What is Push-to-Talk?
Push-to-Talk is a half-duplex communication method: press a button to transmit, release to listen. Only one person speaks at a time on a channel or talkgroup. This simple model powers everything from children's walkie-talkies to professional public-safety systems and modern internet apps.
Explore Each Radio Type
Every page includes a fully offline interactive virtual radio with a unique look matching that radio type. Change channels, hold PTT, hear tones — no internet required after the page loads.
PoC & Network Radios
Smartphone and dedicated cellular/Wi‑Fi PTT (PoC) devices. Nationwide/global range where data coverage exists.
Open + Virtual Radio →US CB Radios
Classic 27 MHz Citizens Band. Trucker culture, off-road, no license needed.
Open + Virtual Radio →UK CB (27/81)
British CB on unique UK channels plus CEPT. FM, AM & SSB. Ofcom regulated.
Open + Virtual Radio →Freeband
Frequencies outside legal CB. DX culture — transmitting is generally illegal.
Open + Virtual Radio →FRS
Family Radio Service — simple UHF walkie-talkies, short range, no license.
Open + Virtual Radio →GMRS
Higher power + repeaters. One low-cost FCC license covers the whole family.
Open + Virtual Radio →MURS
VHF multi-use service. External antennas allowed — great for business & rural.
Open + Virtual Radio →Ham (UK)
UK Ofcom licence (Foundation → Full). VHF/UHF & HF, repeaters, higher power than CB/PMR.
Open + Virtual Radio →Marine VHF
Dedicated maritime channels including distress Channel 16. Essential on boats.
Open + Virtual Radio →PMR446
License-free European standard. 0.5 W UHF handhelds across most of Europe.
Open + Virtual Radio →Commercial LMR
Business and public-safety two-way radios. Licensed, rugged, feature-rich.
Open + Virtual Radio →Groups & field use
Facebook radio groups, Fylde/Blackpool networks, and a live project using PTT radio.
Community & links →Field case study
Westby Chimney
PTT radio is used on this live project for field coordination. A practical example of the radio types described on this site.
Visit Westby Chimney → Community groups →Quick Comparison
Need a fast overview? Visit the full comparison table →
Safety & legal basics
- Do not transmit on frequencies you are not authorised to use (including freeband and public-safety channels).
- Marine Channel 16 is for distress, safety and calling — keep it clear of casual chatter.
- Driving: follow local laws on handheld use while driving; prefer hands-free / properly mounted gear.
- Privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS) do not encrypt speech; others can still hear you.
- This site is educational. Rules change — check FCC, Ofcom, or your national regulator.
Quick glossary
- PTT — Push-to-Talk; hold to transmit, release to receive.
- Half-duplex — Only one station talks at a time on the channel.
- Repeater — Station that retransmits to extend range (common on GMRS/ham).
- CTCSS / DCS — Tone/code squelch so you only hear matching radios; not encryption.
- PoC — Push-to-Talk over Cellular (internet/data PTT).
- ERP / EIRP — Effective radiated power measures; legal limits may use these terms.
- Skip — Occasional long-distance HF/CB propagation via the ionosphere.