Transmitters, receivers and antennas play important roles in the functionality of two-way radios, including base, mobiles and handheld radios. The radio is referred to as the transceiver, as it both sends and receives messages.

What is a Two-Way Radio Transmitter?

A transmitter is responsible for generating a radio signal or wave. The oscillator is a component of the transmitter tasked with generating frequency. Then, frequency multipliers go to work increasing frequency to final output. Power amplifiers are used to increase signal power so that adequate power output reaches the antenna.

The output frequency is called the carrier, or a continuous wave (CW). The frequency of the carrier can change based on the amplitude of the carrier or phase modulation. Amplitude (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) vary in several ways, but most notably FM modulation is less likely to encounter interference from RF noise.

What is a Two-Way Radio Receiver?

Think of the receiver as the transmitter’s polar opposite. The receiver is tasked with receiving the modulated carrier, processing it and sending it off to a detector station. From there, the modulation signal produced by the carrier is stripped off and original information is restored.

Most radio systems are designed to work with AM or FM. A microphone is used to input the information and a loud speaker is used to output the receiver. For the most part, signals are typically analog signals.

Binary signals are used to transmit data and at the simplest form this takes place using frequency shift keying (FSK). Most systems in place today rely on more complex schemes for transmitting data to maximize efficiency.

Most digital signals are virtually impossible for humans to unravel. That’s because we live in an analog world with audio frequencies. One exception is the use of Morse Code, which relies on a system of ones and zeros to transmit messages. If you are skilled at Morse Code, you know how to translate the dashes and dots so they equate to letters and numbers. When using digital radio, a digital-to-analog converter is essential to communicate with other humans.

Communication receivers almost always have “squelch circuits” that turn the output off when no signal is coming through. This prevents continuous noise from playing over the speaker. When a properly coded signal is detected, it allows it to pass through. Two common squelch schemes include continuous digital-coded squelch system (CDCSS) and continuous tone-coded squelch system (CTCSS).

What About Two-Way Radio Antennas?

The antenna plays an important role in the process, it takes the radio transmitter and sends it into space so that the receiver can pick up the energy. Lower frequency channels require a larger antenna for better communication. In most cases, the higher the antenna is from the ground, the greater the radio signal and overall coverage it offers.

A dipole is a crucial component of the antenna that includes a wire or rigid metal rod. The length of a dipole is based on ½ the wavelength of the carrier frequency. An example provided by the FCC states, “Thus, a 300 MHz carrier, with a wavelength of 1 meter, would need to use a dipole that is 1⁄2 meter long. Similarly, the dipole for a 900- MHz carrier, whose wavelength is 1/3 meter, would be 1/6 meter long.”

Antennas that sit vertical to the surface of earth give off vertical polarization. While antennas that sit horizontal to earth’s electric field are classified as horizontal polarization. Most mobile systems rely on vertical polarization.

The transmitter, receiver and antenna all play a vital role in the functionality of two-way radios. Without one, the whole system cannot operate properly.

Radio wave, wavelength, frequency—you’re sure to hear these terms tossed around when discussing two-way radios, but do you know what they mean? The following two-way radio terminology can help you better understand how two-way radios operate. After all, discussing two-way radios can start to feel like a lesson straight out of your college physics book. To simplify things, here’s an introduction to some of the basic terminology behind two-way radio systems.

1. Radio Wave

Radio communication is all about radio waves. Similar to ocean waves, radio waves flow up and down and can alter in how high they peak. But unlike ocean waves they are not visible to the human eye.

2. Wavelength

Radio waves are measured by the distance between one peak to the next—the space in between is known as the wavelength. A short wavelength relates to closely packed peaks, while long wavelengths are used to describe peak waves that are farther apart.

3. Cycle

Radio waves follow a specific pattern known as a ‘cycle.’ The pattern or cycle continues to repeat itself over and over.

