Two-way Radio Review

Please do not make the same, expensive mistakes so many others have made.
This review will help you select the correct two-way radios for your needs.

Thousands of people have made costly errors because they misunderstood the basics of two-way radios.

Ten minutes with this review will help you avoid those same headaches. This is especially important when your facility may add on more radios in the future. You want to be certain to start off on the right foot now rather than starting all over with the proper radios next time.

So, grab a cup of coffee and browse the two-way radio review section heading in which you are interested to find the topics that relate to your situation. Whether you’re a business owner, a family in need of a radio, or a buyer for your municipality; by the time you're done, you'll know everything you need to choose the perfect two-way radio for your needs.

The basic reviews of two-way radios apply across the board, so let’s start with frequencies:

UHF or VHF?

UHF or VHF: Avoid a Costly Mistake

Walkie-talkies that aren’t toys, are not cheap. Whether you’re reviewing a set of 4 for your farm or a fleet of 40 for your distribution center, you’ll want to spend wisely to avoid having to live with a mistake. A critical point in choosing the right two-way radio is knowing that UHF is going to be your best bet in most circumstances. Note: UHF radios will never be able to communicate with VHF radios! So, if you already have radios and are looking to purchase additional units to use with them, be sure to select the same band.

UHF

UHF radios (Ultra High Frequency) operate on frequencies from 400 to 512 Megahertz (MHz). UHF radios work best for most two-way radio users because the waves are shorter and can get around or penetrate areas of interference found in buildings, thickly wooded or hilly areas and urban outdoor settings. UHF walkie-talkies with a good-sized antenna and enough power will reach further into a building and push through and around steel, concrete, wood and earth. If your two-way radios are going to be used exclusively indoors or if they’ll need to go indoors and outdoors, UHF is hands down your best choice.

VHF

VHF radios (Very High Frequency) operate between 136-174 MHz. The advantage to a VHF walkie-talkie is that it can cover more distance with less power because VHF waves are longer and remain closer to the ground. Two-way VHF radios work best when there’s a clear line-of-sight between the sender and the receiver with little obstruction. VHF radios are used exclusively in aviation and marine communications where signals are sent across open bodies of water or between the sky and the ground. VHF band walkie-talkies are also great for open fields, golf courses, landscaping and for outdoor security situations with few obstacles.

Typically, VHF antennas are longer than those built into UHF radios because they need to facilitate transmission over longer distances and accommodate the VHF frequency range. Another benefit of VHF waves is that they will penetrate trees and foliage better than UHF radios. However, you will be better served with UHF radios, if you have any plans to use the radios indoors or indoors to outdoors. FRS/GMRS or Business Radios?

Thinking about CB/PRS instead of UHF or VHF?

PRS (Personal Radio Service) and CB (Citizen Band) radio are covered below in detail. However, you will want to make one important decision early on: if you are purchasing radios for a business, definitely buy Business Radios. CB/PRS radios are basically one step above toys. They’re built for occasional, recreational family use and do a great job for what they’re intended, but they’re not built to endure the hardships inherent to business usage. CB/PRS radios used on a regular basis for business-type purposes will typically break within a relatively short time. Business Radios, on the other hand, will generally last years.

Bottom line? Over a 5 year period, you’ll spend less on quality Business Radios versus what you’d spend replacing lower cost, but less durable PRS Radios. Also, use of PRS Radios for business purposes voids their warranty.

What is a Real World Range for a Two-way Radio?

Some two-way radio manufacturers boast a coverage range of 25 miles or more on their packaging. They can legally claim that because that’s the best possible range attainable under the best possible conditions: a clear day with an unobstructed line of sight. But really, will you be broadcasting from the top of a mountain down an obstacle free line of sight to your kids or employees in a valley? Didn’t think so.

