Radio has evolved in countless forms throughout history. From an essential mode of communication to an advertising tool, it’s a vital landscape in history and everyday life. The radio may seem irrelevant in a world filled with computers, mobile phones, and tablets, but it’s the most expansive audience footprint. According to the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), it reaches 3 billion people globally and 256 million in the United States each week.

Though some types of radio are less popular than others, most have been around since the early days of communications and are more common now than ever. One of these is ham radio or amateur radio, a classic piece of communication that some view as an archaic technology, only applicable to the security forces for emergency communication and communication by movie stars and truck drivers. Amateur radio has numerous benefits and uses, is fun, educational, social, and can be a lifeline in times of need.

This guide goes through everything you need to know about amateur radio and amateur radio stations. It looks into its definition, history, the origin of its name, how some of the top handheld ham radios work, and equipment required for set up. It also features how radio amateurs can use the technology, communication systems, the licensing process, multiple types of licenses available, and the benefits of amateur radio.

Table of Contents show

What Is Ham or Amature Radio?

History of Ham Radio

Why the name Ham Radio?

What Equipment do you Need for a Ham Radio?

American radio relay league: All you need to know

Where Should You Set Up Your Ham Radio?

How Do You Become an Amateur Radio Operator?

What Are the Available Types of Ham Radio Licenses?

How Do You Use a Ham Radio?

What Are the Uses of Ham Radio?

What Are the Benefits of a Ham Radio?

Conclusion

Radio“>What Is Ham or Amature Radio?

Ham or amateur radio is a radio service that uses several frequencies to receive and transmit messages without a mobile device or an internet service. They are operated by amateur radio operators called “hams,” who communicate over VHF and UHF frequencies that complement each other to transmit radio signals. Amateur radios are strictly used for non-commercial purposes such as exchanging messages on sports, weather, politics, emergency communication, private recreation, and wireless experimentation; services known as Amateur Radio Service.

Radio“>History of Ham Radio

The origin of the ham radio technology dates back to the 1890s and early 1900s during the invention of radio communication. It began with Guglielmo Marconi sending the letter “S” in Morse Code from Cornwall in Great Britain to Newfoundland in Canada, across the Atlantic Ocean.
This invention was exciting for many technically-minded people globally as they experimented with wireless telegraphy. As a result, amateurs soon began to cobble together their own radio sets, leading to the term amateur radio.

Radio“>Why the name Ham Radio?

According to the American radio relay league, there are three speculations about the origin of the name HAM radio. They include:

• Ham is an acronym for the first ham radio station’s owners; Albert Hyman, Bob Almy, and Poogie Murray.
• The term “ham” was to mean “unprofessionally made,” hence describing ham radios as ordinary people, not professionals made them, thus the rise of amateur radio societies.
• Ham comes from Oscar Hammarlund, who built a strong radio equipment brand in the early 1900s.

Due to the versatility of ham radio frequencies, the spectrum is divided into twenty-seven different amateur radio bands that bounce off from the transmitter onto the antenna.

Radio“>What Equipment do you Need for a Ham Radio?

The equipment needed depends on your amateur radio license class and interests. Some notable options among these include a transceiver (handheld, mounted, or mobile), antenna, antenna tuner, power source, and repeaters. Other equipment you may need include; extra batteries, a charger, a headset with a microphone, a flashlight, and electrical tape.

If you are in the U.S, you may want to join a community of amateur radio enthusiasts. One of the most notable entities on matters of ham radio has been the Ameican Radio Relay League

radio_relay_league_All_you_need_to_know”>American radio relay league: All you need to know

The Ameican Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio in the United States. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim as The American Radio Relay League, ARRL is a non-profit organization that promotes interest in Amateur Radio and coordinates voluntary disaster communications response.

ARRL membership includes amateur radio operators of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Membership benefits include QST, the monthly ARRL membership journal; QEX, a bi-monthly experimental radio publication; access to online resources such as the members-only radio.com/”>website, email lists, and discounts on ARRL publications, products and services.

The ARRL also offers a wide range of education and training programs to help new and experienced radio amateurs alike. These include everything from entry-level licensing courses to Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) training and more.

Radio“>Where Should You Set Up Your Ham Radio?

If you plan to use your mobile amateur radio in a vehicle, mount it on your dashboard or under the seat by attaching the antenna to the car on the roof, hood, or tailgate. Have a ham base station in one location like your home if you have a general license. Before setting up this station, have a space within your house that:

• Won’t disturb your neighbors
• You can install cable antennas
• Allows you to keep the optimum temperature required for all your equipment
• You can connect a power source for the ham radio equipment

Radio_Operator”>How Do You Become an Amateur Radio Operator?

Though the technology needed to start using amateur radio is straightforward and possible to master through self-training, you may need to go through a learning curve to become a Ham. This includes understanding the federal communications commission (FCC) rules that permit you to operate and use the proper air etiquette.

You may also need to go through a licensing process. The first step is to study for and pass a written examination administered by the FCC. You will then need to pass a practical exam, which tests your ability to operate an amateur radio station.

Once you have your amateur radio license, you can use amateur radio to communicate with other hams worldwide.

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Radio_Licenses”>What Are the Available Types of Ham Radio Licenses?

Operating an amateur radio without a license in the United States can attract a fine of between $7,500 and $10,000 unless you are in a severe emergency. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates amateur radio licenses in the Communications Act of 1934, and it has three license classes that vary in frequency, availability, and complexity. The class you choose will determine the frequency bands and modes you will be able to operate in:

Technician License

This is the entry-level ham radio license that is meant for beginner amateur radio enthusiasts. To acquire this license, you must pass a test with 35 questions that prove that you know all the essentials of radio rules and regulations. Once you pass the exam, you receive your license and gain access to amateur radio services and frequencies above 30 megahertz.

General License

A general license is more advanced compared to a technician’s license, based on its operating principles. You must pass the technician exam and take another 35-question exam to receive your general mobile radio service license. This license provides you with the same access as a technician’s license but has additional worldwide communications.

Amateur Extra License

After acquiring your General license, you must successfully pass an extra 50-question exam to get an amateur extra license. It gives you all United States amateur radio communications privileges on all bands and modes.

As a component of your amateur radio operator license, the regulatory body in your country assigns you a call sign such as KC9ANG. A call sign identifies you as the operator or the station and what you will use to identify yourself during communications within the amateur radio community. It consists of the following information using numeric and alpha identifiers:

• The country you are calling from and the license
• An identifier for that specific station
• The subdivision of your country

Most ham radio operators only hold a technician license, which serves their desired purpose. However, there is a limit on the maximum frequency you can reach and requires you to use ham radio repeaters. For a more extensive reach, have a general license. After receiving your license, it will remain valid for ten years, after which you need to renew it. Also check our more in-depth article on how to get any of the above ham radio licences.

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Radio“>How Do You Use a Ham Radio?

