It seems like everything is equipped with Bluetooth these days, we use Bluetooth in cars, and throughout the home. The popularity of Bluetooth has now reached the two-way radio world. Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly attach two-way radios with compatible accessories, for instance a headset or microphone, plus so much more. While two-way radios with Bluetooth tend to come with a higher price tag, it is highly valuable in certain industries.

In the future wires will become a thing of the past, but for now wires remain a part of everyday life. Bluetooth two-way radios are the way to go if you don’t want to deal with wires getting in the way.

What Is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology relies on radio waves to function. The band is set at 2.4GHz, a frequency that is available at no charge. Bluetooth technology allows two devices to seamlessly connect to one another using “Centrino” chips, which can be inserted into almost all standard electronic devices.

Bluetooth has a wide assortment of benefits such as no wires are needed, allowing for seamless and fuss-free communication. Also, since Bluetooth synchs automatically it creates less of a distraction and reduces the risk for injury and accident. You don’t have to remain tied to a landline, or even your two-way radio. With Bluetooth you can enjoy much greater activity level and range of motion while still maintaining direct access to communication.

Do You Need Bluetooth For Two-Way Radios?

Bluetooth capabilities naturally increase the cost of a particular two-way radio. Obviously, you only want to invest in this feature if it is going to pay off to do so. There are very few industries that do not benefit from using a Bluetooth compatible radio system.

Bluetooth is highly recommended for first responders, or those providing speedy services that rely on swift communication to get the job done right. Bluetooth is also great for employees that typically have their hands preoccupied throughout the day, say for instance construction workers or fleet drivers.

Some signs that Bluetooth will provide enough benefits to pay for itself include:

• Your team will greatly benefit from hands-free access to a two-way radio.
• You plan to purchase headsets and or microphones to accessorize two-way radios. (If you plan to use accessories with radios that do not offer Bluetooth you must take the mess of cords into consideration—will this present a distraction that reduces productivity?)
• Team members need to be discreet about communicating. It’s much harder to hide radio communication when you are covered in wires.
• Employees need to move quickly and can’t afford to be held back by invasive equipment.

Devices Equipped With Bluetooth

Less than half of all two-way radios offer Bluetooth connectivity, which often comes as a surprise considering how popular the use of Bluetooth is in everyday life. Before you hit the panic button, there is a good selection of radio models that offer Bluetooth, and so much more.

Motorola offers a couple great two-way radios with Bluetooth that are worth checking out. One of these models is Motorola’s XPR-7550. This two-way radio literally offers every last feature you could ever want. The XPR-7550 is packed with all of the goodies, including Bluetooth, GPS, a full color LCD display screen and more. This model is considered the perfect integration of a smart phone and a reliable radio. The rigid design of this model keeps it durable despite all of its fancy accessories.

Another Motorola option with Bluetooth capabilities is the XPR-6550. This model is similar to the 7550, but it does not have the same large LCD display screen. The screen on this phone is smaller and less luxurious, although the versatile and durable design of the radio is highly coveted. Not only does the XPR-6550 offer Bluetooth, but it also offers GPS capability and IMPRES battery technology for extended use.

Bluetooth Accessories For Two-Way Radios

There are a number of different wireless accessories available for both Motorola and Kenwood radios. In fact, a two-way radio with Bluetooth opens up a lot more options in terms of accessorizing. It is easy to pair and use any of these accessories without invasive and annoying wires that really get in the way at a busy job site. Wireless microphones that pair with Bluetooth devices allow you to easily magnify your voice and send a message across channels. Wireless headsets are equally convenient as they allow you and members of your team to move about freely while communicating hands-free.

Contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about which two-way radios with Bluetooth work best for you.

Finding the ideal two-way radio can be challenging. For starters, there are many different models available on the market. In order to start your search you must first identify your needs in regards to a two-way radio. Are you seeking a two-way radio for personal use or business? Do you need a radio to communicate over long distances or short distances? Identifying your exact requirements will help you find a radio that offers everything you need and more.

Not all two-way radios are created with the same features and capabilities; it’s actually the exact opposite. Some two-way radios offer GPS and hands-free communication, while others are coveted not for fancy features but because they are lightweight or incredibly durable. Knowing your options is useful so that you get a two-way radio that offers the best bang for your buck.

Types Of Radios

There are two main groups of two-way radios you have to pick between, Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).

FRS systems produce lower levels of power and can transmit over 7 FRS channels and 7 shared FRS/GMRS channels. This gives you a total of 14 different channels to communicate across.

A GMRS system provides a higher energy output and offers a total of 22 channels to communicate across. In order to use a GMRS radio the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires you to obtain a 5-year license.

How Much Range Do Your Radios Need To Provide?

Radio range is dependent on the distance your 2-way radios need to communicate across. Most 2-way radios are only capable of communicating from 2 miles away or less. This is not going to cut it for many businesses. If you need 2-way radios capable of sending and receiving messages from greater distances this is something to put at the forefront of your radio search.

