Shopping For A Two-Way Radio System? Below Are Some Guidelines For You

Do you want to be in touch with your colleagues on the beat? Or, do you like to chat with your mountain climbing companion whose mountaineering skills are going downhill? Well, two-way radios can certainly help. The trick is to buy the proper system that will help you perform efficiently. And, here’s a guide that will help you choose:

How many channels are you looking for and how much power do you need?

If you require a two-way radio system for basic use, then go with FRS (Family Radio Service) models, which operate on 0.5 watt of power and transmit on 14 channels. If you want higher power, select GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), which operate on 1-2 watts of power and can transmit on 22 channels. The Federal Communications Commission requires you to have a 5 year license to make use of GMRS bands. Also, if you want more channels, then buy a GMRS system.

What is your required range?

The majority of radios can transmit and receive in a range of 2 miles. This is because variables like weather, topography, metal surfaces, human bodies, electromagnetic interference and other obstructions can impact radio performance. Keep this in mind before purchasing a radio system and do not be taken in by tall claims made by the manufacturer.

At what height will you use two-way radios?

Will you use your radio system in a place in an elevated urban jungle, or will you use it to communicate to a colleague located in the valley below while you are at the mountain top, or will you make use of it on completely flat land?

You must know that radio waves travel a much longer distance when they are transmitted from a height. If the transmission tower is positioned in an elevated area or if you would be using the radio system from an elevated portion, then its range will surely increase. Elevation can dramatically increase the range and you must take this factor into account while choosing your system.

What is the efficient radiated power of the antenna?

A radio antenna with high effective radiated power can capture waves that are 12.5 inches in length. A system with larger antennas has more effective radiated power and therefore makes more sense than a system with smaller antennas. But people want small antennas because they look stylish. You must choose the antenna based on your program - do not go for smaller antennas just because they look good, and remember, smaller antennas cannot cover a long range.

Do you want some level of privacy?

If you are running your two-way radio in a busy place, and expect that there will be interference, then you must opt for a system that features CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System). CDCSS helps you divide channels by using privacy codes.

Annoying chatter is minimized, although not fully cut out, when you communicate with privacy codes. Keep in mind that your communication wouldn’t be made private by the CDCSS.

Miscellaneous factors to take into account

Size of the radio set, its weight, calling features, channel-scanning capabilities, keypad locks, voice activated or VOX system, weather radio, noise filters, headset considerations, battery type used, and channel compatibility are some of the other factors you may want to consider.

Before you buy a two-way radio system, make use of the one-way guide provided above. We wish that this will assist you in making the proper judgment.