Once you have your license, you can start using amateur radio to communicate with other hams worldwide, both as a hobby and during critical moments. There are a few different ways to do this:

Voice

You can use the ham radio to talk to other hams worldwide in real-time. This is similar to a telephone conversation, but it doesn’t require an internet connection.

Data

You can use ham radio to send and receive data, including text messages, images, and files. This is similar to email, but it doesn’t require an internet connection.

The best way to get started in ham radio is to find a local club or group of hams who can help you get the basics. Several online resources can help you get started, including the ARRL radio.com/”>website.

When communicating on amateur radio, speak clearly and at a natural pace- not too fast or too slow. Use appropriate codes to respond and carry on a conversation if someone replies. After your call, log your contacts and send a QSL card to the person you contacted in the form of written mail.

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Radio“>What Are the Uses of Ham Radio?

Ham radio is used for a variety of purposes. Most hams use it for personal communication as a family radio service, whether talking to friends and family worldwide or just chatting with other hams in their local area. The following are a few other popular uses for amateur radio:

Disaster preparedness: During global disasters, when it’s impossible to use the internet or smartphones, you may use amateur radio for emergency communications as it doesn’t rely on data grids or electricity.

International Space Station: As an astronaut, you can carry a handheld amateur radio to connect with your colleagues when flying through space.

Moon bouncing: You can use amateur radio to bounce radio waves off the moon. This bouncing increases amateur radio range and distance, allowing for communication with people worldwide.

Competitions: There are contests for hams that enjoy experimenting with amateur radio channels. A radio amateur can win awards, coupons, and cash prizes for having amateur radio frequencies-improving skills in the matches.

Distance dialing: You can collect frequencies and channels worldwide and showcase your skills online if you enjoy connecting with people in distant locations.

Digital data: With modern amateur radios, amateur operators can send digital signals globally as they enable you to send pictures and other information over the airwaves.

Radio“>What Are the Benefits of a Ham Radio?

Efficient Method of Communication

During disasters such as floods, cell phones cannot make calls, text, or access the internet. In instances where traditional forms of communication are not helpful, you can rely on amateur radio technology to communicate.

Long-Hour, Long-Distance Communication

Thanks to its energy efficiency, you can use amateur radio for as long as possible, which is convenient, especially if you intend to use it for entertainment. You can also use it over long distances as distance doesn’t limit it.

radio_operators”>Effective in Emergencies for amateur radio operators

Ham radio is a perfect device for emergencies due to its long-term usage, low power requirements, and long-distance reach. For instance, on 9/11, New York City agencies communicated using the Amateur Radio Service during the destruction of their command center when other forms of communication were ineffective.

radio_include”>Other essential benefits of ham radio include:

• Extensive range of frequencies, so they don’t get overcrowded.
• Easy to access; no longer need to know Morse code.
• Efficient way to communicate without reliance on cellular networks, especially true for some of the best mobile ham radio devices
• It has more power with a base station having up to 1500 watts; however, it can still communicate with operators with the power of fewer than 10 watts.
• It’s an affordable means of emergency communication with low start-up costs.
• It allows you to directly receive information about extreme weather and disasters from government agencies.

Conclusion

Ham radio is a vital tool of communication that enables you to connect with people you would never encounter in your day-to-day life. While becoming a licensed ham operator may seem a daunting process, it is well worth the effort. Once you have your license, you can start using amateur radio to communicate with other hams around the world.

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One of the most important aspects of survival is communication. When it comes to leaving everything behind, an essential for your bug out kit is a two-way radio system. Such a ham radio can be particularly useful when normal modes of communication aren’t available.

A two-way radio transceiver completes a survival kit and the Baofeng GT3 is an excellent option. Baofeng is a popular name among ham operators because the brand offers affordable, entry-level radios starting for just a few bucks.

As they feature small size and pack a lot of power in their battery, Baofeng radios are ideal for emergency situations and travel. They can keep you connected for weeks. In this post, we take a closer look at Baofeng GT3 transceiver and learn more about its features, battery and manual to help readers who are considering the product.

» Click for Current Pricing, Pictures & Amazon Reviews

Baofeng GT3 Review – UPDATED 2020

A powerful and compact two-way radio that comes loaded with some advanced features from the brand, Baofeng GT3 uses the latest integrated circuit to deliver a real-world performance that users expect. It excels at what it does with its improved anti-interference functions. It also comes with new noise-reduction capabilities to block out noises during receipt and transmission between 50Hz and 55Hz.

Look and Feel

The Baofeng GT3 has an impressive build quality and looks very much like any other Baofeng variety. Orange accents add a modern touch to the appearance of the radio. The accessories it includes are worth the price. It comes with a belt clip, antenna, charging stand, car charger, wrist strap and mic/earpiece.

Antenna

The Baofeng GT3 comes with a SainSonic antenna which is drastically improved over the standard antenna. This improved antenna enhances the radio’s ability to receive and transmit signals and allows a better range on the handheld radio. Moreover, when used under such a high-power operation of the radio, the antenna does not get so hot as other radio models.

LED Flashlight

While a flashlight does not affect the performance of the radio, it is a desirable feature. The inclusion of an LED light at the top saves you when you don’t have another flashlight in your survival kit. This can also save you space when travelling and it serves its purpose. It is bright enough to help you navigate the way in darkness.

Battery

Baofeng GT3 battery life is great. It has a 7.4V 1800mAh lithium-ion battery which is built to last for few weeks to keep the radio working. This means your radio can serve you even when the emergency lasts through weeks. The powerful battery makes the radio more reliable.

Display

The radio uses a different display where the background is dark and the text is white. Though it looks cool and different from regular LCD displays, it can be disappointing to some as it is difficult to see when the backlight is off. The backlight goes dark when the radio is idle and seeing the info becomes hard. It is desirable to have the backlit display constantly on.

Keypad

The keypad of this transceiver has a better feel than previous models. Moreover, it illuminates the background to make it easier to identify keys at night.

Buttons

The radio has a number of exterior sockets and plugs that you can use to enhance usability. It has a Call button that turns the device on and helps send out an alarm in case of emergency.

Then there is a MONI button that turns the flashlight on. Pressing and holding this button releases the squelch on the frequency you are monitoring.

Push to Talk button located towards the left can be used to transmit.

Ports

Towards the right side of the radio, there are ports for microphone and speaker. You can plug in standard earphones or the included mic/earphone headset into this port.

Cover

There is a protective case that keeps the radio from getting lost. There is also a belt clip that allows clipping the device to your belt when you are on the move.

Car Charger

The Baofeng GT3 radio includes a car charger that saves you from the worry of battery life. Whether you are hiking, camping or travelling by car, you can always keep your device powered. This charger works with other models of dual-band radio as well.

Speaker

Another improvement in this radio model is the speaker which delivers louder and clearer sound. It performs better than the previous models and enhances the experience with this radio.

