How much radio range do you need to keep in contact with friends, family, or coworkers? This question comes with a lot of different answers! Necessary range distance will vary depending on your use of two-way radios. Most likely you know someone who has purchased a two-way radio only to be disappointed by its actual range capabilities. This is a common issue that people face when comparing the advertised range to the actual range they are able to get. You don’t have to deal with this mess; here we explain how you can secure the best two-way radio range possible.

Types Of Two-Way Radios

In general, there are two types of two-way radios on the market:

Family Radio Service (FRS) includes lower-power units that can transmit via 7 FRS channels and 7 additional shared FRS/GMRS channels, granting a total of 14 different communication channels to select from.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) include higher-power radios that can operate any GMRS or FRS bands, granting you a total of 22 channels to select from.

The average radio now comes with access to all 22 FRS and GMRS channels. In order to utilize GMRS channels you need a five-year license from the Federal Communications Commission.

Range Advertised Up To 25 Miles… But Is It True?

Many basic two-way radios come with a statement on the packaging which promises “up to 25 miles” of range. Read the reviews from dissatisfied costumers and you will quickly realize how unlikely this range really is. More realistically, in 90% of all instances this range might actually be closer to 2 miles or less… a far cry from 25 miles!

How could this be, and why hasn’t someone alerted the authorities in regards to false advertisement? In optimal conditions, in which stock two-way radios are tested, they do reach ranges near 25-miles. The issue is that in the real world ‘optimal conditions’ are hardly a reality. Instead, a number of natural and unnatural factors get in the way and interfere with connectivity.

What Causes Two-Way Radio Range To Decline?

The dependability of a two-way radio relies on a couple of different factors, such as:

• The topography of a location, lots of hills, canyons, or ridgelines can interfere with reception.
• The current weather, for instance if there are thick clouds or lightening.
• Any sort of large obstruction, including a tree-bloated forest, or a man-made building.
• Surfaces made of metal, for instance range within a vehicle is usually limited.
• The human body can even impact how well radio waves are transmitted and received. You are dense and made of water, two factors that can decrease a radios ability to communicate properly.  This is why in some cases it helps to attach your radio to something not directly connected to your body.

Higher-powered radios are capable of overcoming many of the obstacles lower-powered radios cannot.

What Improves Two-Way Radio Range?

Ideal conditions for a two-way radio result in impeccable communication across vaster distances. Several locations a two-way radio will preform best in include:

• Out on the water or along a shoreline two-way radios tend to get very good reception.
• Any setting that is flat without much, if any, obstructions.
• Height improves reception with two-way radios. If you are situated on a hill several hundred feet in elevation overlooking a flat valley you will experience ideal radio range. If you move up too high in the hills though, you can start to pick up too much range. In which case you will be able to hear communication from a number of different, and rather distant radios.

How To Have The Best Radio Range Ever

The future of radio communication is changing rapidly, and we are proud to be at the forefront of these transformations. Your business can’t rely on two-way radios unless you know for a fact they can communicate across the advertised range. That’s why a Wide Area Network provides the perfect solution to reliable two-way radio communication.

Just as the name suggests, a Wide Area Network allows you to operate your radios over a vast distance, reaching as much as 300 miles. This new technology relies on a number of radio infrastructure sites that are all connected together as one. Your two-way radio system comes with its own IP network address, which is used to identify your signals as they are sent and received. The process takes a mere second, delivering flawless results despite distance, hills or other obstructions that might otherwise get in the way of radio range.

Thanks to Wide Area Network you never have to worry about two-way radio range again. Highland Wireless offers the widest two-way radio range in Florida, stretching across Miami, West Palm, Orlando, and Tampa. Contact us today to learn more about our Wide Area Network and all that it can offer you!

You can get even more out of your two-way radios with accessories like extended batteries, portable chargers, crisp speakers or a radio headset. When it comes to finding the best headset for your radio setup where do you begin? Take a look online and you will see that there are countless headset options, ranging in price from as little as $18 to as much as $1,000+. In this blog we provide answers about some of the best headsets for two-way radios, plus how to determine if you really need a radio headset in the first place.

Do You Need A Two-Way Radio Headset?

Perhaps the most important question to consider is if you need a headset for two-radios or not. Here are a couple of determining factors to help you decide:

• Hold a meeting with staff to discuss the option of having a headset. Lead an open-ended discussion in order to find out if they think this accessory would improve functionality and comfort throughout their workday.
• Take into consideration the everyday tasks a team is assigned. For instance if employees are constantly on the move, a headset may help by allowing for hands-free communication.
• How much time do team members spend communicating via radio? If the answer is a considerable amount of time, a headset can save time and effort when it comes to communication.
• Do you need added privacy? A headset helps keep conversations more discreet, as others in the vicinity will not be able to hear what is being said over the other radio. This may or may not be beneficial to your business.
• Is the job field noisy? A headset can help reduce background noise so that both parties are better able to hear one another.

