The Kenwood TK-3401D ProTalk 446 radio offers both analogue and digital technology in one hand-portable.
This walkie-talkie has double the amount of usable channels compared to current analogue PMR446 radios, therefore ensuring less channel congestion for easier communications – it provides 32 channels for 2 zones i.e. 16 channels per zone. Digital technology provides superior sound quality even when there is weak signal, increasing coverage by 20% more than with an analogue radio.
AMBE+2 vocoder technology accurately replicates the human voice to ensure superior voice quality, even when in a noisy environment and the integrated BTL amplifier and large speaker deliver 1 watt audio output so you can hear easily.
This radio is ultra-lightweight, weighing just 280g with an IP rating of IP54/55 for water and dust resistance as well as military standard 810 C, D, E, F & G environmental standards.
The TK-3401D can be programmed by the user with no need for additional software, they can change the channel frequency, QT tone or DQT code with ease.
*The range of a PMR446 radio varies a lot depending on where you use it. The maximum range given by manufacturers is based on ideal conditions, such as from hilltop to hilltop, but the range you actually get will be much less if you are in a built-up area. Trees, walls, hills and even the weather can affect the range of your radio.
Features
Radio licensing: A guide to licensed and licence-free radios
What is a radio licence and do I need one?
There are two types of two-way radios, licensed radios and licence-free radios (PMR446).
Licensed radios require a dedicated frequency which ensures that only those on that frequency can hear transmissions. In order to access a dedicated frequency, a radio licence granted by Comreg is required by law. Licences are based on the quantity of equipment to be licensed.
The cost is €22 per piece of equipment plus a fixed charge of €22 for the duration of the licence. (e.g. 4 walkie talkies + 2 radio mics = 6 units +1 Fixed Charge = 7 x €22 = €154).
Licence-free radios (also called PMR446 radios) operate on the PMR446 radio frequency, they can be used by anyone within the UK and EU and as the title suggests they need no radio licence.
Licensed radios
Licensed radios are usually more expensive than licence-free models, but have a larger power output (of up to 5 watts for handheld radios) and so offer increased range and coverage.
For example a primary school would typically find coverage on licence-free equipment sufficient whereas licenced equipment would be better suited to a secondary school, college or university.
In addition, a licence will offer increased security of transmissions through better monitoring of frequencies, especially if the licence is specific to your site.
Licenced radios are generally more robust, with clearer audio quality and the conversation more secure. Licensed radios also offer much more functionality than license-free radios, you can make group calls, send text messages and dial up individual users.
More about your Comreg licence
In order to obtain your licence, an application to Comreg has to be made. We are more than happy to apply on your behalf and offer a managed service in order to maintain your Comreg licence throughout your radio project. Or if you wish to make an application yourself, please feel free to ask us any questions along the way as we have vast experience in completing these forms and can go through it with you over the telephone. The application process is usually complete within 10-15 working days.
You can find out more by going to: https://www.comreg.ie/industry/radio-spectrum/licensing/search-licence-type/business-radio/
Licence-free radios
Non licensed radios are a cheaper alternative to licensed radios and can only have a power output of 0.5 watts giving them a fairly small range.
Licence-free radios can be used in the work place and for personal use, ideally where minimal coverage is needed, within small buildings where users are communicating in a close range.
Examples where these radios can be used effectively include smaller schools and construction sites, warehouses, hospitality venues and independent retail businesses.
For leisure they can be ideal for communicating between friends and family while camping and skiing, or if you are at a leisure park or hiking.
All PMR446 radios use the same eight channels. If there are a high number of users in a given area (cities and other built up areas) frequencies become extremely congested leading to interference on the channels, although usually there are multiple channels to select in order to find a clearer channel.
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