - stable communication is in demand in many everyday and extreme situations. Mobile communications can be extremely unreliable, and when the quality of communication depends on the precise execution of important tasks, time, money and even a person’s life, there is simply no alternative to portable walkie-talkies.

Functional features of the new Griffin G 44

Frequency range: 400 - 470 MHz
16 memory channels (preset channels 30 to 46 LPD) *
50 CTCSS + 83 DCS encodings
Power up to 3 W
Transfer Timer (TOT)
VOX Voice Activation Feature
Adjustable SQL squelch
FM broadcast station receiver
Busy channel blocking
Programmable emergency channel key
Sound warning about low battery
Battery conservation
Voice prompts

Technical characteristics of the radio station Griffin 44

Equipment of the Griffon G44 station

Walkie-talkie Griffin G 44
Antenna
Charger
Battery
Belt clip
User guide

PORTABLE WALKIETIME GRIFON G-44

License-free walkie-talkie Griffin G-44 operates in the range of 400-470 MHz, including LPD and PMR channels, with an output power of up to 3 Watts. The walkie-talkie was developed on a modern element base specifically for the Russian user: durable body, compact size for carrying in a pocket, perfect for traveling around Europe and communicating at ski resorts. Without a doubt, the main advantage of Griffin radios is their affordable price.

Walkie Talkie Grifon G-44 programmed from a computer. When programming, it is possible to set the receiving and transmitting frequencies on 16 memory channels, setting the CTCSS/DCS tone and selecting the threshold noise reduction level, activating and deactivating the VOX voice transmission activation mode with selecting the sensitivity level, setting or prohibiting blocking work on a busy channel, selecting the transmit power for each channel, assigning a function to a programmable side key, selecting a wide or narrow channel band and other classic functions for analog radio communications. The programmable side key can be assigned 3 functions: manually turning off all types of noise reduction (MONI), switching power output modes, or an “Alarm” signal, in which a loud emergency signal is played from the walkie-talkie speaker, attracting the attention of others.

Walkie Talkie Griffin G-44- an excellent solution for a weekend hike. You can stay in touch with friends while walking and traveling. A built-in LED flashlight will help in the dark, a universal headset jack of the “Kenwood” standard will ensure compatibility with a large number of headsets and PTT for optimally convenient communication without interrupting your main activities.

Technical characteristics of the Griffin G-44 radio:

frequency range: 400-470 MHz;
output power: up to 3 Watt;
16 programmable memory channels;
programmable function button;
selection of high and low transmit power;
voice activation VOX (with and without headset);
energy saving mode;
universal connector standard "Kenwood";
CTCSS/DCS noise reduction;
transmission time limitation;
VOX sensitivity levels;
sound indication and voice prompts;
emergency siren playback mode;
wide/narrow channel band selection;
built-in LED flashlight;

Enable/Disable

tips

configure using programming software.

On channel 10, press the “PTT” and “MONI” keys, then
turn on the radio station. Now you can disable or
enable voice prompt.

On channel 15, press the “PTT” and “MONI” keys, then
turn on the radio station. Now you can select the language
voice prompts.

The VOX function eliminates the need for manual switching in
transmission mode whenever transmission is needed. When
VOX function circuits detect the beginning of speech into the microphone,
The radio automatically switches to transmit mode.

When operating the VOX function, you must use
additional headset with microphone.

When using the VOX function, be sure to set
VOX function gain level giving radio stations
ability to recognize sound levels.

If the microphone is too sensitive, the radio
will begin transmitting even with background noise.

If the microphone is not sensitive enough, the radio
will not “hear” your voice when you start speaking. Not
forget to set the VOX function gain level to
level suitable for starting transmission.
On channels 1–5, press and hold the PTT and
“MONI”, then turn on the radio station. This
The VOX function is enabled or disabled.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION LEVEL

suppression

shutdown

loudspeaker when there are no signals. With the right
setting the noise suppression level, you will only hear sound when
actual reception of signals. The level of interference suppression may
be configured using programming software.

TIME LIMIT TIMER (TOT)

The purpose of the transmission time limit timer is to
preventing any caller from using the channel
for a long time, which can lead to thermal
damage.

Built-in

restrictions

limits each transmission to a certain time. Broadcast
continues for a certain set time, after
which will sound a warning signal.

SCANNING

Scanning is a useful function for automatic
control your favorite frequencies. When the radio station is tuned to
scanning

programming

switch the channel selector to channel 16. By scanning,
The radio will automatically detect activity on channels 1–15.
(You can set another channel.)

The radio will stop scanning on the frequency (or channel from
memory) on which activity was detected. Then
scanning continues or stops.

If there are less than 2 channels, scanning is not possible.

On channel 16, press the PTT and MONI keys. This will enable
or disable scanning.

Scanning is not possible when VHF mode is turned on.
radio receiver