The terrain you are working with will also impact the ability of two-way radios to communicate vast distances. Topography, weather, electromagnetic interference, large metal surfaces and dense forests can decrease radio signals considerably.

If your seeking two-way radios capable of communicating across different city lines there is finally a way to do so, it is known as Wide Area. Highland Wireless is one of the first to offer this innovative solution, allowing people to communicate via two-way radios from the South Florida Keys to Orlando, or as much as 300 miles away.

Comparable Features To Consider

Different two-way radios offer different features, some of which you might need and others not so much. Knowing the current options available can help you determine the best device for any job. Comparable features you should consider include:

Size and weight of two-way radio: Size and weight will hold varying degrees of importance depending on the type of job or recreational site the radio will be used at. For instance, if someone needs to easily use and access the radio while navigating a snow covered mountain on skis, a big bulky radio is not advised.

Communication alerts: Some two-way radios offer both paging and calling features, while some only offer calling. Certain models also offer the option to set different tones for certain callers in order to better attract attention and alert members to who is calling. Some models also offer vibrate options.

Keypad Lock: This feature prevents a two-way radio from placing calls and changing settings without the users permission. Imagine if you could not lock your cell phone, it would be doing all kinds of things if you placed it in your back pocket.

Noise filters: If you need to use two-way radios in a noisy area a noise filter is especially useful.

Headset Jacks: If you plan to use accessories for radios, such as headphones or microphones, you will need to purchase a two-way radio that offers a headset jack. It is a common misconception that all radios come with one, but they do not.

VOX:  Are you in need of a hands-free radio? The voice activated feature available on certain two-way radio models allow you to simply speak in the direction of the radio in order to magnify your message across channels. This means users can communicate without ever picking up or physically handling the radio.

GPS capabilities: If you need your radio to provide a GPS signal it will cost more money but prove very useful. A GPS signal provides direction as well as pinpoints the location of all two-way radio devices in a particular fleet.

Durability: Durability may be at the top of your priority list depending on how much wear and tear your two-way radios must endure. Certain models offer dust, water and impact resistance.

Highland Wireless offers superior two-way radios, technical services, networking options and more. Contact us today to see how we can help you stay connected via two-way radio!

Motorola Two Way Radios: The Brand Behind One Of The Most Popular Radios Around The World

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 50-years you have likely heard of Motorola. Motorola got its start in innovative communications and electronics back in 1928. Along the way Motorola has achieved a great deal of success, far greater than anyone could have ever hoped for when the company first opened shop. Motorola’s humble beginnings started with two brothers, Joseph and Paul V, who originally incorporated the company as the Gavin Manufacturing Corporation, in Chicago, Illinois.  Their very first product to hit shelves was a 1928 battery eliminator that allowed household electricity to run a battery-powered radio. Sears was the first company to purchase the product for retail in their stores.

Soon after Motorola experienced its first taste of success, along came the Great Depression. When the stock market collapsed, the brother’s company nearly crashed too. Thanks to Paul Gavin’s idea to create an inexpensive car radio the company was able to find solid footing during a time when few others could. Today Motorola is still going strong, as they continue to provide customers with exactly what they are looking for.

(More on their history)

Motorola Two-Way Radios

When it comes to two-way radios, Motorola is considered one of the leading brands in the industry. The company is constantly innovating new ways to make communication faster and more accessible when it is needed most. Motorola’s radio system MOTOTRBO is reliable, clear, and includes integrated data communication. MOTOTRBO meets the rigorous ETSI DMR Tier 2 standard for both UHF and VHF frequency bands.

Government organizations, big businesses, and small businesses all rely on Motorola two-way radios to achieve a job well done. Motorola’s wide variety of radio models promises something for everyone, from the most basic two-way radios to more technologically advanced models with added capabilities.

For instance, the CP-200d is one of Motorola’s more basic two-way radio options. Even without a screen this particular radio has been an industry favorite with customers for years. The latest version of the CP-200 includes increased communication flexibility, push to talk ID, and selective calling.

If you are looking for something with more bells and whistles, the XPR-7550 by Motorola might do the trick. This radio has every last feature available in the radio industry, including a full color LCD display screen, GPS and Bluetooth capabilities, as well as a rigid design. Despite having all of these high-tech add-ons, this radio still promises the same durability as always.

For something more middle of the road there is the Sl-7550 radio by Motorola. This sleek and stylish radio offers a full color screen, but no Bluetooth or GPS. Made to look more like a smartphone than a radio, this heavy-duty model is great for a wide variety of industries.

Customer Reviews For Motorola Two Way Radios

The overwhelming majority of Motorola customers are very pleased with this brand of two-way radios. Commonly cited features that customers enjoy most include awesome sound quality and ease of use. The battery also has a nice long life thanks to advanced charging technologies. Two-way radios are often used in emergency situations and so having a battery you can rely on is really important.

