For those who want to bring their smartphones in the field for any airsoft game or milsim event may sometimes get spotty signal or no signal at all as outdoor fields for airsoft can be out of cellular coverage. That’s where the value of radio comms come in, and many wish if they can have PTT capabilities with their smartphones.

Owners of the Moto Z series are in luck, as there is an accessory that can be used with the smartphone and turn it into a walkie talkie. The Linc Smart Walkie Talkie MotoMod for Moto Z is now on Indiegogo, with the aim of raising US$12,000 in order to start production of the initial batch of their accessory. Apart from the Moto Z, it can also connect to other Bluetooth enabled smart devices.

When paired to the Moto Z smartphone with the Linc app installed, the Linc Moto Mod, allows access to SMS, GPS locations sharing, channel selections, Radio-Over-Internet mode, VOX, & more. With a range of up to 5 miles (8 kms), it should be able to function as smart walkie talkie for an airsoft team. Even without a cellular service, the team can still communicate with via radio and it will work with FRS and GMRS with a total of 22 channels with 121 Privacy codes so you can have group communications with minimal chatter.

With the ARC controller app, it allows you to send group or 1-to-1 text messaging just like the way you send SMS messages. You can also broadcast your location to others without the need for WiFI or cell coverage. If you unlock the dual-band feature, which is the 2m and 70cm band and with a verified call sign, you can gain access to APRS tracking and Packet Radio capabilities. But you will need a ham radio license to operate in these bands.

This is not first time we encountered a project where an accessory can give walkie talkie features to a smartphone. Over two years ago, I wrote about the Beartooth accessory which has most of the functions of the Linc. Linc is more feature pack and allows it to communicate with other walkie talkies whilst Beartooth only works with other Beartooth devices.

Since it is dust and water resistant, then it can along with you in the field. It also has its own 1500mah rechargeable battery so it does not have to draw power from your smartphone’s battery and it can last 20 hours on standby.

If interested in owning one, you can pledge at least US$159 which contains the Linc Smart Walkier Talkie with UBS cable. If you want to own more than just the basic package, you can pay US$169.00 or more to get accessories such as a base charger, Bluetooth shoulder mic. The bigger amount you pledge, the more you get such as getting a 5 unit or 15 unit pack to equip a small or big airsoft team.

The Linc Smart Walkie Talkie is estimated to be ready for delivery by December 2017.