Walkie Talkie

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Walkie Talkie

General

Encumbrance

See Types

Function

Listening to radio broadcasts and communication in multiplayer

Technical

Item ID

See Types

A walkie talkie is an interactive item that allows the player to listen to radio broadcasts, including music stations, news reports, and military stations. As a walkie talkie is a two-way radio, it can be used for distance communication in multiplayer games through text and voice chat, or simply to "throw your voice".

Usage

An example of the interactive radio interface

Walkie talkies require batteries to function. They will spawn with a battery already installed, however, having the walkie talkie turned on will drain its battery until it is consumed. Some radios can be found already turned on, these will have their batteries drained based off how long they have been turned on.

To use a walkie talkie, right-click it in the inventory or the world and select "Device Options". This will open the radio control UI. 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 or headphones, mute the microphone, and select and edit preset frequencies.

Walkie talkies are two-way radios and will transmit and reproduce voices at a distance. This includes both the Shout command (default Q), chat messages, and voice chat (Default Lalt). Accidental transmission can be prevented by muting the microphone in the device options.

Noise received by a walkie talkie, either in text or voice form, will attract zombies. The range zombies will be attracted from depends on the type of walkie talkie and its volume setting. This can be avoided by putting earbuds or headphones into the appropriate slot in the device options menu.

Walkie talkies are particularly useful on multiplayer servers that have disabled global chat, and for those that enjoy role-play or more immersive game play, Though they can also provide a single-player advantage by throwing your voice.

Walkie talkies can also listen to the Automated Emergency Broadcast System (AEBS) radio station, which is randomised every game. Once the player finds a radio with the AEBS preset saved, they can then use it on any other radio. Paired with earbuds, the player can then listen to the current weather, and possible helicopter event and power shutoff events stealthily while away from home.

Stationary or portable

Walkie talkies can be used either as stationary furniture, or as portable equipment. When placed, the player should make sure they are within the specified transmitting distance from the walkie talkie when they want to transmit.

When portable, the walkie talkie must stay equipped in either the players' primary or secondary hand to be used.

Strategy

• Place a radio in a preferred location, power it on, and tune it to the same frequency as your walkie talkie. Make sure it has no earbuds, and turn up the volume. From a safe distance (within range), make noise using the shout command or voice chat.
• Nearby zombies should converge on the receiving radio where you can evade them, shoot them, toss a Molotov, etc.

Disassembly

All radios can be dismantled with a screwdriver, producing a variety of components as well as a 0.5 electrical XP.

The obtainable items are as follows:

Icon	Name	Amount	Affected by electrical skill
	Aluminum	0-4
	Amplifier	0-1
	Electric Wire	0-4
	Scrap Electronics	1-5
	Green Light Bulb	0-1
	Light Bulb	0-1
	Radio Receiver	0-1
	Radio Transmitter	0-1
	Headphones	1 (if present)
	Earbuds	1 (if present)
	Battery	1 (if present)

The odds of receiving items affected by electrical skill:

50 + (Electricity Level)*5)%

Distribution

Walkie talkies can be found in containers as lootable equipment, or sitting on counters and desks as furniture. The Toys-R-Mine, Premium Tech, or ValuTech walkie talkies can also be looted from zombie corpses.

Frequencies and broadcasts

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

Frequency	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.
Random MHz	Civilian Radio	Commentary, chatters.
Random MHz	Classified M1A1	Unknown.
Random MHz	Unknown Frequency	Unknown.

• Random MHz frequency stations require player to manually add preset with the correct radio spectrum. However, it should be noted that AEBS and Civilian Radio presets are the only ones that player can find available on pre-placed radios.
• 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.
• Both scripted and non-scripted radio broadcasts will still occur after media blackout.

Types

Walkie talkies are one of the three types of communication devices.

• Consumer radios: Receive only, lightweight, commercial frequencies only.
• Walkie talkies: Short-range two-way, lightweight, more frequencies.
• 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.

Icon	Tile	Name							Item ID
				Mic.	Volume
		Toys-R-Mine Walkie Talkie	1.0	5	8	75 MHz	150 MHz	750	Radio.WalkieTalkie1
		ValuTech Walkie Talkie	1.0	5	10	50 MHz	200 MHz	2000	Radio.WalkieTalkie2
		Premium Technologies Walkie Talkie	1.0	5	12	25 MHz	300 MHz	4000	Radio.WalkieTalkie3
		Tactical Walkie Talkie	1.25	5	14	10 MHz	500 MHz	8000	Radio.WalkieTalkie4
		US Army Walkie Talkie	1.5	5	16	0.2 MHz	1000 MHz	16000	Radio.WalkieTalkie5
		Makeshift Walkie Talkie	1.0	5	8	75 MHz	150 MHz	1000	Radio.WalkieTalkieMakeShift

Distribution

The loot distributions can be found in the table(s) below.