The largest issue customers face with Motorola radios, and any two-way radio, is signal strength issues. Yet, with the right radio connection and service you should not encounter these same problems. For industries that need to communicate over long distances, a Wide Area Network provides crisp, clear communication even across different counties.

Motorola’s Biggest Milestones Over The Years

Throughout the years Motorola has played an important role in technology and communication systems. At some point in time everyone has used or owned a product made by Motorola. Some of the company’s greatest triumphs over the years include:

In the 1930’s Motorola created the first ever car radio, as well as public safety networks.

In 1969, Motorola was responsible for transmitting the very first words ever sent from the moon.

In 1983, they created the first commercial handheld cell phone, as well as a handheld scanner.

In 2011, Motorola teamed up with the state of Mississippi and created the first statewide public safety network using broadband LTE in the United States.

Motorola isn’t through innovating; the company remains dedicated to crafting the highest quality products on the market.

Motorola strives to provide technology that is easy to use and reliable so that users don’t have to worry about technology, and can just focus on their job. The industries that use two-way radios the most don’t have time to waste fussing with poor connections or malfunctioning hardware. That’s why Motorola has remained an industry leader for so many years. With such a wide variety of two-way radios to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.

Highland Wireless is a leading certified provider of Motorola two-way radios.

As a leading provider of two-way radios we see communication as key to success in any work environment. By providing colleagues with a system for reliable and fast communication you will instantly see the benefits, such as an increase in work efficiency, a reduction in errors, and the formation of a more cohesive work environment.

Adding quality two-way radios to your work site is one way you can improve communication and work productivity, but there are other ways too! Here are 9 great tips for improving communication at any work site.

1. Learn To Listen

Most people are much better at talking than they are at listening. Although, the best way to improve communication in any situation is to simply take the time to really listen. By cutting people off and finishing their sentences you are not communicating at all.

2. Ask Your Employees What Types Of Communication Systems They Prefer

Speaking of listening, your employees are a valuable source of noise when it comes to picking the means of communication you utilize at a work site. Talking to them about their needs, likes and dislikes in regards to communication can be very beneficial, as well as informative. Everyone present at a work site should be comfortable with the methods of communication used in order for a cohesive work environment to exist.  (Read more)

3. Give Positive Feedback

If every time you communicate with your employees you are angry or negative, communication as well as overall company moral is going to go down. First of all, no one is going to feel comfortable approaching you, which may leave you excluded from important issues.

Instead of creating a hostile environment you should work to boost positivity and hard work. A great way to do this is do remember that for every negative thing you have to say, you should always be sure to give three positives. Build employees up by letting them know when you appreciate their work. When people feel like their work is recognized and appreciated they are far more likely to continue putting in the extra time it takes to be a great employee.

4. Have A Plan For Everything

Every situation, either mundane or emergency, needs to have a plan of action in place. Coworkers that have been briefed on what to do in every situation are better prepared to deal with whatever life throws their way. With two-way radios this planning becomes even easier as coworkers can communicate back and forth in order to keep everyone safe and in the know.

5. Face-To-Face Communication Is Still Important

In our modern day world of fast paced technology it’s easiest to send someone an email and move on with your day. Yet, if your employees rarely make time to talk face-to-face to one another and to supervisors, work moral is proven to go down. Even using a phone or radio to communicate is more personal than responding via text or social media. Take the time to talk with coworkers, and create situations where everyone has a chance to interact like human beings getting to know one another.

6. Restating The Facts

In situations where details are crucial it’s helpful if employees repeat back information to clarify what they have heard. When using two-way radios this can be especially useful, and with push-to-talk features it’s very easy to do. Repeating information helps make sure the information was correctly conveyed, but it also helps you to remember it.

7. Build Trust With Team Building Exercises

In order for workers to feel comfortable openly communicating with one another a certain level of trust needs to exist. The workplace shouldn’t always be hurry, hurry, serious. There is a time and place for some fun, such as with team building activities that get employees interacting and getting to know one another on a more personal level.  These activities not only improve employee productivity, but they also increase the effectiveness of work site communication.

 8. Make Sure Radios Work

One way communication can quickly turn into a mess is if two-way radios are malfunctioning or inoperable. Radios need to offer a reliable connection, long-lasting battery, and remain accessible throughout the day in order for communication to be possible. If workers are stuck dealing with faulty communication devices a world of problems is bound to arise.

9. Communication Is Always A Work In Progress

There are always new ways you can improve communication at a job site. By constantly thinking outside of the box, trying new things, and carefully observing how coworkers currently communicate you can find ways to improve. Pay attention to how people respond to your direction, do they listen sometimes better than others? Does response have anything to do with the way the message was delivered? Most likely the answer is yes. Paying close attention to what works and doesn’t work will help you formulate the best communication tactics.

Highland Wireless offers a wide variety of two-way radios, technical services, and networking options. Offering you the most important tools you need to improve work site communication!