Walkie-Talkies Used By Hezbollah Explode Across Lebanon: What Are These Devices And How Do They Work?

At least three people have died and over 100 have been injured after walkie-talkies used by the armed group Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon.

The latest attack comes a day after the explosion of hundreds of paging devices used by Hezbollah, which killed 12 people, including two children, and injured around 3,000 others across Lebanon. This unprecedented attack has been blamed on Israel.

While Israel has not commented on either attack, it had announced plans to expand its military actions against Hezbollah before the explosion of the paging devices, as part of its ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

What is a Walkie-Talkie?

A walkie-talkie is a handheld radio that allows people to communicate wirelessly over a specific frequency. Developed in the 1930s by inventors in Canada and the US, these devices are also known as two-way radios. They gained the name “walkie-talkie” because users can talk while moving.

Each walkie-talkie is powered by a battery and includes a transmitter, an antenna, a loudspeaker that also acts as a microphone, and a ‘push-to-talk’ button. This button allows users to send their voice over radio waves, enabling instant communication without the need for a phone line.

How They Work?

To use them, people communicating by walkie talkie must be on the same channel or frequency. When not in use, the device emits static noise. To talk, the user presses a push-to-talk button, which switches the device from speaker to microphone mode, eliminating the static.

When someone speaks, their voice is converted into radio waves and transmitted at the speed of light. The receiving handset converts the waves back into sound. Once finished speaking, the user says “over” and releases the button, allowing the device to return to listening mode. Since walkie-talkies are two-way radios, only one person can talk at a time on the same channel. Many modern systems allow for multiple channels to reduce interference.

Who Uses Them?

Walkie-talkies are widely used in various fields, including emergency services, security, the military, and transportation. They are also commonly used in construction, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.

Their durability and ease of use make them popular with families as well, especially for keeping in touch during outings or camping trips.

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