The Latest And Greatest Headsets For Two-Way Radios

Some two-way radio headsets operate as a microphone, while others work more traditionally by hooking over the ears. Some headsets are flimsy and lightweight, while others are substantial and heavy-duty. The right type of headset for your business will vary depending on your industry and the day-to-day work employees are assigned.

The type of two-way radio you are looking to connect with will also alter the right headset for the job, as some two-radios come equipped with Bluetooth and others require additional cords to connect via headset.

The Motorola PMLN5275A Heavy Duty Headset

This headset by Motorola is compatible with Motorola XPR and Motorola APX series radios, and requires a radio programed for VOX operation. This heavy-duty headset comes with a price point just under $500, and offers Boom Microphone and a noise reduction rating of 24 dB. The talk button is conveniently located on the side of the earpiece. This is a great headset for long shifts, as it comes padded with liquid and foam for extra protection and comfort.

Two-Wire Surveillance Mic For Motorola

Ranging on average around $30, this two-way radio headset is a more affordable option that offers compatibility to the CP200, as well as a number of other Motorola two-way radios. This comfortable two-wire kit is made to withstand a lot of use, plus the microphone comes with a clip for hands-free easy access.

This is a simple accessory with minimal materials, which many job sites prefer. The cords are not irritating and can run underneath clothing for invisible convenience. Overall this headset gets good reviews, but some people cite discomfort while wearing them all day long. Still, for the price this headset offers a lot of awesome features including good sound quality.

Two-Wire Surveillance Earpiece Mic For Kenwood Radio Models

This headset is compatible with the latest TK Kenwood radios, receives great customer reviews, and offers a very affordable price point. For around $30 you can pick up this headset that both transmits and receives messages. Despite its affordable price this headset is made to be worn over long periods of time and is constructed of soft materials that don’t irritate the skin.

The sturdy construction of this lightweight headset (as seen here) makes it appropriate for even the harshest work environments. Even in the loudest locations this headset works great to convey messages without interference.

Kenwood Radio Multi Pin Earpiece

This headset is sold for around $40 and is compatible with all Kenwood radios that have a multi pin plug. This model relies on slim cords, and the microphone can be attached to a shirt, sleeve, or practically anywhere else for easy access. This two-wire earphone kit is durable and discrete, which is why many security personnel use it as their go-to headset. Plus, the earpiece is great for loud site locations thanks to the superb sound quality.

Highland Wireless offers expert advice, superior service, and top-notch products for all of your two-way radio needs.

If one of your radio systems start giving you problems it can be a total pain and hold up communication. Thankfully, there are a number of simple solutions for many radio problems you might be currently experiencing.

Managers often make a service call or purchase an entirely new radio, when there is a far more cost effective option. Before investing money sending radios off for repairs or ordering new batteries, there are a few simple solutions you can try out on your own. In this blog we detail the most common problems associated with two-way radios and how to address and fix them.

Issue #1: Radio Appears Unable To Hold A Charge, Even After Charging

If a radio isn’t working or holding a charge the issue might be incredibly simple to address. Rapid chargers take about one hour to fully charge, and overnight chargers take 12 hours to fully charge. Yet, if the radio is not properly situated into the charger it is not going to charge no matter how long it sits there.

You might be surprised how many people assume a radio isn’t working, when the real issue has to do with the radio being incorrectly placed in the charger. This problem is so common because many overnight chargers do not indicate when they are charging or done charging.

Have a fresh pair of eyes take a look at the current charging situation before sending your radios in for repair; you just might find the solution is simpler than you think.

Issue #2: New radios or replacement batteries are not working properly

If you get new batteries or a new radio, you must charge them for a solid 12 hours. By doing this you ensure superior performance and the longest radio life possible. Even if you have a rapid charger, one-hour of charging time is not enough for brand new equipment.

Issue #3: Radio battery is going out after only a few hours of use

This problem is incredibly common, and often has to do with a device that has not been properly or fully charged. When you charge radios, make sure that they are turned off. If you leave the radio on while it is charging, chances are it will not charge.

Charging a radio while it is on also destroys the battery so that it requires replacement much sooner. It is very common for office workers to leave their radios on the charger all day while they work, but the charger is not a stand, and should only be used to charge radios that are turned off and not in use.

