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A guide to using a walkie talkie
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This is how to talk on a radio or walkie talkie for business or group use.

Things You Should Know

  • Your dispatcher or secretary should be referred to as "BASE" when using a walkie talkie.
  • Communicate with BASE by saying "[your nick-name] to BASE".
  • When receiving a radio call, say "Go Ahead" to indicate you are ready to hear what the other person has to say.
Section 1 of 2:

How to Speak on a Walkie Talkie

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  1. The dispatcher is the person who sends out the calls to a person for what ever event. Label or Nick-Name this person BASE. This Will come in handy later.
  2. By Nick-Name, do not label people Momma-bear or Papa-Bear. Remember, you are trying to sound Professional.
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  3. Example: "Packaging Dept. to BASE."
  4. "Go Ahead".
  5. "Clear" The other person can repeat this ONLY once.
  6. [Packaging Dept to Josh] - Josh will then say ["Go Ahead'].
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Section 2 of 2:

Example

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  1. Base to Josh
  2. Go Ahead
  3. I need you to come to the front desk to sign a package that just arrived.
  4. Roger that
  5. Clear
  6. Clear (optional)
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Common Questions: Using a Walkie Talkie Radio

What does "10 10" mean on the radio?

When someone says "10 10" into their two-way radio, it could have a few different meanings. On non-police radio, 10-10 usually means "transmission completed, standing by." For police radio, 10-10 can mean "negative," "fight in progress," or "off duty."

How do you start talking on a walkie-talkie?"

Before you start talking, hold down the button for a second or two so your first words aren't cut off. Hold the button as you speak, and then lift your finger when you're finished.

What is the best signal for a walkie-talkie?

If you're outside with minimal obstructions between yourself and the person you're talking to, VHF (136 - 174MHz) is best. If there are walls, buildings, trees, or any other obstructions, UHF (400 - 470MHz) signals are best.

How do you use a walkie-talkie effectively?

Know what you're going to say before you start talking, and get straight to the point. Speak loudly and clearly so others can understand you. Say "Over" each time you finish speaking and "Out" when you're ready to end the conversation.

Tips

  • Smile when you talk. A person can always tell your attitude, even when they can't see you.
  • Think about what you want to say before you press the transmit switch.
  • Speak Clearly. The other person you are trying to talk with may be in an area with a lot of noise or your radio may be picking up background noise while you are talking.
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Warnings

  • The FCC defined additional frequencies for GMRS, primarily to talk to repeaters. A GMRS license is needed for use of a GMRS radio to transmit on FRS or GMRS frequencies. Also, if your radio with FRS/GMRS channels has a detachable antenna or a power level that exceeds 2 watts, it is not an approved FRS radio and you would need a GMRS license to transmit on any channel.
  • Don't Cuss. It's Not Professional and may be prohibited by law.
  • The channel and license rules recently changed in the USA. On 22-channel (dual-service) handheld radios, channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22 were defined as GMRS channels. In the United States, the use of these higher-power (2 watt) channels required a GMRS license that could be purchased from the FCC for a fee. In 2017 the FCC re-defined all 22 channels as "Family Radio Service" (FRS) and no license is needed for transmission on any of the 22 channels.
  • Transmitting without a license may result in penalties if the FCC enforces this rule. In Canada, GMRS channels can be used freely without a license. For more information on GMRS licensing, see https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs
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Things You'll Need

  • Radios for all of the staff.
  • Clips for all of the staff.
  • Charger for all the radios.
  • Your Receipt in case a radio is lost, stolen or damaged.

About This Article

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Reader Success Stories

  • Imran Ntanda

    Dec 5, 2018

    "Now I can confidently communicate on the radio with others."
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