Walkie-talkie from a mobile phone. Mobile Walkie Talkie – PTT

Articles and Lifehacks

Modern mobile devices equipped with large functionality, which many of their owners are not even aware of.

For example, we have the right to use the telephone as a walkie-talkie - provided that we have access to mobile Internet or Wi-Fi. We will also need to find and download a special (and free) software to our device.

Most popular programs

  • The Zello program is one of the most convenient and functional at the moment.
  • One can debate for a long time about how secure the information that will be transmitted via a mobile radio using this application is, but the fact remains: this software is extremely convenient.
  • Today Zello is actively used for broadcasting various streams.
  • You can install this program on both a PC and a mobile device. It has a convenient menu that allows you to save message history and later play it back.
  • It is also possible to create password-protected channels for security purposes. The application supports Bluetooth headsets and is compatible with platforms such as BlackBerry, iOS and Android.
  • The maximum number of users that can be simultaneously connected is quite large - 800 people (although to avoid interference, experts advise limiting their number to 300).

    The program is free. There is also paid version, but its acquisition does not seem very practical.

  • A rather interesting and convenient application that can turn our mobile device into a walkie-talkie is Voxer. This program has many useful functions, including the ability to transfer various files (not just voice information).

    The application is also free. It is compatible with iOS and Android.

  • You should be aware that some Russian mobile operators also offer the corresponding service. Usually this service is called “mobile walkie-talkie”.

    You should check with your telecom operator about the possibility of connecting to the service. We will not dwell on this in detail.

Other applications


One more convenient program is Walkietooth. Its name comes from the fact that it uses Bluetooth technology to transmit speech. Unfortunately, today this application is already somewhat outdated, since it works with the Symbian platform.

In addition, only two users can be connected at the same time, and even then over very short distances.

In conclusion, we note that many mobile devices (in particular, devices Nokia company) have been equipped with such a function as Push-To-Talk for quite a long time. This technology continues to improve today.

Usually the distance is limited mobile operator; he also sets the cost and maximum number of users.

Using a smartphone as a walkie-talkie is not a step back in terms of technical progress; it is a great way to save on buying a walkie-talkie, and simply combine two devices in one. Today we will talk about how to set up your gadget and turn it into a full-fledged walkie-talkie.

Zello walkie-talkie

One of the most popular methods is to install the Zello app. Popularity this application gained thanks to the ease of use and the fact that the application is completely free. There is, however, a paid version, but its differences and advantages could not be determined.

This program can be installed both on a mobile phone and on a computer or laptop. Zello will delight you with a fairly convenient menu with various possibilities. For example, you can save and play message history and create password-protected channels. The program also displays online contact statuses, which is very convenient.

Zello supports up to 800 simultaneously connected interlocutors. True, with so many people, the quality of the transmission will suffer significantly. For comfortable communication, the number of contacts should not exceed 300. Naturally, to use it you must have an Internet connection.

It is very convenient that this application supports bluetooth headsets, so this walkie-talkie is very convenient to use while driving or in the office.

The second most popular application after Zello.
Quite interesting and convenient application, which turns your phone into a walkie-talkie. Has many additional functions, for example, the ability to transmit not only voice messages, but also other content: photos, videos, audio, text.

Voxer allows you to enter your location. This function will be useful for travelers, as well as people in unfamiliar areas. In addition, Voxer allows you to save your message history. There is also a very convenient function that allows you to record an audio message even without Internet access: you can send it when the opportunity arises.

One of the most interesting features Voxer is the ability to play voice messages at double or triple speed.

Mobile radio from the operator

This option is suitable for those whose mobile phones do not support these applications. The phone model does not matter because this is not a separate application, but an operator service. It is worth noting that not all mobile operators Ukraine supports such a function.

To use a mobile radio from Kyivstar, you need to register the settings that the operator will send you and enter subscription fee for using the service.

The Kyivstar radio allows you to create both public and private channels. Significant difference from third party programs- the fact that the mobile walkie-talkie does not require access to the Internet. But it’s worth noting that it only works within the coverage of the mobile operator’s network.

walkietooth

The Walkietooth program uses Bluetooth technology to transmit voice messages. The program is not popular, since Bluetooth technology is already quite outdated and has several significant drawbacks.

For example, the application allows you to connect no more than two phones with each other and only over a very limited distance (about 10 meters between devices). In addition, the duration of voice messages is no more than 10 seconds.

But don't discount this app. Walkietooth can be very useful in some cases: for example, if you need to communicate underground, or in conditions of poor visibility or communication.

Push-To-Talk

The famous Push-To-Talk function, which is found in many smartphones (especially Nokia and Motorola). This technology is still being improved, despite the existence of improved applications that we talked about earlier.

The response time of Push-To-Talk is approximately 1-1.5 seconds, and the transmission distance voice message limited by the operator's network.

