When Walkie Talkies Were Invented?
Walkie talkies have become an essential communication device in various fields such as military, law enforcement, emergency services, and outdoor recreational activities. These handheld radios allow people to communicate wirelessly with each other over short distances, making them ideal for situations where a regular telephone or cellular network is unavailable or unreliable. But when were walkie talkies invented, and how did they evolve over the years?
The Invention of Walkie Talkies
The history of walkie talkies can be traced back to the early 20th century when radio communication was first introduced. In 1915, the first wireless voice transmission was achieved by Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant Charles Sumner Tainter. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that the first portable two-way radios, the predecessors to the modern walkie talkie, were invented.
The first true walkie talkie was created in 1940 by Don Hings and his colleague, Alfred J. Gross. Hings and Gross were both engineers working for the Canadian National Research Council, and their goal was to create a portable radio that could be used by troops in the field. The result was the "packset," a 35-pound backpack radio that could transmit and receive messages over a distance of up to 1.5 miles.
The packset was quickly adopted by the Canadian military and used extensively during World War II. The U.S. military also began using the packset, and in 1941, Motorola developed its own version of the walkie talkie called the SCR-300. The SCR-300 was much lighter than the packset, weighing in at just 38 pounds, and could transmit messages over a distance of up to 3 miles.
Walkie Talkies in the Post-War Era
After World War II, the use of walkie talkies expanded beyond military applications. Police departments and other law enforcement agencies began using them, and they also became popular among outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters, hikers, and campers.
In the 1950s, advancements in technology led to the development of smaller and more lightweight walkie talkies. These new devices used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, which made them more reliable and energy-efficient. They also had longer battery life, which made them even more practical for outdoor use.
One of the most significant developments in the evolution of walkie talkies was the introduction of Citizens Band (CB) radio in the 1960s. CB radio allowed people to communicate with each other over longer distances, and it quickly became a popular hobby among truck drivers, amateur radio operators, and other enthusiasts.
The Rise of Personal Walkie Talkies
In the 1970s, personal walkie talkies began to emerge as a popular consumer product. These handheld radios were smaller and more affordable than previous models, and they were marketed to families and outdoor enthusiasts. They were also used by businesses and organizations for internal communication purposes.
The 1980s saw the rise of the mobile phone, which posed a threat to the popularity of walkie talkies. However, walkie talkies continued to be used in situations where mobile phone networks were unavailable or unreliable, such as in remote areas or during natural disasters.
The Evolution of Walkie Talkies Today
Today, walkie talkies continue to be used in a wide range of applications. They are still used by military and law enforcement agencies, as well as by businesses and organizations for internal communication. They are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts and hobbyists.
Advancements in technology have led to the development of digital walkie talkies, which offer improved range, clarity, and security. Many modern walkie talkies also come with additional features such as GPS tracking, weather alerts, and Bluetooth connectivity.
One of the most significant recent advancements in the world of walkie talkies is the introduction of push-to-talk (PTT) over cellular (PoC) technology. PoC walkie talkies use cellular networks to transmit voice and data, making them more reliable and versatile than traditional walkie talkies. They also offer features such as GPS tracking, real-time location sharing, and instant messaging.
PoC walkie talkies are increasingly being used by businesses and organizations for a wide range of applications, including transportation, logistics, security, and hospitality. They are also becoming more popular among outdoor enthusiasts and hobbyists who want a more reliable and feature-rich alternative to traditional walkie talkies.
The history of walkie talkies dates back to the early days of radio communication, but it wasn't until the 1930s that the first portable two-way radios were invented. The invention of the walkie talkie in the 1940s revolutionized communication in the military and opened up new applications for the technology in law enforcement and outdoor recreation.
Advancements in technology have led to the development of smaller, more lightweight, and more energy-efficient walkie talkies. They have also become more feature-rich, with digital and PoC walkie talkies offering improved range, clarity, and security.
Despite the rise of the mobile phone, walkie talkies continue to be an important communication device in situations where a regular telephone or cellular network is unavailable or unreliable. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how walkie talkies continue to evolve and find new applications in the years to come.