Analog radio is the traditional type of radio, and digital radio is the newest radio technology, each is uniquely different. Analog two-way radios were originally introduced around 1933 to the world of business, but at this point had already been in use by the U.S. military for 20 years. Originally, the use of analog radio was limited to a small population, but it has since ballooned into a much more popular form of communication. Radios offer such a reliable form of communication that commercial, military, industrial and individuals employ them on a daily basis. As a result, we have needed to come up with new ways to keep radio waves open to all.

Analog has been around for a long time, during which time innovation has reached its peak with this form of technology. When there was nothing left to add to analog, digital radio systems were invented in order to allow for the feature-rich options today’s advancing society demands.

Signal types vary between analog and digital radios but these two types of radios also have many other differences, such as sound quality and price points. Thanks to the invention of digital radio, wireless communication has been able to grow and expand. Improvements of digital radio includes:

• A much greater calling range
• Better voice quality
• Increase in reliable coverage
• Advanced software availability

These are just some of the advantages to digital platforms. Analog radio has its own beneficial qualities as well. Analog radio has been the primary form of wireless communication via two-way radios since the origin of its development. Even to this day the majority of radio systems still operate on analog mode. As the world of digital technology grows, more and more professionals are switching from analog to digital.

Traditional analog two-way radios typically come with standard options, such as push-to-talk, scanning, limited encryption options and simple one-on-one or group conversations. There are many additional tasks analog radios are capable of performing thanks to innovative individuals throughout history.

Even the original cell phones operated via analog. As more and more people began using cell phones the platform was switched to digital.

Digital radios vary in what they have to offer, some offer the exact same as analog radios, and others come with additional features. Depending on manufacturer and the type of radio you purchase or rent, the included features will vary greatly. All digital radios pretty much guarantee 30-50% increased battery life over analog radios. This is because the digital radio transmitter does not run 24/7.

A standard analog radio is going to decrease in signal the closer you get towards its maximum range, at which point all you hear is white noise. On the other hand, a digital radio is going to remain much more consistent in sound quality regardless of distance to or from the maximum range.

Today’s analog radios use frequency modulation (FM), which creates a constant wave with the voice signal. This is a rather simple system to install, which makes analog radios more affordable. Despite the lower price point, popularity of analog radios remains on the decline.

The numbers 1 or 0 represents digital signals. Depending on the number the voltage values differ. The digital signal includes an algorithm that can identify talking vs. background noise; this means communication is much clearer. A wireless digital signal is considered equally reliable to a wired digital signal.

Advantages of Analog Radio

• There are a lot of accessories and add-ons available due to the extent of time analog radios have been around.
• Analog systems are easy to use and generally well understood by the public.
• These systems make productive use of bandwidth.

Disadvantages of Analog Radio

• In most cases you can only have one two-way conversation going on at any given time using the same channel.
• Receivers and transmitters are made to fit particular transmissions. The devices can be upgraded but the technology can’t be.
• Software for business applications is not available for analog.

Advantages of Digital Radios

• More conversations can take place on one channel.
• Unit ID, enhanced text messages and status buttons can all be embedded into a digital radio channel.
• Your bandwidth consumption is reduced with digital radios.
• Both existing infrastructure and antenna systems can be used for transmitting digital signals.
• Background noise greatly reduced due to advanced algorithms that can detect the difference between talking and background noise.
• Many new software applications are available all of the time.
• Digital platforms enable you to use both digital and analog radios simultaneously.

Disadvantages of Digital Radios

• Takes more time for first-time users to learn how to use.
• Digital signals will not tolerate RF (radio frequency) signals, and as a result if there is ever too much RF noise the signal can completely drop in error.
• Due to the fact it is newer and more technologically advanced it is also more expensive. (Reference)

Water resistant two-way radio technology is an important advancement in many industries, allowing work to continue regardless of weather or water-related accidents. We carry a number of waterproof two-way radios that employ the latest technology in order to keep you connected no matter what. 

