Comms on two wheels...
I've invested (not a lot - just less than £22), in two, 16 channel, UHF, USB chargeable, walkie talkies (from China - naturally!), for use along the ride - just in case we get separated.
"Why not use mobile phones?" I hear you say.
Well, you try using the touch screen of a smart phone, when you're riding a bike - just as dangerous as when you're driving! Although the outcome is marginally less likely to be fatal, and sometimes, just downright amusing!
So, a simple, on-the-move, two-way mobile radio system, is infinitely better, especially when the radios come with earpieces, and a small mic, with a PTT (push to talk) button. They also have rechargeable 3.7V 1500mAh lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and not the AA or AAA alkaline or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) types found on many budget walkie-talkies.
Being USB chargeable, they can be charged from a USB power bank or portable solar panel, when mains electricity is unavailable.
As an added bonus - these sets can also be configured for voice activated transmissions - negating the need for the PTT button - and thereby providing a completely hands-free, two-way communications system.
Now for the quite IMPORTANT legal bit
Without going into too much detail, these radios are not legal for use in the UK without a licence. A "Business Radio Simple UK Licence" can be obtained, online, from Ofcom - if you're prepared to pay the one-off £75 fee, for a 5 year licence.
The radios also come with factory pre-set frequencies which are, in the UK and much of Europe, reserved for government agencies, emergency services etc. They MUST therefore be reprogrammed (using a computer) to the frequencies, and squelch codes (if used), allocated to an appropriate licence, BEFORE they can be used - LEGALLY!
Finally, due to their transmission power, up to 5 watts ERP (effective radiated power), they are not legal for use with PMR 446 frequencies, outlined below.
Licence free alternatives
To avoid the need for a licence, I could have opted for PMR 446 specific radios.
A little more about PMR 446
PMR (Public Mobile Radio) 446 is a licence free, two way radio band of frequencies (446.0-446.2 MHz - unsurprisingly), set up as a standard across the European Union. It is similar to the FRS and GMRS systems in the USA and Canada - which use different frequency bands.
PMR 446 radios can only have a total ERP of 0.5 watts, usually have a fixed antenna, and must be pre-set to the eight PMR 446 frequencies.
Conclusion
For the sum of £97 (two-way radios plus 5 year licence) I have two, solidly constructed, slightly more powerful radios - when compared to the many PMR 446 alternatives. If needed, I could, at a later date, add more sets, and still be covered by the same 5 year licence.
Yes, there are cheapo (sub £50 a pair) PMR 446 radios out there, but they're mainly aimed at the "toy/recreation" market - they also tend to use alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries, as opposed to Li-ion batteries, generally found in more expensive walkie-talkies.
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| Sub £30 Motorola PMR 446 radios - batteries NOT included! |
Happy cycling!
Additional information and links
The JustGiving pages for the dementia charities can be found at:
Alzheimer's Society page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martyn-feather-as or text ASDP84 £2 to 70070 (if you wish to donate more just enter a different figure after the £ sign - e.g. £5)
Dementia UK page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martyn-feather-duk or text BIJJ81 £2 to 70070 (if you wish to donate more just enter a different figure after the £ sign - e.g. £5)
We are now also raising funds for a West Sussex based charity, Dementia Support
Dementia Support MyDonate page - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/martynfeather1
@inmemoryofmymum can be found on both Facebook and Twitter, so you can follow the ride there too. You can also find me on Facebook - Martyn Feather (Skippy), and Twitter - @ZkidooKreativ
The text and photos contained within this blog are the intellectual property of Martyn Feather, unless otherwise indicated. © Martyn Feather 2017
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