Programming

Those who are not familiar with programming frequencies into a handheld radio can find it difficult at first. While the user manual describes the programming procedure, it can be tedious to follow the steps. However, it becomes easy once learnt. You can use the programming cable and software from Baofeng to make the task easier. YouTube videos can help a lot. Once you program a few radios, it would become simple.

Best Antenna For Baofeng GT3

The Baofeng GT3 transceiver provides an excellent transmission and receipt range. However, you may sometimes want to extend the range of your radio. The antenna that comes with your device is short to maintain portability. You might realize at times that you should upgrade your radio antenna to use the device to its full potential. An upgrade will give the radio a better signal over extended distances, allowing you to deliver uninterrupted communication without any issue. Here are some of the best antennas for Baofeng GT3.

Walkie Talkie 15.6 inch Dual Band Antenna

About 16 inches in length, this antenna is ideal for outdoor use and is quite flexible and durable, making it easy to carry around. It can give a frequency range of 144-430MHz. It works with Baofeng radios and features a rubber spacer and cover to protect the base from any damage.

Nagoya VHF/UHF Antenna SMA-Female

Compatible with Baofeng models, the Nagoya antenna is 16 inches long and a great way to improve radio signal when using it outdoors. This antenna is durable and withstands rough use. Its frequency range is 144-430MHz. It also includes an extended cover and rubber spacer.

Retevis 2 Way Radio Antenna Extension

Designed to suit Baofeng 2way walkie talkies, this antenna is made out of durable material and is foldable and flexible. You can carry it easily by tucking inside the backpack. It is 15.5 inches long and gives a power gain of 2.15dB to your radio thereby boosting its performance at receiving and transmitting signals.

Baofeng GT3 Battery Life & Backup

The Baofeng GT3 transceiver uses a high capacity lithium ion battery. It is a 7.4 volt battery with 1800mAh capacity. The radio boosts an excellent battery life to provide amazing performance during travel and emergencies. The battery of this transceiver is built to last for weeks together without having to recharge. Charging time for this battery is about 5 hours. You can use the device for days together to receive and transmit due to the outstanding battery life it provides.

The radio ships with a new battery that you should charge for a minimum of 5 hours before the first use. After three full charge/discharge cycles, you can experience the optimum battery capacity and performance. A battery backup is necessary in certain situations. Battery performance can decrease at a lower temperature and a spare battery may be needed. The regular battery can operate at room temperature and can be saved for later use.

Baofeng GT3 Manual – Getting Started

Getting started with Baofeng GT3 is extremely simple. It comes with a user manual that contains detailed instructions on setting the device up, programming and troubleshooting.

Here are some safety instructions listed in the manual.

• The device should not be modified manually
• Only Baofeng approved batteries and chargers should be used
• Do not use any damaged antenna
• Turn the radio off before entering a blasting area
• Avoid exposing the radio to direct sunlight for a long time
• When transmitting, keep the microphone 3-4 cms away from lips and the antenna at least 2.5cm away from the body
• Turn the radio off before boarding an airplane
• Turn it off before entering an area with explosive material

The user manual also lists all the functions and specifications of the radio. It describes the installation procedure for antenna, battery, micro headset and other components in detail. You can also find the battery charging instructions in the manual. The manual also shows all the ports, controls and keys with position and function. You can find a number of shortcut operations to control the radio.

Conclusion

The Baofeng GT3 handheld ham comes at an affordable price and packs a lot of features into a compact device, making it a great bargain. The radio offers exciting features and improvements over the previous models from the brand. Those who want to get a backup communication device without having to spend a fortune would definitely find this radio a worthy purchase.

The post Baofeng GT3 Review – UPDATED 2021 – Battery, Manual & More! appeared first on .

You want to provide protection for your employees from customer attacks and viruses, but you want to do it in a way that doesn’t negatively impact customer service. A security glass window does all that as long as you have a good window intercom system to go along with it. Just having a hole in the window doesn’t provide good communication, nor does it fully protect employees from viruses, bullets, or other dangers.

The type of glass window speaker intercom system you use depends on whether the glass has a hole in it or not. If it currently has a hole, or you can cut one, then you need an intercom that mounts in the hole to close it up. If you need bullet resistance there are addon options to these security window intercoms to provide that so the intercom is not a weak link in the system. Since there different hole sizes, you may need an adapter plate to accommodate the hole size you have.

If you need a wireless window intercom system, and you have a window with a hole, then a window speaker system that uses a rechargeable battery will give you a clean wireless look. To recharge the intercom you simply plug in a charger after hours. If you don’t have a hole, then unfortunately there aren’t any high-quality wireless options so we recommend using a 2-way window counter intercom speaker system that will require running a short piece of cable through the counter on each side. You can find really low cost wireless intercoms on Amazon that claim to be full-duplex, but these really don’t give good performance plus you still have to run power wires to them so they aren’t truly wireless.

No matter which type of ticket window intercom you choose, audio quality is of the utmost importance. We’ve all experienced poor audio quality on customer service window intercoms and this is no way to treat the people who bring money in to your business. If you have an area that has background noise then you want a system that can filter some of this out. If you have a very high noise environment, then you need a system that has full noise cancellation with an amplified speaker.

In addition to good audio you want to make sure the customer doesn’t have to touch the intercom to talk. No one wants to have to touch something hundreds of other people have touched these days.

If you are on a low budget there is a low-cost wired window intercom available. It consists of a speaker with a call button on the customer side, and a counter-top master station on the teller side. Customers do not have to press the call button as long as you know they are there. On the master side it has a button that is push-to-talk and release-to-listen. You can leave in an always-listen mode so you can hear customers coming too. The downside of this system is that there is no noise cancellation so you will hear all noises. There are versions of the customer-side station that can be counter-mounted or wall-mounted.

These Security Window Intercom Systems are used at ticket windows, box office windows, cashier windows, bank teller windows, customer service windows, or anywhere a glass window speaker is needed. With them you can provide the protection your employees need, without angering your customers with poor communication through the window.

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Who Benefits the Most from Two-Way Radios?

This is a question that we tend to get asked a lot. People seem to think that since cellphones exist, that they might never have a need for a two-way radio. However, there are several situations where it would be a whole lot more useful than your typical iPhone. Let’s take a little look at some of them.

The major benefit is that a two-way radio will allow multiple people to keep in touch with one another, all at exactly the same time. With a cellphone, conversations are typically limited to two people. You simply dial the person you want to talk to and wait for the person to answer. With a two-way radio, the communication is instant.

With a two-way radio, you do not have to worry about cell phone signal coverage. This means that two-way radios might be your only communication option, when it comes to more remote locations. They are most reliable, as long as you’re within range of one another. Range is usually the only real limiting factor when it comes to a radios usefulness, so we’ll cover that in more depth shortly.

Two-way radios are a whole lot cheaper than cellphones too, and the battery capabilities are better. This means that you can equip a good number of people with radios for the same price that it would cost to pick up just one or two cellphones.

