Walkie-talkies from the phone. DIY walkie-talkie: simple models and diagrams. Instructions and tips for implementing reliable functional devices

Articles and Lifehacks

A smartphone is a multifunctional phone, the capabilities of which go far beyond “just making a call,” so the question is, how to make a walkie talkie from a phone, we can solve it today thanks to many applications. It would seem, why make a walkie-talkie out of a fully functional phone if you can’t use other features in this mode? But this device has a number of advantages:

Ability to communicate with many people at the same time;
- a closed communication channel that is completely inaccessible for listening;
- no tariffs for call duration, etc.

Of course, in ra mode

Types of programs that turn a phone into a walkie-talkie

There are many mobile applications that allow you to simulate the operation of walkie-talkies. Some of them are very popular and have many advantages, others are less interesting, but are attractive due to their ease of use or lack of fees. So, first of all, programs distinguish between paid and free.

The former, as a rule, pay the operator, while the latter work for free via mobile Internet or Wi-Fi. Another important difference is the platform on which the application runs. Most are written for Android and iOS, but there are also those that work on the old Symbian, and there are even walkie-talkies that are provided by telecom operators, so they will be useful for any phone model.

Which program to choose to turn your phone into a walkie-talkie

To make a walkie-talkie from a phone, it is important to understand not the principle of implementing this process, but which program to choose. So, if your smartphone runs Android and iOS, you can choose between Zello and Voxer. The first allows 800 devices to work simultaneously (for comfortable use, it is better to reduce the number to three hundred), connecting via the Internet, you can also use it from a tablet and PC. It is also compatible with Bluetooth headsets, has high channel protection and other properties. The second can already unite only 100 people via the Internet and is used only on phones. But it already transmits photos and other media, allows you to save recordings, use it offline and then send it over the network.

For Symbian, Walkietooth and Push-To-Talk are recommended. The first one is quite old, but works offline. It unites only two people, and the message can only be 10 seconds long, but this is an indispensable option in conditions where there is no connection. The second one already uses the Internet and is more interesting in terms of functions.

Thus, a mobile walkie-talkie is a very useful feature that can be used and be relevant today.

Using a smartphone as a walkie-talkie is not a step back in terms of technical progress; it is a great way to save on buying a walkie-talkie, and simply combine two devices in one. Today we will talk about how to set up your gadget and turn it into a full-fledged walkie-talkie.

Zello walkie-talkie

One of the most popular methods is to install the Zello app. This application has gained popularity due to its ease of use and the fact that the application is completely free. There is, however, a paid version, but its differences and advantages could not be determined.

This program can be installed both on a mobile phone and on a computer or laptop. Zello will delight you with a fairly convenient menu with various options. For example, you can save and play message history, create password-protected channels. The program also displays online contact statuses, which is very convenient.

Zello supports up to 800 simultaneously connected interlocutors. True, with so many people, the quality of the transmission will suffer significantly. For comfortable communication, the number of contacts should not exceed 300. Naturally, to use it you must have an Internet connection.

It is very convenient that this application supports Bluetooth headsets, so this walkie-talkie is very convenient to use while driving or in the office.

The second most popular application after Zello.
Quite an interesting and convenient application that turns your phone into a walkie-talkie. It has many additional functions, for example, the ability to transmit not only voice messages, but also other content: photos, videos, audio, text.

Voxer allows you to enter your location. This function will be useful for travelers, as well as people in unfamiliar areas. In addition, Voxer allows you to save your message history. There is also a very convenient function that allows you to record an audio message even without Internet access: you can send it when the opportunity arises.

One of the most interesting features of Voxer is the ability to play back voice messages at 2x or 3x speed.

Mobile radio from the operator

This option is suitable for those whose mobile phones do not support these applications. The phone model does not matter because this is not a separate application, but an operator service. It is worth noting that not all mobile operators in Ukraine support this function.

To use a mobile radio from Kyivstar, you need to register the settings that the operator will send you and pay a subscription fee for using the service.

The Kyivstar radio allows you to create both public and private channels. A significant difference from third-party programs is that the mobile radio does not require access to the Internet. But it’s worth noting that it only works within the coverage of the mobile operator’s network.

walkietooth

The Walkietooth program uses Bluetooth technology to transmit voice messages. The program is not popular, since Bluetooth technology is already quite outdated and has several significant drawbacks.