There are water resistant technologies made by a large variety of businesses, each employing a slightly different method for keeping water out of everything from cell phones to two-way radios and even clothing.

Not all two-way radios are waterproof, and there are different levels of ‘waterproof’, including water resistant and waterproof.

Water Resistant Ratings

A water resistant rating IP67 represents radios that can be submerged for short periods of time without sustaining damage. This type of rating is considered ‘water resistant’ as opposed to waterproof. Water resistant means a radio is not likely to break if exposed to water, but it shouldn’t be tossed in a bucket of water for over an hour and expected to survive. Water-resistant radios come with a special coating on the chips and other sensitive interior components; this coating does a good job keeping water out. 

Waterproof radios do an even better job at keeping water out of moisture sensitive electronic parts. A waterproof rating of IP68 rating signifies a device can be submerged for long periods of time without sustaining damage. This rating allows for continuous emersion under the harshest conditions, such as saltwater.

Unless your team is constantly going underwater, IP68 level waterproof is more than you likely need. A water resistant rating IP67 is all you need in most typical cases, for instance using radios in the rain or accidently dropping your radio in water for a short amount of time.

Water Resistant Kenwood Radios

There are a number of high quality water resistant Kenwood radios that are easy to use and equipped with the latest features and technology. Kenwood radios run on the NEXEDGE radio system, which strives to offer the latest level of communication. As one of the leading providers of two-way radios, companies and institutions of all sizes and purposes rely on Kenwood radios.

The Kenwood NX-5300

The Kenwood NX-5300 is one of the most advanced water resistant radios you can get your hands on. It is an industry grade UHF radio that comes with Bluetooth, GPS positioning, SD card slot and more. If you want the radio that offers the most possible features, this may the best option for you. The fact that it is water resistant just makes it that much better.

https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/nx-5300/

The Kenwood NX-300

The Kenwood NX-300 is yet another full feature water resistant radio with so much to offer. Due to its water and dust-resistant qualities, this is an ideal radio for marine and construction environments. It also has amazing audio quality and a huge screen capable of displaying more than twice as many characters as previous models. Added programmable features and a large internal memory push this radio over the top, along with its capacity to handle multiple frequencies and channels.

https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/nx-300/

Water Resistant Motorola Radios

Motorola Solutions offers the latest technology and connectivity with their wide range of water resistant two-way radios. Motorola’s radio system is known as MOTOTRBO, offering superior capacity, voice quality and integrated data communication. These radios are built to globally recognized ETSI DMR Tier 2 standard and offer both UHF and VHF frequency bands. Huge corporations, public fire and police departments as well as small start-ups all use Motorola radios.

The Motorola XPR-7550

Water will not harm this radio, as it is submersible IP57. The XPR-7550 is one of Motorola’s most fully loaded models. It comes with a full color LCD display screen, GPS and Bluetooth capabilities. The fully featured digital radio has pretty impressive data application, pair this with the crisp clear screen and this radio resembles a smartphone. Unlike a smartphone, this radio is built to last with its rigid design and unsurpassed durability, making it an ideal form of communication in any environment.

https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/xpr-7550/

The Motorola XPR-6550

This radio is water resistant (IP57), and it is also considered one of Motorola’s most versatile options. Bluetooth, IMPRES battery technology, GPS capability and a strong durable shell all work together to make this particular model an easy favorite. Thanks to GPS information and the latest Motorola digital platform this radio is perfect for keeping your team connected at all times.

https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/xpr-6550/

For the latest Kenwood and Motorola water resistant two-way radios contact the leading provider in Florida, Highland Wireless! We are happy to help you find the perfect radios for your team.

Motorola business two-way radios come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all made to support the unique needs of corporate operations through durability and advanced features. Finding the right Motorola radio system will keep everyone within your workforce connected and communicating, meaning you are ready to take on any challenges that come your way. Time and time again businesses set up two-way radio systems only to find they save more money than expected while also increasing workplace efficiency. There are Motorola radios designed for different industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, retail, transportation, delivery, public service sectors and so forth.

