Range
The maximum communication range that a walkie-talkie is capable of providing when used with the same model.
Speaking of range, note that usually its perfect value is indicated in the specs. And it is achieved only under a combination of certain conditions: the complete absence of obstacles (houses, trees, etc.) and interference in the passage of radio waves (for example, due to increased solar activity or the presence of powerful transmitters nearby), full battery charge, optimal air temperature , high-quality transceiver at the other end of the line, etc. In fact, the communication range, usually, is much lower. Therefore, when looking at this parameter, it is worth taking a certain margin.
Transmitter power
The maximum power at which the radio transmitter is capable of operating. This parameter is one of the most important: it determines both the range of the device (see above) and the features of its use and registration (for more details, see "Frequency range"). For most models of the "amateur" (conditionally) class, the power level does not exceed 2.5 watts. More powerful walkie-talkies are, usually, professional models of the VHF and UHF bands (for more details, see "Frequency range").
Number of subcodes
The number of subcodes provided in the design of the walkie-talkie. Subcodes are used to create separate subchannels with different coding within one channel (see "Number of channels"). This allows several groups of users to communicate simultaneously on the same frequency channel without interfering with each other. Thanks to the combination of channel and subcode, the number of subchannels available for communication can be in the hundreds — which is more than enough even in a busy air. In entry-level models with low power, the possibility of using subcodes may not be provided at all as practical uselessness — there are not too many users within their range. But for powerful radios with a long range, the presence of subcodes is very important.
Water protection
Walkie-talkies with this feature have a special protected housing that prevents dust and moisture from getting inside and damaging sensitive electronic components. If you often have to be in adverse conditions, you should pay attention to such walkie-talkies. At the same time, note that the specific degree of protection in different models can vary markedly, and here it is most convenient to evaluate it by IP marking. This marking consists of the letters IP and two numbers; resistance to dust — the first digit, resistance to moisture is described by the second, last digit. You can find the following options for protection against moisture:
— 4. Protection against splashes from any direction. Thus, the walkie-talkie will be fine during rain of medium intensity, regardless of the strength of the wind
— 5. Protection against water jets from any direction. Allows walkie-talkie to endure a combination of strong wind with a downpour.
— 6. Protection against strong water jets and sea waves. It is considered the minimum level of protection that allows use near water.
— 7. The possibility of short-term (less than half an hour) immersion under water to a shallow depth (less than 1 m); continuous operation in immersed mode is not expected.
— 8. The highest level of water protection. Allows long-term (more than 30 minutes) immersion under water to a depth of 1 m or more, and even permanent work in a submerged position. However, note that specific restr...ictions on the use in such walkie-talkies may be different, they must be clarified according to the manuals.
Dust protection values are presented more modestly:
5 — dust resistance without full closure (a certain amount of dust can get inside, but it is small and does not affect the operation of the device)
6 — full protection (dust is not able to penetrate inside the case).
At the same time, there are situations when the manufacturer did not test the device for dust resistance, but limited itself to water protection. In this case, instead of the dust protection number, there is an X, for example IPX7.