Finding the Best Two Way Radio – Top 5 Ranking Criteria

Since No Wires Radio specializes in radio technology, we’re used to digging deep and answering what makes a two-way radio – great. There are the core criteria that we use to judge every single radio we field test and review. In this section, we are going to explain our reasoning behind each. This will provide you with a bit more information about the processes that we use, and hopefully most of all, help you find a radio that best suites you.

1. Range

For us, one of the major considerations when finding a two-way radio will be the range the radio can extend to. Obviously, two-way radios are always going to be for more short-distance communications. However, it always helps to have the longest range possible. It will provide you with more versatility when using your radio system.

We are going to talk more about what can impact the range of a two-way radio in the next section. However, we do want to point out that we recommend opting for a range on your radio that exceeds your requirements. For example; if you are mostly communicating with people within the same building, you still want to ensure that the range of the radio is decent. It will result in better sound quality at short distances, and it also ensures that if there are any obstacles in the way, they are not going to hamper the radio signal too much. This is because long-distance two-way radios tend to have more powerful radio-waves.

2. Durability

Obviously, when you are buying a two-way radio, you want to be on the hunt for something that is going to last you for as long as possible. We all know how the saying goes, right? Buy cheap, buy twice.

You are going to drop your radio. You may avoid it for a while, but it is inevitably going to happen. You may get your radio wet. You want to ensure that you pick up a radio with the most durable components that you can afford. Not only will this often mean better sound quality when you are using your two-way radio, but it also means that you won’t be replacing that radio any time soon.

Ideally, you would also ensure that the radio comes from a reputable manufacturer. No radio is going to last forever, sadly. You could treat it as an absolute god, but it will eventually give up the ghost. One of the perks of buying from a reputable company is that these companies often have spare parts available e.g. if your radio antenna or the battery has gone, it is probably going to be cheaper to replace those as opposed to picking up a whole new system.

3. Sound Quality

Obviously, if you are using a two-way radio, you want to be able to be heard, and you want to be able to hear other people. When we are reviewing two-way radios here, pay special attention to the audio quality at both short and long distances. Remember; generally speaking, the more you spend on the radio, the better it is going to sound.

4. Channels & Privacy

The best two-way radios will have a multitude of channels that you can broadcast and receive audio on. Although, to be honest, most radios seem to fit the bill here nowadays.

In our opinion, the best radios will be ones that allow you to lock down specific channels with a ‘private key’. This will help to keep your conversations private, even if the channels tend to be open. This makes these radios perfect for businesses that are operating in particularly busy areas. It means you do not have to worry about non-permitted parties from being able to listen in on your conversations.

5. Battery Life

Obviously, a decent two-way radio will boast a substantial lifespan on its batteries. If you aren’t getting at least half a day of use out of a radio before it needs to be recharged, then the radio probably isn’t all that good. Although, do bear in mind that the more you are using the radio, the quicker the battery will drain.

When we are talking about the battery life, we are not just talking about how long the battery will last before it needs to be charged again. We are also talking about the overall number of charges a battery can take before it needs to be replaced i.e. the durability of the battery. Obviously, the best radios can put up with hundreds of charge cycles.

Don’t forget about whether you can replace the batteries too. If you are out in the sticks with little opportunity to recharge your radio, then obviously you will want to pick up a two-way radio that allows you to swap the batteries out. This means as little downtime as possible.

Finally; you will also need to ensure that the charge time of the radio batteries will be nice and quick. Some of the radios on the market have a woeful charge time. We are talking along the lines of 24-hours to recharge. In an ideal world, a good quality two-way radio will sit somewhere in the 6-8 time to recharge range.

Extra Features

We also consider the ‘extra features’ of a radio. Although, we see these more of a bonus than an absolute necessity when we are reviewing radios here. When we consider extra features, we often consider the main use of that particular radio.

While there are some people who are not massive fans of it, and we will explain why soon, there is no denying that a lot of people are going to find some use in having a voice-operated two-way radio i.e. one that you can operate completely ‘hands-free’. These radios are perfect for people (e.g. hunters and sports enthusiasts), who probably do not want to have a radio in their hands at all times.

Contact List

We talked about privacy features before. However, there are some radios that will take this to a whole other level. Some radios function in a similar way to a cellphone. This means that you will have a contact list built into the radio. You will be able to call the specific radio in your contact list and be thrown into a private conversation with them. This can be highly useful in some situations but, of course, not everybody is going to have a use for this sort of thing.

In certain situations, you may also find that having the radio gives you regular weather reports or even function as a radio scanner can also be useful. The former is especially important if you are outdoors. It always makes sense to keep up to date with the weather, right? Radio scanners are not as useful if you are using your radio for private purposes, but some people love them when they are looking for a bit more of an open communication.

We also like to consider radios that can easily be synced up with any radio system. We are not massive fans of radio systems that try and force you into using the same brand of radio to communicate with one another. Obviously, doing this is great for the manufacturer as it means that they will be able to get their hands on more of your money, but it isn’t really going to be a brilliant thing for your wallet. These radios tend to be a lot more expensive, mostly because the manufacturers know that you have little choice but to stump up the cash for it.

Long Range Two-Way Radios

As we said before; it is highly unlikely that you will ever be able to achieve the maximum quoted range with a two-way radio. The quoted range will always be for the most ideal conditions that you could be using your radio in. This means that if you were standing in the midst of a wide-open field within the direct line of sight of the other person using the radio. Obviously, this is unlikely to happen. In most situations, with a decent radio, expect a range of about 5-10-miles for the absolute best audio quality.

We are going to talk more about the different types of radio frequency soon. However, at this point we do want to point out that the type of frequency has an impact on what can impact the range of the radio. Generally speaking, though, the more obstacles there are in the way, there more there is that will end up messing up the signal, and this means a shorter range. So, you would get a far better range in an area that is completely wide open than if you were in a building, or in a forest full of trees.

Battery-Life Matters for Long Range Two-Way Radios

It is also worth noting that the power of your radio can have a massive impact on the range that your radio can accomplish. As your battery starts to drain, you will often find that the radio frequency can reach smaller and smaller distances. Radios are designed like this. The manufacturer wants to help to preserve your battery life so, as a result, your radio simply will not be able to cope with broadcasting long distances unless you have a fully charged battery. So, if that is your plan, then make sure the battery is charged at all times!

When you are looking to boost the range of a signal from a two-way radio, you will often have two options available to you.

Repeater

The first is a repeater. This is a rather simple option. The idea is that you have a two radios connected up to a system. One radio will receive the incoming signal, and the second one will send the signal out again. As the name suggests, it is ‘repeating’ the signal. This is probably one of the best ways to (legally) increase the range of your two-way radio. Repeaters do cost a decent chunk of change if you are opting for the best of them, though. However, in theory, if you have tons of repeaters at various points of the radio range, the signal range could be unlimited, although setting up that number of repeaters would certainly be expensive!