Outside of optimal test conditions, realistic ranges for handheld Business Radios vary from 1-4 miles depending on the power capabilities of the unit, weather conditions and obstructions along the way. In a nutshell, the more power (wattage) the radio puts out, the stronger the signal. The stronger the signal, the more reliable the reception at greater distances and with more obstacles. Businesses or municipalities in need of longer range communications can boost their signal with repeaters or work using a trunking system system. Repeaters and trunking systems significantly increase the cost of radio setup versus handheld-to-handheld communication; however, they are necessary for large scale, emergency communication operations such as fire and police departments.


Power: What’s in a Watt?

Handheld two-way radios use between .5 watts to 5 watts of power to broadcast a signal. Business Radios run between 1 - 5 watts depending on the model. Usually, a higher wattage allows for greater range and commands a higher price.

You may see something labeled ‘peak wattage’ on the packaging of some two-way radios. Peak wattage refers to the highest possible wattage for that radio, but may not reflect its actual, consistent operating power. A radio running at 1 consistent watt will, in some circumstances, perform better than a radio rated to 5 watts of peak power. All radios listed on MobileSystems.co.nz are discussed in terms of consistent operating power.

Typically, a 1 Watt walkie-talkie with an average number of obstructions in its path yields about a mile of coverage. Range increases by approximately 30-50% if you double power. So, a 2 Watt walkie-talkie might broadcast within a range of 1.5 miles. 3 watts = 2 miles. 4 watts = 2.5 miles. 5 watts = 3 miles. Actual distances may vary widely based on weather, UHF vs. VHF, etc. But these are good, general rules of thumb.

However, a 1 watt walkie-talkie broadcasting from a high vantage point (think radio tower on the top of a hill) could easily broadcast 10 miles if unobstructed. A lot lies in the lay of the land.

For consistent coverage, if you anticipate using your walkie-talkies within a single building with an average number of obstructions or solid walls, or just need an outdoor coverage of a mile or less, then a 1 watt radio should be just fine. If you’ll be talking between buildings or for up to 2 miles outdoors, then you’ll want to buy 2 watt radios. Four and five watt radios cover still greater distances outdoors and between 350,000 sq.ft or 30 floors indoors. Beyond that, you’ll need the help of a repeater repeater, a mobile unit mobile unit or a base station base station to communicate further.

Try to keep in mind that there may be ‘soft spots’ in coverage. Meaning, that you may get great coverage in a building complex with a 1 watt UHF radio, but there may be trouble between the basements of building A and building C. If this is the case, and those locations are important, increasing your wattage may help. Considering the relatively low incremental cost of stepping up your wattage, it is generally best to review several radio types and purchase a little more wattage than you think you will actually need.

Again, communication may happen at much greater distances, but not on a consistent basis due to obstructions, weather changes, etc. The key is to find the proper power level for your needs and get as close to 100% coverage as possible in your setting.

When Size Matters

In an office or the middle of a hectic event, you’ve got enough to juggle without throwing in a big, bulky walkie-talkie. Fortunately, traditional two-way radios come in sizes as small as 5.8” by 4.6 oz and the surprisingly small Motorola CLP series radios weigh in at a mere 2.38 oz and stand 3.5 x 2.0 x .75! How do they make a radio so small? They embed the antenna inside the device. This cuts down on the range of this particular model, but in a setting with typical use of this type of radio, the range will be more than sufficient.

That’s the catch with the smaller models: reducing antenna and transmitter size requires some compromises in range. If you’re working in a medical or dental office, a restaurant, retail store, hotel, on a photo shoot or catering an event where you don’t require a lot of range; small two-way radios offer the perfect solution.

Durability Does It

Some two-way radios get into more trouble than others. Employees drop ‘em onto concrete warehouse floors, into mud at job sites and you can’t take a ski trip without snow! When durable radios are a concern, look for two-way radios in “brick” form that don’t feature a digital display. Brick format is usually the best choice when you know the radios will be treated roughly. Please note that brick format radios may still be used with similar radios that use a display. Often, construction workers and forklift drivers, for instance, might get a brick format radio, while the supervisor might use a digital display for channel-changing convenience. The brick format also makes the radio simpler to use as there are no displays or additional information.

Radios built to military specifications military specifications are rated for dust, shock and moisture and can handle their business under harsh conditions. Two-way radios that are intrinsically safe rated ‘intrinsically safe’ are designed not to ignite in combustible environments.

