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Two Way Radio Buyer's Guide
The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Two Way Radio
The ultimate guide to buying a two way radio. Buying a two way radio can be a confusing process. On this page, we discuss the difference and help you choose between licence-exempt and licensed two way radios; as well as UHF and VHF two way radios.
What Is A Two Way Radio?
A two way radio is a communication device, much like a telephone but with a loudspeaker, that allows a voice message to be both transmitted and received instantly.
The main difference is that, unlike a telephone, with a two way radio only one person can speak at once and each person takes turns to speak using a PTT (push to talk) button. This allows a clear message to be delivered every time without interference or interruption.
Furthermore, two way radios do not require number selection or ringing and answering and so allow true instant communications.
In more recent years digital technology has added new features to two way radios such as safety features like emergency alarm and lone worker.
See our entire selection of Two Way Radios.
Licence Exempt vs. Licensed Two Way Radios
Should you choose licence-exempt or licensed two way radios?
Licence Exempt
- No Licence Required
- Medium Robustness
- Short Range (less than 500m)
- Good Audio Quality
- Minimal Training
- Good Battery Life
Licensed
- Licence Required (Unlimited Radios) (Cost Effective)
- More Robust & Durable - Lasts Longer
- Vastly Improved Signal Range
- Vastly Improved Audio Quality - Louder & Clearer
- Emergency Features: Lone Worker & Man Down Options
- Extended Battery Life - High Capacity Batteries Available
Licence exempt two-way radios give great audio quality and are built to a good standard of ruggedness. They typically are ideal for small schools and other organisations with small buildings and small teams. For larger buildings, the only viable option is to use licensed radios. These have higher power and therefore can transmit further, they have better audio quality, some even have emergency features and almost all have battery options that allow for up to 24 hours of continuous use.
How Do I Get A Two Way Radio Licence?
Almost every time the word licence is mentioned, companies run a mile. This is because the word licence is often associated with paperwork. But it's really not all that complicated. Radiotronics UK will take the pain out of the process of applying for a licence for your two-way radios by doing all the paperwork for you.
VHF or UHF... Which Is Better?
UHF and VHF radios cannot speak to each other. If in any doubt, stick with UHF.
The advantage of VHF is that it has a longer wavelength and delivers a better range per watt of energy. However, VHF cannot penetrate solid objects very well and so relies on there being minimal objects in the way and getting the antennas as high as possible, above all buildings and objects, to create near perfect line of sight.
UHF penetrates solid objects much better than VHF. Since we usually use portable two way radios between waist and chest height, we don't have the advantage of height. It's the recommendation of Radiotronics UK to stick to VHF for vehicle only fleets and UHF for fleets with portable and vehicle radios.
Read more about VHF vs. UHF in our Knowledge Base.
Do You Just Need Some Help?
We know it can be confusing. You're welcome to just speak to us directly...
Call us on 0345 0 955 950 during office hours or email sales@radiotronics.co.uk anytime!
Channel Scanning
Channel scanning enables the user to monitor a number of channels and respond when a transmission comes through. The scan feature can usually be programmed to include or exclude channels from the scan. Scanning fewer channels makes the scan faster. Should a transmission be found, your radio will stop and pause giving the operator the chance to respond to the transmission before continuing its cycle through the selected channels.
When programming your radio, it is possible to include or exclude channels from the scan, this allows for channels of highest priority to be added meaning that staff members never miss an important transmission. Channel scanning is an ideal choice in environments where updates are frequently given, this allowing for all of your members of staff to remain alert to changing conditions.
Digital hybrid radios can usually scan either or both digital and analogue channels simultaneously. This allows for an extremely flexible scan facility where the user can monitor many channels across both analogue and digital modes.
Read more about Channel Scanning in our Knowledge Base.
Voice Activation (VOX)
VOX (voice-operated exchange), more commonly known as Voice Activation, allows the two way radio's microphone and PTT button to be activated by simply speaking into the radio.
How To Use VOX
Most two way radios' voice activation feature only works via an external VOX capable earpiece or headset. Once connected, you simply start speaking and the two way radio will automatically initiate the transmission. When there is no longer any audio coming via your earpiece or headset, the two way radio automatically disengages the PTT.