Amplifier

The second is an amplifier. This will send out a more powerful signal from your radio and, ultimately, this means that it will have a greater range. However, you do need to be aware that it is not always legal to use an amplifier, particularly if you do not have a license. This is because on some frequencies, the range is limited for a reason. For example; with a CB radio, you are not technically allowed to boost the power of the signal, which is exactly what an amplifier would do.

In some cases, you may find that you can boost the signal of your two-way radio by investing in a better antenna. However, this is not always going to be possible, particularly if you want your two-way radio to be portable.

Motorola Two-Way Radios & Commercial Applications

If you are after quality two-way radios that really shine in commercial environments, then Motorola radios are the best you will find. These radios boast superior sound quality, battery life, and durability. It is these reasons why you will find them most commonly in both retail stores and on construction sites.

Durability and the Motorola brand is what really sets their radios apart from the rest. The Motorola radio lineup was designed to be dropped on the ground and beat up a bit. Most people recognize that any electronics on the jobsite might experience some abuse. When it comes to business, you need to have something dependable. Their reviews speak for themselves. The Motorola brand is well recognized, respected, and has been around a long time. Their customer service is great and specifically tailored to support other businesses.

Motorola offers a full lineup of two-way radios and accessories to go along with them, more geared for the business setting. A lot of these, you won’t find in other brands. You can purchase the radios in large packs with large charging bays made to go with them. So if you’re trying to equip a group of say 20 people to be able to keep in touch on the job, there’s no need to setup 20 individual chargers etc. The larger, multi-bay charging accessories can handle many batteries at the same time.

If you are using radios regularly to keep your business running, then Motorola radios are the defacto standard, and for good reason. However, do bear in mind that Motorola radios do come with a higher price tag. Not to be overly cliche, but this is one of those times when you really do get what you pay for.

Two-Way Radio Headsets – What You Need to Know

A lot of two-way radios will now include a headset with them. This allows hands-free operation and means you do not have to have your radio out, exposed to the elements, to listen in on broadcasts. The problem is that most of the two-way radio headsets that are included, tend to not be all that good. The sound quality is never going to be as great as if you were listening out of the speaker. If you do need a radio headset, then it may actually be worth purchasing a separate one. They are often going to be far, far better built.

VOX Capability

A lot of the newer models of two-way radio on the market boast a nifty little feature known as VOX (or voice-operated exchange if you want to sound cool). This simply means that your two-way radio works by voice operation. If the microphone connected up to the two-way radio handset detects that you are speaking, then your voice will be broadcast. There is no need to continually push the button to speak.

Obviously, VOX does have its uses. There are some situations where you really can’t press your two-way radio handset for whatever reason. For example; if you are cycling, or you are doing certain jobs. However, do bear in mind that VOX is not all that it is cracked up to be. Due to the way in which two-way radios work. only one person can be broadcasting at any one time on a channel. The problem is that some VOX systems are hypersensitive and can clog the radio channel. This is annoying. So, if you are looking for a two-way radio handset that has VOX, make sure you read a couple of reviews to see how good it actually is.

Two-Way Radio Frequencies

When you are looking to buy a two-way radio, you will want to pay attention to the frequencies the radio broadcasts at. This will give you an idea as to the type of jobs the radio is going to be best suited for.

VHF Radio Signals (Very High Frequency)

VHF operates at 30-300MHZ. Not all of the frequencies in this range will be public, but your two-way radio will come programmed with channels that you can access, so do not worry about stumbling across something that you shouldn’t be listening in on!

One of the main advantages of VHF is the length of the radio waves. They are nice and long, which means that if you want a radio that has a fantastic range, then VHF is the way to go. However, due to the shape of the radio waves, they are not particularly brilliant in areas that there are a lot of obstacles in the way. Throw a wall or a couple of trees in the way of the radio signal, and the range is going to be drastically reduced. However, if there are no obstacles, or they are very minor ones, the range of VHF cannot be beaten.

UHF Radio Signals (Ultra High Frequency)

These start at 300 MHZ and go all the way up to 3GHZ. These two-way radios are going to be the most versatile radios you can buy.

The advantage of UHF is that it is fantastic for getting through obstacles. If you want a two-way radio system designed for use in a building, then UHF is absolutely the route to go down. However, do bear in mind that this will come at a price. UHF radio signals tend not to have a brilliant range on them.

CB Radio

CB radio isn’t a specific type of frequency in itself, although it does operate on shortwave frequencies.

CB radio is more of a ‘type’ of radio, often used by truckers and in the marine industry. CB radio consists of 40 open channels. You will not be able to go private on them. CB radio is for when you do not mind your communications being open, or if it is important that they are open. One of the main reasons why CB radios are used so extensively in the trucking industry is because communication is open. It will allow people to easily discuss road conditions and the like.

There is nothing that says you will not be able to use a CB radio for private purposes. After all, the technology is not as popular as it was in the past. However, as we said before, there is no way of actually making the channel private, so even if you feel nobody is listening in, you should probably assume that they are.

Need a Two-Way Radio That’s Waterproof?

If you are ‘out and about’, then you need a radio that is able to brave the elements just as much as you can. This means picking up a radio that is quoted as being waterproof.

Most of the radios built for ‘outdoor use’ e.g. radios for construction sites, hunting, or other outdoor activities, are able to put up with a decent amount of water getting on them without faltering. Obviously, no radio is ever going to be 100% waterproof. Not unless you pick up a specific diving radio, but most of the normal two-way radios on the market can stay submerged in water up to 1-meters deep for a fairly substantial amount of time, normally around the thirty minutes mark.

These radios tend to have protective coverings on, mostly made of rubber. These coverings help to stop water from getting into the cracks of the outer shell which can, of course, end up ruining the sensitive electronics contained within.

Even if you are not taking your radio outdoors, it may still be worth investing in a quality two-way radio that is rated as being waterproof, or at the very least water-resistant. These radios tend to be a little bit more durable which, of course, means that they are going to last longer. We all know how likely it is a stray drink can be knocked over onto the most sensitive of electronics too, so it is nice to know that there is a little bit of extra protection there.

Two-Way Radio Reviews

If you are looking for the best two-way radio reviews around, we’ve published some of the very best.

When we review two-way radios on this site, we take an objective approach. We judge all radios against the same criteria, while also considering the reasons why that radio was designed. For example; the ‘base criteria’ e.g durability, range, channels, etc. will also be the same, but beyond that, the purpose of the radio will be considered. One designed for ‘commercial use’ may be looked at in a different way in comparison to a radio designed for hunting. This helps to ensure that we are giving you the information that you need in order to make a more informed purchase.

We ‘field test’ all of the radios here, so we know exactly how a unit is able to stand up to the rigors of regular use. However, we also like to dive into a few Amazon reviews too. As much as we love our radios, we know that we are never going to be able to spot every single pro and con with the units that we test. By going through Amazon reviews, we can get an overall feel for how other people have experienced a radio and can convey that information to you. Once again, this will allow you to make a far more informed decision with your purchase.

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Our Top Pick for a Walkie Talkie Multipack

The Retevis RT22 might not be the most feature-packed walkie talkie you have ever seen and but it peaks a ton of value.

