Information that Two-Way Radio buyers should know
If you’re in a Florida-based industry that requires constant communication between different people, it can be challenging to make sure that everyone’s getting the right messages at the right time. Whatever solutions you’ve tried, you might be frustrated with this challenge.
Fortunately, with portable radios in Florida, you can use them to meet some of your business’s technical communication needs. This is the case whether you’re in the hospitality, entertainment, construction, healthcare, or some other type of commercial market. However, how do you know which two-way radios are best for you and your business?
In this article, we’ll answer this question. We’ll review everything you need to look for when buying two-way radios in Florida. Finally, you can get the best two-way radio for your Florida business and run it more effectively than ever. Read on to learn more.
9 Functions and Features to Look For in the Best Motorola Two-Way Radio Solutions For You
When choosing portable radios for your business, consider various features to ensure reliable communication that occurs without any hiccups. Commercial two-way radios from Motorola offer a range of functionalities that can cater to different industry needs. Below are nine essential functions and features to look for in the best Motorola two-way radio solutions for you.
1. The Right Maximum Range for You
Using two-way radios can be frustrating if someone’s speaking on their radio and the other person doesn’t receive the message. For this reason, finding a two-way radio solution with the right maximum range for you is important.
If you’re looking for a higher maximum range, the highest for consumer portable radios have a 0.5W transmit power, whereas our professional grade MotoTRBO commercial two-way radios feature an output power of four watts in UHF and five watts in VHF.
However, remember that this is only the case in ideal conditions where there aren’t any obstacles between the radios, and you’re at a high altitude. This maximum range would be different in an urban environment.
If you are unsure which maximum range is best for your specific industry, speak with other industry professionals or a radio seller, such as the team at EMCI Wireless.
2. The Handset Number
Oftentimes, portable radios will come in a set of two. While this can be useful for the average person on a camping trip, you’ll likely need more to serve your business needs. Fortunately, some radio companies will offer the option to buy in bulk.
When you buy in bulk, you benefit from economies of scale, so the more radios you buy, the more money you’ll save on each one.
So when choosing which two-way radios to buy, check whether the seller offers a bulk discount. Additionally, see if they have any specific packages that include the handset number you need.
3. Number of Channels
License-free two-way radios have a fixed frequency on which they can transmit communication. If you need only one channel for your business’s communications, two-way radios with this channel should be enough.
However, say that you want additional channels so that different types of staff can communicate with each other. This can be especially important in industries such as hospitality, education, construction, and manufacturing. Look for portable radios with additional channels. For example, it is now standard for most license-free two-way radios to come with eight or 16 channels.
By determining your needs, you can choose the number of channels you need from your radios, making it easier to narrow down your options.
4. Privacy Codes
In addition to channels, two-way radios might also have privacy codes. Believe it or not, privacy codes don’t make your radio communications private. Instead, they allow users to speak to each other without interference from other radios.
This can be helpful if your employees work in a crowded area where others use two-way radios.
For example, if you’re in charge of catering at a crowded stadium, you could buy Motorola two-way radio solutions that offer privacy codes.
5. Battery Types
When deciding which two-way radios to buy, two different battery types are available. The first is regular alkaline batteries, which you will have to switch out and replace whenever the original batteries are drained of energy.
The other type is rechargeable batteries. Instead of replacing them, you’ll recharge them after every use.
The battery type that works best for you will depend on the nature of the business you’re running.
For example, if you have a medical team working in an isolated area or where there is little access to energy sources to charge your two-way radios, you’d be better off using two-way radios that require regular alkaline batteries.
On the other hand, if you have a team of construction workers with access to a power supply nearby, it’s probably better to buy two-way radios that require being powered by rechargeable batteries since they have access to a power supply to charge their radios.
This way, you won’t have to spend extra money on batteries. Additionally, this battery option is better for the environment.
6. VOX Technology
VOX, which stands for Voice Activated Transmit, is a type of technology that allows users to use their two-way radio hands-free—that is, they can remain hand-free while performing other tasks. This can be extremely useful in many industries. For example, caterers can continue speaking even while carrying plates or glasses.
In the construction and entertainment industries, this can not only be useful but can also be helpful for safety. Your employees won’t have to look away from what they’re doing, when they’re high up, for example, and take a hand away to send a message on their two-way radio.
Here’s how VOX technology works. The user activates this mode so it’s on, after which the microphone is constantly on. Then, when the sound of the user’s voice is picked up by the microphone, the two-way radio starts to transmit. Once the user stops speaking, the radio stops transmitting.
These models come with a specific socket for a throat mic or headset, two types of two-way radio equipment that make the VOX technology work most effectively.
7. The Type of Frequency
Another factor you must consider when choosing the right radios for your Florida-based business is the type of frequency. One type is VHF, which means “very high frequency.” The other is UHF, which means “ultra-high frequency.”
The type of frequency that’s best for your business depends on whether you run it mostly outdoors or indoors.
VHF two-way radios are better for use outdoors because the frequency can travel more easily through open areas and travels on a lower level, closer to the ground.
However, if you mostly operate your business indoors, UHF is a better choice in terms of frequency. This is because UHF can more easily go through obstructions. Keep in mind that if you have a business mostly run outdoors, there are many obstructions around (for example, at a construction site). UHF is a better choice because you will get better coverage.
8. Weight
Weight is another important factor when deciding which type of two-way radio to buy. If your staff members are already lifting heavy objects (for example, at a construction site), you might choose lightweight radios.
On the other hand, if you run a business where it’s easy for your staff members to pick up a heavier two-way radio, then you can go with a model that’s slightly heavier or has a more common weight.
9. Ease of Programming
Programming your Motorola two-way radios to confirm they work as you want isn’t always easy. It might not be easy if you’re working with many channels, entering privacy codes, or doing anything complex.
When researching your options online, see what information the seller provides on how to program the radios. Is the information clear and helpful?
It can also help to see user reviews and whether anyone has said it’s difficult to program the radios. However, you don’t have to worry too much. While looking up user reviews is something to consider when finding a two-way radio solution that’s a great fit for your business, it’s good to know that you can call the company for help, and they will help guide you to the best solution that fits your needs. Additionally, you can look at online forums where users give tips on programming portable radios—Quora is a great resource.
Looking to Buy Two-Way Radios in Florida?
Now that you know what to look for when buying two-way radios in Florida, and are interested in buying them from a store that not only sells two-way radios but specializes in RF and two-way radio communications. Look no further than EMCI Wireless, your Florida-based solution for your two-way radio needs.
We sell many radios, including Motorola radios in Florida, Motorola Florida radios, LTE push-to-talk radios, portable radios for use in public safety, and radios for Florida business owners like you.
Check out our commercial products now to learn more about the radios you can buy from us. If you have more questions about Motorola radios in Florida and beyond, feel free to contact us.
