These walkie-talkies are suitable for small to large adventurers
Walkie-talkies for children have to meet different requirements than professional models
Those: pa / PhotoAlto / Michele Constantini
Whether for role-playing games, camping or other outdoor activities: Walkie-Talkies for children offer the little ones a lot of fun.
WAlkie talkies for children, like devices for adults, are PMR446 radios that can be used without a license. Of course, there are completely different requirements for children’s devices than for professional models. Walkie-talkies for children are usually limited to a few functions. The devices should be very easy to understand and operate even for the youngest (from around three years of age). It is also important that the walkie-talkies are robust – after all, while romping around outdoors it can happen that the child falls out of the hand of the device – and possibly into a puddle. Last but not least, the radios for children should also be visually appealing and age-appropriate. We’ll tell you what is important when making a purchase.
Walkie-talkies for children: an overview of the models
With the T42 PMR *, Motorola has its own walkie-talkie set for children in its range. The devices have an LCD display and have a range of up to four kilometers. It has 16 channels and comes with stickers for personalization.
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Buy Motorola Talkabout T42 PMR online now
The model from Upgrow * has an integrated flashlight. From light blue to camouflage to pink, you or your child can choose from a whole range of colors. According to the manufacturer, the walkie-talkie has a range of up to three kilometers.
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Buy the Upgrow Walkie-Talkie Set online now
You can choose between a set of two to four walkie-talkies from Wishouse *. These walkie talkies have an automatic squelch to reduce interference and are made from environmentally friendly materials.
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Buy the Wishouse Walkie-Talkie Set online now
A set of two, which is suitable for children and comes with batteries and a charging cable, is from Topsung *. It also offers 8 channels, an LCD display with background lighting and a fall protection (ABS).
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Buy Topsung Walkie-Talkies Set online now
The AceLife * model, which is offered in a set of three, also appears in bright colors. According to the manufacturer, the devices weigh only 65 grams each and have an integrated flashlight, eight channels and a range of three kilometers.
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Buy the AceLife Walkie-Talkie Set online now
Walkie talkies for older children
However, if your child is already a little older and you might want to give them a device that they can use for longer, or if you are looking for a high-quality set for the whole family, you could buy a regular model instead of a mini walkie-talkie. Various Motorola devices come into question here, for example. For example the T62 PMR * with a range of up to 8 km.
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Motorola
Buy Motorola Talkabout T62 PMR two-way radio now
The Motorola T82 extreme * has an even greater range. Here the signal can still be perceived up to 10 km away. It has integrated weather protection, a hidden display and an LED flashlight.
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Buy Motorola T82 extreme PMR two-way radio now
Walkie-talkie kids: what to look for when buying
For children’s models, it is essential that the walkie-talkie is waterproof and robust, so that it can also be used outside. It should also fit the child’s hands ergonomically and therefore be as small as possible. Of the technical specifications, the range (i.e. the distance at which the radio can be used) is particularly important. With walkie-talkies, this is usually between two and six kilometers, which is completely sufficient. However, if you want to be on the safe side in emergencies, you should give the children a mobile phone with which you can call for help from any distance.
Some models also come with associated, rechargeable batteries and suitable chargers. So if you don’t want to keep buying new batteries, you can opt for the more environmentally friendly option with rechargeable batteries.
Outdoor games
Children’s radio: how does it actually work?
Walkie-talkies have a DCS or CTCSS coding. DCS stands for Digital Coded Squelch. Just like CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Subaudio Squelch or Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), but based on a different technology, it serves as a selective call system that enables radio groups to be formed within a carrier system. This means that several users can have radio contact within a radio frequency without having to overhear background noises and conversations from other groups sharing the same frequency.
A useful function, especially for toddlers and babies, is the Vox function. Here the walkie-talkie recognizes when a certain level of noise is generated (i.e. your child is talking, screaming or crying) and switches itself on automatically. Thus, the radio takes on the function of a baby monitor. Walkie-talkies are not a substitute for high-quality baby monitors, however – under certain circumstances, inexpensive walkie-talkies can sometimes fail to recognize noises or the signal fails.
If your child would like to speak hands-free, you can also purchase a walkie-talkie with a headset. A great feature for outdoor use – for example for camping – are integrated flashlights.
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This article was first published on January 17, 2020.
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