Most radios come with a belt holster. To increase the life of any walkie-talkie, consider carrying it in a high-end protective case. Clearing Up Confusion: Channels, Frequencies and “Privacy Codes” The terms channel and frequency are often used interchangeably, even by the FCC. This can get confusing. Be sure to read the sections below for clear definitions that will ensure you make the right choice and that you understand how to use your new two-way radios.


What is a Frequency?

In technical terms, a frequency is the rate at which a switch, called an oscillator, inside a radio turns on and off. To learn more on frequencies and early radios check out: The History of Radio.

You had your first exposure to choosing a radio frequency, when you tuned to a specific number on your radio dial like 530 AM (530 kHz) or 103.3 FM (103.3 MHz). Two-way radios operate using frequencies also. When you buy a radio, you can tune the channels of your radio to the different frequencies permitted for that type of radio and your RSM license, if you have one. Not all radios require an RSM license RSM license information.

To learn more about RSM license requirements, see the sections on RSM licensing and radio service bands available to the public RSM licensing information.


What is a Channel?

Channels are a way to partition a two-way radio, so that its user can communicate with multiple people without everyone talking over each other and having to worry about who talks when. Imagine the chaos if there were no phone numbers and everyone just picked up the phone and started talking! Of course, there aren’t as many two-way radio channels or frequencies as there are phone numbers, so walkie-talkie users have to make some adjustments, but there are dozens and dozens of possible frequencies from which to choose. Users select their choice, from the frequencies available to them, and lock it into partitions called “Channels.” In a typical 4-channel two-way radio two-way radio, the user has 4 possible channels to tune to frequencies for the radios in that group. Once clear frequencies are selected, all radios in the group would choose the same frequencies for the same channel numbers. For instance, in a restaurant, the kitchen staff would be on Channel 1, the waiters on Channel 2, the car valets on Channel 3 and maintenance on Channel 4. The manager could scan between all channels to hear all that is going on. But, the waiters could set the radios to only tune to Channels 1 and 2; so that they only hear other waiters and the kitchen staff, but not the unneeded talk from the valets or maintenance staff.

Before shipping, all radios of a brand and model are typically set to the same frequencies and channels in the factory. A common issue with new radio users is that they often use their radios right out of the box with the factory settings for frequency and channel on Channel 1 unchanged. Using your new radio without changing the factory set channel frequencies greatly increases the possibility of nearby, similar radios interfering with each other because those users also probably didn’t change their factory settings. Your best bet: review and set your channels to frequencies that are clear of other users in your area as part of your initial radio setup.

In short: Channels are partitions of your radio that you can and should tune to different frequencies. Besides surfing around for a chatter-free frequency, another way to filter out other people’s broadcasts uses “privacy codes.”

Privacy Codes? More like Interference Elimination Codes Privacy Line Codes (PL), Tone, Squelch Codes, Quiet Talk Codes (QT), Interference Elimination Codes. There are more than a few names for them in the two-way radio industry. Privacy codes is the most common name, but interference elimination codes would be more accurate. Though they greatly reduce the odds of your conversation getting stepped on by someone else’s broadcasts; they don’t guarantee privacy. For more detailed information on how privacy codes work visit privacy codes To communicate using privacy codes, you and the person you’re talking with must have your radios set to the same frequency and the same privacy code e.g. both radios set to Frequency 462.5625, Privacy 13. Depending on the type of radio you buy (analogue or digital) you may have access to between 38 and 121 privacy codes.

Multiply the number of privacy codes available for your radio, by the number of frequencies allotted to the type of radio service you use and you’ll have anywhere from 500 to 3,000 or more chances to have an uninterrupted conversation! Just remember that privacy codes increase your odds of not being interrupted, but they don’t guarantee it. If someone within range has their walkie-talkie set to the same frequency and the same privacy code as yours, they could hear and join in your conversation. With so many frequencies and privacy codes the odds are slim, but still present. If someone has their radio set to the same frequency, but not the same privacy code they will be able to hear your conversation, but they won’t be able to join in. Analogue two-way radio privacy codes range from 1-38. In general, manufacturers use them in a standardized way allowing for radio compatibility across brands.

