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!

You pick up a two-way radio, say something into the device and take for granted it will reach your intended receiver. Just like when you turn on the radio while driving and instantly hear the sounds of your favorite songs as if a concert were taking place in your car. If you really think about it, the power of radio is pretty incredible. But how does it really work?

“Radio waves” are capable of sending all kinds of data, including music, dialogue, and pictures, over vast distances. Everyday there is a whirlwind of data surrounding you, invisibly flying to and from an intended destination. Radio waves are doing all of this hard work, and yet they remain completely invisible, as well as silent, to the human eye.

Everyday things that utilize radio waves include (a few of these might actually surprise you!):

• AM and FM radio stations
• Cordless telephones
• Garage door openers
• Toys advertised as ‘radio-controlled’
• GPS receivers
• Baby monitors
• Ham radios
• Police radios
• Wireless clocks
• Wireless networks
• Satellite communications

Did you know that even microwave ovens rely on radio waves? And that any radio-controlled automatic clocks, watches, and other gadgets you have purchased in the past are synched to the same radio connection in Colorado? All of these items might be made by different brands, but they are all connected to the same radio signal located in Boulder, Colorado. The National Institute of Standards and Technology operates the transmission, which sets the proper time for many timepieces.

With all of that being said, creating a radio might seem like a complex process but in fact it’s fairly simple.

How To Make Your Own Radio

The most basic example of a radio can be made using the following experiment:

• Find a fresh 9-volt battery and a coin
• Get your AM radio and find a dial that only picks up static
• Hold the battery close to the radio antenna and then tap the battery with the coin so that they make physical contact for a second.

As a result of doing this you will hear a crackle come over the radio signaling their connection and disconnection. Without a number of other working parts, your coin and battery can’t actually transmit any useful conversation, or transfer data from more than a few inches away. Yet still, it clearly exemplifies how basic the technology behind radio devices really is.

The Importance Of Static

Static helps transmit data. Today all radios rely on continuous sine waves to deliver data, either audio or video. The reason we need so many actively available sine waves is because every second a flurry of new people want to send a message via radio. If we could actually see these radio waves they would be everywhere, literally thousands would be surrounding you right now. It’s a good thing we can’t see them or else that would get pretty distracting!

Two Parts Of Every Radio

Each radio has two distinct parts, the receiver and the transmitter. The transmitter is what works to collect the message and transform it into a sine wave, which is then transmitted over radio waves. The receiver is responsible for receiving this data at its arrival and decoding the message back into its original form. It is the antenna on a radio that helps both the transmitter and receiver properly do their job and capture the radio signal.

Who Invented The Radio?

Guglielmo Marconi won the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the radio, but just months after his death the real inventor was finally given proper credit. Nikola Tesla is the man behind the original radio, a device that has greatly changed everyday life in so many ways. Marconi may have thought he invented the radio first, but Tesla filed for a patent on radio technology over 3 years before. Tesla called his discovery “World Telegraphy.”

It was Marconi who signaled the first radio transmission in human history, although he was using a patent that had already been sealed into place by Tesla. Marconi sent the letter ‘S’ all the way from Cornwall, England to Newfoundland, Canada. Tesla was not without some sense of humor on the mater. In fact, he responded to this infringement by saying, ““Marconi is a good fellow. Let him continue. He is using seventeen of my patents.” (Reference)

Today radio has advanced into so many facets of everyday life.  If we physically saw radio waves we would finally understand just how much this area of communication has advanced.

Last Saturday, February 7th 2015, team Highland Wireless took a chance to enjoy some great weather, get some cardio, but most importantly give back to a worthy cause!

Sheridan House Ministries is a charity that Highland Wireless frequently partners with year round with financial and communication contributions. This year, the team got excited to participate in their yearly 5K to raise money for the needs of children and families in the South florida area. Each Highland Wireless employee who participated helped contribute to our fundraising goal. Through ours and many other organizations contributions, Sheridan House Ministries was able to raise $134,086.00 for their cause!