WalkieTalkie1 distribution Show / Hide

Effective chance calculations are based off of default loot settings, and median zombie density. The higher the density of zombies in an area, the higher the effective chance of an item spawning. Chance is also influenced by the lucky and unlucky traits.

Containers

Building/Room	Container	Effective chance
Electrician	crate	3.98%
Electrician	metal_shelves	3.98%
bedroom	crate	0.47%
bedroom	crate	3.98%
bedroom	wardrobe	3.98%
closet	crate	0.47%
closet	crate	3.98%
daycare	wardrobe	3.98%
electronicsstorage	metal_shelves	15.1%
electronicsstorage	shelves	15.1%
electronicsstore	counter	15.1%
electronicsstore	shelves	15.1%
garagestorage	crate	0.47%
garagestorage	crate	3.98%
livingroom	crate	3.98%
livingroom	sidetable	1.75%
pawnshop	crate	3.98%
pawnshopoffice	crate	3.98%
pawnshopstorage	crate	3.98%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	3.98%
storageunit	crate	0.47%
storageunit	crate	3.98%
storageunit	metal_shelves	0.47%
storageunit	metal_shelves	3.98%

WalkieTalkie2 distribution Show / Hide

Effective chance calculations are based off of default loot settings, and median zombie density. The higher the density of zombies in an area, the higher the effective chance of an item spawning. Chance is also influenced by the lucky and unlucky traits.

Containers

Building/Room	Container	Effective chance
Electrician	crate	2.81%
Electrician	metal_shelves	2.81%
all	locker	1.7%
bedroom	crate	0.44%
bedroom	crate	2.81%
closet	crate	0.44%
closet	crate	2.81%
departmentstorage	metal_shelves	19.27%
electronicsstorage	metal_shelves	10.78%
electronicsstorage	shelves	10.78%
electronicsstore	counter	10.78%
electronicsstore	shelves	10.78%
garagestorage	crate	0.44%
garagestorage	crate	2.81%
gasstorage	counter	6.29%
generalstore	shelves	19.27%
generalstorestorage	shelves	19.27%
gigamart	shelves	19.27%
housewarestore	shelves	19.27%
janitor	counter	6.29%
kitchenwares	shelves	19.27%
livingroom	crate	2.81%
livingroom	sidetable	1.7%
pawnshop	crate	2.81%
pawnshopoffice	crate	2.81%
pawnshopstorage	crate	2.81%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	2.81%
schoolstorage	counter	6.29%
storageunit	crate	0.44%
storageunit	crate	2.81%
storageunit	metal_shelves	0.44%
storageunit	metal_shelves	2.81%
zippeestorage	counter	6.29%

WalkieTalkie3 distribution Show / Hide

Effective chance calculations are based off of default loot settings, and median zombie density. The higher the density of zombies in an area, the higher the effective chance of an item spawning. Chance is also influenced by the lucky and unlucky traits.

Containers

Building/Room	Container	Effective chance
Electrician	crate	2.1%
Electrician	metal_shelves	2.1%
all	locker	1.63%
bedroom	crate	0.42%
bedroom	crate	2.1%
closet	crate	0.42%
closet	crate	2.1%
departmentstorage	metal_shelves	10.78%
electronicsstorage	metal_shelves	3.98%
electronicsstorage	shelves	3.98%
electronicsstore	counter	3.98%
electronicsstore	shelves	3.98%
garagestorage	crate	0.42%
garagestorage	crate	2.1%
generalstore	shelves	10.78%
generalstorestorage	shelves	10.78%
gigamart	shelves	10.78%
housewarestore	shelves	10.78%
kitchenwares	shelves	10.78%
livingroom	crate	2.1%
livingroom	sidetable	1.65%
pawnshop	crate	2.1%
pawnshopoffice	crate	2.1%
pawnshopstorage	crate	2.1%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	2.1%
storageunit	crate	0.42%
storageunit	crate	2.1%
storageunit	metal_shelves	0.42%
storageunit	metal_shelves	2.1%

WalkieTalkie4 distribution Show / Hide

Effective chance calculations are based off of default loot settings, and median zombie density. The higher the density of zombies in an area, the higher the effective chance of an item spawning. Chance is also influenced by the lucky and unlucky traits.