4. Frequency

The number of cycles that occur every second is defined as the frequency. Radio engineers refer to “cycles per second” in “hertz,” or Hz for short. If someone says the wave frequency is 12 Hertz, that means there are 12 cycles occurring every second. Radio cycles generally repeat thousands of times each second. Engineers use kilohertz (KHz) to represent 1,000 cycles per second, and megahertz (MHz) to represent 1 million cycles per second. Additionally, gigahertz (GHz) translates to 1 billion cycles per second.

The higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength, and visa-versa. Interestingly, the wavelengths between super high frequencies (over 30 GHz) are so small that not even a single drop of water could fit in between the invisible peaks. Better coverage usually relates to lower frequency. VHF low band is credited with the most “effective radiated power” (ERP). 

Larger antennas are often required on lower frequency radios to improve communication.

5. Spectrum

Spectrum is used to define any range of frequencies that could potentially be used for radio communication purposes. Audible frequency range is typically somewhere between 20 and 18,00 cycles per second.

6. Bands

To make frequencies easier to comprehend, radio engineers group them into different categories or ranges, known as bands. Examples of bands include High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), Superhigh Frequency (SF), Extremely High Frequency (EHF), and infrared.

7. Channels

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created their own categories to group frequencies, these are known as channels. The FCC is tasked with licensing out channels, and the specific center frequency or carrier frequency of that channel is identified. Radio communication is transmitted over multiple frequencies contained within one channel. The more frequencies contained within one channel, the larger its bandwidth and the more information it can transmit at one time.

The FCC provides an excellent example of this by comparing it to a highway. The wider a highway is, the more vehicles it can transmit at the same time. Think of larger bandwidth like a wider freeway—it can transmit more messages because it has a larger channel to work with. This is slowly changing though as technology advances; the latest microprocessors and software techniques require less bandwidth to transmit the same number of messages compared to 10-years ago. The FCC compares this concept to carpooling.

8. Building Penetration

UHF frequencies that have shorter wavelengths, generally in the 200 to 2,000 MHz range, provide better communication behind closed doors. That’s because they are better at penetrating building openings, like doors or windows, as opposed to VHF frequencies under 200 MHz. Low band VHF offers poor building penetration, while High Band VHF is slightly better.

Motorola two-way radios are used by police, businesses, military and government agencies, and even families. These highly dependable walky-talkies come in a variety of makes and models suited to just about every need imaginable.

You can buy or rent Motorola two-way radios, but some benefits to renting include:

• Lower cost option for short-term usage or big events 
• You don’t have to buy batteries, accessories, or chargers—we supply it all with your rental

Leave maintenance and repairs to us since you don’t own the radios

• We can program radios to work with existing radio systems
• We make it easy to set up and use radios and we pick them up when you’re done.

Why Motorola Two-Way Radios?

Motorola isn’t the only excellent option for two-way radios, but it does offer some promising benefits that are worth mentioning. As a certified dealer of Motorola radios, we’ve seen firsthand how handy they truly are.

• Innovation that Surpasses the Test of Time

Motorola has long-standing name power. They were behind the earliest car radios, the moon landing and the first cell phone. One thing is for certain, Motorola has continued to grow, change and evolve with technology, hence how they’ve managed to stay in the game for so long. Millions of businesses, individuals, and organizations rely on Motorola radios to this day, just as they have for almost a century.

• Full-Service Solutions

Motorola is more than just a two-radio company, they have so much more to offer from applications to accessories to specialized software. You tell us your needs and we can set you up with the appropriate Motorola solutions.

• Rugged Durability

Motorola radios are built tough to last in all kinds of environments. There are models designed to surpass explosions, severe heat, water damage and so forth. That’s why such a wide variety of industries rely on these radios, from construction sites to first responder missions.

Types of Two-Way Motorola Radios

APX Series P25 Two-Way Radios

This line of mission-critical radios was specially designed to be used by First Responders and other professionals that cannot risk safety. The APX series is designed to offer high-tech features with unmatched durability and “precise ergonomic controls.”

MOTOTRBO Professional Two-Way Radios

This line of Motorola two-way radios is designed especially for operations-critical industries including professional and commercial communications. There are a lot of different models in the MOTOTRBO family including sleek handhelds, rugged portables and high-tech radios.

