Many people outside of the world of ham radio who use walkie talkies often wonder if it is possible for them to speak with radio amateurs on their walkie talkie sets.
While it is normally not possible to access ham frequencies from walkie talkies it is possible for a ham operator to access the frequencies used by walkie talkies and for them to potentially talk to walkie talkie users. However, doing so would probably breach the regulations around the walkie talkie bands in terms of power and functionality.
Is it legal to access walkie talkie channels with ham radio?
Legislation varies across countries and licencing authorities but it is highly likely that using ham radio equipment on walkie talkie channels would be prohibited.
Listening to the frequencies would normally be allowed but transmissions could be illegal.
The main reasons for this would include:
- The ham radio equipment has only been approved or licenced to be operated on the allocated ham radio bands.
- Use of equipment on the walkie talkie channels is normally restricted to low power devices. Typical walkie talkies will emit less than 2 watts of power, even less in some cases, whereas ham radio equipment will normally produce much more and would exceed the legal limits permitted.
Can ham radio operators use walkie talkies on amateur radio bands?
A walkie talkie that also has access to the ham radio bands can be used by ham operators on the amateur bands.
However it’s unlikely that you’ll find a walkie talkie with this functionality but you can purchase portable ham radio units that will work on both bands.
However, as mentioned earlier, the use of a ham radio on the walkie talkie bands would breach the regulations in terms of power – so it’s not recommended.
Radios that have this functionality are available and can be lawfully purchased – what you do with the radio is your choice – you can listen to the walkie talkie frequencies without issue, but transmission is not allowed.
Would anyone know if I used a ham radio on the walkie talkie bands?
Although it is technically possible to connect a ham radio to the walkie talkie bands and have conversations, it is illegal, and this would be the official stance.
It’s unlikely that anyone would know but it only takes one person to find out and report the use.
If you want to work on the walkie talkie frequencies the best option would be to buy a good quality walkie talkie as opposed to risking your ham radio licence.
Can you use a ham radio like a walkie talkie?
Yes, but only if the operators hold licences that permit them to use ham radio equipment.
A ham radio provides a means for people to communicate via radio, so, there’s nothing to prevent two radio amateurs from using portable, hand held radios, like walkie talkies.
What is the difference between a ham radio and a walkie talkie?
A ham radio is more powerful, mobile and flexible than a walkie talkie.
Ham radios typically have a longer range of several miles whereas walkie talkies are best suited for short-range communications of less than two miles.
A ham radio also allows you to talk to people in other countries whereas walkie talkies are limited to line-of-sight communication.
A ham radio is also capable of providing two-way voice, digital data and even video communications while a walkie talkie typically provides for voice or tone signalling (beeps).
Walkie talkies are often used for short range communications and are licence free, meaning that they can be used by anyone, whereas ham radio can only be used by qualified and licenced operators.
Final Words
So, as you can see a ham radio and a walkie talkie are both types of radios, but they have significant differences.
It is possible for radio hams to communicate with walkie talkies but, in most countries, this would be illegal and the amateur operator would be at risk of losing his/her licence.
If you are a radio amateur looking to explore the use of walkie talkies then the best option for you will be to buy a good quality walkie talkie to add to your collection of radio equipment.
Read Next
- Will a CB antenna work for a ham radio?
- Why do you need a ham radio license?
- What’s better ham radio or CB radio?
- What’s an affordable ham radio for beginners?
- What kind of range can I get with a 10W ham radio?
- What kind of antenna do you need for ham radio?
