Two-way radios can be an essential part of many businesses. They allow for consistent and effective communication throughout the workday, so all your employees know what’s going on and where they’re needed.
If you’re interested in learning more about two-way radios for your business, it can help to learn about the types of available two-way radios.
Radio Communications of Virginia can help. We’re two-way radio experts, with over 60 years of experience helping business owners across Richmond, Tidewater, and Southside, Virginia, find suitable two-way radios.
On this page, we’ve highlighted the types of two-way radios. Read on to learn all about them.
Portable Radios
Portable radios—often called Walkie Talkies or hand-held radios—are popular two-way radio options.
This type of two-way radio is easy to keep on your person and is used in a variety of industries, including:
Many portable radios are lightweight, making them a good choice for those moving around during the day. A lifeguard may have a water-resistant portable radio to communicate with the rest of the pool staff, as they survey the pool for those in need.
Accessories are common with portable two-way radios, allowing you to transform them into hands-free devices. Earpieces and belt clips keep employees’ hands free to listen and work simultaneously, increasing productivity.
Mobile Radios
Another type of two-way radio is a mobile radio. Mobile radios are designed for vehicle installation. They use an external antenna attached to the outside of a car, allowing the driver to communicate, while on the go.
These radios allow for communication across distances, thanks to the two-way radio infrastructure of:
- Your business
- Local infrastructure, such as signal repeaters
- Cellular signals
Common industries that use mobile radios include education, such as bus drivers, manufacturing, and hotels.
Hotels may use these radios in passenger vans that pick up guests at the airport and transport them to the hotel. Manufacturing facilities may use these when towing equipment or moving products.
Desktop Base Station Radios
A third type of two-way radio is a desktop base station radio. These are helpful two-way radios when you want to establish a command center.
Desktop base station radios are larger and heavier than other two-way radio options and must be plugged into an outlet for power.
Whoever’s working the desktop base station radio is likely helping coordinate how a specific building or business is running.
You may find desktop base station radios used in buildings with receptionists or security desks, who must communicate with the rest of the building or campus.
It’s common to see these in hotels as well, allowing front desk personnel to reach out to housekeeping for the status of a room or request a manager.
Select the Right Two-Way Radios for Your Industry
Now that you know about three kinds of two-way radios, it’s time to consider which may be best for your industry.
The Radio Communications of Virginia team can work with you to determine which option may be best and provide the equipment you need for your business around Richmond, Tidewater, and Southside, VA, to thrive.
Contact us to discuss two-way radio options today.