Activating VOX
Most business grade licence exempt two way radios allow activating the voice activation feature via a button combination on the radio; or by simply plugging in a vox capable earpiece or headset. However, some more complex two way radios, such as our licensed two way radios will require some reprogramming.
VOX Drawbacks
Since VOX works by listening out for audio via the attached accessory, background noise that's near to the sound of a human voice will also activate it. That means practically anything can activate the voice activation.
Read more about Voice Activation (VOX) in our Knowledge Base.
Voice Announcement
Voice announcement, also known as voice prompts, is a feature where the two way radio announces the status of the two way radio. Information such as on/off status of features and the currently selected channel can be announced.
Most two way radios that support voice announcements have built in audio files which provide the most popular announcements such as channels numbers and specific features such as low and high power.
More advanced two way radios allow a customised audio file to be uploaded and used instead of the default files. This is useful for giving channels specific names. Example, channel 1 can be called "Operations", channel 2 "Cleaning Team", and so on.
Read more about Voice Announcement in our Knowledge Base.
Two Way Radio Bluetooth
Wireless two way radio accessories that utilise Bluetooth...
Bluetooth connectivity allows audio accessories to be connected to the radio wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Most manufacturers offer Bluetooth earpieces which are only suitable for their products. This is because they generally only want you to choose their accessories, but also because of the different ways their radios work.
It's important to note that Bluetooth is only available on some models and must be taken at the point of purchase as it cannot be added later.
Read more about Two Way Radio Bluetooth in our Knowledge Base.
Lone Worker
Lone Worker is a feature found on many two way radios where it's able to send a pre-determined signal, for example a distress call or alarm, to other radios in range, Lone Worker requires some type of interaction from the radio user after a period of radio inactivity.
An example of this is the radio can be set to require the radio operator to interact with his or her radio once every 30 minutes. If they fail to do so, their radio will start making an audible sound. If there is still no interaction with his or her radio within 1 further minute, a alarm will sound to other team members to tell them a team member is not responding to Lone Worker.
The supervisor can then dispatch another team member to the non-response team member's last known location to offer assistance.
Read more about Lone Worker in our Knowledge Base.
Two Way Radio Transmit Interrupt
Transmit interrupt ensures that critical message gets through.
Transmit interrupt allows for a priority message to be sent to all radios within your network. Interrupting all ongoing conversations, this feature is commonly used in emergency situations or as a way to offer new instructions to workers.
When purchasing two way radios you can choose to only have this feature programmed to radios that will be used by senior members of staff. This minimizes the potential for it to be abused by workers, meaning that should it ever need to be used all members of staff will be aware of its importance.
Read more about Transmit Interrupt in our Knowledge Base.
What Two Way Radio Brand Should I Choose?
Radiotronics UK only sells two way radios from brands you've heard of. Buying two way radios from known brands means you will be able to buy replacement accessories such as batteries in future. Any of the brands we sell have proven the test of time.
Radiotronics UK does not recommend buying radios by unknown brands as availability of accessories in future is unpredictable.
Licensed Two Way Radios
These are the most popular licensed two way radios with our clients...
Licensed two way radios allow maximum possible range with better audio quality, build quality, ruggedability and longevity when compared to licence exempt two way radios. Choose licensed two way radios for a future-proof two way radio communications solution.
See More: Licensed Two Way Radios
Two Way Radio Bundles
We've Made It Even Easier To Buy Two Way Radios With Our Preconfigured Bundle Packages
All of our bundle packages are fully customisable so you can choose the number of two way radios you need, the type of charger you want as well as whether you need additional accessories like earpieces and, where relevant, you can even select the licence you require.
See More: Two Way Radio Bundles
Licence Exempt Two Way Radios
These are the most popular licence free two way radios with our clients...
Licence-exempt two-way radios are only suitable for very short range communications, less than 500m. Nevertheless, licence free radios are ideal for small teams working in small buildings at close proximity.
See More: Licence Free Two Way Radios
Do You Just Need Some Help?
We know it can be confusing. You're welcome to just speak to us directly...
Call us on 0345 0 955 950 during office hours or email sales@radiotronics.co.uk anytime!