Radio: Difference between revisions

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It is a good idea to check if radios have the [[Automated Emergency Broadcast System]] (AEBS) preset, which is randomised every game. The player can then select "Add Preset", set the frequency to the AEBS, and it will be saved for all future presets on radios. If the player has a [[Walkie Talkie|walkie talkie]] and some [[earbuds]] they can then listen to the AEBS, stealthily, anywhere. Alternatively, radios in [[vehicles]] can be tuned to the AEBS for more mobile listening. The AEBS is important to listen to for the [[Metagame#Helicopter Event|helicopter event]] and the power shutoff.
It is a good idea to check if radios have the [[Automated Emergency Broadcast System]] (AEBS) preset, which is randomised every game. The player can then select "Add Preset", set the frequency to the AEBS, and it will be saved for all future presets on radios. If the player has a [[Walkie Talkie|walkie talkie]] and some [[earbuds]] they can then listen to the AEBS, stealthily, anywhere. Alternatively, radios in [[vehicles]] can be tuned to the AEBS for more mobile listening. The AEBS is important to listen to for the [[Metagame#Helicopter Event|helicopter event]] and the power shutoff.


Two-way radios will transmit and reproduce voices at a distance. "Voices" includes both the Shout command used to draw zombies' attention, and chat messages in multiplayer. This can be prevented on the transmitting radio by muting the mic. The reproduction will be silent to nearby players and zombies if the receiving radio is using earbuds; otherwise, it will make noise in the environment depending on the volume setting.
Two-way radios will transmit and reproduce voices at a distance. "Voices" includes both the Shout command used to draw zombies' attention, and chat messages in multiplayer. This can be prevented on the transmitting radio by muting the mic. The reproduction will be silent to nearby players and zombies if the receiving radio is using earbuds; otherwise, it will make noise in the environment depending on the volume setting. Bear in mind that only one radio in a given area will reproduce the voice, and if the person speaking is nearby, it will not reproduce it at all to prevent feedback. Radios farther away (generally beyond visual range) will still pick up and reproduce the voices.


The obvious use of this is for communication on multiplayer servers that have disabled global chat, but it can also provide a single-player tactic: throwing your voice to draw zombies where you want them. Place a radio anywhere, power it on, and tune it to a given frequency. Make sure it has no earbuds, and pump up the volume. Then tune a portable two-way to the same frequency, go to anywhere else within the transmitter's range, and Shout. Nearby zombies should converge on the receiving radio where you can evade them, snipe them from a rooftop, or—if you feel especially daring—toss a [[Molotov cocktail|Molotov]] or [[Fire Bomb]].
The obvious use of this is for communication on multiplayer servers that have disabled global chat, but it can also provide a single-player tactic: throwing your voice to draw zombies where you want them. Place a radio anywhere, power it on, and tune it to a given frequency. Make sure it has no earbuds, and pump up the volume. Then tune a portable two-way to the same frequency, go to anywhere else within the transmitter's range, and Shout. Nearby zombies should converge on the receiving radio where you can evade them, snipe them from a rooftop, or—if you feel especially daring—toss a [[Molotov cocktail|Molotov]] or [[Fire Bomb]].

Revision as of 18:28, 22 May 2022

Radio
Radio
General
Category Item
Encumbrance
Heavy Load
1.5
Technical details
Base ID See Types

A radio is an interactive item added in Build 33. It allows the player to listen to radio broadcasts, including music stations, news reports, and military stations. Unlike walkie talkies, radios are receive only. Most vehicles also include radio equipment, with civilian vehicles having basic radios whilst military or emergency service vehicles can have two-way-capable sets.

Stationary or Portable

All radios can be used either as stationary furniture, or as portable equipment in the primary or secondary slot, although ham radios may be prohibitively heavy to carry. Likewise, they can be found in containers as lootable equipment, or sitting on counters and desks as furniture. To convert a furniture radio to portable, pick it up like any other furnishing:

  • Enter "Pick Up Mode".
  • Highlight the tile containing the radio.
  • Cycle through the tile's objects if needed (default key R).
  • Click to add the radio to your inventory.

To convert a portable radio to furniture:

  • Put the radio into your personal inventory, not a bag and not equipped.
  • Enter "Place Mode".
  • Click the radio in your inventory.
  • Click the desired tile to place it.

How to Use

An example of the interactive radio interface.

All radios require batteries to function, but every radio is found with a full battery included. (This applies even to "furniture" type radios, and is in contrast to televisions which always use wall power.) To use a radio, right-click it in the inventory or the world and select "Device Options" to open a control panel window. Here you can see information about the radio's specifications and current settings, power it on or off, remove/replace the battery, adjust the volume, add earbuds for stealthy listening, mute the mic on a two-way, and select and edit preset frequencies.

It is a good idea to check if radios have the Automated Emergency Broadcast System (AEBS) preset, which is randomised every game. The player can then select "Add Preset", set the frequency to the AEBS, and it will be saved for all future presets on radios. If the player has a walkie talkie and some earbuds they can then listen to the AEBS, stealthily, anywhere. Alternatively, radios in vehicles can be tuned to the AEBS for more mobile listening. The AEBS is important to listen to for the helicopter event and the power shutoff.

Two-way radios will transmit and reproduce voices at a distance. "Voices" includes both the Shout command used to draw zombies' attention, and chat messages in multiplayer. This can be prevented on the transmitting radio by muting the mic. The reproduction will be silent to nearby players and zombies if the receiving radio is using earbuds; otherwise, it will make noise in the environment depending on the volume setting. Bear in mind that only one radio in a given area will reproduce the voice, and if the person speaking is nearby, it will not reproduce it at all to prevent feedback. Radios farther away (generally beyond visual range) will still pick up and reproduce the voices.

