Zello

[Joe]

Has anyone tried the Zello app ?
Zello is an easy to install app that effectively turns your phone into a walkie talkie. It’s very easy to use and you can either contact an individual directly or talk on a group. You also have the option of sending text messages or location information.
I have it my phone and just leave it running in the background, if you set your status to busy you only get a bleep if someone talks or sends a message.
Over in the US it’s very popular for disaster/ storm comms etc.
The good thing is you don’t give your phone number or info to anyone, you just select the user name or group.
Have a look on You Tube, there is some excellent instruction vids.

[Skean Dhude]

Interesting. I'll have a look at that. I would envisage it has reasonable range as well.

[Lightspeed]

Hi Joe,

Yep, I've been using it for years. Its very effective.

Just remember that its pretend radio though, being 100% dependent on functional Mobile phone / internet connection.

I very much hope that no serious disaster / storm prep strategies are reliant on this technology as it will fail at the first hurdle.

[Joe]

That's true Lightspeed, it's pretty much a data service on the mobile phone network but it works pretty well for low level event.
I use Zello all the time, I have an old mobile phone sitting in the living room and it's just another comms channel, no Sim required as it's through the WiFi. I can even use it to talk to dogs when I'm out.

Skean you should give it a go, it takes about ten minutes to work out the basics and it's very handy if your out hunting or doing other outdoor sports that need some sort of comms. Plus it takes a few minutes to set up group chats.

[Lightspeed]

I saw some zello walkie talkies advertised a few days ago. they look exactly like conventional W/Ts Cost around £50. Not for me though.

[Joe]

If anyone got round to trying out Zello feel free to add me, user name is Joe zzz .

[bigpaul]

I dont do apps, non smart phone.

[GrayArtist]

[bigpaul]