Issue #4: Radio will not stop beeping

No one wants to hear a continuous beeping sound, not only is it irritating but it’s highly inefficient. There are a few reasons your radio might be beeping. One reason is a charging issue, be sure that the radio is being properly placed in the charger and receiving a full charge. In some cases the battery might need to be replaced, signs that your radio requires new batteries include:

-The charger light blinks for 5+ minutes after the radio is placed on the charger.

-After only a few minutes of charging a dead battery, the light turns green indicating the radio is fully charged.

If the radio only beeps when it is tuned into a specific channel, this is not an indicator that anything is wrong with the actual radio. Instead, it simply signifies that the radio needs a frequency plugged into this channel.

Issue #5: Headset, speaker, or other accessory is not working with the radio

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with radio accessories the first thing to do is try out the same accessories on a different radio. If the accessory works, try once again to use it with the faulty radio, and make sure the accessories are fully plugged in. If the accessory continues to malfunction this is an indicator that the accessory jack on the radio is not working and needs to be sent in for repairs. If the audio accessory doesn’t work on any radios, you know that your issue has to do with the accessory and not the radios.

Issue #6: Your radios are acting up but you’re unsure which radio is causing the problem

Depending on how many radios you have in your fleet this can be a tricky problem that causes a lot of annoyance. Thankfully, there is a simple way to identify the radio culprit. You will need to run a basic transmit and receive test on each radio within your system to pinpoint the faulty radio.

Issue #7: A radio is not working but you are unsure if it has to do with the battery or the radio

Before assuming a battery or radio needs to be replaced, it’s best to find out which is actually causing the issue, the radio or the battery. Switch the battery from the malfunctioning radio into another radio and see if the problem is fixed or remains. If the battery works in a different radio, you know the issue has to do with the radio. If the battery does not work in a different radio, you know the battery needs to be replaced.    (read more)

Highland Wireless provides fast, reliable technical services for all of your two-way radio needs. Contact us today for the help you need to get back on track communicating.

If a disaster strikes are you prepared to react? How do you plan to keep communication lines open if cell phone lines become overburdened, or Internet goes down? Anyone that works as a member of a professional first-respondent team knows that the most critical component of an emergency situation is access to communication.

If a large geomagnetic storm or other disaster arrives, Internet based forms of communications will likely go down. As long as two-way radios are not damaged, they will continue to work long past other forms of communication. This is why a two-way radio system can be life changing in the instance of an emergency, and why many businesses keep them handy just in case disaster strikes. Here we detail the importance of two-way radios and how radios are incredibly useful in times of emergency.

Why Are More People Getting Two-Way Radios Than Ever Before?

In July of 2013, the monsoon flooding disaster in India sparked a movement around the world. Due to a lack of communication during the disaster, others have learned from the hardships people and businesses faced as a result. Many officials in other flood prone areas have since instituted radio facilities for emergency communication purposes.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have recently published training materials on how to use two-way radios on a regular basis, and in the instance of an emergency. (Learn more)

If you watch a lot of news, it seems like every few weeks another disaster strikes a different part of the world. The awareness that anything can happen has sparked many individuals and businesses to invest in a two-way radio system. A cell phone might seem more high tech, but it is not nearly as reliable as a radio. Radios provide a great way to stay in contact with team members for everyday use, but this is especially true in times of emergency.

4 Benefits Of Two-Way Radios In An Emergency

Two-way radios offer so many benefits, here are 4 things your radio can do for you to help ease an emergency situation.

1. Radio Tracking Devices: Know Where Everyone Is In An Emergency

In an emergency the last thing you want to waste time doing is guessing where your team is located. This wastes valuable time that might make a big difference in the overall outcome. Since many two-way radios come with GPS tracking capabilities, you can always see where your team is at in relation to the GPS on their radio.

2. Works When Other Forms Of Communication Do Not

When most forms of communication cease working, you don’t have to be isolated and without contact. 2-way radios include their own channel that no one else has access to. For this reason, even if phone lines become clogged up, your 2-way radio will still operate without the need to worry about any competition. Keep extra batteries on hand, in the instance a radio battery goes bad you can simply swap it out for a new one.

3. Make Contact With People Miles Away

You might assume that two-way radios only work across a relatively short distance, but think again. Your own 2-way radio system can reach up to 300-miles in distance, meaning you will have contact with people far away from the immediate disaster location.