The obvious use of this is for communication on multiplayer servers that have disabled global chat, but it can also provide a single-player tactic: throwing your voice to draw zombies where you want them. Place a radio anywhere, power it on, and tune it to a given frequency. Make sure it has no earbuds, and pump up the volume. Then tune a portable two-way to the same frequency, go to anywhere else within the transmitter's range, and Shout. Nearby zombies should converge on the receiving radio where you can evade them, snipe them from a rooftop, or—if you feel especially daring—toss a Molotov or Fire Bomb.

Frequencies and Broadcasts

Most radios will be found with one or more preset frequencies, usually one of these local commercial stations:

Station name Purpose
89.4 MHz Hitz FM Music station.
93.2 MHz LBMW - Kentucky Radio News, music.
Random MHz Automated Emergency Broadcast System Weather, emergency.
98 MHz NNR Radio News station.
101.2 MHz KnoxTalk Radio Talk show, music.
  • There are also "hidden" broadcasts on non-commercial frequencies, which include civilians noting military presence, and military broadcasts. You are free to add presets for any frequency in the radio's spectrum.
  • Throughout the first week of the infection, news media and music stations will report on The Knox Event, and give the player outside information on world events, including riots, curfews being put into effect, and eventually, the breaking of the quarantine.
  • It has also been confirmed that both scripted and non-scripted radio broadcasts will still occur after media blackout.
  • The frequency of the Automated Emergency Broadcast System varies each game. Simply find radios in the world with that station preset.

Disassembly

All radios can be dismantled with a screwdriver, producing a variety of components as well as 2 Electrical skill XP.

The obtainable items are as follows:

Icon Name Amount Affected by
Electrical skill
Aluminum.png Aluminum 0-4 Not affected by Electrical skill
Amplifier.png Amplifier 0-1 Is affected by Electrical skill
ElectricWire.png Electric Wire 0-4 Not affected by Electrical skill
ElectronicsScrap.png Scrap Electronics 1-5 Not affected by Electrical skill
LightBulb.png Light Bulb 0-1 Is affected by Electrical skill
RadioReceiver.png Radio Receiver 0-1 Is affected by Electrical skill
Headphones.png Headphones 1
(if present)
Always given if present
Earbuds.png Earbuds 1
(if present)
Always given if present
Battery.png Battery 1
(if present)
Always given if present

The odds to receive items affected by Electrical skill:

50 + (Electrical Level)*5)%

Recipes that use the Electrical skill to produce radios from components can be unlocked by finding the right magazines.

Types

Radios are one of the three types of communication devices. As a rule of thumb, weight increases along with range and frequency band; a radio with greater range and more available frequencies will weigh more, with high-quality ham radios weighing as much as 20 or more.

  • Consumer radios: Receive only, lightweight, commercial frequencies only. Consumer model radios serve as the radios installed in most (but not all) cars.
  • Walkie Talkies: Short-range two-way, lightweight, more frequencies. Can be put in belt slots.
  • Ham radios: Long-range two-way, exceedingly heavy, most or all frequencies. Earbuds cannot be used. Ham radios are best used as stationary furniture in a safe location. Ham radios are quite rare, but can be found in vehicles that would require a two-way radio such as those used by emergency services; fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and so on.

Radios come in a variety of styles and qualities. The range of available frequencies vary by model.

Model Name Weight Noise Range (tiles)
Volume
Frequency Range Base ID Disk player?
Minimum Maximum
RadioRed World.png Premium Technologies Radio 1.5 15 88 MHz 108 MHz Radio.RadioRed Yes
RadioBlack World.png ValuTech Radio 1.5 10 88 MHz 108 MHz Radio.RadioBlack No
RadioMakeShift World.png Makeshift Radio 1.5 10 88 MHz 108 MHz Radio.RadioMakeShift No

Code

From items_radio.txt (Project Zomboid directory/media/scripts/)

Premium Technologies Radio Retrieved: Build 41.50

        item RadioRed
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= Radio,
		Weight          	= 1.5,
		ConditionMax	        = 100,
		DisplayName		= Premium Technologies Radio,
		UseDelta		= 0.009, 
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= FALSE,
		TransmitRange		= 0,
		MicRange		= 0,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 15,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 88000,
		MaxChannel		= 108000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_radio_01_8,
		Tooltip                 = Tooltip_item_Radio,

ValuTech Radio Retrieved: Build 41.50

	item RadioBlack
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= Radio,
		Weight          	= 1.5,
		ConditionMax	        = 100,
		DisplayName		= ValuTech Radio,
		UseDelta		= 0.007, 
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= FALSE,
		TransmitRange		= 0,
		MicRange		= 0,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 10,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 88000,
		MaxChannel		= 108000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_radio_01_0,
		Tooltip                 = Tooltip_item_Radio,

Makeshift Radio Retrieved: Build 41.50

        item RadioMakeShift
            	Type			= Radio,
            	Icon			= Radio,
            	Weight          	= 1.5,
            	DisplayName		= Makeshift Radio,
            	UseDelta		= 0.007,
            	UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
            	DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
            	TwoWay			= FALSE,
            	TransmitRange		= 0,
            	MicRange		= 0,
            	BaseVolumeRange		= 10,
            	IsPortable		= TRUE,
            	IsTelevision		= FALSE,
            	MinChannel		= 88000,
            	MaxChannel		= 108000,
            	UsesBattery		= TRUE,
            	IsHighTier		= FALSE,
            	WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_radio_01_16,
            	Tooltip 		= Tooltip_item_Radio,

Template:Navbox media Template:Navbox/Electricity and Engineering