This is a six-pack of walkie talkies that has been designed for one job and one job only. That is to ensure that people can stay in touch while at work. While the range on them isn’t superb, if you are in the work environment and pretty close to one another (i.e. under a mile), then this is a fantastic option. In fact, this set is absolutely brimming with features that will ensure that the Retevis RT22 works well at just about any place of work.

Who Should Buy It

The Retevis RT22 is simple to use. You probably do not want to be spending hours and hours trying to teach people how to use a radio, right? There is nothing convoluted with this set. You flick it on, select your channel and talk. Simple as that. No menus to flick through. No choosing an individual frequency. You just turn it on and you are done. They work right out of the box. No configuration needed. You can also set the walkie talkies to privacy mode. This takes a bit of setup, but you only need to do it once.

This set is ideal for use on a smaller construction site or within a retail setting. It is completely dust-proof. This means that you do not have to worry about it getting a little bit dirty on occasion. It can cope. Obviously, we wouldn’t just go throw a ton of dust on it just because. It doesn’t work like that. It just means that in a normal working environment, the Retevis RT22 is going to continue to perform.

Battery Life

The battery should last long enough for a working day too. You can get up to 12-hours of talk time out of these babies. They also boast a lithium-ion battery, which means you can stick them on charge whenever you want. There is no need to worry about the memory effect on them. This is not something you normally get on a set of walkie talkies that is this cheap. All of the walkie talkies fit onto the same charger, so as long as everybody does their job and puts them back at the end of the day, then it is easy to keep them together! Oh, and the batteries are replaceable, so when they die on this walkie talkie, you can just pick up a new set and continue where you left off. Again, something you tend not to get on the cheaper products.

Audio Quality

If you want decent audio quality (who doesn’t?), this is a top of the line radio. The squelch function is fantastic at removing the interference, and the audio comes through crystal clear each and every time. In fact, the audio loudness can adjust based on the environment that you are in. The noisier the environment, the louder the audio will be. It is quite sophisticated and, of course, another reason why we would recommend a set like this for use on a construction site or similar working environment.

Size & Portability

One part that we absolutely loved about the set is that these walkie talkies are so small. This is important. If you are doing your job, you probably do not want to have big and bulky bits of gear getting in your way, right? You just want something is there when you need it, but you aren’t going to notice it most of the time. Clip this to your belt, and it won’t get in the way. We know that a few compromises had to be made on the features level to get it this small, but there are no features missing that you would expect in a walkie talkie that can’t be found here.

Finally, the walkie talkie has an emergency mode. Again, ideal for the construction site. If there is an issue, you can just press a button and an emergency alert will be sent out to everybody else with one of the radios. Hopefully, they will come rushing to your aid. If they don’t, well at least it made a nice beep during your extremely perilous situation.

Drawbacks

The Retevis RT22 operates in the UHF band and fits right between a two way radio vs walkie walkie. This means that it has been designed for peak performance indoors. While it can work outdoors, you have to remember that UHF doesn’t perform as well over long distances. This is a frequency that thrives indoors where there are lots of obstacles in the way. Therefore, if you are planning to take these out and about, we probably wouldn’t recommend them unless you are quite close to one another e.g. running an event. We certainly wouldn’t recommend them if you were walking through a forest. They just wouldn’t work right.

We want to say that the lack of some features is also a downside, although we are a little bit hesitant because this is hardly the most expensive product in the world, so it is fine to be lacking some features. However, it would have been fantastic if it gave you the opportunity to ‘call’ certain walkie talkies in the set. It would have made staying in touch at work so much easier. However, for now, if you want the more private conversations you still need to pick up a cellphone.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fantastic multipack of walkie talkies for use at work or the jobsite, you’ll be hard pressed to find better – especially for the price. We hope this review was helpful in determining if this was the right product for you.

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The Best Two Way Radio for Cycling is the FreedConn

The FreedConn is a two-way radio, although not the same two-way radio that you are familiar with. Perhaps the best way to describe this device is as an intercom. It allows you to communicate with the other radios in the set ONLY. Up to 3 headsets can be paired together. You will not be able to access any other radio channels with it, as it’s designed specifically for handfree communication with those you’re riding with.

It is so much more than a radio, though. Packed into this device is a Bluetooth connection that can ‘chat’ with your GPS or phone. This way you can use it as a headset when you are on the road, making it a great two way radio headset for motorcycles as well. Although, we are going to strictly focus on the benefits of this being a two-way radio here. However, just remember that it can do a whole lot more than what we are going to discuss.

Why The FreedConn Stands Out

This is a device that has been designed from the ‘ground-up’ for riders. It has actually been designed for those riding motorcycles, but you should have no issues cycling with it. In fact, we reckon it is going to work a lot better than if you were riding a motorbike.

As we said before; this device has been designed to communicate with the other device in the set. The radio frequency is fixed. Because the two pieces have been designed to work with one another, they sync up well. In fact, the audio quality is absolutely superb. These radios have been designed to work a maximum of 800 meters from one another. However, they can operate even if you are bombing along the road at 70 mph. They will not drop that connection. Obviously, you aren’t going to be cycling at 70 mph, so it is nice to know that no matter what speed you are traveling at, you can always keep in touch with the other rider.

Simple Design

Since there is no fiddling about with the radio frequencies on the FreedConn, it is nice and easy to get in touch with the other rider. In fact, all it takes is a quick push of the button on the side of the device. The other rider will be able to answer instantly. This is as hands-free as you are ever going to get with a two-way radio. This makes it perfect for cycling. You aren’t going to have to take your hands off of those handlebars for no more than a second or two.

While you won’t be looking at it all that often, there is a cool little LCD screen on the side of the device. This makes browsing through the menus an absolute doddle. This means getting your radio set up quickly is ridiculously easy. In fact, you can pair with the other device in mere seconds. This is perfect for cyclists who know that they need to keep in touch with the other rider, but they really don’t fancy trying to learn how to dabble with technology.

Installation

Initial installation is dead simple too. Although, do bear in mind that you will need to attach part of the unit to your helmet. This will need to go on the outside of the helmet to ensure that the radio can maintain a good connection with the other device. Thankfully, the design of this two-way radio is quite sexy, so we doubt that many people are going to mind about this!

As we said before; you will also find a few other features packed into the device. This includes the ability to switch on FM radio so that you can listen to music, traffic and weather reports in the area. You will be surprised how useful this is going to come in during some of the longer trips on the road.

Drawbacks

The FreedConn doesn’t work that well with similar radios from other brands. The software doesn’t seem to sync up properly. If you do have more than a 3 riders and you’ll be riding in groups, you would need multiple sets. You can easily change the group arrangements, which is limited to 3 headsets in each.

It is also a bit annoying that only two people can talk at the same time. You might have to wait to speak if 2 people are mid-conversation butit does help to keep the conversation clear. However, you must remember that this isn’t really a product designed for those who want a good chin wag while riding. It is for quick communication.

