Communication is essential in every aspect of life, but it is especially important at sea, where ships are isolated and sometimes far from the nearest ports. On larger vessels, if there is a problem aboard, being able to immediately communicate with the right people without delay can be the difference between life and death. 

To ensure large merchant vessels and even smaller yachts operate safely and make it to their destination without any mishaps, reliable and robust communication systems and procedures should be an essential part of any voyage. Here are some practical methods and equipment you can use to improve your ship’s communication while at sea.

Types of Equipment 

Before investing in an expensive communications network for your vessel, it is important to consider the size and needs of the vessel to  determine what system will be best suited for the job. 

• Analog Two-Way Radio Systems – For the majority of vessels, particularly among smaller yachts, two-way analog radio systems that use either VHF or UHF bands are the simplest and most effective method and communication available today.

This is by far the most affordable communication system you can use at sea to communicate with other people aboard your vessel. Although effective, analog radio-to-radio communication does not always give the best coverage and may struggle in larger vessels. For that reason, two-way radio systems are best used in vessels under 50m in length.

• Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) – DMRs is a robust communication system that works in yachts of all sizes, making it an ideal solution for vessels over 50m or when analog two-way radio systems won’t cut it. 

DMR networks consist of single or multiple repeaters linked together by a Cat5 network cable, transmitting signals to provide a more stable and secure connection between devices. Depending on the size of your vessel and personal needs, this is the ideal communication system striking a balance between cost and effectiveness.

• Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) – If you need the absolute best communication system for your vessel, TETRA is a solution that public safety, police departments, and first responders throughout the world use. Like DMR networks, TETRA systems use multiple onboard repeaters to provide greater coverage and reliable digital radio communications. 

These systems are waterproof, can be integrated with ship alarms, and feature full duplex private calls. TETRA is the most robust and secure method of communicating on board large vessels that have critical needs, such as commercial or merchant vessels.

Practical Communication Procedures 

In addition to  using the right communication system for your vessel, there are some methods and procedures you can follow to improve your ship’s communication while at sea. In the case of commercial or merchant vessels, chances are you are in a busy environment with limited time. For that scenario, you should try to be brief when relaying messages, including necessary information in your messages to avoid confusion and speed the response time in the case of an emergency, and then focus intently when receiving a response. 

You should also always keep your radios on while at sea so they are ready for use when required, and also keep checking the quality of your transmission and reception to ensure everything is working correctly. Finally, make sure your GPS navigator is correctly linked to the radio so it can transmit your position in the case of an emergency.

Improve Your Communication At Sea For Safer Voyages 

Having the right communication networks and procedures while at sea can dramatically improve your crew’s efficiency and get you home safely. If you are looking to equip your vessels with a radio network, Highland Wireless offers a variety of systems and can assist with installation and training. Reach out today for a quote.

Before smartphones came to dominate how we communicate with others, 2-way radios were one of the best ways to communicate. Even today, they can still be incredibly useful given the right circumstances. Not only are they cost-effective, but they can also be far more reliable when you are out in the wilderness, where cellular networks tend to be weakest the farther you get from population centers. Whether you think you need one for work, camping outside with friends and family, or as a fun way to communicate with your kids, here are some things you should consider when buying 2-way radios.

Purpose

Before you walk out the door to buy a set of 2-way radios, you should first consider why you need them, which will help you decide what features you ought to look for when shopping. If you work in construction and need a set while on the job, you might need something with long-range capabilities that also allows for hands-free operation in case you are operating any construction vehicles. 

On the one hand, a security guard needs a system which can remain reliable when used indoors and offers secure communication. With so many different models available each offering unique features, you should look for the one which best matches your needs. If all you need it for is a fun time with your kids, then you can opt for a bare-bones set with few features.

Range 

Depending on the environment where you plan to use them, your range requirements will factor into your overall decision when buying a set. In most models, the two most common options to choose from are very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF). 

VHF radios will enable you to communicate with someone miles away, but the downside is they can be negatively affected by buildings and woodlands. On the other hand, UHF radios can also operate across long distances and pass through walls, making them perfect for use in large buildings such as hospitals and college campuses. For the longest range possible, you can choose a radio that uses cellular networks!

Multiple Handsets

Depending on your needs, you may or may not need more than a twin pair of handsets to get the job done. If you need more than two handsets for your construction site or warehouse, then you should look to buy a set with several handsets rather than just a twin set. While this does mean spending more, the good news is buying in bulk can reduce the overall cost of each handset.

