One of our sponsors, Choyong Radio, has launched a new Kickstarter campaign for what they call “the next generation walkie-talkie.”
According to the campaign specs, the WT2 combines:
- Dual-Mode Communication:
- Analog 450 MHz band for classic two-way radio.
- Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) via 4G/Wi-Fi for worldwide communication.
- World-Class Reception:
- High-sensitivity FM and shortwave (SW) reception powered by the TEF6686 chip.
- Pulls in extremely weak signals most radios miss.
- Global Radio Streaming:
- Access to 50,000+ internet radio stations in the palm of your hand.
- Built-in ChatGPT search — just ask it to “find a jazz station in New York” and it will.
- Smart, Portable Design:
- 2500 mAh fast-charging battery.
- Brilliant high-resolution display.
- Sleek, modern styling built for both outdoor adventures and everyday carry.
Choyong’s vision: “This isn’t just for outdoor adventurers or radio enthusiasts—it’s for anyone who values staying connected and entertained.”
I’ll admit that Choyong has done an impressive job with the LC-90, packing a lot of features into one radio. I can see where this HT-sized unit would really appeal to those who enjoy traveling. Keep in mind, though, this is a crowdfunded campaign—so you’re investing in a product to help bring it to full production. Unlike many first-time campaigns, however, Choyong already has experience successfully taking products from design to market.
Check out the campaign here:
The Next Generation Multi-Functional Dual-Mode Walkie-Talkie (Kickstarter)
Very innovative designs by an innovative company. Many modern features integrated in a handheld. The FRS frequency range is an issue though, as it is different from country to country.
An interesting product, but where’s the SSB mode that so many are looking for? The TEF6686 can’t support SSB.
This radio is not particularly new.
The push to talk button is not a record button!
The NXP TEF6686 is a 2013 design and is in a number of receivers reviewed in this site
The short wave mode is AM so it has the usual distortion and fading.
It contains a 4G mobile phone chips & Wifi (Which version?) with a processor program to access an AI site.
Other than the frequency band for the two way radio there is no mention of the transmitter power
I don’t like the constant references to the number of internet radio stations as they are not part of the radio. The maximum internet range is not 50,000 km, because 40,000 km which is the circumference of the earth.
Anything else make you unhappy today? Maybe your boomerang won’t come back?
Do, I am not unhappy, I just believe in truth in advertising like the internet advertising of a tiny omniderectional amplified antenna with either a 320 or 480 km range which defies the laws of physics.
Also it will receive all major USA telecasters, on the other side of the world!
Where are you seeing the claim that the amplified antenna has a 320-480 km range? Are you talking FM?
On the website, it does state that the UHF range of the simplex walkie-talkie is 5km. That would be in spec.
Also, you’re correct that with a WiFi or 4G connection, it would be able to connect to online streaming broadcasters from across the world.
‘Also it will receive all major USA telecasters, on the other side of the world!’
All VHF & UHF is generally limited to line of sight. This is why the transmitting antenna is on a high tower an elevated directional receiving antenna. This is to try and ‘see’ over the horizon.
Weather dependent long distances occur occasionally
ttps://3fs.net.au/tropospheric-ducting/?srsltid=AfmBOopmF1uhv3xyPSmHY7VuFckbtOcojS0CKdPjjb34VaD5Pv6bqVgt
Yes, their statement is correct.
They’re alluding to the fact that it’s also a Wifi/Internet radio. This is how the radio can receive so many stations from across the globe. They’re not trying to imply that the built-in antenna would receive all major US broadcasters via VHF/UHF. 🙂
I want to remind US readers (and perhaps others but I don’t know international consumer law) that you functionally lose all normally expected consumer protection when buying into Kickstarters, IndieGoGo and other crowdfunding platforms.
“Pledges” are technically not pre-orders, despite “perks” looking like them. Timelines are never guaranteed, it may take you years to receive products.
I would strongly recommend not participating in such schemes if you have even the slightest doubts about the company or product viability.
So, what is the “Analog 450 MHz band for classic two-way radio” all about? In the US, the 70cm ham band ends at 450MHz, and the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) reside on specific channels in the 462-467MHz range. Is there a “free band” at 450, or somewhere else in the world? Ham communications is mentioned on the Kickstarter page, but vaguely.
I was wondering about FCC-type acceptance, and found this on the Kickstarter “comments” tab: “2. Since the product has not yet entered mass production, these tests have not been carried out, but in the future we will obtain the necessary certifications for sales in the U.S. market.” The comments that prompted that answer are not visible, as the backer who made them cancelled their pledge.
I did not see any real details, let alone claimed specifications, listed. For a savings of $20 off their estimated MSRP, all can say is buyer beware.
Can we have a version without the ChatGPT bull, please? The rest sounds fine, but don’t make it dependent on hardcoded interfaces that will be obsolete in a few years time.
Yep. I was humming along thinking “interesting!” until the ChatGPT mention. No thank you.
Wow. grudge much? Then just don’t use it. but don’t suggest we cut out the feature or stop the progress of those who enjoy it. You do you.
Very interesting! You have to admit Choyong is one of the more innovative companies out there in the radio world today! Just from the photos, it looks like it might be encased similarly to the LC90, which is quite robust.
Cheers!