4. Radios Are Durable And Lightweight

Cell phones are fragile devices that break under very little pressure. In an emergency situation who knows what sort of things might be going on. Thankfully, quality 2-way radios are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. For instance, if floodwaters are rising and a cell phone plops down into the water, not only is it likely broken but also it will quickly sink to the bottom. On the other hand, many 2-way radios are made to float on top of water as opposed to sink, and many are capable of withstanding up to a few feet of water for around 30-minutes.

Some disasters stretch on for a considerable amount of time, which makes the durability of radios even more appreciated. Not only are radios durable and able to withstand the unique pressures created by a disaster, but also they are lightweight and easy to carry around. If an emergency situation requires a lot of moving about, a radio is compact enough to not get in the way.

The Importance Of High Quality Radios

You don’t want to purchase just any 2-way radio; cheap consumer grade models that are sold at the local corner store are not going to provide nearly the same reliability as a professional model. The advanced features that many 2-way radios come equipped with could make the difference between having a working radio and not having a working radio in the instance of an emergency.

Want to be prepared no matter what disaster comes your way? Highland Wireless offers all of the latest two-way radio systems for improved communication and safety everyday and during disasters.

Radio systems include a vast history, having been used in almost every industry at some point in time. Henirich Hertz was the German physicist responsible for originally proving one could wirelessly send and receive electric waves. While Hertz believed his work had no real practical potential, his work is now recognized as a solid building block in the invention of modern day radio and other forms of communication. In fact, every frequency measurement is now called the Hertz in honor of his intelligent realization.

Radio waves travel incredibly fast, allowing you to communicate at the touch of a button. Hence why radio technology is used for so many different things today, from baby monitors to tow truck dispatchers. So where is the future of radio communication headed, and what can you expect from your 2-way radio system sometime in the near future?

The History Of Mobile Radios

In order to fully appreciate where mobile radio technology is today, it’s important to understand where two-way radios started. The technologies behind radios were first put to use in the 1890’s in order to help ships communicate. Prior to radio technologies ships used carrier pigeons and flags to correspond.

In 1910, Frederick Baldwin and John McCurdy used the first radios for aviation. The two men trailed behind another plane and used radios to communicate between the two planes.

In 1912 the Federal government began regulating American airwaves. Anyone wanting to utilize radio communication had to become licensed, and ships were required to carry a radio and trained operators.

In 1921, police commissioner William Rutledge introduced the first radio-equipped vehicles to the Detroit Police Department.

In 1927 the Federal Radio Commission was instituted to organize the chaos in the airwaves.

(Learn More)

Today, so many years later, and radios still remain an incredibly important device in so many different industries. The widespread use of radios requires that the technology is continually being built upon and improved. As we look into the future it’s clear that the powers of two-way radios are only going to continue to grow and expand.

Advancements In Two-Way Radios

There are a number of advancements in radio technology that have taken place in recent years. Two-way radios can do more for you now than ever before. Radios can be used to send and receive messages both verbally and in text. They now also come with advanced security features to better protect your business from intruders and thieves. If a radio is removed from its designated area, it can be remotely turned off until it is returned back to the right hands, at which point it can easily be turned back on.

Cell phones and landlines were invented thanks to the technological knowledge gained through radio communications. Yet, radios have continued to advance even as other related inventions take off.

Radios largely remain popular because they are reliable, cost-effective, and easy to use. Even as radios undergo technical advancements, the overall design remains very simple, offering touch to talk features that don’t waste time or include distractions. Despite the simplicity of the two-way radio, it continues to provide more and more benefits to businesses. Perhaps the one complaint a business might have is that 2-way radios cannot communicate across as vast a distance as a cell phone, although that too is changing thanks to the institution of wide area networks.

Wide Area Network Radio Systems

Two-way radios have generally been limited by distance, only able to communicate over a certain expanse of space. Yet, thanks to advanced technology, all of that is now changing. Wide area technology is transforming the ways radios are used to communicate and do business.

A wide area network allows one radio to reach another, even if the two radios are 300 miles apart. While cell phones are known to give out in an emergency, radio towers are far more reliable. Long distances were once reason enough for businesses to turn to cell phones as opposed to radio for communication. Now, since radios are capable of communicating across vast areas, even more businesses can take advantage of radio benefits.

Radio equipment can be placed on a tall tower, or on a large building, but every site is linked to create an IP network attached to your businesses. In less than one second, an audio transmission from one radio can reach another radio. As a result, businesses have a constant source of quick, reliable communication they can depend on regardless of distance.

Highland Wireless was one of the very first providers to create a wide area network in Florida. Our network connects Miami, West Palm, Tampa, Orlando, and everywhere in between. Contact us today to learn how your business can enjoy seamless communication with wide area network radios.