Digital two-way radio privacy codes are numbered from 39 and can go as high as 99, 121 or higher. However, digital privacy codes don’t always map across manufacturers, so your digital two-way radios, with digital codes, may not be able to communicate using privacy codes with radios made by other manufacturers.

Quick Summary: Channels are partitions of your radio that you tune to different frequencies which you can then subdivide, for more potential lines of communication, by using privacy codes.


Selecting a Clear Channel

All two-way radios come with a monitor function. When activated, it overrides all programmed code settings and allows the receiver to hear what’s happening on any frequency. On a clear frequency, you’ll hear hiss. If a frequency is in use, you’ll hear what’s being broadcast. It’s important to check the frequency and privacy code you intend to use and select clear frequencies to set your channels. You don’t want to risk missed messages or radio interference.

How Many Channels Do You Need?

Be sure to think ahead. A critical consideration for an enduring investment in quality two-way radios is anticipating how many people or groups of people will need to communicate now and in the future.

Several popular models only have one or two channels; as that can be plenty for smaller businesses who are likely to only ever assign one or two groups of people to a channel. The average commercial grade radio offers 2-16 channels, which is typically more than enough for most handheld-to-handheld operations. Heavy duty radios heavy duty radios used by fire and police departments, may have up to 256 different channels. To cut down on confusion in a commercial setting, it’s a good idea to divide your employees into groups who use their own channels. For instance in a nursing home, you might make Channel 1 an “All Call” channel that reaches all groups. You could assign the Nursing Staff to Channel 2. Put the Front Desk Staff on Channel 3 and add the Maintenance Staff on Channel 4. Groups might be set up according to location, department, type of work or anything that drives your operations. You’d set up which groups hear and talk to other groups using your walkie talkie’s scanning feature. In our nursing home, anyone with a radio could use Channel 1 to call everyone in an emergency. To cut down on excess chatter, the Nursing Staff would communicate with only other nurses by using Channel 2. That way, other departments don’t have to be bothered with calls that don’t involve them. Our nursing home managers can set their radios to scan; so they’re able to hear all communications over all channels.

When making your decision on which model to purchase, be sure to look ahead. You’ll want to buy radios now that will accommodate your business 3-5 years down the road. Buying now for later means you won’t have to repeat the exercise and expense of replacing equipment, because your initial purchase didn’t anticipate the correct number of channels you’d need as your business grew. Sure, it’s slightly more expensive to buy radios with more channels now, but it will be much less expensive than replacing your radios, if they can’t handle your communication requirements in the coming years.

Channel Scanning and Communicating

To see how to maximize efficiency using your two-way radio’s scanning feature, let’s take a look at a hotel with the following channel settings:

1. All Call - Anyone can speak and hear everyone on all channels.
2. Manager
3. Front Desk
4. Facilities
5. Housekeeping
6. Bell Staff
7. Catering

In this scenario, you’d program all staff radios to scan Channel 1 (All Call) and their own channel. So, Housekeeping radios would scan Channel 1 and Channel 5. Front Desk radios would scan Channel 1 and Channel 3 and so on. The Manager might program their radio to scan all channels, so they can oversee general operations.

Each department would leave their walkie-talkies turned to their own channel and communicate amongst themselves by using the Push to Talk button.

If a department wants to talk to another department, they simply turn their radios to that department’s channel to communicate with them. For example, when the Front Desk wants to talk to Housekeeping they would temporarily turn their radios to Channel 5. Anyone who wants to talk to Facilities, would turn their radios to Channel 4. Anyone who wants to talk to the whole group would turn their radios to Channel 1 where everyone would hear their message because all radios have been programmed to scan Channel 1; as well as their own channel.

This setup allows everyone in the operation to speak with any group, but eliminates the distraction of unnecessary chatter that would occur if all radios were set to the same channel.



