Take Heed Of These Tips When Looking For A Two-Way Radio System
Do you want to be in touch with your colleagues on the beat? Or, do you want 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 purchase a GMRS system.
How much range do you require?
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. Don’t be taken in by tall claims of manufacturers, rather make sure that you keep these things in mind before you acquire a radio system.
At what height will you use two-way radios?
Will you utilize your radio system in an area in an elevated urban jungle, or will you utilize it from a mountain top to communicate with your colleague in the valley below, or will you use it on entirely flat land?
You must know that radio waves travel a much longer distance when they are transmitted from a height. If you are intending to use the radio system from an elevated place, or if the transmission tower is situated at an elevated place, the radio's range will increase. While choosing your system, you have to take into consideration the elevation, since it has the capacity to increase the range.
What is the antenna’s effective radiated power?
Waves that are 12.5 inches in length can be captured by a radio antenna with high effective radiated power. 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 wish 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). You may be able to divide channels using privacy codes with the help of CDCSS.
Interacting with privacy codes minimizes, but does not fully cut out, irritating chatter. Do note that the CDCSS will not make your communication private.
Miscellaneous factors to consider
Some other factors that are worthy to consider are the weight of the radio set, the calling features, keypad locks, weather radio, channel-scanning capabilities, voice activated or VOX system, headset considerations, channel compatibility and the battery type used.
Use the one-way guide above before buying a two-way radio system. We hope it will help you make the right decision.