Picture this. You’re hiking in the wilderness, and realize that you lost the trail. You pick up your cell phone to call for help, but there’s no reception.
Do you panic? No! Because you brought a handheld radio to communicate with the rest of your group.
These handy devices are perfect for any professional or personal communication. Whether you’re hunting, hiking, working, or driving, you can count on them to get you through.
Are you interested in purchasing a handheld radio that fits your lifestyle? We can show you how to get started.
Keep reading to learn how to find the best device for your needs. Let’s dive in!
What Is A Handheld Transceiver?
A transceiver is a device that includes a transmitter and a receiver. In essence, it’s a modern radio.
Before the early 1900s, the receiver and transmitter used to be separate parts. Once combined, they were much more convenient. The very first handheld radios were invaluable during wartimes.
Today, most devices are handheld radios. They’re great to use as tactical radios for civilians.
How to Find the Best Radio for You
Finding the best radio for you all depends on what you need it for. Let’s break it down.
Where to Start
To start the selection process, ask yourself these questions:
- What is the primary use for this device?
- What frequencies can I access?
- What are my power limitations?
Use the answers to inform your shopping process. This will help you find the best match.
What’s Dual Band?
When shopping around for a device, you may happen across UHF/VHF handheld radios. What does this mean, exactly? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.
VHF and UHF are different bandwidths. VHF stands for “very high frequency” and UHF stands for “ultra high frequency”. VHF has longer wavelengths that travel a greater distance. UHF is higher energy and travels a shorter distance.
UHF devices are better suited for operation in an area that’s small and have lots of obstacles. For example, UHF is perfect if you’re using a radio in a crowd.
VHF is better for long-distance operation. Dual band radios can access both of these bands.
The Modern Age of the Handheld Radio
The handheld ham radio is still in production. In fact, 2018 was a stellar year for these handy communication devices.
Brands like BaoFeng, Yaesu, Wouxun, and Amcrest are at the top of their game for this market. Check out the best handheld ham radios of 2018 for more detailed information.
Copy That!
As you can see, there are tons of options when it comes to modern handheld radio devices. Finding the best handheld radio for your needs all depends on how and where you’ll be using it most.
When you’re shopping around, be sure to keep in mind what kind of bandwidth will suit you the best. Take a look at the best radios of 2018 for the newest and best options.
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