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Two way radios are available in various models and each model in endowed with a different set of features. With the increasing usage of the radios for communication, both in the corporate sphere and the family surroundings, it is imperative to keep a few things in mind in order to make communication more effective and to completely enjoy the advantages of all the features.

The main thing that has to be considered while buying two way radios for a single closed group of people to communicate with each other is that the radios should be of the same model and from the same manufacturer. The best example of this would be that of an office. When multiple two way radios are bought for employees of a particular office or even of a particular unit, it is presumed that most of the times they would need to communicate with each other. The need mostly arises if they are in the sales and marketing scenario and are constantly on the move. Their colleagues or even their manager may require contacting them often, and hence two way radios are the most cost effective means of communication, because calls placed through them are free of cost.

Similarly, in a family scenario, it is advisable to have the same model for the members of one family, because they might need to communicate with each other often. Parents who are working may require being in touch with their children, or if there is an aged or a sick person, then family members may feel the need to enquire about their well being.

If the two way radios are to be used within a specific group, then it is preferred that they be of the same model. This is because, to avail the full features of the radio, the other radio also should have the same provisions and features. Features like privacy codes, eavesdrop reducer and many others may not work properly if the other radio is of a different make.

Hence, just keep these simple guidelines in mind and enjoy your conversation with your group using two way radios.

Two way radios are now being manufactured in amazing models having numerous features. Earlier these radios were just crude models that were used for free communication within a particular range. One got to see these radios only in the hands of army men, police men or marketing personnels i.e., mostly in the hands of people constantly on the move. But owing to the introduction of exciting features and smart models, these radios are now used for communication among family members as well.

Despite being used by families as well, two way radios are still more popular for outdoor usage. The higher the price, the more the features. One of the exciting features in high end models that is useful for outdoor users is a key that locks your channel so that it does not change when a person moves around. Other features include a digital camera, an AM/FM radio tuner, digital compasses, alarms, thermometers and barometers and even stop watches.

Another exciting and innovative feature available in two way radios is the Auto Squelch that keeps the radio silent until a signal is received. It also has a last channel recall button that is similar to the redial button on a normal phone. Other useful features include an auto channel scan that scans all channels for signal, along with a backlit LCD that enables the user to see the display even in the dark. There is also a provision to attach more speakers and microphones.

For outdoor users, Two way radios now come with various accessories that not only enhance its look and makes it user friendly, but some also prevent wear and tear of the radio when it is exposed to harsh conditions. These include waterproof cases, charging units, headsets and shoulder and belt holsters.

All these features and accessories make two way radios the best communication gadgets for outdoor usage.

With each passing day, we are introduced to better models of two way radios, having more innovative features. Every new model introduced has a new feature accompanying it. All these innovative features have contributed to the increased usage and popularity of these radio instruments. People have started adopting it as commonly as a mobile phone.

The number of channels in two way radios differs depending upon the type of two way radios being used. The FRS (Family Radio Service) offers users 14 channels, while the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) gives users 23 channels. Hybrid radios (a combination of FRS and GMRS radios) offers users the facility of 15 channels or more. In fact, the number of channels offered by a radio is directly proportional to its price; the more the channels the higher he price.

Other unique features available in two way radios these days are:

Battery Type: The battery of two way radios is designed for durability and endurance. Portability is also another factor; hence all devices have an internal battery. For users who use the radio less, there are AA and AAA alkaline batteries, but people who use the radios often can go in for Nickel Metal Hydride or Nickel Cadmium Batteries that can be recharged.

Weather Channels: Many radios these days have weather channels that provide users the weather news and forecasts by the official meteorological department. This feature is ideal for people who have to travel a lot for work, both within the country and abroad.

VOX: This feature makes the push button in two way radios redundant. Earlier, in order to speak, users had to push a button. But the voice activated system, or the VOX starts broadcasting the moment the user speaks in the direction of the radio. This feature is extremely useful when the user is engaged in some other task like driving, as it provides a hands free facility.

The popularity and the increasing demand for two way radios has not only increased their visibility in the market, but has also encouraged engineers to add features that make it more user friendly. Today, these radios are available in smart and light weigh models and are equipped with a quite a number of additional features. The buyer has the advantage to pick up transmitters that have the best combination of features that are most suited to his requirements.