Significant disadvantages of this function: outdated and quite rare operating system, on which Push-To-Talk runs, namely Symbian. Every year it loses more and more relevance.

Using a smartphone as a walkie-talkie is not a step back in terms of technical progress; it is a great way to save on buying a walkie-talkie, and simply combine two devices in one. Today we will talk about how to set up your gadget and turn it into a full-fledged walkie-talkie.

Zello walkie-talkie

One of the most popular methods is to install the Zello app. This application has gained popularity due to its ease of use and the fact that the application is completely free. There is, however, a paid version, but its differences and advantages could not be determined.

This program can be installed both on a mobile phone and on a computer or laptop. Zello will delight you with a fairly convenient menu with various options. For example, you can save and play message history and create password-protected channels. The program also displays online contact statuses, which is very convenient.

Zello supports up to 800 simultaneously connected interlocutors. True, with so many people, the quality of the transmission will suffer significantly. For comfortable communication, the number of contacts should not exceed 300. Naturally, to use it you must have an Internet connection.

It is very convenient that this application supports Bluetooth headsets, so this walkie-talkie is very convenient to use while driving or in the office.

The second most popular application after Zello.
Quite an interesting and convenient application that turns your phone into a walkie-talkie. It has many additional functions, for example, the ability to transmit not only voice messages, but also other content: photos, videos, audio, text.

Voxer allows you to enter your location. This function will be useful for travelers, as well as people in unfamiliar areas. In addition, Voxer allows you to save your message history. There is also a very convenient function that allows you to record an audio message even without Internet access: you can send it when the opportunity arises.

One of the most interesting features of Voxer is the ability to play back voice messages at 2x or 3x speed.

Mobile radio from the operator

This option is suitable for those whose mobile phones do not support these applications. The phone model does not matter because this is not a separate application, but an operator service. It is worth noting that not all mobile operators in Ukraine support this function.

To use a mobile radio from Kyivstar, you need to register the settings that the operator will send you and pay a subscription fee for using the service.

The Kyivstar radio allows you to create both public and private channels. A significant difference from third-party programs is that the mobile radio does not require access to the Internet. But it’s worth noting that it only works within the coverage of the mobile operator’s network.

walkietooth

The Walkietooth program uses Bluetooth technology to transmit voice messages. The program is not popular, since Bluetooth technology is already quite outdated and has several significant drawbacks.

For example, the application allows you to connect no more than two phones with each other and only over a very limited distance (about 10 meters between devices). In addition, the duration of voice messages is no more than 10 seconds.

But don't discount this app. Walkietooth can be very useful in some cases: for example, if you need to communicate underground, or in conditions of poor visibility or communication.

Push-To-Talk

The famous Push-To-Talk function, which is found in many smartphones (especially Nokia and Motorola). This technology is still being improved, despite the existence of improved applications that we talked about earlier.

The response time of Push-To-Talk is approximately 1-1.5 seconds, and the transmission distance of the voice message is limited by the operator’s network.

Among the significant disadvantages of this function: the outdated and rather rare operating system on which Push-To-Talk runs, namely Symbian. Every year it loses more and more relevance.

Today every modern person cannot imagine everyday life without mobile communications, without your smartphone. But in certain situations it is more practical and convenient to use radio stations.

“Advanced” fans of active sports, such as rafting, surfing, hunting, hiking, etc., have long had a portable walkie-talkie, which is excellent for communication in a particularly unfavorable environment, while the owner of the walkie-talkie does not worry about its safety. Because, as a rule, the body of the radio is made of durable materials that have a protective function. Some walkie-talkie models can even be used underwater.

The walkie-talkie was created many years ago specifically for high-quality transmission sound signals, and to this day has not lost its main function. But today it’s already possible buy walkie-talkies in Russia With additional features, improving the range of use of the device. In addition, unlike mobile phones, once you buy a walkie-talkie, you will no longer spend money on this device. The radio station operates on free radio waves at a distance of up to 10 km between opponents.

In addition, these radio waves, unlike mobile communications, operate equally smoothly on any territory of the globe. Therefore, if you are visiting relatives in the village, it would be a good idea to take walkie-talkies with you for all family members, then you will definitely always be in touch with them. Or when going on a hike in the mountains, it will be more convenient for the whole team to communicate with each other using a radio station. For transfer audio message your opponent will need literally a few moments. And if you need to simultaneously convey the same message to several opponents, you can easily complete this task in a couple of seconds using a walkie-talkie.

Based on all of the above, we can draw the following conclusions regarding why a walkie-talkie is better than a smartphone:

  • Free communication due to the use of free radio waves by the walkie-talkie.
  • High quality of communication, because radio waves equally cover different territories, provided that the opponents are no further than 10 km from each other,
  • Long service life of the radio, thanks to the reliable housing that protects the main device.
  • The walkie-talkie has the function of transmitting one audio message simultaneously to several opponents, thus saving your time.
  • The radio is not dangerous to use in unfavorable external conditions; it is resistant to high humidity, strong shocks, etc.