Containers

Building/Room	Container	Effective chance
Electrician	crate	1.87%
Electrician	metal_shelves	1.87%
all	militarycrate	10.78%
armystorage	metal_shelves	10.78%
bathroom	locker	3.98%
bedroom	crate	0.42%
bedroom	crate	1.87%
changeroom	locker	3.98%
closet	crate	0.42%
closet	crate	1.87%
controlroom	counter	10.78%
firestorage	metal_shelves	3.98%
garagestorage	crate	0.42%
garagestorage	crate	1.87%
garagestorage	locker	3.98%
livingroom	crate	1.87%
office	desk	3.98%
pawnshop	counter	10.78%
pawnshop	crate	1.87%
pawnshop	metal_shelves	10.78%
pawnshop	shelves	10.78%
pawnshopoffice	crate	1.87%
pawnshopoffice	crate	10.78%
pawnshopoffice	crate	23.28%
pawnshopoffice	locker	23.28%
pawnshopoffice	metal_shelves	10.78%
pawnshopoffice	metal_shelves	23.28%
pawnshopstorage	crate	1.87%
pawnshopstorage	crate	10.78%
pawnshopstorage	locker	23.28%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	1.87%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	10.78%
policestorage	counter	3.98%
policestorage	locker	23.28%
security	locker	3.98%
storageunit	crate	0.42%
storageunit	crate	1.87%
storageunit	metal_shelves	0.42%
storageunit	metal_shelves	1.87%

WalkieTalkie5 distribution Show / Hide

Effective chance calculations are based off of default loot settings, and median zombie density. The higher the density of zombies in an area, the higher the effective chance of an item spawning. Chance is also influenced by the lucky and unlucky traits.

Containers

Building/Room	Container	Effective chance
all	locker	23.28%
all	militarycrate	3.98%
all	militarylocker	3.98%
armyhanger	locker	3.98%
armystorage	locker	3.98%
armystorage	metal_shelves	3.98%
bathroom	locker	2.81%
bedroom	locker	23.28%
changeroom	locker	2.81%
controlroom	counter	3.98%
pawnshop	counter	3.98%
pawnshop	metal_shelves	3.98%
pawnshop	shelves	3.98%
pawnshopoffice	crate	3.98%
pawnshopoffice	locker	3.98%
pawnshopoffice	metal_shelves	3.98%
pawnshopstorage	crate	3.98%
pawnshopstorage	locker	3.98%
pawnshopstorage	metal_shelves	3.98%

Trivia

• The 3D models of the walkie talkies do not appear when dropped and when choosing the "Place item" option, they are placed as a tile instead.
• Toys-R-Mine Walkie Talkie and Makeshift Walkie Talkie use the same model currently.

Code

Code snippet! This section contains source code from Project ZomboidShow / Hide

Toys-R-Mine Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkie1
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkieBudget,
		Weight          	= 1.0,

		DisplayName		= Toys-R-Mine Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.007,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 750,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 8,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 75000,
		MaxChannel		= 150000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_16,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
		StaticModel = WalkieTalkieToy,
		AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

ValuTech Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkie2
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkieCivilian,
		Weight          	= 1.0,

		DisplayName		= ValuTech Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.008,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 2000,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 10,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 50000,
		MaxChannel		= 200000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_24,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
        StaticModel = WalkieTalkieValue,
        AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

Premium Tech. Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkie3
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkieCivilian2,
		Weight          	= 1.0,

		DisplayName		= Premium Tech. Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.009,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 4000,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 12,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 25000,
		MaxChannel		= 300000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_32,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
        StaticModel = WalkieTalkiePremium,
        AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

Tactical Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkie4
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkiePolice,
		Weight          	= 1.25,

		DisplayName		= Tactical Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.010,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 8000,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 14,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 10000,
		MaxChannel		= 500000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_40,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
        StaticModel = WalkieTalkieTactical,
        AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

US Army Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkie5
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkieMilitary,
		Weight          	= 1.5,

		DisplayName		= US Army Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.014,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 16000,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 16,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 200,
		MaxChannel		= 1000000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= TRUE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_48,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
        StaticModel = WalkieTalkieUSArmy,
        AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

Makeshift Walkie Talkie
Source: ProjectZomboid\media\scripts\items_radio.txt

Retrieved: Build 41.78.16

item WalkieTalkieMakeShift
	{
	    DisplayCategory = Communications,
		Type			= Radio,
		Icon			= WalkieTalkieBudget,
		Weight          	= 1.0,

		DisplayName		= Makeshift Walkie Talkie,

		UseDelta		= 0.007,
		UseWhileEquipped	= FALSE,
		DisappearOnUse		= FALSE,
		TwoWay			= TRUE,
		TransmitRange		= 1000,
		MicRange		= 5,
		BaseVolumeRange		= 8,
		IsPortable		= TRUE,
		IsTelevision		= FALSE,
		MinChannel		= 75000,
		MaxChannel		= 150000,
		UsesBattery		= TRUE,
		IsHighTier		= FALSE,
		WorldObjectSprite	= appliances_com_01_64,
		Tooltip = Tooltip_item_Radio,
        StaticModel = WalkieTalkieMakeshift,
        AttachmentType = Walkie,
	}

See also

• Ham Radio
• Radio
• Television