Highland Wireless will continue to to support Sheridan House Ministries and many other charitable organizations in the future! Our goal is to be a leader and an example to the local business in South Florida to give back to the community we serve!

If you would like more information about Sheridan House and their work with children and families in the South Florida area, visit their website at: http://www.sheridanhouse.org/

A base station, also known as a repeater, is a device used for communicating with or without hand-held radios, but most often with. A base station produces a much greater wattage output than a single two-way radio, meaning it grants coverage over a much broader area. Transmissions from portable two-way radios are sent to the base station where they can then be transmitted through a higher wattage to other frequencies. Base stations rely on external antennas to provide a great deal of transmission power, although because they are not mobile they can only be utilized in a fixed location.

As a stationary transceiver, a base station connects to a number of portable radio devices. In other words, it is the base hub for all lines of communication. There are a few ways that base stations are used in wireless communication including push-to-talk two-way radios, wireless telephone systems, and terrestrial trunked radio. In this blog we will explain the different uses and types of base stations for two-way radios to help you decide if your two-way radio system needs a base station.

Professional Base Stations

In a professional setting where two-way radios are used to keep everyone connected, a base station works as a main point of connectivity. While the base station stands in as the stationary end of the communication link, the other links are the portable hand-held devices that are out in the field.

Businesses that need to relay information back to one spot can greatly benefit from a base station for two-way radios. Industries that commonly use base stations include tow truck companies and taxicab services.

Amateur Base Stations

Amateur radio users can also use a base station for mobile rigs, hobby, or family communications. These systems are often crucial to helping in an emergency, such as for search and rescue purposes.

Types Of Base Stations

The US Federal Communications Commission licensing defines base stations, also referred to as control or fixed stations, in Part 90 of the commissions regulations. According to these regulations base stations are defined as one of the following:

• A fixed station is a base station set up in order to communicate strictly with other base stations. In some cases, a fixed station is used as a radio link that operates another station through remote control. Either way, there are no hand-held radios used in a fixed station system.
• A control station is a base station that relies on a repeater for communication.
• A repeater is a base station that connects to all hand-held and mobile radio devices.
• A temporary base is any base station that is used for one year or less.

How Many Base Stations Do You Need?

Oftentimes, a base station radio only offers one channel of communication, but is not limited to this. When needed, a multi-channel unit is accessible. If heavy usage and many channels are necessary, multiple base stations can be installed to represent individual channels.

Dispatching centers commonly have as many as eight or more radio base stations all connected to the same dispatching console. In other cases, a number of base stations may be located in different areas, but all connect to the same host of two-way radios. For example, a cab company might have a base station in one city and another base station in a neighboring city operating on a different channel. This allows taxi drivers to connect to the channel they need to send a message to.

When a call comes in at the dispatcher center the receiving end can tell whom the message comes from in a number of different ways, either through specific unit identifiers, volume settings, busy indicator lights, as well as local protocol.

Remote Control Vs. Local Controlled Base Stations

A base station may be operated locally or remotely. If a base station is locally controlled the front panel operational controls are located on the base station cabinet. Remote control base stations operate using DC-remote circuits, which are connected through private telephone circuits or radio links. In some remote system configurations four wire audio paths are used to connect the base station to the console. Other systems only need a two-wire link.

Preventing Radio Interference

When using two-way radios to communicate interference includes any instance of hearing a different radio signal that is not within your network. If there are strong signals nearby this can occur, or if other users are trying to use the same channel as you to communicate. A professional base station helps prevent this interference in a number of ways:

• Receiver filtering and specifications are minimalized
• An overview of nearby frequencies in use is provided
• Better coordination of any shared frequencies
• Interfering signals are blocked through equipment location
• Unwanted signals are reduced through directional antennas

If you are looking to improve the strength of your two-way radio system contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about all of your options!