For example, the application allows you to connect no more than two phones with each other and only over a very limited distance (about 10 meters between devices). In addition, the duration of voice messages is no more than 10 seconds.

But don't discount this app. Walkietooth can be very useful in some cases: for example, if you need to communicate underground, or in conditions of poor visibility or communication.

Push-To-Talk

The famous Push-To-Talk function, which many smartphones have (especially Nokia and Motorola). This technology is still being improved, despite the existence of improved applications that we talked about earlier.

The response time of Push-To-Talk is approximately 1-1.5 seconds, and the transmission distance of the voice message is limited by the operator’s network.

Among the significant disadvantages of this function: the outdated and rather rare operating system on which Push-To-Talk runs, namely Symbian. Every year it loses more and more relevance.

You will need

Transistor P416
Variable resistor 47 kOhm
Resistor 10 kOhm
2 capacitors 0.022 mF
Capacitor 0.033 mF
Capacitor 4700 pF
Capacitor 100 pF
33 pF capacitor
51 pF capacitor
2 tuning capacitors 4-15 pF
Throttle (L2) 20-60 µG
Carbon microphone
High impedance phones (headphones)
Telescopic antenna
40 cm of copper wire with a cross section of 0.5 mm
9-12 V battery
Switch (SA1) - 2 positions for 2 groups of contacts (double toggle switch possible)
A piece of getinax or textolite for the mounting panel
Mounting wire
Power switch (not shown in diagram)
Toy radio transmitter
Tools
Soldering iron
Wire cutters
Pliers
Tweezers
Drill
Drill

Instructions

Assemble the parts according to the diagram. Set coil L1 to the range 27-30 MHz. Its winding data is as follows: 11 turns of a 0.5 mm drive are wound on a blank with a diameter of 10 mm. Accurate adjustment to the range is carried out by trimming capacitors C1 (receive mode) and C2 (mode), taking into account that in the circuit SA1 is in receive mode. Adjustment by control receiver (for example, children's radio intercom). This is easiest in transfer mode. Having switched the switch to receive mode, achieve a loud hissing sound by adjusting the mode with a variable resistor.

Without touching coil L1, use tuning capacitor C1 to achieve stable reception of the signal from the control transmitter (the same radio intercom). If you do walkie-talkie Instead of the damaged one, configure it according to the existing one.

The design of the housing can be anything, it depends on the dimensions of the parts. If the housing is metal, then the antenna must be protected from contact with the housing by a reliable insulator. Plexiglas can be used as an insulator.

note

Part numbers are indicated on the diagram

It is advisable to collect 2 similar radios at once.

Sometimes, for reliable operation of a radio station, it is necessary to select a transistor by replacing it.

Helpful advice

Instead of a telescopic antenna, you can use a piece of rigid copper wire or copper tubing. The length of the wire or tube is 0.5 m.

The radio is mounted on a board made of dielectric material. It can be either printed or mounted. It is possible to use volumetric installation.

The radio is configured with the antenna connected and fully extended. During setup and operation of the radio, do not touch the antenna with your hands.

The circuit uses a high-frequency p-n-p transistor, but it can be replaced with any other low-power high-frequency transistor, including n-p-n structures, for example KT315. In this case, it is necessary to reverse the polarity of the power supply.

Walkie-talkies are widely used by tourists, hunters, fishermen, athletes, security companies, construction workers, etc. The market offers an almost unlimited selection of walkie-talkies and radio stations, from the cheapest models to expensive complexes. Therefore, it is very difficult to choose the right radio that is right for you.

You will need

Computer with Internet access

Instructions

If you are buying a walkie-talkie for hunting or fishing to keep with your friends, we advise you to choose a model with moisture protection. And for hunters, shockproof is also suitable.

Professional walkie-talkies are designed for everyday, and often around-the-clock use. They are distinguished by stability and reliability. These radios are made of high-strength plastic with an aluminum frame. The vast majority of professional models meet the high standard set by NATO.

These radios are used by the military, security companies and construction workers. If you are not just a lover of walking in the mountains, but a climber, we advise you to stop yours at a professional radio station. The funds spent will ensure your safety in any situation.

Next, determine the frequency range in which the device will operate. If you are purchasing a walkie-talkie to communicate with friends, you need to make sure that the operating frequencies of your walkie-talkies match. Otherwise, you simply won't hear each other.

