PMR 446

What is PMR446?

PMR-446 is a licence free communication band in Europe that anyone can use for two-way radio communications. In Europe, 8 channesl have been allocated for this low power service running at a maximum of 0.5 Watts ERP from a non-removable antenna in a handheld radio. This may not seem like a lot of power, especially compared to some two way radios services but at the frequency range specified this can be used most efficiently.

Anyone with a need for short-range radio now should consider the purchase of PMR 446 for a number of reasons. No licence fee is required and it offers a good value system that could save lots of time and money in the long run - especially if you are making mobile telephone calls to people who are just down the road or in another part of a factory. The uses of PMR446 are quite unlimited. The authorities have not set any restrictions on usage applications so it's suitable for both personal and business activities.

The first question most people have is about the range of the radios. With Antenna systems only a few centimetres long you would not expect a great range? Wrong! Under normal conditions you can expect up to about 2 miles range even with the limited amount of power provided. Because the service runs on UHF FM frequencies the signal is very clear and travels well through concrete and built up areas such as forests

The other advantage of PMR 446 radios is the amazingly small size of most units. They really are a lot smaller than a CB radio handheld and the battery life is much better too thanks to the low power required. Many radios have a comprehensive range of accessories such as headsets, speaker microphones, etc.

Generally you will find two type of PMR radio available, one being made for the home user markets and the other for business users, the main difference being cost and features. Generally the more expensive sets are aimed at business users as these feature better build quality and more features

In the specification of PMR 446 there is also the provision of CTCSS tone codes. Whilst these are not mandatory in most European Countries (They are mandatory in Ireland) they can be very useful and the more professional radios feature these as standard. CTCSS works by sending a sub audible tone along with the radio transmission - this allows your radios to only open the squelch when the correct code is sent. ( Note: This is a standard feature on all our PT446 and PT558 two way radios. )

A lesser found feature on some PMR 446 radios is DCS (Digital Coded Squelch). This is another method of preventing other users than the ones in your group from breaking through the squelch. A series of sub-audible code words are transmitted digitally along with the signal that let the radio know when to open and shut the squelch on the radio. This type of service is only used on top of the range models as it is more costly to implement. The main difference is that DCS is a digital signal whereas CTCSS is an analogue method of achieving a similar operation.

Two Way Business Radios

 

Kirisun PT 558 Two Way Radio

Business Two Way Portable Radio. Kirisun PT 558 top of the line commercial license free radios built with rugged constructed metal chasis and a tough polycarbonate case.

Ultra small size

Quantity Discounts Available

 

Kirisun Two Way Radios

 

Two Way Radio Headsets

Two Way Radio Headsets

Lightweight earphone, with in-line microphone and PTT (Push To Talk)

 

Check out all the two way radios accessories including speaker/microphone with PTT and other communication kits

Two Way Radios Accessory

Two Way Radio Battery

Two Way Radio Battery

What you need to know about batteries. Important information on how you can get 40% longer standby and talk times with our two way radio batteries

Learn why buying a two way radio with a poor battery can cost you money.

Two Way Radio Battery

Two Way Radios

What is the average life expectancy of a two way radio? Inexpensive retail walkie talkie models are estimated at 6-12 months. Commercial or professional grade two way radio models are estimated at 4-7 years.

 

Did You Know ... In Ireland,  you can only use CTCSS enabled PMR Two Way Radios

 

Q. What is the advantage of two way radios over mobile phones?

A. Instant Communication! Without a doubt, two way radio is the most reliable and widely used team communications solution.

 

PMR-446 is a licence free communication band in Europe that anyone can use for two-way radio communications. With no licence fee required, anyone with a need for short-range radio now should consider the purchase of PMR 446 Two Way Radio.