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Walkie Talkie Talk Codes and Lingo to Use for Clearer Communication

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Walkie talkies can provide an excellent way to speak with family and friends long distance.  The best walkie talkies are also indispensable for hikers and hunters. However, the sound isn’t quite as clear as what you’ll experience using your cell phone. In fact, the sound can often be muddled and difficult to hear, especially if you’re close to the walkie talkie’s range limits. Because of this, many users rely on walkie-talkie talk codes. This type of communication utilizes multisyllabic, yet short  phrases or words that are transmitted well over the air. Because the code is standardized anyone that’s listening in will be able to understand what you’re trying to say.

Walkie talkie talk codes will help you to clearly and quickly communicate with other parties. Often, messages can become garbled, which is why it’s important to learn these walkie talkie call signals in order to get your message across, especially in the event of an emergency. Walkie talkie ten codes are commonly used by police officers and also allow them to communicate quickly and clearly. Learning the lingo and codes will allow you and all parties involved to communicate more efficiently, which is exactly what you need if you and your friends and family rely on walkie talkie communication when you’re camping, hunting, or hiking.

Two-Way Radio Language

Learning how to talk in code or becoming familiar with walkie talkie language may sound ridiculous to some, but there are some instances in which clear radio communication will be crucial. This code is easy to understand and short and will get the message across clearly.

Since these devices offer less than perfect audio quality when a person’s voice is transmitted over the audio waves, it can be difficult to understand them at times. A smartphone will rely on the use of  cell phone towers in order to transmit clear communication. But a walkie-talkie doesn’t. Because of this, civilians, military personnel, and even pilots will use the voice procedure. This  allows users to easily understand the message using fewer words.

When you speak in a walkie-talkie in the same manner that you would when you’re talking to someone sitting right next to you, communication tends to come out as garbled. Even short and simple words can easily be lost which can be very frustrating. Using the right voice procedures or basic walkie-talkie language will prevent, these issues allowing you to  clearly communicate with your group. However, it’s also important to learn how to speak clearly into your walkie-talkie in order to improve all types of communication

Speaking Clearly

Security guard

As I already mentioned, it’s difficult to understand people at times when you’re talking over the walkie-talkie. Learning how to speak in code will help with that, however, even if you use the proper language you still need to speak in a certain manner. Make sure that you enunciate each word clearly and speak slowly, then you can end the transmission. Begin by queuing up the mic by hitting the walkie talkie’s transmit button as soon as you begin speaking. It’s important to also know that a walkie-talkie will take a few seconds before it begins to transmit properly. For most people, speaking slowly and enunciating each word can be difficult and frustrating, especially in the event of an emergency. Over a walkie-talkie the words tend to blend together which can make them difficult to decipher. Make sure you speak slowly so that you’re easily understood.

Basic Walkie Talkie Protocol

I’ve included a list of the basic phrases that most walkie-talkie users rely on, which will help you to be easily understood. Once you become familiar with these phrases, you and your family and friends will be able to easily communicate with one another. You’ll probably find that you’re familiar with many of the terms commonly used for walkie talkie lingo. Memorize the following list of words to use and try to stick to only using these terms each time you and the family or friends rely on walkie talkie communication.

  • Affirmative: Yes
  • Negative: No
  • Disregard: Ignore previous message
  • Copy: Message understood
  • Go Ahead: I’m listening
  • Mic check: Is my walkie talkie working?
  • Loud and clear: I can hear you
  • Go again: Please repeat the last transmission
  • Roger: Understood
  • Stand by: I’m busy but I acknowledge you’re calling me
  • Over: I’m done speaking
  • Out: Transmission ending
  • Wilco: Message has been understood, action will follow

Two-Way Radio Signals: What are Ten Codes?

These codes were first created back in 1937 by the Illinois State Police Department. The purpose of these codes was to  decrease ambiguity over the radio. Many of these codes are specific to police work, however some do vary from police department to police department. The following list of codes that I have included are usually understood wherever you go. In order to use one of these codes all you have to do is say 10 and an additional number.

  • 10-1: This code simply means that a transmission is unreadable
  • 10-2: States that the transmission signal is clear
  • 10-4: Message understood
  • 10-5: Please pass this message onto someone else
  • 10-6: Standby, I’m busy at the moment
  • 10-9: Please repeat the message
  • 10-20: Please state your location

Usage Tips

A man

There’s no doubt that these radios offer plenty of benefits. They can help you stay in close contact with family and friends, when you’re in a place with poor cell phone reception, and they’re very easy to use. But in order to get the most out of walkie talkie use, it’s important that you follow a few basic tips.

  • First, meet with your group and agree on a channel that everyone will use. You may also want to recommend set call times, so you can check on other members of your party. This will help to preserve battery life.
  • Know how to fix a walkie talkie, in the event yours experiences a dip in performance when you’re on your latest camping trip.
  • If you’re out on an outdoor adventure, then you may end up with no cell phone coverage, which is why it’s important to keep your walkie talkie on you, charged and ready to go at all times.
  • These devices are vital for the outdoorsman. Before you head off the beaten path, make sure you and your party chip in and invest in a high-quality set that can offer a longer range. Don’t go for the cheapest set you can find. Quality really matters here. You should also purchase a pack or set that’s expandable, so you can purchase an extra model or two in the event a new member joins your hunting party or if one of your devices breaks.

Related Questions

What Walkie Talkie System is a Good Choice for Beginners?

Finding a walkie talkie that’s easy to use can literally be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency. It’s important that you and other users in your party practice using these devices prior to your trip, in order to become familiar with how they work and the best way to communicate with each other, using the appropriate codes. I recommend the Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable Two Way Radios, which have an impressive range of up to three miles and comes equipped with sixteen channel memory, loud and clear audio, longer than average battery life, and simple controls that make them perfect for beginners. They also come with an eighteen month warranty and a thirty day return policy, which will give buyers more confidence in this type of important purchase.

Why Do You Say “Over” On a Two-Way Radio?

Saying “over” when talking on a walkie talkie allows the other person to know you’re finished transmitting a message. Since only one person is able to speak at a time, it’s important that both users know the rules. When you say “over”, the other person will know that you’re done speaking and they can respond appropriately.

What Makes a Good Walkie Talkie?

The best long-range walkie talkies will have a long battery life and an excellent range. If you’re hiking, hunting, or camping, then you’ll need a model that offers the minimum of a three mile range, however, a five to ten mile range is ideal. The model should also be easy to use and very durable. You don’t want to be stuck hunting in the backcountry only to have the walkie talkie’s casing crack or for the device to stop working altogether from a simple drop.

Final Thoughts

Walkie talkie talk codes can be used by civilians, military, ambulance dispatch, emergency responders, and police. These codes can include basic ten codes, which will allow the user to clearly and quickly get their message across to other parties listening. Walkie talkie lingo should also be learned and will allow you to communicate clearly with fellow campers, hikers, or hunting buddies. Because it can be difficult to hear clearly over a walkie talkie, learning this lingo is essential for improved communication.