When looking for the best two-way radio there are a number of brand names to check out and consider. One of the larger companies offering reliable two-way radios is Kenwood Corporation. As an authorized Kenwood two-way radio dealer, we are clearly fans of the company’s products. Perhaps Kenwood offers the right radio communication system for you and your business. Learn more about Kenwood two-radios, including who the company is and all that they have to offer.

The History Of Kenwood Corporation

Kenwood is a worldwide company that offers a large variety of technology, including car audio, home and personal audio, amateur HAM radio equipment and two-way radios. The company was originally established back in 1946, at which time it was called the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. In 1960, the brand was renamed as the “Trio Corporation.”

In 1963, just three short years after their original name change, the company expanded to the US, opening its first overseas office in Los Angeles, California. This move proved rather beneficial for the company as they continued to expand and grow partnerships within the industry.

Success in the US sparked the idea to create a more American-sounding name, which is how the brand became known as Kenwood Corporation. The name derives from two different things. First, “Ken” was chosen because it represents a name accepted in both Japan and America, plus “Kenmore Appliances” had already proved to be a successful name and they too utilized the root “Ken.” Secondly, “Wood” comes from a reference to both a durable, reliable substance and Hollywood, a famous location near the company’s first American office.

It didn’t take much time for the name Kenwood to surpass the name Trio in popularity. And so in 1986, the brand changed their name worldwide from Trio Corporation to Kenwood Corporation.

It was in 1978 that Kenwood released their first analogue two-way radio, and in 1999 they released Pro-Talk license free two-way radio. In 2008, Kenwood globally launched NXDN digital two-way radio system. Since then the brand has remained busy creating the latest in two-way radio systems, and much more.

Kenwood Two-Way Radio Options, From Simple To High Tech

Kenwood has developed a large fan base with their cutting edge two-way radios. There are many different industries that rely on this brand to successfully communicate, including construction sites and cross state fleet drivers.

The two-way radio options offered by Kenwood are varied; some include many fancy bells and whistles while others stick to the basics.

If simplicity is what you are seeking, the Kenwood PKT-23K is small, light weight and very dependable. This radio is capable of lasting 15 hours on the same charge, plus it comes with a Micro USB port perfect for all of your programing needs. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack, granting more options when it comes to using this two-way radio with compatible accessories.

If you are looking for a two-way radio that offers more high tech options, the Kenwood NX-300 UHF is a pretty big deal. This radio includes a larger screen than most comparable models, allowing you to see twice as many characters at once. The NX-300 offers a lot of programmable options for more personalization. It also comes packing a lot of internal memory, allowing this device to handle numerous channels and frequencies.

What Do People Love About Kenwood Two-Way Radios?

There are a few things about Kenwood our customers love, causing them to continually stick with this brand time and time again. According to real customers, some of the best features associated with Kenwood model radios include:

-Durability

Kenwood radios are meant to stand up to a lot of challenges, including dusty construction sites, and distracted drops. Some models even offer waterproof features that make destruction close to impossible.

-Price

Kenwood strives to keep competitive pricing as a top importance, granting customers with a great radio for a fair price.

-Comfortable To Use

Kenwood radios are made with the user in mind. When working at a job site or out driving the roads you don’t want a big, bulky radio getting in your way.  Kenwood radios are made small and lightweight with easy grip for increased comfort. Plus, there are a number of accessory attachments to make two-way radios even more accessible and easy to use.

-Long Battery Life

It’s never good if the battery on your two-way radio doesn’t hold a charge throughout the day. Kenwood battery life tends to be very good, lasting around 13-15 hours per charge.

-Compatible Models

There are many two-way radio accessory options that can make any job easier and more convenient, thus increasing productivity. Yet, not all two-way radios are compatible with the latest accessories. Most Kenwood models come with features that make them compatible with most phone cables and accessories.

Contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about your options with Kenwood two-way radios. We look forward to helping you find the best radio for your needs.