What is PMR446?

[Brunlea]

PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio, 446 MHz) is a licence-exempt service in the UHF radio frequency band. It's commonly used for short-range communication, both for personal and business purposes. PMR446 radios are often referred to as walkie-talkies and are popular due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Here are some key points about PMR446:

• Licence-Free: No need for a licence to operate these radios in most European countries.
• Frequency Range: Operates on the 446 MHz UHF band.
• Range: Typically used for small-site, same-building, and line-of-sight outdoor activities.
• Channels: Originally had 8 analogue channels, now increased to 16.
• Digital Modes: Digital voice modes like dPMR446 and DMR Tier 1 are available.

PMR446 radios are great for recreational activities, small business communications and they are becoming quite popular for amateur radio enthusiasts.

 

[scanhermit]

I have a pair of Retevis RT24 handhelds. 16 ch, 0.5w. On the stock antenna I've had 42 miles without tropo and 62 miles with troop. With a Retevis RH-771 antenna I've had 62 miles without tropo.The best contacts were from high ground of course but the RT24 with the 771 antenna have got me 12 miles at street level.

The best contacts are normally to people with base stations or mobile setups with decent antennas but still, it's good going.

I've got further with this modest equipment than I ever did with CB in my youth.