Portable Two Way Radios

Portable two-way radios, or walkie-talkies as they are more popularly known

, became talk of the town because they were the first ones to make wireless communication possible.Originally used in shipping, law enforcement, and the military, the first two-way radios were bulky, expensive, and had limited range.Improvements in technology and design have made them smaller, more powerful, and within reach of many individuals.And because talking via two-way radio is cost-free compared to a cell phone, they have become an indispensable though economical business tool especially in the hotel, restaurant, and special events sectors.

Make the Right Choice

Before buying a portable two-way radio, it is important to determine exactly what they will be used for, the location where they will operate in, and the length of time they are expected to last.Two-way radios have varying frequencies, range, power requirements, and number of channels. They can range from $120 to $300, are able to last for a day on a full charge, and have a service life of from 2 to 10 years.Finding the right two-way radio for your needs will avoid not just costly errors but a breakdown in communication when you're running a highly-precise business operation.

The Correct Frequency

Portable two-way radios come in VHF or UHF format.They have something to do with the radio waves that they transmit and receive and are crucial in ensuring effective penetration.VHF waves travel twice as fast as UHF waves on open ground, rolling hills, and trees but have difficulty penetrating buildings, walls, and a rugged terrain. UHF waves, on the other hand, are more effective indoors.Choosing the correct frequency is determined by the characteristic features of the area where the portable two-way radio is to be used.As a rule, VHF radios are best outdoors while UHF ones are ideal indoors, or when you have to switch between indoor and outdoor use.

Power Requirement

Determining the power requirement of a portable two-way radio depends on the area that needs to be covered.If it is to be used within a single building, or in an outdoor location that has a 1-mile radius, a 1-watt radio would suffice. If, on the other hand, you need to cover more than one building, or an area covering up to 2 miles, a 2-watt radio would be necessary.There are higher-powered portable radios for a much wider reach which are available.Make sure you know the extent of coverage that would be required to be able to buy a portable two-way radio that doesn't fall short of expectations.

Number of Channels

A two-way radio can have one or more channels depending on the number of persons involved. If you have a small team, a one-channel radio would be enough to keep everyone connected.If, on the other hand, you have several teams with different assignments happening simultaneously, you can avoid confusion by getting a multi-channel radio that will provide each group with a dedicated channel.If you're coordinating everything, you need a two-way radio that allows you to scan, or switch from channel to channel as required.

Portable two-way radios are great for personal or business use, but you have to know your exact requirements to be able to make the correct purchase.Once you've done your homework, you'll find satisfaction in an economical tool for communicating and enhancing efficiency.

by:Jacque Crook

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