Motorola Radios Are Built As Strong As Your Business

Motorola radios are built to withstand the conditions present at any job site. Motorola ensures any two-way radios that hit the market are capable of handling all sorts of wear and tear. In order to make this sort of guarantee Motorola heavily tests radios to ensure they are strong enough to handle any job site. As a result, these radios are built to last no matter how dusty, dirty, wet or rough a job site gets. In fact, U.S. Military Standards and Accelerated Life Testing approve all Motorola radios.   

Radios Made To Handle The Most Important Situations

If you work in law enforcement, security or emergency response every last second counts. That is why Motorola makes radios that are able to quickly communicate in a number of ways so that everything is handled on time and no serious issues have a chance to arise. Motorola two-way radios are used in big corporations, government work, as well as family-owned transportation operations. All of these businesses have one thing in common: they need two-way radios they can rely on to handle a variety of important day-to-day scenarios.

Commercial Vs. Professional Radios

Every business has a unique set of needs regarding two-way radios. Based upon these diverse specifications there are different model options. No other radio manufacturer provides a larger selection of models that operate with the highest efficiency standards.

Commercial radios are generally easy to use and ideal for smaller operations such as restaurants, high schools, construction sites and delivery operations, just to name a few.

Commercial radio qualities include:

• Easy to use features that foster teamwork and communication.
• Compact models easy to carry around on a job site without getting in the way.
• Options for models with or without a display screen or keypad.
• The option to add a radio repeater for wider radio range as needed, either due to the need for greater distance or due to obstructions such as buildings or trees in the area.
• Voice activation options enable you to communicate hands free.
• Compatibility with a variety of audio and carrying accessories.

Professional radios are geared for more complex communication. Instances when professional radios are ideal might be for college campuses, utilities and public service operations, as well as resorts or manufacturing warehouses.

Professional radio qualities include:

• The most robust solution.
• A range of signaling and scanning options.
• Safety features that help you better operate in hazardous work environments.
• A large number of channels to choose from in order to organize and communicate between large groups of employees.
• Data applications for improved efficiency such as GPS location tracking and text messaging.
• Option board capability that allows the implementation of customized applications.
• IMPRES audio
• Energy-saving solutions 

Wide Range Of Motorola Models

Motorola has numerous options available for your business, regardless if you need a basic radio or a high-tech radio capable of far more than just push-to-talk.

More basic options include Motorola’s CP-200D, which does not have a screen or GPS but is incredibly powerful and reliable. Push-to-talk ID and selective call are matched with hardcore hardware that can stand up to dirt, dust, water, impact damage and just about anything else.

There are also more advanced options such as Motorola’s XPR-7550, which includes a full color LCD screen, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities. Even with so many added bells and whistles this nice-looking radio offers all of the durability less technologically advanced models offer.     

Rent Or Buy Motorola Two-Way Radios From Highland Wireless

You have more options than ever when it comes to Motorola two-way radios for business use. You may purchase your radios up front or rent all of the radios and necessary equipment for one low monthly fee, starting at only $39 a month.

If your radios are ever broken or in need of repairs send them over and we will fix them right away, free of charge in almost all instances. We will also give you a temporary replacement radio in the meantime so that you never miss a beat.

Highland Wireless is the leading two-way radio specialist in Florida. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable Motorola radios available for purchase or rent.

VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) come with distinct pros and cons, understanding these differences will help you identify the best signal frequency for your two-way radio needs. For instance, UHF does not travel as far as VHF but may grant higher bandwidth occupation.

All wireless communication systems, including cell phones and two-way radios, operate on what is known as operating frequency. The government regulates these frequencies and the equipment used to communicate through them. Since people need all different types of radio signals a variety of wireless equipment is necessary to satisfy all needs.

In the United States, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulates the radio frequency bands. According to US frequency groups there are four different categories: low-band VHF (49-108 MHz), high-band VHF (169-216 MHz), low-band UHF (450-806 MHz), and high-band UHF (900-952 MHz).

