While two-way radio technology goes back nearly 100 years, the technology continues to be relevant in today’s fast paced world. Two-way radios are used to provide efficient and instant communication in a wide range of industries including education, construction, facilities management, manufacturing, and health care to name just a few.

While the basic technology of two-way radios has remained relatively constant over the years, how people use two-way radios has changed dramatically. For example, just 25 years ago 3-out-of-four two-way radio users were using vehicle mounted radios for communication. Today, more than 90 percent of two-way radio users are using portable or handheld radios, reflecting the broader number of companies and industries who have found that two-way radios provide a great way to communicate.

In order to understand the different types of two-way radios better and what industries benefit most from their specific strengths, this week’s Two-Way Tip is about describing the three types of two-way radios you can incorporate into your communications needs.

Portable Radios

A portable two-way radio is a handheld device that can both transmit and receive voice communications. Portable two-way radios are often called walkie-talkies or handie-talkies because they can be easily carried. Professional two-way radios are incredibly versatile, providing users a variety of options for improving communications.

RCA makes excellent portable two-way digital radios, including the RCA RDR1520, RCA RDR2500, RCA RDR4300 series.

These types of two-way radios are ideal for the following industries:

• Construction
• Facility Management
• Golf Courses
• Healthcare
• Hotels & Resorts
• Manufacturing
• Religious Institutions
• Schools

Mobile Radios

Mobile two-way radios are designed to be installed inside a vehicle and connected to an external antenna mounted outside the automobile. Mobile radios are perfect for employees that are on the go and need to stay in touch with other mobile employees or for those that need two-way capabilities inside a home office. All mobile two-way radios are transceivers, meaning they can both transmit and receive. These mobile radios are high powered and can have up to 100 watts of power to cover long distances.

One example of a mobile radio is RCA’s BRM300D. These radios are compact, versatile and have 50 Watts of power for maximum transmission coverage.

Mobile Radios are ideal for the following Industries:

• K12 Education
• Colleges and Universities
• Manufacturing
• Security
• Hotels

Desktop Base Station

Desktop Base Station radios are designed to rest on top of a desk and plug into the wall for power. These radios are not mobile, meaning they are designed for users who are always at one location, and who don’t need to deal with recharging batteries or wasting time looking for a lost or misplaced radio! RCA makes professional grade digital base stations including the BRM300DB Digital Base Station.

Desktop Base Station radios are ideal for the following industries:

• K12 Education
• Colleges
• Universities
• Manufacturing
• Security Facilities
• Hotels