Radio Service Bands and RSM Licensing

The Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is an independent government agency charged with managing public use of the radio spectrum. As it applies to two-way radios, the RSM allocates certain bands of frequencies to particular types of users and regulates the equipment that may be used to transmit and receive radio communications. This licensing will be in effect for 2012, 2013, 2014 and beyond.

The GUL radio service bands require a license granted by the FCC license granted by the RSM. To get more information or apply online visit their website RSM online.


PRS: Personal Radio Service

It’s important to note that PRS radios are intended and designed for family recreational use only. These radios are basically one step beyond toys. They won’t hold up to the rigors of regular business use and are very likely to break after weeks or months, if used daily. If you’re using radios in any business setting, it’s more cost effective in the long run to purchase durable Motorola Business Radios.

According to the RSM, the Personal Radio Service may be used by any person  transmitting radio waves using radiocommunication transmitters for the purpose of the Citizen Band Radio Service (CBRS), also known as “CB Radio” or “Personal Radio Service (PRS)”, in accordance with the applicable terms, conditions and restrictions of this notice.

However, using these radios in other countries may present a legal issue. The radios will always work together anywhere on the planet. However, you’ll want to check first with the equivalent of the RSM for any country in which you plan to travel with your radios. Frequency allocations for other destinations may, for instance, have our PRS frequencies designated for a local fire department or business band.

CLICK HERE for more information on CBRS and PRS.
 

Compatibility Between Two-way Radios

There are very few things you can say across the board on compatibility; as it often comes down to make and model and frequency programming. However, one rule to keep in mind is that UHF radios will never work with VHF radios.

If you stick with UHF radios, you’ll probably be able to communicate using different radio models. For instance, the Motorola CLS series, which are UHF radios, shares certain frequencies with other Motorola UHF radios. So, the CLS series can communicate with the new RDX models or older XTN models, as well as many other UHF models from Motorola and other manufacturers, as long as both sets of radios are tuned to the same, shared UHF frequency. Another rule is that 900 MHz radios only talk to other two-way radios using the 900 MHz technology.

Consumer grade two-way radios built for the FRS, GMRS and FRS/GMRS may communicate across manufacturers’ brands because they often come pre-programmed to operate on the standard frequencies allotted to those radio services. For example, some radios come set to Channel 1, Code 1. If your new walkie-talkie won’t talk to your old one, try setting them both to Channel 1, Code 0. Using the same channel number and privacy code might enable your two-way radios to talk to one another.

One reason compatibility can be an issue is that older radios can’t understand or produce some of the same tones the newer radios use to talk to one another. With the more complex business radios, compatibility gets a bit more complicated; especially in the higher power 4 and 5 watt models.

If you’re looking to buy a newer model that will work with your older business walkie-talkies, look for a model that uses the same frequencies. If your old radio was pre-programmed, was it programmed with custom frequencies? If so, it probably won’t work with other radios out of the box, even if you choose the same model. So, your new radios should be programmed to match the old radios by your dealer. The dealer can program the radios using your frequency and privacy codes, which may be given to the dealer or the dealer can “read” an old radio to obtain that information. Manufacturers or two-way radio dealers’ web pages are a great place to get information on compatibility. Check out www.techwholesale.com for clear, concise information on manufacturers and compatibility.


Batteries: Li-Ion, NiCad or NiMH?

Lower end FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies might use AA or AAA batteries, but most two-way radios use one of 3 types of batteries: NiCad, NiMH or Li-Ion.

Ni-Cad or nickel-cadmium batteries have been around the longest. They have a long life expectancy and are less prone to the problems associated with overcharging. They are the cheapest battery chemistry of the three. However, they are also the heaviest and tend to be susceptible to ‘memory burn.’

Memory Burn occurs when a battery is recharged before it’s fully discharged. The battery will ‘remember’ the partial charge and only fill up that far the next time it is being recharged. This shortens the power potential of the battery to that smaller, partial amount. To avoid memory burn, it’s best to fully discharge your batteries before recharging them. If proper care is taken, Ni-Cad batteries can last 2 - 3 years.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries share some chemistry with Ni-Cad batteries, but don’t share their vulnerability to memory burn. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are a bit more expensive and are more susceptible to overcharging issues, but they are smaller and lighter. They typically last 1 - 2 years.