There are three types of frequency ranges for modern amateur radios that do not require licensing: 433 - 434 MHz (LPD radios), 462 - 467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) and 446 MHz (PMR).

Professional walkie-talkies are often equipped for a specific frequency. They can operate in other ranges that require a special license. In addition, professional walkie-talkies allow users to create trunk networks - networks in which people are divided into groups and do not interfere with each other's conversations.

When you have already decided on the technical characteristics of your future walkie-talkie, start choosing a design. There is a wide variety of models with stylish designs on the market - this is especially true for amateur radios.

Hunters and fishermen usually opt for models with protective colors. Tourists usually buy walkie-talkies in bright cases. Professional walkie-talkies are most often black.

note

When choosing a walkie-talkie, pay attention to the frequency in which your walkie-talkie and the devices of friends with whom you plan to communicate operate.

Helpful advice

It will also be very interesting for hunters to know that walkie-talkies were created especially for them, the call of which imitates the cries of animals and the singing of birds. The main thing is that the cry does not turn out to be the roar of a bear during the mating season - it will not be very pleasant.

Sources:

Active recreation and extreme sports

If you purchased a radio station or walkie-talkie, you need to register it anyway. Registration for individuals and organizations of radios operating on the 462 MHz frequency used by special services is not permitted. Obtaining permission for equipment operating on the amateur bands is usually not difficult.

Instructions

Legal entities are required to enter into a contract with a radio frequency center to measure the parameters of a radio station and fill out a package: - an application for the purchase of a radio station;
- application for measurements of radio station parameters;
- a copy of the appointment of the responsible person;
- a copy of the certificate in the Unified Register;
- agreement with the radio frequency center;
- application for a certificate.

If you or your organization intend to purchase a specialized radio station for operating purposes, for example, a marine or river one, then you must obtain permission to work with radio transmitting devices and a ship or ship license.

Video on the topic

Sources:

Which walkie-talkies do not require permission in 2019

Car radios are a great way to communicate between vehicles. These devices are very relevant for truckers, drivers of passenger transport and for other car owners who often travel along the highway. They help not only warn other road users that they are approaching a traffic police patrol, but also help the driver call for help if necessary.

Instructions

Buy a car. If your car has a niche for installing it, you can easily put it there. If there is no such place, then it can be installed in absolutely any place. At the same time, it must be easily accessible and have excellent ventilation to prevent overheating of the device.

Determine the most convenient place in your opinion for mounting the car and mark the holes there for installing the mounting bracket. It comes complete with the device. Don't forget to consider protecting your radio from theft. It may have a removable slide or be built into the front panel.

Drill holes for fasteners. Before you start drilling, make sure you are not touching the vehicle's electrical wiring. Restoring it after damage is not always easy.

Determine the power supply voltage required for your car radio. If the radio is connected incorrectly to the power source, the output power of the device will decrease. The best thing walkie-talkie to the battery, namely, to its terminals (plus and minus).

Select the correct location for installing the antenna after installing the car radio inside the car. Ideally, you can place the antenna on the roof in the center of the cabin itself. Connect the cable to the antenna and walkie-talkie.

Leave the setup of the equipment to professionals.

Portable walkie-talkies are indispensable on a camping trip, at a sports competition - wherever independence from cellular networks is required. Similar to phones, many are powered by batteries that need to be recharged periodically.

Instructions

If the batteries you purchase are lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium-iron or similar batteries containing lithium in any form, use only factory-made devices to charge them. Chargers are also suitable for lead, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Using a charger, charge one battery or set first, then the other. When charging, follow the battery manufacturer's recommendations regarding charging current and operating time.

Using a special device consisting of a voltmeter and a load, identify worn elements in the kit. Replace only them, not the entire set. But if the batteries are lithium, and the entire set is placed in a single case, replace it entirely when worn out.

Some radios are equipped with special charging stands. They are similar to the bases on which DECT-tubes are installed, however, unlike, they do not contain anything other than a charger. Some of them allow simultaneous batteries in two identical walkie-talkies. Leave charging stations in such devices overnight when they are not in use anyway. Never place the radio in the charging cradle if it contains regular alkaline batteries instead of batteries.