Last but not least, the battery life is worth mentioning. If you are talking all of the time, you will probably get a single day’s worth of riding out of it. This means that it probably isn’t going to be ideal for multiday trips unless you have some sort of battery bank type charger handy.

Conclusion

While there are a couple of downsides to the FreedConn intercom device, when it comes to the best two-way radio for cycling, this one sits right at the top of the pack. We can’t think of a single device that performs better when you need to keep your hands free while riding. We can’t even think of a simpler device to use. If you are planning on riding long distances and need to keep in touch with your other riders, then this is an absolute must buy.

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Diving in To the NoWiresRadio Top Pick for An Outdoor 2 Way Radio

We want to start off by pointing out that this radio has been built for mostly indoor use. Well, mostly indoors. It is a construction site two-way radio. However, we are positive that you already knew that based on the manufacturer. They are world-famous for their power tools, after all. However, this doesn’t mean it won’t work outside. In fact, it performs ridiculously well outdoors.

This radio uses UHF. This means that it is a fantastic general purpose radio. In perfect conditions, it has a range of 300,000 square feet outdoors. Although let’s be honest, you are never going to have perfect conditions. We would say that, in most situations, the radio is going to be somewhere between 175,000 and 250,000 without losing signal quality. The number would be a bit lower if there are obstacles in the way e.g. trees or hills.

Battery Life

When you are outdoors, you won’t have that much opportunity to charge your radio. Sure, you can swap the batteries out when they die but, for the most part, you want a radio that is going to last as long as possible before requiring a charge. Thankfully, the DeWalt DXFRS800 is great for this. You get 18-hour battery life. Up to 10% of this (so, close to 2-hours) can be talking or listening. What the best 2 way radios on the market have in common, is a very health battery life. So, if you want something that is long-lasting, then this absolutely is the route to go down.

One of the reasons why the DeWalt is able to accomplish a long battery lifespan like this is due to the way in which it works. Most other radios are constantly switched on. This will drain the battery like there is no tomorrow. That isn’t the case with this product. If there is no communication for a short amount of time, the radio will automatically switch off. It will then hang around in standby mode until it is able to spot a radio signal it should be receiving. It then turns back on again.

The Audio Quality

When you are outdoors, there shouldn’t be that much in the way of audio interference, particularly if you are in a massive outdoor location e.g. an open field. However, this doesn’t mean that the audio signal is always going to be perfect. If obstacles get in the way, or you are on the cusp of the maximum range for the radio, then there could be issues with the sound. This is something that can happen with the DeWalt. In fact, it does happen with the Dewalt, but certainly not to the extent of other radios.

There is an auto squelch function build into the DXFRS800. This means that the radio will clean up any transmissions. We would say that it works about 90% of the time. This means that any communication should come through clearly. Even when you are nearing the maximum range on the two-way radio, the audio signals seem to be pretty decent. This isn’t too bad when you are getting a cheaper radio like this. Most of the other ones on the market, particularly down the cheaper end of things, sound awful if you are even a short distance away.

Build Quality

One of the major benefits of this radio being built for the construction industry is the fact that it has been built to be mishandled. Anybody who has ever met somebody in construction knows that after a short while, the tools don’t always get treated properly. You are often working too hard for that to happen. This means that the tools need to be better built to cope with that. Radios are no exception here. Luckily for outdoor users, the features that benefit those in the construction industry will also benefit those who are outdoors with their radio.

This is the best rated waterproof two-way radio on the market. You could be out in the rain for long periods of time, and the radio will still work. You could be trekking in the midst of a desert (try not to do this) and the radio will work, no matter how dusty it gets. There are so few radios that can deal with this.

This radio can also put up with a couple of knocks too. You could drop this from a height of about 2-meters onto the ground, and nothing is going to happen to it. This is great if you need to communicate during some of the more adventurous outdoor activities.

There is a limited lifetime warranty on the radio too. DeWalt are fantastic at customer service like this. This is part of the reason as to why their products sell so wildly.

The Downsides

We have one major issue with the DXFRS800. This is the fact that it only comes with a single charger. You get 2 of everything else, but one charger. This is annoying because it means at the end of the day, you are both going to need to head to the same location to charge your radio unless you buy a second one, which just adds to the cost. Granted, this is not going to be an issue in the vast majority of cases, but if you are planning to go hiking or camping, then you both need to end up in the same place, otherwise, only one person gets to charge their radio that night! Although to be fair, you can also buy spare batteries so it isn’t a major issue.

Conclusion

For outdoor radios, the DeWalt DXFRS800 is the perfect pick. Whether you are hiking, camping, or running an event outdoors, this radio will serve you well. In fact, it will serve you well for many, many years to come.

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The Not-So-Obvious Benefits to Waterproof 2 Way Radios

Obviously, if you are planning to take your radio outside, then you are going to need to have a waterproof radio. However, ideally, you would always have a waterproof radio. Even if you are not currently planning to take your radio outside, it is always ideal to have one. After all, you never know when you are going to accidentally spill water on it or take it for a swim in the toilet.

Of course, being a waterproof 2 way radio often means that it’s going to be well-built in other ways. For example; the one that we are going to talk about on this page is also dustproof. So, you can tell that the manufacturer has put a lot of effort into ensuring that the radio lasts as long as possible. Basically, a radio that is waterproof is probably a lot better built in other ways than radios which will falter at the slightest drop of water.

If you’re reading this, you likely don’t want to spend the time to go through all your options. Not to worry, we’ve done the research for you. After going through many, many radios – the radio that topped the list was clearly the DeWalt DXFRS800 . It is the only waterproof two-way radio that we ever recommend to people nowadays. So, we are going to cut straight to chase and tell you exactly why this radio is so brilliant and why you should really try to add it to your communication arsenal.

Wet Weather

To put it simply: this is a radio that is designed to be really put through its paces. It is made for construction workers, and we know how rough some of these people can be with their tools. Plus, they are going to be working in all sorts of different environments, so they need a radio that can really be put through its paces.

This radio can sit in water up to a meter deep for 30-minutes without any ill effect. This means that a spot of rain, or quite an intense rain shower, are not going to harm this radio at all. This makes the DeWalt DXFRS800 perfect.

Oh, and if the radio does get harmed by water getting into the radio, you will be pleased to know that DeWalt do offer a lifetime warranty. Obviously, they do want to make sure that the problem wasn’t caused by something of your own doing but, if it wasn’t, then they will gladly replace the radio for you. We don’t think there is one other two-way radio manufacturer that offers this kind of customer support.

What Other Features Does This Radio Offer?

Of course, we wouldn’t just recommend a radio simply because it is waterproof. Obviously, you want your radio to function well too. So, let’s talk about a few of the other reasons as to why the DeWalt DXFRS800 is perfect for your needs.