Li-Ion batteries are the most expensive of the three. They don’t get memory burn and are the smallest and lightest of the bunch. However, they are limited to a specific number of charging cycles and once that number is reached (500, 750, 1000) they won’t take another charge. Also, their advanced chemistry means they require a special type of charger, but it can have them up and running in as little as an hour. Batteries are built on a basic calculation of 5/5/90. Battery manufacturers assume the battery will have a duty cycle of 5% talk-time, 5% listening time, 90% standby. References you may see as to the battery duration of X number of hours are typically based on the 5/5/90 assumed usage.

Battery Life: Stay Safe Out There!

Hardcore hikers, workers in remote locations, workers using heavy talk-time, or people working for more than an 8-hour shift should review and carefully consider battery life when buying two-way radios. You don’t want to get cut-off from communications if your battery dies. If you live and work in remote and/or heavy battery use situations, you will want to have additional, fully charged batteries handy. When things get crazy, waiting to charge your only battery is not what you want to be doing.

It’s important to note that the higher the wattage of your walkie-talkie, the more quickly it drains power. Look for two-way radios that switch to a power saver mode in between broadcasts. Most radios offer a battery indicator light or meter to signal how much power is left. Some vibrate or emit a low tone when battery levels drop. Another good feature to look for if your walkie-talkie uses a Ni-Cad battery is a rapid discharge button. Rapid discharge helps condition your battery, to avoid memory burn and extends its life expectancy.

Walkie-talkies used on a job site work well with built-in rechargeable batteries that are charged overnight. An overnight charge usually allows the radio to run for a full shift depending on the age of the battery.

Charge

Quality two-way radios, and all radios at MobileSystems.co.nz, will come packaged with an individual radio desktop charger. Chargers work either as ‘trickle’ chargers that power up overnight for 12 - 16 hours or rapid-rate chargers that replenish battery power in 2 - 3 hours.

Tait, Motorola, Hytera, GME and Icom offers multi-unit chargers, sometimes called ‘gang chargers’, that charge 6 units at a time for almost every Business Radio model. Multi-unit chargers cost more, but they help corral your radios; so you can find them when you need them and they help keep the radios from ‘walking away’ since the manager can see them in one place at the end of the day. Most multi-unit chargers offer data cloning to keep settings consistent for the whole fleet. This helps save time by not having to program every radio individually. Instead, all radios automatically program themselves based on the settings of the ‘master radio.’ Using multi-unit chargers also means it only takes one wall outlet to charge several radios.

If your two-way radio uses Ni-Cad or NiMh batteries, but doesn’t offer a rapid discharge function you may be able to get that in a charging unit instead. Conditioning your battery can save you a lot of money by extending usage life. Learn more about chargers by clicking here for more information on models and features.


Useful Two-way Radio Features

Two-way radio manufacturers offer an avalanche of options when it comes to bells and whistles on walkie-talkies. Naturally, different users need different functionalities from their radios; so here are some of the most popular choices.

Display Screens

The latest two-way radios show vital information at a quick glance on a display screen. Offerings may include: clocks, stop watches, timers, and alarms; weather information including altimeters and barometers; a digital compass; battery levels, transmit and receive signal indicators and more. Look for an LCD (liquid crystal display) that’s backlit, making it easier to read in diverse lighting conditions.

VOX Versus PTT Microphones

Great for wire-pullers, crane operators, hunters, skiers and workers who have their hands full. VOX automatically sends the unit into transmit mode when it detects speech in the direction of the microphone. No need to push to talk! VOX definitely has its advantages, but can also cause confusion, if it picks up conversation that is not meant to be transmitted. Look for “VOX” in the microphone’s description, if automatic transmission is a feature that interests you. If you would prefer to transmit only when you specifically act to communicate over the radio, which is the standard, look for PTT. This stands for Push-to-Talk. Typically, the user presses a small button next to the mic or a button on the radio to speak. Otherwise, no conversation or noise is transmitted.