Video on the topic

note

When using the radio for critical purposes, it is recommended to have a set of fresh batteries ready, even when using batteries.

The antenna is an essential attribute walkie-talkies. But its signal is not enough to perform the necessary operations, for example, in difficult geographical conditions. In this case antenna increase on their own.

You will need

- parts for creating a walkie-talkie;
- wire 0.5 mm thick.

Instructions

Find assembly instructions online walkie-talkies. Choose among them the one that would meet your needs. Assemble the body walkie-talkies. For L1 coil, use a range setting of 27-30 MHz. This is exactly 11 turns of wire 0.5 millimeters thick when using a blank with a diameter of 10 millimeters.

If precise adjustment of the range is necessary, use tuning capacitors C1 when receiving data and C2, respectively, when transmitting data. However, please note that you also need to consider the reception mode of the SA1 switch. Adjust the range using a special factory-made control receiver. If you want to make things easier for yourself, get some headphones, they will make setup much faster.

Perform the setup in transmit mode, pre-setting the switches to produce a loud hiss from the headphone speakers. Achieve a constant, stable signal from the control transmitter you are using, but note that you must not touch the L1 coil. Proceed with the help of a special construction capacitor C1. After you achieve the desired results, proceed to securing the structure with fasteners.

Walkie-talkies are widely used in different areas of life. So, they can serve as a baby monitor in cases where there is not enough money for a special device for communicating with a child.

You can use a walkie-talkie for security guards or tourism enthusiasts to communicate with companions, but it is not at all necessary to set aside a tidy sum to purchase this equipment, because you can create a walkie-talkie with your own hands at home. Apart from getting the final product, it is a very interesting and fun activity.

So, what do you need to make a walkie-talkie?

To create a walkie-talkie you will need the following items:

4 MP-42 transistors and 3 P416B transistors;
Resistors. You will need a lot of them: two pieces each. 3K, 160K, 4.7K, one each – 22K, 36K, 100K, 120K, 270K, and six pcs. 6.8 K;
Capacitors: two 10 MK 10 V, 3300, 1000, 100, 6, 5-20, 22, 10 and one 5 MK 10 V – 4; 0, 0, 47 MK.
Telescopic antenna;
Microphones and speakers;
PCB boards - 2 pcs.
Soldering iron;
Socket;
Wire cutters.

Almost all of the above is included in the special kit for radio amateurs JC986A. The further algorithm will be based on this set.

It is worth considering that creating your own walkie-talkie requires skills in working with a soldering iron and knowledge of how to determine the values of the elements.

Algorithm for creating a 50 MHz walkie-talkie

If you purchased a ready-made kit for creating a walkie-talkie with your own hands, you will need the following diagram. The names of the elements must be indicated on your board and diagram attached to the device for making a simple walkie-talkie.

First, start installing resistors and forming the electrodes of this element. Using a soldering iron, you need to solder the resistor to the board, and cut off the protruding electrodes with wire cutters. Carefully and carefully install all components, relying on the drawn outline on the board.

Start soldering the extension coil L 1, and then the capacitors. The next step is to solder the electrolytic capacitors. Since they have a certain polarity, it is necessary to properly fit the negative electrode into the board.

Using a soldering iron, attach the contour coil T 1 and the body of the switching element S 1. Proceed to soldering the transistors, relying on the contour drawn on the board. You need to solder the cut parts of the electrodes remaining from step 1 to the board. Do this so that jumpers J 1 are formed.

Now you can check the quality of the work performed. If necessary, wipe the board with an alcohol solution, and later install the on/off button. Attach the finished board to the case using self-tapping screws.

Now you can install one of the main elements of the walkie-talkie - the antenna. On top of it there should be a small plastic cap, on the other side you need to solder a conductor that will connect the antenna to the board. Using the remaining pieces from the conductors, attach the S 2 switch to the board and check its functionality.

Place the terminals in the battery compartment. Now you need to solder the conductors responsible for the speaker and power supply system. If you have no doubt that you did everything correctly, connect a battery to the mechanism and check it. The finished device should make a hissing sound.

Assemble the second radio in the same way as the first. To ensure that the devices operate with the same cleanliness, remove one board from the fastener. We hope that these detailed instructions for creating a walkie-talkie with your own hands helped you understand the creation of this mechanism.

