Generally speaking, if you are using a two-way radio, you can’t just hop onto whatever frequency you want and start talking your mouth off. Various communities have built up around This is especially true when it comes to CB radio. On this page, we are going to help you to find the perfect two-way radio frequency. This way you will be able to enjoy the most effective communications with your two-way radio set-up.
Research Your Local Area
Certain frequencies may be in use by certain professions in your local area. It is important that you do your research. You could use the internet to do this or, in most cases, just listen in to what people are talking about on certain frequencies or channels. This will give you a feel for the way in which specific channels are used in your area.
Frequencies With No Restrictions
Apart from certain channels on CB radio (more on that in the next section), you can, in theory, talk about whatever you want on any channel. However, do remember that a two-way radio is probably not going to be your own personal communication device. For starters; just about anybody can listen in on your conversations providing they have a two-way radio in the near vicinity.
When you are searching amongst the two way radio frequencies chart to communicate with other people on (i.e. people that you know), then you will want to scan through the two way radio frequencies list to find one that offers a great signal. You can listen a little bit. If nobody is communicating, then send out a message. If it is still empty, then you are free to use that frequency however you wish.
CB Radio Frequencies
If you have a CB radio, it is likely that you will only be able to tune into certain frequencies. You will be unlikely to have the opportunity to select a specific frequency. Instead, it is all going to be done through channel numbers. Most of the channels are free to use however you see fit. Of course, you will want to listen in on the channel to see if anybody is using it before you start hogging the channel, however. Most people will likely stick to a 2-way radio vs a CB radio due to how dedicated channels operate:
- 27.00500 is Channel 4 and is (mostly) used by those doing a bit of off-roading
- 27.06500 is Channel 9. This is ONLY for emergency broadcasts. Not an emergency? Don’t use it!
- 27.07500 is Channel 10 and it is for discussion on regional roads. It is mostly used by truckers.
- 27.11500 is Channel 13. This is for both marine traffic and RV traffic.
- 27.12500 is Channel 14. Most ‘pre-programmed’ walkie talkies will be set to this station.
- 27.16500 is Channel 17 and for all traffic traveling North/South
- 27.18500 is Channel 19 and is for truckers and West/Eastbound traffic
Finding Other Radio Frequencies
Hopefully, it’s clear that it’s not just two way radios for trucks, but lots of other applications too. Really, the list above is only helpful if you have a CB radio. Not to worry, if you want to know how to find a two-way radio frequency on a two-way radio that you have a lot more control over, then you can follow this guide. Do bear in mind that not all two-way radios will be able to hit all frequencies. It is important that you do your research to ensure that you purchase the best two-way radio for your needs.
Outdoor Radio Frequencies
If you are going to be using your radio a lot outside, you might want to check out our best 2 way radios for outdoors expose. For best results, you’ll want to focus on a radio that operates at Very High Frequency, or VHF for short. This will operate between frequencies 136 and 174 MHz.
While you can use VHF systems indoors, they do not really cope all that well with obstacles. If there are no obstacles, then the range is absolutely fantastic. This is why it should be used outdoors. The one exception may be if you are wandering through the woods as opposed to an open field. The problem with walking through the woods is that there will be a lot of trees in the way which can hamper the signal a little bit. You will find that VHF radio is used a lot in rural areas i.e. on farms. However, it can also be ideal if you are mountain biking.
Indoor Use
If you are going to be using your radio indoors, then open for a two-way radio that operates at Ultra High Frequency (UHF). This is a frequency between 403MHz and 470MHz.
With UHF, the range is not going to be that great. However, the signal deals with obstacles incredibly well. This means that you will have clearer audio indoors in comparison to VHF. As a result, you will often find that this system is used in places of business i.e. large offices, hotels, and maybe a few schools.
Alternatively, you can purchase two-way radios that operate strictly at 300MHz. This is going to offer perfect audio in the immediate area. However, do bear in mind that you are going to be quite limited at what you can do here. However, if your sole communication at your place of work is through radio, then 300MHz is the best route to go down.
How to Find the Best Signal for You
This process is going to be dependent on typical two way radio use guidelines. Of course, once you have your radio, you will still need to choose the frequency that is right for your needs. Whether you’re looking where to buy motorola walkie talkies or something completely different, we hope we’ve lightened the leg work to find a suitable device. If you are looking to talk with somebody you know over your two-way radio, then the two of you can just flick through the frequencies until you find one that offers crystal-clear sound quality. Obviously, don’t stand next to each other when you are doing this. If you do, then the signal will always be perfect no matter the frequency!