Some microphone models offer both options that can be set to preference. With most Motorola radios, when the microphone is plugged-in, a long press on the radio talk button will put the mic into VOX mode and a tap on the talk button will put the mic back into PTT mode.

Keypad Lock

If your walkie-talkie regularly walks a bumpy road, then you should choose this handy feature that locks down your keypad to prevent unintended changes to your channel settings. Weather Channels Don’t let Mother Nature catch you off guard! Get the latest NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association) weather information delivered in real-time, direct to some models of PRS and VHF business two-way radios.

Ring Tones and Silencers

Several two-way radio models allow you to designate differing ring tones for members of your party - just like a cell phone. You can also set the unit to vibrate, illuminate or simply do nothing at all, if a call comes in when stealth counts.

Out of Range Alerts

Set your walkie-talkies to alert you and your party when one of you wanders out of communication range.

Eavesdrop Reducer (Also Known as Scrambling)

A feature on higher-end units, voice-inversion technology is used to scramble communications transmitted by people on the same channel and privacy code. Using the same eavesdrop reducer setting, channel and privacy code can prevent other radio users from listening in on your conversations.

Handy Accessories

Walkie-talkie manufacturers and third parties make many products that expand the ease and usability of your two-way radios. Be sure to double-check that the accessories you buy will work with the two-way radios you own. Techwholesale.com includes a sampling of popular accessory items under each model displayed on the website, for a longer list and more information click two-way radio accessories. Also note that many manufacturers’ warranties become void, if accessories from other companies are used.

Microphone Check!

Tap. Tap. Is this thing on? Speaker microphones, headsets and earpieces add a big advantage in loud or low noise environments. Select your microphone for your comfort using either PTT (Push-to-Talk) or VOX (Voice Activated) capabilities. Handsfree mics allow you to - literally - keep busy on the task at hand. They come in a few different configurations: the secret-service style ear tubes, wired with over-the-ear hooks like with many mp3 players or the shoulder models popular with firefighters and police.

Holsters and Belt Clips

Quick draw holsters and belt clips ensure you’re never fumbling around to respond or communicate. Your two-way radio is at your side, right where you left it. Radios come with basic holsters from some dealers and these are typically fine for everyday use. If your radio does duty in a rugged environment, a fully-enclosed leather or hard case can add years to its life.

Programming Cables & PC Compatible Software

Clone data and channel settings in a snap with cables that form a radio-to-radio or radio-to-computer USB connection. PC compatible software allows you to benefit from the full functionality of a computer keyboard and mouse to configure your two-way radio settings and store data with ease.

Antennas

Antennas do the job of sending, receiving and converting the radio waves required to communicate. They come in different configurations and lengths and some have extensions that can be placed on internal or outdoor surfaces. These antenna extensions can boost range, but they are only practical for fixed-position radios like base-units and are not usually meant for handheld radios. Antennas are critical to penetration of obstacles and materials in the environment.


Beyond Handheld: Mobile Units and Base Stations

Mobile units are what you see in taxi cabs, police cars and municipal vehicles. Mobile radios are mounted in the vehicle and run off of the vehicle’s battery. Mobile two-way radios will use a separate antenna attached to the roof, fender or other area on its exterior.

Base stations are placed on a counter top or desk. They get their power from a standard wall outlet. They typically use an exterior antenna located on the highest point of the building for maximum signal boost.

Mobile units and base stations can be more powerful and much more expensive and complex than handheld two-way radios. They are able to broadcast using as much as 100 watts of power, but need very special licensing and require experts to configure their set-up. In operations such as fire and police departments, mobile units, base stations and handheld walkie-talkies are designed to work together to provide seamless communications from the field to home base. Check out mobile units and base stations for more information.

Extending Range with Repeaters and Trunking

Repeaters improve the quality and range of your two-way radio transmissions. They work by receiving a signal on one frequency and rebroadcasting it on another simultaneously. When placed in between parties who are out of normal range they work to push the signal forward, so it can go the distance.

