Blackpool Preston Fylde Radio Group
Home base for this knowledge site. Join the conversation on Facebook and local network groups.
- BPFRG Facebook group
- Fylde Network 446
- SHTF Radio Networks
- Westby Chimney field PTT — fixed crew channel for site work
- pttradio.co.uk / BPFRG home
- Site forum — post questions and local notes
Magic PTT — recommended worldwide PTT
MagicPTT.com is the primary push-to-talk platform we point operators to for internet and RF-linked nets.
It is built for radio people, not chat-app casuals: hold-to-talk that feels like a radio, browser PTT from any phone or computer, Android and iPhone apps (member beta), internet-only channels with no licence required, and RF / repeater-linked paths where verified callsigns are used.
- Browser PTT — open the site, key up, talk
- Android app (open beta for approved members) and iPhone TestFlight
- Internet channels free with a Magic PTT ID — no ham/GMRS needed
- RF and repeater-linked channels for verified operators
- SHTF / network radio community overlap (same culture as local Fylde nets)
Start here if you want worldwide internet PTT that still speaks the language of radio operators. Pair it with local RF (PMR446 CH12 in Blackpool — see HT App below) when you need on-air reach.
HT App — talk to Blackpool PMR446 Channel 12 from anywhere
HT (by DWP) is a free Android intercom that can bridge network intercom and radio intercom in real time. Worldwide operators on the app can reach RF users on the ground — including activity around PMR446 Channel 12 in the Blackpool / Fylde area when a local station is forwarding.
Search “HT” by DWP on the Play Store if the link is blocked. Network-to-radio forwarding needs a local radio connected to the app — this is not pure phone-to-phone magic without someone on RF.
Other PTT apps (not Zello)
Alternatives for groups that prefer something other than Zello:
- Magic PTT — preferred · browser + apps · radio-oriented nets
- HT — Android · network ↔ radio bridge · relevant to Blackpool PMR CH12
- Voxer — live PTT plus store-and-forward voice messages
- Two Way — simple walkie-style PTT on Android
- HeyTell — classic cross-platform voice / PTT messenger
- Bridgefy — Bluetooth mesh, no internet required (short range)
- iPTT — UK-oriented PoC platform (app + radios)
Always check each app’s privacy policy and whether a channel is pure internet or linked to real RF. Licence rules still apply on the air.
Facebook groups
Profile
Field case study — Westby Chimney
PTT radio used here: site and field coordination for the Westby Chimney project.
Real-world example of short-range and team PTT supporting outdoor / structural work — the same skills and radio types covered in this guide.
Open Westby Crew Radio → Business site →
Fixed team channel for vans & roof work. Share pages/westby.html with the crew — same room every time.
Tip: use this browser channel when phones have data; keep licence-free UK CB / PMR446 as a backup if the network drops.
On this site
Use the PTT Radio Helper chat button (bottom-right) for quick answers about radio types, channels, and licensing basics. For Online voice between browsers, the site must be served over HTTPS.