The FCC is in control of who operates within each specific band and if anyone has priority over other operators. The primary users are properly licensed radio and television broadcasters as well as commercial communication services such as cell phones and two-way radios.

VHF and UHF each include their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

VHF- Very High Frequency

Very high frequency is commonly used for FM radio broadcast, two-way land mobile radio systems, long-range data communication, and marine communications, just to name a few. VHF includes radio waves from 30 MHz to 300 MHz.

VHF waves must not exceed the local radio horizon of 100 miles. VHF frequencies are less likely to be interrupted by atmospheric noise, issues with electrical equipment, and other interferences.

There are different bands within VHF frequency, including low-band and high-band. Low-band VHF range of 49 MHz includes transmission of wireless microphones, cordless phones, radio controlled toys and more. Slightly higher VHF range of 54-72 MHz operates television channels 2-4, as well as wireless systems defined as “assistive listening.” VHF frequencies 76-88 MHz operate channels 5 and 6. The highest low band VHF is 88-108 MHz and operates the commercial FM radiobroadcast band.

With so many different users the low-band VHF is not recommended for use of serious applications due to the levels of radio “noise” present at these frequencies. Despite the potential background noise this a popular option because of the low cost equipment. Transmission power is limited to under 50 mW, unless you are operating an assistive listening system in the 72-76 MHz range. Also, a large antenna booster is necessary, measuring as much as 3 feet in length, thus limiting portability.

High-band VHF range is popular for professional applications. The lowest high-band (169- 172 MHz) includes 8 different frequencies designated by the FCC, and is often used by the general public and wireless microphone devices. These frequencies are known as “traveling frequencies” because they can be used all around the US without fear of interference from broadcast television. Power is limited to 50 mW, although antenna size is smaller (around 20 inches per ¼ wavelength type). Businesses, government operations and the Coast Guard operate on this “traveling” band. For best results you typically only want to operate two to three units on this frequency. 

The high-band VHF between 174 and 216 MHz is used for VHF television channels 7-13. High quality audio is possible as well as smaller antenna size, down to 14 inches or less. The same 50 mW power restrictions apply.

Low-band VHF frequencies are far more likely to incur interferences than high-band VHF frequencies. (Reference)

UHF- Ultra High Frequency

UHF radio waves are much shorter in length than VHF, measuring around 12 to 24 inches. As a result antenna length is reduced as well as radio range. Anything from a building to a human body can interfere with UHF transmissions. Dropouts and interferences are far more likely, but greater bandwidth occupation is permitted. As a result you may find a wider frequency range as well as wider range of audio signal. Up to 250 mW is allowed, exceeding the 50 mW power restrictions applied to VHF.

Low-band UHF overlaps with high-band UHF, low is 450-536 MHz and high is 470-806 MHz. Typically, business services and UHF television channels 14 through 69 operate using these frequencies. High-band UHF (anything above 900 MHz) offers the least amount of disturbances and requires antennas measuring between 3 and 4 inches. These channels operate studio-to-transmitter links as well as other primary users and additional channels.     

UHF radio waves generally only go as far as line of sight. Anything in the way of your sight will also interfere with frequency range, such as buildings, tall trees or any other obstruction. The transmission is high enough to penetrate through building walls, making indoor reception a possibility.  It is the limited line-of-sight broadcast range that makes UHF unsuitable in some instances. VHF offers a much larger broadcast range, which is preferred in some industries.

UHF radio signals are used in many facets of life including satellite communication, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, walkie-talkies, cordless phones, cell phones, and television broadcasting.

A large advantage of UHF transmission is the short wavelengths produced by the high frequency.  The size of the radio wave relates directly to the length of transmission as well as the reception antennas. In general, UHF antennas are short and wide.