Let’s stick with the build quality, to begin with. Obviously, you know that this radio is both waterproof and dustproof. However, did you know that it is also drop-proof? And no. This doesn’t mean that your radio is going to suddenly fly if it leaves your hands. Instead, it means that your radio will likely survive if you drop your radio from a reasonable height. DeWalt claims that you can drop it from a height of 2-meters onto concrete. While we haven’t put this claim to the test (we do love our radio!), we have seen reviews from people who have had the unfortunate pleasure of testing their radio like this. Apart from a couple of marks on the radio, it survived.

This radio runs on the UHF frequency. For those who are unaware; this means that the radio can operate in a variety of situations. UHF works incredibly well indoors. In fact, of all the radios we have reviewed, we rank the DeWalt DXFRS800 as the top rated 2 way radio for largest range indoors. It can deal with obstacles such as walls and ceilings rather easily. While we do consider this one of the best 2 way radios for outdoors, when it comes to range, you should be able to get a respectable 2-3 mile range.

Channel Selection

A lot of people are put off by the fact that there are only 22 channels on the radio. There are options on the market with upwards of 50. However, let’s be honest for a second. Can you really talk on more than one channel at a time? No! If you had a large business, then maybe 22 channels wouldn’t be enough. However, for most people, there are enough channels here. You can even go into private chats with people if you want.

The battery life is superb too. Due to the waterproof nature of this radio, we anticipate that a lot of people will be taking their DeWalt two-way radio outdoors. This means that you need a decent battery. One full charge should last somewhere between 16 and 18 hours. 90% of the battery life is on standby, and you should get a couple of hours of talk time. This is more than enough for most people and, if it isn’t, then you can always pick up a few spare batteries and replace drained ones ‘in the field’. When you get back to base, you can pop them on the fast charger.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. If you want an awesome waterproof two-way radio, then pick yourself up a DeWalt DXFRS800. There is a reason why this is one of the most popular radios on the market right now.

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But you’d be surprised how often I talk to customers who are confused about why their two‑way radios aren’t working — and it’s a simple issue with the battery.

Because two‑way radios are keeping people safe and connected, it’s essential to make sure that all components of your two‑way radios are working optimally, including the batteries.

Batteries are one of the first things we check when people call in to say their two‑way radios aren’t working, or when radios get shipped into our service department. 

If a radio is not powering on, I recommend people take a battery from a working radio and swap it in. That helps us diagnose the problem.

Especially these days, with more people working remotely and some returning to the office, we thought it was a good time to revisit the basics of two way radio maintenance while also giving some tips for understanding the battery code dates.

Breaking the Code

Motorola products manufactured since 2010 have a code on them indicating when they were manufactured. The 4‑digit code starts with the year and then indicates the week. For example, the code 1936 means the product was manufactured in the 36th week of 2019.

Battery chargers have LED lights that indicate the strength of the charge. If it’s blinking back and forth between red and green, or flashing red, that could be an indicator that it needs to be swapped with a new battery.

If your battery is older than 24 months (that’s 2 years), it is past the recommended age for a Motorola product.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Batteries?

Motorola recommends that batteries should be replaced every 18 to 24 months. 

We once had a customer that was having a lot of problems with their two‑way radios, including batteries not holding a charge and scratchy audio. Guess what? Their batteries were well past the 24‑month expiration date.

Problems like this could be avoided if people get in the habit of checking those code dates.

Tips for Keeping Batteries Clean and Up‑to‑date

I recommend doing a simple battery inspection every month or two. It could be combined with a basic cleaning. A lot of dust and grime accumulates in batteries, too. You could take the batteries out and clean them with a soft cloth. And while you’re at it, check the code date.

That just might help increase the battery’s life, and keep it working properly.

And it will remind you to look at those 4 important little digits.

Time for a Check‑up?

Some service providers will check in with customers when they notice that they haven’t purchased new batteries in a couple of years. We like to give them a call or send them an email and ask how their radios are doing, and specifically ask about the batteries.

I just hate to think about people missing out on important communications. If your battery is rated 50% for capacity, the radio might only have 4 or 5 hours of communication before the battery needs to charge. But most people are working 8‑ or 9‑hour shifts. 

When I talk to customers I’ll ask how long their shifts are: Are they 8, 10, or 12‑hour shifts? We need to make sure the battery is fully operational the whole time they are on duty.

Tips for Maintaining Batteries

Here are a few more tips for keeping your batteries healthy and your two‑way radios working for you. It’s a good idea to share this information with all the team members who use radios.

1. If your batteries are fully charged, take them off the chargers.

When I go to visit customers, I see a lot of portable radios in their charging stands with the LED light indicating the battery is 100% charged. That means it is drawing current and charging at the same time. And it’s really not great for battery life. These devices are similar to cell phones or laptops. 

2. Charge new batteries as soon as you receive them.

Another thing I see is customers purchasing spare batteries and storing them, just to have them handy. That’s not great for the batteries. Motorola recommends charging them pretty much right away after you get them, or at least within a month of receiving the batteries. It doesn’t help to just stick it in a drawer and forget about it. The optimal charge for storage of a battery is 30‑50% of its capacity.

3. Charge your new radio overnight before using it.

When you purchase a new two‑way radio, charge it overnight before using it. And use the recommended charger for the battery. Different batteries have different needs. For example, a Motorola IMPRES battery should have its first charge in a desktop, not a vehicle charger.

4. Take the battery out of the radio if you’re not going to use it for a while to avoid draining it.

Removing the battery from an unused radio prevents the battery from draining. This will lengthen the life of the battery.

5. Store batteries properly,

Story two-way radio batteries in well‑ventilated and temperature‑controlled environment — away from flammable materials.

6. Charge the  battery only when it needs it. 

7. Treat the battery with care.

Avoid exposing the battery to hazardous materials, fire, moisture, or harming the structure of the battery.

8. Always carry a spare battery.

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When choosing cost-effective two-way portable radios, you do not have to compromise features. The MOTOTRBO CP100d Series is a range of practical, entry-level digital radios for professionals wanting to communicate with greater ease and efficiency.

The affordable CP100d radios offer all the benefits of digital technology – up to 35% longer talk-time, twice the voice capacity in a 12.5 kHz licensed channel, wider radio coverage, and superior audio. In digital mode, your MOTOTRBO radio provides clearer voice communications throughout the coverage area than analog radios, rejecting static and background noise.

Digital radios outperform analog radios for demanding or extended work shifts, and ensure voice communications are easily and clearly understood. The CP100d is a versatile option for those requiring additional radio features to meet increasing communication needs while lowering operating costs.

The CP100d Series is easy to use and makes it easy to migrate from analog to digital. Your radio users can operate and communicate on their new digital radios on the job, as your business transitions to digital technology. Accessory compatibility ensures you can reuse your inventory of batteries, antennas, and chargers, further protecting your investments.

Experience MOTOTRBO digital voice communications, trusted by millions of users for exceptional voice quality and exceptional performance — meaning a more productive workforce and lower operating costs for your business

Learn more about the Motorola CP100d Radios.

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