Repeaters can be a literal, physical workaround for obstacles and penetration issues. Position a repeater in a strategic place in the line of sight - say on the top of a mountain that cuts through a job site - and it can pick up a signal and push it up and over the obstruction. Once set up, these are terrific tools, but are significantly more expensive to purchase, license and maintain.

Trunking systems link 2 or more repeaters to add channels that serve more users and increase range. They also manage signal resources in areas where broadcast traffic is heavy. Click for a more in-depth discussion of repeaters or trunking systems.

ROIP: Radio Over Internet Protocol

No two-way radio is going to pack a range of hundreds or even thousands of miles - that would mean A LOT of repeaters. If you need to get information from out in the field or in the wild, back to the mother ship a long way away, Radio over Internet Protocol can make that happen. Software centered solutions enable you to connect your two-way radio to the Internet. Tapping into the Internet, lets you communicate with anyone in the world! Click RoIP for more details RoIP


Why Use Two-way Radios Over Cell Phones?

Location! Location! Location! Cell phones just don’t work everywhere. Dead zones, breaking up: No bars, means no talking. Not with two-way radios, as long as you’re in range of your party, you’re in communication.

With walkie-talkies there are no contracts, no fees, no monthly bill! Two-way radios are easy to use and come with loads of handy features. They also come with parts and labor warranties. Motorola offers a 1-year replacement warranty for defects. Your typical cell phone warranty lasts 90 days. There’s no dialing individual numbers, with two-way radios you just Push to Talk! You can reach everyone in an instant with a walkie-talkie and that can be critical in an emergency. Using some two-way radio’s ‘selective calling’ features you’re able to choose to speak with certain groups of people or even privately with one person. With walkie-talkies, you get the best of both worlds.

Two-way radios rated to military specifications and/or intrinsically safe intrinsically safe go where cell phones can’t: dusty, dirty, wet or combustible environments.

When disaster strikes, cell phone networks become overloaded fast. Two-way radios ensure you have access to information and communication when others don’t. Having two-way radios around can keep your family safe and your business in operation when everything else goes south.

Benefits for Business

Two-way radio communication brings a whole host of benefits to businesses. When your employees use walkie-talkies, you’re just a Push to Talk button away from the ‘the back’ of the warehouse where you can instantly access needed information or call-in an extra pair of hands. You’ll see: Suddenly work becomes so much easier when you don’t have to make that extra trip!

However, if you’re tempted to cut corners with a consumer grade radio, you should review that choice and think twice before spending your money. Walkie-talkies tailored for business are built to take a heavier beating than radios designed for ‘occasional use.’ Business walkie-talkies broadcast on more channels, come with more advanced features and are engineered for the higher sound quality needed in work environments. Business grade radios typically last through years of daily use. Durability is what makes Business Radios less expensive than PRS radios in the long run, because they are built to last, while other models (designed just a step above toys) wear out quickly with regular use.

Two-way radios streamline operations, so your business builds its reputation on quick and convenient customer service. Booming business means big bottom lines. When you reduce employee hours and overhead, your bottom line grows even bigger.

Let MobileSystems.co.nz help you choose the right two-way radios to make that happen. Radios for Recreation Camping, hunting, fishing, boating, four-wheeling in dirt or snow; two-way radios make outdoor fun easy! Walkie-talkies tailored to the sporting life offer features like weather reports, compasses and stop watches, making walkie-talkies more than just tools to talk.

Two-way radios work well indoors too! Teens on the hunt for the perfect prom dress can radio back to mom for the plastic when the target has been acquired. Parents can sit back and relax wherever they choose while the kids tire themselves out.

Walkie-talkies help keep track of the troops just about anywhere. They’re perfect for finding friends at jazz festivals, ball games or amusement parks or rounding up the kids when dinner is ready. Family Radios are so simple even the little ones can use them; so you feel better knowing they’re within reach.

MobileSystems.co.nz are vendors for Tait, Motorola, Hytera and icom two-