The unique features that are available in two way radios are:

Call Alerts: This feature allows user to choose their incoming call alert from a variety of tones and styles that are incorporated in the radio instrument itself. The tones may include a number of ringing melodies, and the user can choose from ringing styles like vibrating alert, vibrating and ringing, and only ringing, among many others.
Privacy Codes: This is an extremely unique feature of two way radios that enables users to use the option of privacy codes. Using this feature, the user can block out other unwanted communicators who have tuned in to the same channel and frequency as him. He can choose who he wants to talk to and have a quiet and peaceful conversation, by barring others who have tuned into the same channel. This feature allows the user to have a one to one conversation whenever he wants.
Eavesdrop Reducer: This feature is available in high priced two way radios. It scrambles transmission by using the voice inversion technology. It is basically used for people who use FRS (Family Radio Service) radios and are tuned into the same channel and frequency. This system prevents other people, using FRS, from eavesdropping on your conversations when you are speaking to your partners. Together with privacy codes, the eavesdrop reducer provides complete privacy to conversations on two way radios.

Two way radios have many more exciting and innovative features that have not only made them more user friendly, but has also enhanced the quality of conversations that people can have using this device.

Very often you face situations when you have people with you but not physically very close. You all have come out together but necessity takes you away from each other for some time. All of you may need each other any moment. So, a means of communication is a must. And it is the mobile phone that serves the purpose. But it is a paid service!

You may be quite comfortable with it because it seems natural to you. If you get a service, you have to pay. Well, there is a means that can keep you connected with others within a relatively shorter range but at a much lower cost that the mobile phones. The device under discussion is two way radios: highly helpful yet very cheap. In fact, there is service charge for this. Once you buy it, it will help to give service without any charge.

Two way radios are a type of transceiver, capable of transmitting and receiving the content. Unlike a broadcast receiver that only receives content one way this device sends and receives calls both ways. This user-friendly device has a push-to-talk button that you can use to activate the transmitter. The availability of the push-to-talk button makes the radios easy to be used by kids.

Otherwise known as walkie-talkies or handie-talkies, these hand-held, portable, two-way radios are also available in mobile and stationary base configurations. Traditionally used by the police, now it is popular among the civilian community as well. The device that was once an exclusive privilege of fire, taxi and other mobile fleets are now offering valuable service to the common man.

Two-way radios come handy when you are in a mall with your family members and it is not possible to shop around together. With different shopping list, every one of the family may rush to corner that is his/her favourite. Under such circumstances, you can ensure that you all stay connected to each other through two-way radios. And that also without paying lot of pounds!

Radio antennas have two fold functions. First of these functions is to radiate the radio frequency energy generated in the transmitter and fed to the antenna by a transmission line. In this capacity the antenna acts as the impedance matching device to match the impedance of the transmission line to that of free space. The other function of the antenna is to direct the energy into desired direction and to suppress the radiations in unwanted directions

A completely non directional or omni directional radiator radiates uniformly in all directions and is known as isotropic radiators. A point source of sound is an example of isotropic radiator in acoustics. There are no such things as an isotropic radiator of electromagnetic energy since all radio antennas have some directivity. However the notion of a completely non directional source is useful especially for gain comparison purposes.

The radiation pattern of an antenna is a graphical representation of the radiation of the antenna as a function of direction. When the radiation is expressed as field strength volt per meter the radiation pattern is a field strength pattern. If the radiation in a given direction is expressed in terms of power per unit solid angle the resulting pattern is a power pattern. A power pattern is proportional to the square of the field strength pattern. The co ordinate system generally used in the specification of antenna radiation pattern is the spherical co ordinate system. The antenna is locked near the origin of the system and the field strength is specified at points on the spherical surface of radius. The shape of radiation pattern is independent of radius as long as radius is chosen sufficiently large. When this is true the magnitude of the field strength in any direction varies inversely with radius and so needs to be stated for one value of radius. For example in broadcast antenna work it is customary to state the field strength at a radius of one mile or one kilo meter. Often only the relative radiation pattern is used. This gives the relative field strength in various directions. Usually it is referred to unity in the direction of maximum radiation.

Antenna represents circuits with distributed constants but for the sake of analysis we can show the lumped inductance and lumped capacitance of an antenna system in the form of an oscillatory circuit. The circuit consists of a condenser whose plates are connected by a vertical wire which contains a certain amount of a self inductance. A radio frequency voltage is included at the center of the circuit. The frequency of the source usually corresponds to the resonant frequency of the circuit. This arrangement is often referred to as a dipole.

