Do you wish to be in contact with your acquaintances on the beat? Or, do you want to chat with your mountain climbing partner 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.
What is your required range?
Two miles is typically the range that a lot of radios can transmit and receive. 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 a place in an increased 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?
When radio waves are transmitted from a height, it could travel a much longer distance. 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. While choosing your system, you have to take into consideration the elevation, since it has the capacity to increase the range.
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. Compared to a system with smaller antennas, systems with bigger antennas has higher levels of effective radiated power, which makes it as having more sense. However, since small antennas look more chic, people want them more than bigger ones. You need to select an antenna based on the application that you need. Try not to go for smaller antennas simply because they look better. You have to remember that a long range cannot be covered by smaller antennas.
Do you wish privacy?
Opting for a CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System) is perfect if you are operating your 2-way radio in a busy place and you are expecting a lot of interference. You may be able to divide channels using privacy codes with the help of CDCSS.
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 aspects to take into account
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.
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.
What is your required range?
Two miles is typically the range that a lot of radios can transmit and receive. 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 a place in an increased 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?
When radio waves are transmitted from a height, it could travel a much longer distance. 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. While choosing your system, you have to take into consideration the elevation, since it has the capacity to increase the range.
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. Compared to a system with smaller antennas, systems with bigger antennas has higher levels of effective radiated power, which makes it as having more sense. However, since small antennas look more chic, people want them more than bigger ones. You need to select an antenna based on the application that you need. Try not to go for smaller antennas simply because they look better. You have to remember that a long range cannot be covered by smaller antennas.
Do you wish privacy?
Opting for a CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System) is perfect if you are operating your 2-way radio in a busy place and you are expecting a lot of interference. You may be able to divide channels using privacy codes with the help of CDCSS.
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 aspects to take into account
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.
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