On-Site Two-Way Business Radios

These radios are intended to be used for short-range communication. They are commonly used by smaller businesses and organizations who need to communicate non-critical messages across shorter distances. These handheld radios come in analog or digital options.

Analog Two-Way Business Radios

This option is catered to businesses or organizations who have not made the switch to digital technology. Options include basic handhelds to rugged and durable models, all of which are focused on keeping your business connected at all times.

Consumer Two-Way Radios

Motorola also designs two-way radios for personal consumer usage. Families may rely on two-way radios to stay connected during an extensive camping trip or other adventure. They can also be used around the home or to supplement traditional communication systems during an emergency. 

Motorola Accessories

Motorola offers numerous accessories you can hook up with two-radios to enjoy added features and technology. They offer smart batteries, noise-canceling headsets, subtle security ear pieces and so forth. 

Rent Two-Way Motorola Radios from Highland Wireless

As a certified two-way radio dealer for Motorola, we can help your business, organization, or team stay connected for the weekend or however long you need. We are more than happy to discuss all your options with you to find the best fit for your business, organization, or event.

iDrive fleet cameras offer increased security and safety for commercial businesses with a fleet of vehicles, from tow truck companies to taxi cab services. This high-tech camera attaches to vehicles and provides a play-by-play view of everything that goes on out on the road, identifying poor driving practices, recording roadway accidents, and so forth. The camera is set to record all day long, but only stores information 15 seconds before and 15 seconds after an incident. When vehicles are in areas with Wi-Fi, managers can watch camera footage in real-time from a secondary location.

Benefits of the iDrive Fleet Camera include:

• Reduced costs
• Reduced liability
• Better employee/driver oversight
• The ability to identify issues before they get out of hand
• Long lasting security for an affordable investment
• Protects your employees, vehicles, and business

Benefits To Installing Highland Wireless’ iDrive Fleet Cameras

1. Better Security

Without a camera attached to the vehicle, how else do you know what really goes on out on the roadway? This handy camera offers the opportunity to achieve true security oversight. Increased surveillance and overall security leads to an assortment of other benefits, such as…

2. Save Money

All businesses are interested in saving money and the iDrive Fleet Camera offers a way to do just that. A higher level of security helps prevent crime, bad driving practices and other issues that cost a lot of money when you react to them as opposed to prevent them.

3. Reduce Insurance Premiums

Reduced insurance premiums are yet another way you can save money by installing these cameras on your fleet of vehicles. Reduced claims lead to lower premiums, plus certain precautions make you less susceptible to crime and damages. Insurance companies recognize this and often provide discounts because of reduced risk of liability.

4. Protects Employees Behind the Wheel

Your employees are essential to the daily operations of your business and so it’s important to protect them to the best of your ability. iDrive Fleet Cameras grant greater employee protection in several instances, including unwitnessed traffic accidents. Forget putting one driver’s word against another, the camera catches everything on film, creating the most reliable witness of all.

5. Helps Identify Poor or Dangerous Driving Practices

Employees that regularly drive too fast or recklessly won’t speed away for long before you know exactly what’s going on, all thanks to the knowledge provided by iDrive Fleet Cameras. Fleet managers experience a serious boost in supervision power as they can identify unsafe employee practices before larger problems have a chance to arise.  If you have a lot of vehicles in your fleet, it can be difficult to keep track of everything that goes on out on the road. This simple piece of equipment makes the impossible possible by serving as your eyes and ears, no matter how many vehicles are on the road at one time.

6. Auto Record Feature Available

In the instance of an emergency, these cameras are designed to automatically save footage. The camera runs all day long but it is programed to store 15 seconds before and 15 seconds after an incident occurs. As a result, managers can quickly see and asses what happened without going through hours of roadway footage. This also requires very little hard drive space. All recordings save to the same space and it is easy to access and extract files.

7. Wi-Fi Mode Allows for Real-Time Viewing

If the camera is in vicinity of Wi-Fi, it can automatically upload data to the central home database, and is available for real-time viewing.