The cost of operating UHF equipment outweighs the operation of VHF equipment.  This is because it is more work to create UHF compatible devices based on the ways high frequency and short wavelength radio signals interact together. The difference in cost largely relates to the need for antennas, cables and other additional equipment. 

Need help identifying the best radio frequency for your needs? Contact Highland Wireless today and speak with leading experts regarding two-way radio technology.

Two-way radios have a specific range they operate within and anything outside of that will cause your radio to lose signal. A radio antenna booster, or a signal booster of any kind, will help extend your two-way radio range. Radio range can be increased through an extender, repeater or booster. Not only do radio antenna boosters and extenders increase the range you have to communicate, but also they provide clearer voice quality for ease of communication.   

Radio Antenna Booster

A radio’s signal strength relies on a number of factors including the radio antenna size, the frequency band, and surrounding landscape, including if you are indoors or outdoors.

Two-way radio signals travel in a straight line meaning mountains, buildings, trees or even a group of people can get in the way of transmission signals. Simply mounting a two-way radio inside of a vehicle can create interference issues. This is why many go with external antennas mounted to the roof of the vehicle. 

The higher your radio antenna the less likely it is going to encounter interruptions as it travels from one radio to another. This is why if you stand at the top of a mountain you are going to get the best signal strength, there’s nothing in your way because you are at the highest point. You don’t have to run to the top of the closest hill to restore two-way radio communication. Instead, extending and improving your antenna is often the easiest way to improve radio range.

What Does A Radio Repeater Offer?

Simply put, a radio repeater takes a poor, weak or ineffective radio signal and amplifies it as well as rebroadcasts it. This increases the overall range of your two-way radio.

Even with superior conditions most two-way radios only reach so far in distance before a repeater is needed. A repeater system is located at a higher elevation, this device receives and re-transmits signals using a higher power so that it will reach its intended destination. Emergency personal, police departments, commercial businesses and ambulance services all use repeaters to ensure important messages are transmitted and received. If you live in a region surrounded by high mountains or tall buildings a repeater is incredibly useful.

Repeaters are built using two different frequencies that seamlessly come together. One frequency transmits the message and the other receives it. In order to use a repeater system you will need to connect your radio so that it is set to transmit the repeater’s output frequency as well as enable the radio’s offset mode. As a result, the radio transmits on the repeater’s input frequency and reverts to the repeater’s output frequency when the radio is not used for transmitting. (Reference)

Most radio repeaters offer real-time transmission of messages, taking only 50 or so milliseconds to process and resend a signal. ‘Store and forward’ repeaters are another option used to store messages meant for transmission at a later time. 

An antenna booster is not technically a repeater because it is not using an additional device to rebroadcast anything. An antenna booster is often used alongside radio repeaters to make it easier for the repeater to receive and retransmit original messages.   

High Quality Receivers

A high quality receiver is very important to the overall capabilities of any radio range extender. The electronics used to receive and resend signals need to be sensitive enough to pick up weak signals and transform them into powerful signals easily understood by intended audiences. Although, you don’t want the system to be overly sensitive and start transmitting background noise that overwhelms and complicates the system. A good receiver will have as much as 50% more sensitivity when it comes to picking up signals. At the same time they have as much as 2 or 3 times less background noise due to amplified selectivity.   (Reference)

Wide Area Network

Ditch the complex nature of antenna boosters and repeater stations with a much more simple solution: our Wide Area network, which grants the longest radio range ever. In fact, you can talk from as far as 300 miles apart and still feel like you are right next door to the person on the other end.

Highland Wireless maintains an extensive Wide Area network that connects West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, St Augustine and Tampa, Florida. We are among the first leading the way for this exciting advancement in radio technology, and are ecstatic to see how far it has already come along.

Our Wide Area network works thanks to a series of sites equipped with proper radio infrastructure, all of which connect and work together. This equipment may be located 300 feet up on a tower, or on top of a building. Every site is linked together through an IP network. When a message is input it moves through the stations on its way to its intended recipient in a mater of seconds.   

Contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about radio range that extends over 300 miles!