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.

 

[BRI79]

I've been using Midland PMR radios for years.

I started with a pair of G5 XTs.

My requirements back then were:
Easy to use for short-range communication
AAA batteries, as they were easy to obtain/carry.

About seven years ago, I wanted something "better" and bought a Midland G7 Pro.

Operating with AA batteries/rechargeable batteries, better modulation, greater range—especially in the woods or in the rain—I had many good QSOs with it.

Since September 2025, I've been using a Midland G13 on the go and I'm thrilled.

Clean, clear modulation, greater RX and TX range than with the G7 Pro, and the 2600 mAh Li-ion battery lasts a good two days.

With IPX4 protection, operation is no problem even in rain and snow.

But my favorite device is my
Team MiCo PMR446

16 PMR446 channels at 446 MHz, license-free
500mW transmit power
LC display, orange backlit, black lettering
S-meter integrated into the LC display
4 function keys for squelch, scan, VFO/memory switching, and the function menu
On/off switch with volume control
Permanently attached electret microphone with channel selection/control keys
Permanently attached power cable with cigarette lighter plug and integrated fuse
Adjustable squelch
Channel scan
CTCSS/DCS decoder and encoder
Connection for external speaker
with VOX hands-free function
Permanently attached magnetic base antenna with 380cm coaxial cable
This is truly a dream for mobile operation!

And what do you use?