One of the greatest advantages to using two-way radios is their customizability. Depending on your needs, you can find a radio that offers exactly what you need. However, that means there are a lot of options to sort through.
Not sure where to start? Radio Communications of Virginia can help. We have been a leading wireless solutions provider for over 60 years, and we’re proud to serve the Richmond, Tidewater, and Southside, VA, areas. Keep reading our guide to two-way radios to learn more, and then reach out to us for more info!
Features to Consider
Two-way radios are available in a wide range of styles, each with different features. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best two-way radios for your needs:
- Size
- Range
- Battery Life
- Durability
- Noise Filtration
- Interference Elimination
Size: A two-way radio is only useful if it’s operable. One that’s too big will be difficult to wear, and one that’s too small may be difficult to operate while wearing gloves or difficult to see in inclement weather conditions.
Range: Many factors affect the range of a two-way radio, and one of the most important is wattage. In a flat, open field, many low-watt two-way radios have ranges of over 20 miles. However, when you introduce buildings with thick walls, hills, and other physical obstacles, the applicable range of many low-watt two-way radios is closer to 2 miles. Low-wattage two-way radios use half a watt to transmit messages. High-wattage handheld radios operate on 1 or 2 watts, and base stations can use up to 50 watts. This higher power output means a longer range of 8 to 25 miles, but they are also larger and more expensive.
Battery Life: The more powerful a two-way radio is, the more quickly its battery loses charge. For those who work long hours, losing battery life isn’t an option. Some two-way radios operate on household AA or AAA batteries, and others come with rechargeable battery packs for longer battery life.
Durability: Dropping a smartphone often spells disaster, but what about radios? Some are more durable than others, and in fact, many undergo ruggedness testing to ensure strength in the face of dust, moisture, drops, and more.
Noise Filtration: Drown out the din of large crowds with background-noise cancellation, ensuring your message—and only your message—is heard loud and clear.
Interference Elimination: This allows users to set private codes to their channels, making interference less likely when there are high levels of channel traffic. Instead of simply staying on Channel 2, for instance, interference-eliminator codes make it possible to use Channel 2 and Code 3 for a less-crowded channel.
Industries Where Two-Way Radios Are Useful
Hospitals and Healthcare
Hospitals and healthcare facilities should look for two-way radios that offer background-noise filtration and a long battery life to match medical professionals’ long hours.
We highly recommend Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO two-way radio series, which blends 21st-century tech and classic functionality into one easy-to-use package.
These radios prioritize emergency calls, so even at peak usage in high traffic, messages marked urgent will always go through.
Often, there’s more to a communications suite than two-way radios. We also offer RCV Paging Plans that can outfit your staff with streamlined equipment.
Retail
Elevate customer service with two-way radios. Instead of leaving a potential customer behind when checking inventory, reach out to an associate for easier, faster results. During holiday rushes, don’t waste time looking for coworkers; talk to them directly wherever they are.
Communicate discreetly at shorter distances with lower-wattage radios. Most likely, these radios will not be in constant use or exposed to the elements, so something smaller and more lightweight will do the trick. The Motorola CLP series is one of the most popular two-way radio options for retail professionals because it’s pocket-sized, lightweight, and easy to use.
For the ultimate in retail communications, try hands-free earpiece accessories too.
EMT
Emergency Medical Technicians need two-way radios that offer background-noise filtration, extended range, and rugged durability, as well as an ergonomic design that allows for use with gloves and other PPE. The P25 two-way radio series from Motorola is specially designed for public safety with highly rated durability, a long battery life, clear audio, and more.
As a trusted Motorola Solutions partner, we have the equipment you need. EMTs require a wide range of two-way communication solutions. In addition to two-way radios, we can also supply:
- Dispatch Consoles
- Control Stations
- Repeaters
These technologies increase the range of two-way radios and maintain the integrity of the signal.
Radio Communications of Virginia has been awarded Virginia State E911 call handling equipment, so you can trust us to outfit your operation with the best tech possible.
Find Your Perfect Two-Way Radio with Radio Communications of Virginia
Radio Communications of Virginia has a team of industry-certified technicians who can provide expert service, repair, and warranty claims for any radio-related issues or concerns. Whatever your needs are in the Richmond, Tidewater, and Southside, Virginia, areas, we’re here to find the best solutions. Contact us today!