8. Built Tough to Last

Investing in iDrive Fleet Cameras is an investment meant to stand the test of time. That’s because these cameras are built tough and made to last, providing years of top-notch surveillance, protection, and money-saving benefits.

Amp Up Your Security & Save Money with iDrive Fleet Cameras by Highland Wireless

We’ve seen firsthand how beneficial iDrive Fleet Cameras are to taxi services, tow-truck companies, and so many other industries. From lower insurance premiums to better management practices, we welcome you to experience the benefits of iDrive Fleet Cameras firsthand. Learn more by visiting https://www.highlandwireless.com/cameras/idrive-fleet-surveillance-cameras/

The latest standards for long distance offshore marine communication systems have changed over the years; are you up to date with the latest safety standards? Flags and semaphores were once main forms of long distance offshore marine communication. Radio telecommunication has seen a huge rise over the last century thanks to advances in technology, leading to vast changes that increase overall safety.

The early half of the twentieth century saw the use of radio telegraphy via Morse code. By the 1970s, studies conducted by the International Telecommunication Union, brought about the development of a ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communication system that offered some automatization. That meant ships no longer required a skilled radio officer on watch at all hours of the day and night.

Marines could finally communicate between land and other ships thanks to on board systems, as well as shore stations and satellites. VHF radio provided the capabilities for ship-to-ship communication. And Digital Selective Calling resulted in digital remote control commands that can send and receive signals of distress, safety calls, priority messages, and so forth.

GMDSS Geographical Subdivisions

The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) enforces international operation requirements. The GMDSS divides the world’s oceans into four geographical points, A1, A2, A3, and A4.

A1—Approximately 20-30 miles off the nautical coast. Equipment: VHF, DSC and NAVTEX

A2—The area around 400 nautical miles off shore, and extending up to 100 nautical miles off shore. Equipment: DSC, radio telephone (MF radio range), and equipment for A1 regions. 

A3—This area does not include A1 and A2 areas, it covers 70-degrees north and 70-degree south latitude, and is in the INMARSAT geostationary satellite range. Equipment: High frequency radio and/or INMARSAT, receiving system for MSI, plus other systems for A1 and A2 regions.

A4—Areas of the sea located outside of A1, A2 and A3. Largely this accounts for Polar Regions North and South of 70-degree latitude. Equipment: HF radio service plus all other equipment outline for A1, A2, and A3.

Staying Up to Date with the Latest Regulations for Offshore Marine Communication

Today, it is common for DSC controllers to be configured with a VHF radio due to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations. As of 2016, SOLAS updated its regulations to include radio communication for fire teams onboard ships. All ships are advised to carry 2 two-way radios that are intrinsically safe and resistant to explosions.

This new development has led to some confusion—such as what is “intrinsically safe?” What date do ships need to become compliant by? And, where can one obtain these specific radios for fire crews?

We make it easy to get up to date on the latest regulations with SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios. The Motorola XPR-7550 meets SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radio requirements. These radios are compatible with UHF or VHF communication systems or marine VHF channels. This offers immense flexibility thanks to a package of DMR standard digital radios that offer operations-critical voice and data communications for fire teams.

What Does “Intrinsically Safe” Mean?

According to the ISA-RP12-6, Intrinsically Safe is defined as “equipment and wiring which is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal conditions to cause ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most easily ignited concentration.” 

In simpler terms, radios must be built to remain functional in high heat and other emergency situations. We offer the MOTOTRBO XPR7000e Series with the SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios package, a set of DMR standard digital radios that provide operations-critical voice and data communications for your team. Not only do these radios meet all requirements for SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios, additionally, they provide everyday UHF or VHF communications or marine VHF channels.   

When Does this Ordinance Go into Effect?

The ordinance is already enforced on all ships constructed after July 1^st, 2014. Ships built before this date have until July 1, 2018 to reach compliance. We offer a SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios package that provides everything ships need to comply with this ordinance and more. Learn more here: https://www.highlandwireless.com/two-way-radio-dealer/fire-team-radios/

Get up to date with the latest standards for offshore marine communication by contacting Highland Wireless today!