Licensed Or Unlicensed 

While there are plenty of unlicensed sets available for purchase, many of the higher frequencies are only available on licensed 2-way radios. So if you need to communicate over longer ranges or want something to communicate over private channels, your best solution is to apply for a license and purchase licensed 2-way radios.

Batteries 

Another thing to consider is the type of batteries different 2-way radios might take. Many handsets use regular alkaline batteries that are readily available, while others use rechargeable batteries instead. If you only need short-term use of your handsets, it might be simpler to buy a system that uses alkaline batteries and swap them out as needed. On the other hand, if you think you will continue to use your 2-way radios long-term, buying handsets that use rechargeable batteries can save you money in the long run.

Partner With Highland Wireless

Founded in 2001, Highland Wireless is a radio communication company that operates one of the largest radio networks in Florida. Our mission is to provide exceptional quality, efficiency, and service to our customers and to remain committed to their growth and development. Contact us today for a quote.

Be it for personal, work, or recreational use, the majority of smartphone use takes place indoors. Current statistics predict mobile phone subscriptions will cross eight billion in the next few years. This shows mobile phones are a dominant technology that will continue to grow. 

Unfortunately, wireless reception indoors is highly subjective and can vary from place to place. If you are facing issues with in-building wireless coverage, it’s not necessarily your service provider’s fault. 

We all have experienced bad cell reception at some point. Some of you might have found ways to work around it, but that’s not how it has to be. In-building wireless systems can create an environment everyone will value. Be it tenants, customers, visitors, or future buyers, it’s a reliable way to keep everyone connected. To understand this further, let’s take a look at a few key benefits of installing an in-building wireless system. 

Increased Property Value

Investors have to think about both the present and future value of properties and in-building wireless systems can have a huge impact. By installing an IBW solution in your building to comfortably accommodate the current user needs and is capable enough to adapt to future changes, you are creating massive attraction for potential buyers. 

Even small to medium sized business owners, apartment complex owners, and other building owners can massively benefit from in-building wireless systems. As user demand continues to soar and technology behind efficient data transmission and bandwidth utilization advances, it is becoming more of a rule than an exception. 

Efficient Business Operations

In an economy where business operations and consumer needs are increasingly mobile, reliable wireless coverage is more important than ever. Whether you own a business or a facility housing manufacturing products, poor wireless reception can impact your business negatively. 

That said, incorporating an in-building wireless system will allow you to keep all business operations running at full capacity. In emergency scenarios, it also helps first responders navigate their way through the building safely and communicate with each over their 2-way radios. 

Preparing For Future Technology

The 5G technology on the horizon is likely to bring a huge technology shift in the near future. Clunky modems and unstable connections will soon become history as they are replaced by fiber-optic technology and cloud-based solutions. In-building wireless systems require less maintenance and have more effective cabling, which means you spend less time and resources on upkeep and outages. 

Investing in an IBW solution allows you to stay ahead of the competition and will ease your transition when future technologies and networks are announced. In-building wireless systems translate to peace of mind for both users and building owners.

Public Safety Guidelines

There are many efforts underway to improve wireless coverage within buildings for first responders to perform their duties efficiently. It is also a matter of safety for them as maintaining communication during emergency situations is crucial. Depending on your area, building owners may or may not be required to adhere to public safety guidelines and have safety coverage systems installed in their property. 

Even if it is not mandatory in your jurisdiction, being proactive about improving in-building coverage will allow less dead zones for first responders. This will ensure the safety of occupants within the building and any first responders who happen to be in the vicinity. 

If you are looking to take the next step towards improving your in-building wireless coverage, we at Highland Wireless can provide you with the best-in-class IBW solution. If you have any questions about the efficacy of these systems and how they can improve your quality of life, get in touch with us today! We’d be more than happy to answer all your queries. 

While some business owners know the benefits of two way radios for their companies, others don’t realize all the advantages of two way radios for their businesses. Two way radios often perform better than other methods of communications, even more effectively than the latest smart phones. Two way radios, also known affectionately as walkie-talkies allow businesses to boost productivity by increasing employee efficiency and improving their safety in the work environment. You may be wondering how investing in two way radios for your company can offer benefits when you already provide employees access to landlines, mobile phones, email, SMS texting, and more. The truth is each of these methods offer benefits and work well in some situations, but they can fall short in other areas. Let’s take a few minutes to explore how your business can benefit from two way radios further enhancing your communication efforts.  

