Buying two-way radios for personal or corporate usage is a good decision for anyone seeking reliable and economical communication. Choosing the ideal radio for you takes time and study. There is no “one-size-fits-all” technique to picking “the greatest” radio.
Considerations Before Writing a Check
Despite their high cost, two-way radios are a very useful piece of communication equipment to have in your toolkit. Keep on reading if you’re unsure which is ideal for your needs.
UHF or VHF
Understanding the available frequency ranges is critical to ensuring consistent and uninterrupted connection regardless of the radio’s surroundings. Very High Frequency (VHF) operates between 136 and 174 Mhz. VHF is best used outdoors over broad plains or hills with some trees.
Ultra-High Frequencies (UHF) operate between 450 and 470 Mhz. They are more common than VHF due to their greater range in concrete or steel structures and densely populated cities.
Licensed or Not
When deciding between licensed and non-licensed radios, the operating environment, cost, and security are usually the deciding criteria. PMR-446 radios share frequencies with license-free (PMR-446) radios. Anyone in range of your PMR446 radio could listen in or block your signal. Free radios don’t need networks, call fees, or contracts. They are entry-level radios with a 3km range.
Licensed radios usually have more features, better communication, and less interference. The frequency ranges from $100 to $280, depending on usage. And urban (inner city). Licensed radios are better for business and give extra security by preventing outsiders from listening.
Analog or Digital
Analog and digital radio conveyed signals in different ways. They can communicate better with weak or strong signals than digital radios. Analog radios, however, can only sustain one communication.
Digital radio offers more channels, longer-range messages, and longer battery life. Digital radios, on the other hand, are substantially more complex, require the same programming and standardization, and are far more expensive.
Need for Channels
It depends on the model. One channel will do for all staff. Hotels, for example, may need many channels. Security and hotel administration have their channels. Enumerate the number of departments that will be cooperating inside and between departments. Learn more about wide area networks repeater systems and how it works.
Environment
Examine the radio’s operating conditions and use emergency lighting to check for flammable vapors or dust in potentially dangerous situations (chemical factories, oil refineries, and flour mills) that can damage your radios or electrical equipment. High and unsteady electric fields can create sparks.
The radio should have an IP rating of 66 or above when submerged or working in dusty and humid circumstances. It will keep the water and dust out of the device.
Conclusion
Many factors impact which radio is best for you. Beyond the above components and features, there are many other alternatives to consider (Man Down, GPS, Lone Worker, Voice Activation (VOX), etc.)
The type of radio required is easily determined. But it’s tough to tell which make and model is best for your needs without trying it out in the field. For rental on-site testing and demos, check out Indiana two way radio rentals.