subject: Grab A Pair Of Two-way Radios For Convenient Communication [print this page] Most people typically think of "listening" to a radio when the item is simply referred to as a "radio." But, mention the term "two-way" and a lot of people conjure up images of a police officer speaking into a radio microphone, or, perhaps a firefighter. Many commercial operations, specifically ones that field a fleet of vehicles, that need to be in communication with a "home base" like a taxi cab company, for example, depend upon using two-way radios.
Conventional Radios
A conventional portable two-way operates on a fixed radio frequency (RF) channel. Although the same radio can operate on different channels, users have to choose one specific channel because these units only operate on one channel at a time. These units also have a button for "dialing" in whatever frequency needs to be used. The frequency regulator for any given area will usually allocate specific channels that an organization will be authorized to use. This is usually the norm, for example, assigning cab companies different frequencies so each can communicate with their own personnel exclusively.
Trunked Radios
Another kind of portable two-way radio is a trunked radio. This type follows preset rules that allow the unit to automatically choose a frequency channel by itself. Additionally, a digital version of a trunked radio has the ability to perform transmission of multiple conversations all coming over the same frequency at the same time. This is known as multiplexing.
Duplex Radios
This is another kind of portable two-way radio that can also transmit and receive messages on multiple frequencies. However, these types of two-way radios need additional equipment in order to function such as a base station and a repeater. Signals from one radio are transmitted to several others as long as all radios in communication are within signal reach of the base station. There are three types - full, half and hybrid. The half version requires users to press a button to send and then release the button to receive. The full version allows for sending and receiving at the same time while the hybrid uses both techniques. The hybrid allows for extension of any geographic area where communication is needed between a pair of end users.
Analogue or Digital Radios
Analogue two-way radios include well-known units like walkie talkies and AM radios. The great advantage for using an analogue radio is that it has the ability to work very well in areas where there are weak signals - as long as there is high-quality equipment being used. Digital radios are popularly in use and the most common one is a safety radio. It allows communication between many users but is also capable for sensing voice data and text messages.