Who and where successfully use walkie-talkies:

Without a walkie-talkie, no first responder service can operate. Portable radios are actively used by the police, ambulance, fire service.

Workers in large warehouses actively use radio stations for their work. Indispensable assistants Walkie-talkies are also used for workers of large supermarkets, security companies, etc.

The outdoor enthusiasts we mentioned above also actively use portable radios. The best friend on a hike is a walkie-talkie, when hunting - a walkie-talkie, when fishing - a walkie-talkie, etc.

Nowadays, a telephone with a hybrid walkie-talkie is a rarity. Somewhat paradoxical, yes, since progress has already gone quite far. We use smartphones with touch screens, the diagonal of which has already reached six inches, we surf the Internet at enormous speeds, we play games on our phones that previously could only be played on desktop computers, but we just can’t promote hybrid devices to the market that would work both as a phone and as a walkie-talkie

Why?

A telephone with a walkie-talkie is not that expensive a device. Rather, the issue here lies in demand. Although we can say that in previous years a principle called Push to Talk was used. It is designed to operate in walkie-talkie mode, but only when there is a signal cellular communication. But for some reason a telephone with a walkie-talkie that would actually work in the civilian range became a headache. The scope of application of such devices is large, if you think about it. The same fishing and hiking in the forest, sporting events, walks in the parks.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A telephone with a walkie-talkie is capable of providing communication between subscribers even where there is no ordinary coverage. The stated distance is two kilometers. But do not forget that this is only true for open areas. In urban environments with a high density of buildings and other elements, the distance will be reduced. Still, a phone with a walkie-talkie will have some advantages over a regular device. Today we will deal with the category of “unkillable phones”, namely, we will talk about the Senseit P8 model. This is a “work of art” by the Russian company of the same name.

Specifications

It is clear that “unkillable phones” do not differ in special indicators. They were not created to show off the transcendental technical characteristics. But still, what does this walkie-talkie phone have? It has a screen with a diagonal of 2.4 inches. In this case, the display is 320 by 240 pixels. There is a camera. Its resolution is 2 megapixels. You can install two SIM cards; they must be of a regular format. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 2,000 milliamp-hours. The battery lasts 12 hours in talk mode. The weight of the device is 180 grams.

Exterior

Protection

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the mass of the device is 180 grams. For many models, such parameters are standard. The device is protected only by the IP56 standard. The device must not be drowned in water. It's another matter if he just fell into the water. However, after this it must be pulled out immediately. There seem to be problems with further work it shouldn't, but for some reason the manufacturer refrained from commenting. This doesn't inspire confidence, to be honest.

Arrangement of elements

At the top end you can find SOS button. It can also be programmed to be sent to a particular number. The button has a stiff movement, you can’t just press it. This is already good, since accidental pressure is completely eliminated. On the left side there is a connector for connecting a MiniUSB cable. There is also a charging port and, of course, a jack for a 3.5 mm wired headset. On the opposite side there are buttons for changing the volume, as well as a radio button.

Back part

This walkie talkie mobile phone is really full of screws. Just look at the back cover. It is attached to the surface using two corresponding elements. By the way, the rotary screws can be opened using an ordinary coin. Adheres to the surface back cover quite tight. Removing it will not be as easy as it might seem. Even after the screws are unscrewed, it should be lifted by the recess. Here you will need some kind of object, since it seems almost impossible to do this using just your finger.

Design

Overall, it certainly gives me mixed feelings. On the one hand, the manufacturer sacrificed the protection of the device, but added another battery. This is very important when using a walkie-talkie. The walkie-talkie itself consumes a considerable amount of charge. But on the other hand, thanks to such a design, it will not be possible to open the case quickly. And this is already a minus, since quickly changing the battery is not an option. A clear advantage is the absence of a protective mesh near the speaker, since its volume automatically increases. Thus, the phone can be heard under any, even inappropriate conditions. Moreover, this rule applies both to voice calls and directly to telephone conversations.

Conclusion and reviews

What buyers say of this device? First of all, among the advantages of the device, they highlight a very loud ringer. It is simply impossible not to distinguish him. Even if there is real urban chaos all around. The vibration alert is also good. In general, the decision to abandon the protective grid when planning the speaker was, as they say, only beneficial. Everything is fine with the connection, there are no complaints about this parameter. Among the shortcomings was the impossibility of quickly replacing the battery (shoutout to the unsuccessful design and its developers), a weak battery and a camera that is not at all worth taking pictures with. Although, did we really expect anything different from a walkie-talkie phone? The device does not need anything else; we have presented it completely. The cost of the device is currently 7,500 rubles.

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