Large Facilities, Construction Sites, Campuses, Secure Sites, and More

Nearly any business with a large facility, expansive site, or remote environment can benefit from two way radios. Why? Two way radios promise mobility advantages as durability. Compared to landlines with their fixed location and need for power source connectivity and mobile phones with spotty signal access and the potential for overloads in an emergency situation, two way radios offer mobility and durability. On top of that they are dustproof and waterproof, and promise to function even in remote environments. They keep employees connected in large facilities, across campuses, underground locations, on construction sites, and other sites where employees need to communicate over wide ranges. In addition, two way radios can even be boosted to increase their signal range with bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) and distributed antenna systems (DAS). 

Even better – two way radios benefit businesses with one-button technology to talk, no contact list scrolling or searching for contacts in order to keep the lines of communication open. Each radio can be programmed to communicate among teams or with individuals, even when emergencies arise. Two way radio networks allow individual communication or group communication with the simple press of a button, without the need for a conference call set up via mobile phone. 

Two way radios also enable expedient voice communication, particularly crucial in an emergency situation but also useful when maintenance is needed on a production line or a customer wants to purchase additional units from the warehouse. In contrast, mobile phones require everyone to have charged batteries and signal strength in order to communicate quickly and efficiently. Plus, two way radios can function in remote locations where mobile phones are often out of range and unreliable.

Lastly, businesses can benefit from the fact that two way radios offer the latest digital technology, converting voice transmissions to data packets which can be transmitted via wired or wireless networks. Two way radios can also send and receive texts, emails, and even transmit voice signals around the world via the internet. Two way radios offer keypads with displays for texting, messaging, and emailing. As a bonus two way radios also deliver enhanced sound quality and require less battery power. These radios can also track locations of employees and determine ineffective business practices, which can help you improve your bottom line! 

Two Way Radios to Benefit Your Business

Is it time to explore all the advantages two way radios can bring to your company or organization? Call on Highland Wireless for a custom quote. Highland Wireless is Florida’s premier radio communications provider and offers the communication solutions your business requires. 

In our generation today, everyone is running to get a smartphone because of its sleekness and latest features. They forget the other aspects of how available it is in terms of signal, battery, and audibility. 

While traveling, communication is hindered due to several factors such as signal distortion and geographical distances. A two-way radio helps solve everything from longer battery life to lower cost of ownership just to mention a few. Here are the benefits of using a two-way radio.

Longer Battery Life

What is the worst that can happen when you are traveling and your phone goes off? Well, that’s not the situation you would like to find yourself in. A two-way radio is a lifesaver in terms of battery life. Its battery is extended and can take you all day and night ensuring that in all scenarios, you can communicate. Two-way radio will always ensure that you are always reachable. 

It Has a Good Signal Range

When making travel plans to your favorite destination area, it is ideal to keep in mind the terrain and location. For instance, traveling inside parks or through mountainous regions requires you to have gadgets with strong signals. Such areas are known to have poor radio signals. 

A two-way radio signal is quite handy in remote areas. It can access good signals and thus ensure you are not out of reach. The advantage of having a two-way radio is its ability to access signals without cell towers. As such, you can always communicate whenever you are traveling. 

Good Audio Quality

Communication through phone calls is uncomfortable while driving on rough roads. It is almost near impossible to hear the conversation. Also, heavy wind interrupts the audibility. However, worry no more because a two-way radio has you covered in such situations. It is a professional device that allows clear sounds no matter the background noises. It is made out of strong technology that makes it unique in communicating in harsher conditions.

Having to repeat the same conversation is boring. Get yourself a two-way radio. It will save you precious time and energy. Also, when it comes to emergency calls the information is easily audible.

Durability

Smartphones are popular today due to technology, but they get destroyed or broken easily. Two-way radios on the other hand are more robust and durable than regular smartphones. They are perfect in remote areas with poor signal and without access to power. They are also suitable in harsher conditions such as mining sites.

The two-way radios are designed to withstand any challenge that smartphones cannot. They are waterproof, dustproof, and heat resistant, and they connect well with the signal. This is unquestionably the device you would buy for your travel and hiking needs; it will not disappoint.

Simple to Use

For example, smartphone technology has evolved significantly, and a vast number of applications have emerged. As such it can be challenging to use. The two-way radio on the other end is simple to use. It has functional buttons and others have colors to make it easier to learn. They are also very light and convenient to transport. The days of carrying heavy gadgets are long gone. When it’s light, it works better and more efficiently.

Getting Started 

Even though smartphones are being outfitted with cutting-edge technology, they cannot replace the practical functionality of two-way radio. Particularly when traveling, Two-way radio has features that are still required today. In fact, their application is critical in today’s changing world. Its application spans a wide range of industries. You should keep one in your emergency kit, not just as a travel communication device. And if you’re planning to buy one, visit Highland Wireless and choose from a range of options.