Picking the right two way radios is a critical decision for personal and professional users alike. Mobile phones are not always the best solution, with two way radios offering a better option under certain circumstances.
A walkie talkie is exceptionally cost-effective, user friendly, and more reliable in remote locations where mobile phone coverage is patchy or doesn’t exist. A two way radio system can be used by businesses to keep track of what is going on and to coordinate the workforce. Individuals can use them for leisure pursuits such as skiing, hiking, sailing, and camping.
Industries and uses
License-free two way radios are great for professional use where the range will not exceed approximately one and a half miles. Businesses that need greater coverage than this should consider licensed two way radios. These are marginally more expensive and require a license from Ofcom, starting from £75 and becoming more costly in high-demand areas.
Walkie talkie radios are incredibly versatile, and you can purchase a simple twin set or a more extensive system with tens of units. Most models of 2 way radio meet the needs of future scalability, but this is something you should discuss with our team to ensure your future needs can be met.
Two way radios are utilised by many business sectors, including security, events management, hospitality, retail, education, construction, manufacturing, and warehouse and distribution. Options exist for organisations that need secure communication, and sub-channels support businesses that have different teams.
Things you should look for
There are numerous specifications and features you may want to consider when choosing your two way radios:
- Range – Radio signals travel in straight lines, so buildings, mountains, trees, and city landscapes can block the signal. Models often advertise a range of just over six miles, but this is more likely to be less than three in reality. A general rule of thumb is that one watt equals one mile of coverage.
- Batteries – If you are in a location with no power supply having replaceable alkaline batteries are ideal. Where regular use is anticipated, a rechargeable system with a charging dock makes better sense.
- VOX mode – Voice Activated Transmit offers hands-free use and is ideal for those that are driving or riding a vehicle. The microphone is continually active and transmits whenever it picks up your voice, and ceases once you have finished speaking. It is extremely beneficial to choose a model with a headphone or a throat microphone socket.
- PTT function – Press To Talk is a better option compared to VOX, where there is a lot of background noise, such as within a factory.
- Privacy codes – These don’t protect your privacy but help you remove interference in areas where two way radios are in high use.
- UHF – Ultra High Frequency is great for urban settings because the signal penetrates well through trees and buildings.
- VHF – Very High-Frequency models have a long-range over open terrain.
You may also want to consider the radio’s IP rating, which donates its resistance to dust and water. If you require an ultra-tough radio, look for units that are US MIL STD-810 or ATEX tested.