Debugging a homemade walkie-talkie

Even if you carefully followed the specified algorithm, the equipment may not work properly. In order to adjust the operation of the mechanism, use a variable resistor and wait for the maximum volume of the hiss of the radio.

Using a tuning core, change the inductance level until the signal is correct. After this, do not forget to return the original resistor and adjust its resistance.

If your voice emitted by the second walkie-talkie is severely distorted, select other resistors and start creating a wave meter, the diagram of which you can find on the Internet along with photos of homemade walkie-talkies. By the way, you need to check the quality of communication at a distance of 5, then 10 and 20 meters; it is better to do this in an open space.

We have described a step-by-step algorithm on how to make a walkie-talkie with your own hands. It should help you create your own mechanism to ensure communication with family or friends during a hike, tourism, fishing or contact with a child.

Remember to take precautions when operating this equipment to avoid the risk of injury such as burns or electric shock.

Photos of walkie-talkies with your own hands

How to make a walkie-talkie from a phone? How to use your phone as a walkie-talkie? These questions interest many people. Since cellular communications came into our lives.

Almost every modern person always has a mobile phone with them. However, there are situations when this means of communication is not entirely convenient and economical. There are times when using a walkie-talkie is preferable. Moreover, modern walkie-talkies have a lot of advantages. The main advantages are compactness, light weight, good design and the ability to save time and money. Low cost of the walkie-talkie, good quality of communication over a distance of several kilometers, free conversations on the walkie-talkie. In addition, it is easy to control - press a button and speak. No need to waste time searching in the phone book.

Where can there be an undeniable advantage of a walkie-talkie over a mobile phone?

On a ski holiday. Because in the mountains there is often no cellular network signal at all. Abroad, a walkie-talkie can save costs on roaming calls. A walkie-talkie is convenient for car trips, especially if a group of people are traveling in several cars. Everyone hears everyone at the same time. The absence of negotiation fees also plays an important role.

Thus, it is advisable to have both a mobile phone and a walkie-talkie at the same time. However, there is some inconvenience here. Even despite the small size and weight of these devices, the inconvenience is that there are two devices, not one. It would be nice to do this when the functions of a walkie-talkie and a telephone are performed by one device.

There are several options for solving a walkie-talkie from a phone.

First option. Integrate two independently operating devices into one housing – a telephone and a walkie-talkie. This option has already been implemented in practice. There are industrial designs. Examples - Walkie-talkie plus GSM phone WIDETEL or else Walkie-talkie plus GSM phone Puxing D03 / P-A-968. In the second case, the device can even be divided into two parts - a separate telephone and a separate walkie-talkie. The independence of the walkie-talkie and the telephone lies in the fact that they operate in different frequency ranges.

Second option. Use Push-to-Talk technology - a mobile phone as a walkie-talkie (http://www.ixbt.com/).

Push-to-Talk technology is implemented on the basis of GPRS. Allows you to communicate simultaneously with a whole group of interlocutors with one click of a button. It is possible to call one subscriber. The advantage of this approach is that it works over a large area. Those. the range of the “walkie-talkie” is determined by the size of the cellular operator’s zone, regardless of the transmitter power. And if the operator supports roaming, then even more.

The first Russian cellular operator to put the technology into practice back in 2004 was VimpelCom. The first GSM phone capable of using this technology is Nokia 5140.

Another example. The Telefir program, practically implemented in Tyumen (http://www.car72.ru/). This program is an application for cell phones. The principle of operation of the phone after installing the program is similar to the operation of a walkie-talkie - one person speaks (no more than 10 seconds), the rest listen.

Third option. Reworking the hardware. Circuit changes are being made to the cell phone. This is only possible in outdated devices of analog cellular standards. For example, NMT-450. It is clear that this option has no prospects. Because the standard is outdated and because, unlike digital standards, it cannot provide the proper quality of communication.

So, there are three options for solving the problem - walkie-talkies from the phone. Which one is better, which one is worse?

The undeniable advantage of the second option is a large radius of action, long range, and high quality of work. And this is the only advantage. What to do if there is no cellular network signal? For example, in the mountains. What should we do if we are outside the coverage area of the network operator we work with? For example, abroad? In any case, the operator's services are not free. It may be small, but payments must be made. What if you're roaming?

The main requirement is that the radio and telephone do not operate independently. Therefore, the advantage of the first option is undeniable.