Two way radios are slowly and gradually emerging as the most cost-effective way of internal communication in an office scenario. In today’s cut throat corporate world, the bottomline is that ‘time is money’. On most occasions, precious time and effort is lost in just trying to trace and establish contact with colleagues and other employees in various departments.

People managing a business are well aware of the fact that a smooth and open communication channel is extremely essential to make any project successful. Two way radios have helped in improving inter-departmental communication to a large extent. Even communication channels between managers and other employees, as well as managers of various departments have become better. Better communication is instrumental in improving the overall efficiency and productivity of the organisation as a whole, while saving on a lot of valuable and productive time.

Some people question the utility of two way radios, saying that the old method of using mobile phones or the usual land line phones is equally efficient in facilitating smooth communication in an organisation. The fact is that these methods add onto the company’s expenses, since each call made is charged. On the other hand, communication from one walkie talkie to another is free of cost. They are also very easy to use. To initiate a conversation, just a push of a single button is required.

Since it is based on wireless technology, it is easier to carry it everywhere. Even the models available in the market are cheaper and easy to afford. A corporate office can get quite a few two way radio handsets and use them to make inter-departmental communication easier. Since they are more durable than mobile phone handsets, they are more suited to be used by police and army personnel and others who have jobs with an outdoor profile. The only specification to be kept in mind is that the frequency and the range of the walkie talkie have to be adjusted to suit the user’s requirement.

Staying connected is the keyword of today’s living style. It is extremely important to stay in touch with your family, friends and employees. The present day hectic lifestyles do not give people the time to be in constant touch with their families and enquire about their well-being. In such a scenario, two way radios are the perfect gadgets that can solve a family’s connectivity woes.

The concept of two way radios is not very new. They are devices that can receive as well as transmit content. They have been an integral and crucial communication device in the defence set up, like the army, navy and air force, since a very long time. Much before the introduction of the pager and the mobile phone, the walkie talkie, as it is commonly known, was one of the first gadgets that functioned on wireless technology.

Since, in most cases, both parents are pursuing a full time professional career, it is imperative to keep a track of the activities and whereabouts of the children from the workplace itself. Two way radios have slowly and gradually emerged as the most reliable gadget that can help parents keep a protective and watchful eye over their children. They are also immensely useful in case there is an ill relative who may require medical attention at any point of time.

These radios are very simple devices and easy and uncomplicated to use as well. Some are so simple that they can be used easily by children. Mostly, two way radios come with a push button technique, which is basically used to activate the transmitter so that conversation can be made possible. One very important fact that has to be kept in mind is that in order to establish connection, the frequency of two walkie talkies should match.

Two way radios are cheaper than mobiles, since one does not have to pay for each conversation. The other advantage is that they are now available in sleeker models and better features. The price also falls in the easily affordable range with lots of companies; major mobile manufacturers have begun developing these devices owing to their increasing popularity and utility.

Satellite radio is the hottest, new way to stream music to its listeners. With a low monthly fee, you can enjoy commercial-free broadcasting that is heard nearly anywhere. Enjoy cd quality sound with minimal grey areas. National Stations allow you to listen to the same great channel no matter how far away from the big city you may be. They also offer hundreds of stations to suit your needs. So whether you like oldies, rock, talk, hip-hop, or sports, they have the station that you desire.

Will it fit?

Universal Tuners and Satellite Integration products make it possible for you to enjoy satellite radio no matter what vehicle you own. Improvements in technology have made dash mount units smaller and easier to operate. Antennas are now about the size of a matchbook and can easily mount inside on your dash or outside on your roof without the eyesore of the once larger satellite antenna.

Most aftermarket radios are now equipped to work as a Satellite Receiver so no dash mount controller is needed. Look for the SAT READY logo on your CD receiver to see if a tuner is available. SAT READY units display channel number and song titles, and allow you to scroll through channels like a standard radio station.

OEM integration is also available for select Vehicles. Manufacturers like PACC and Directed make tuners that will adapt to your factory radio to function as if it was sold with the Vehicle. No Dash alteration is necessary, units plug directly into factory harness without splicing so there is no worry about voiding factory warranties. Channel information displays on factory radio just like a regular radio station.

Sirius? Or FM?

Sirius
$12.95/mo Over 130 channels of commercial free music and talk radio. Home of Howard Stern, NFL and NASCAR premium channels such as Playboy radio are also available for an additional charge.

XM
$12.95/mo 170 Channels of digital music. XM is proud to Host MLB, NHL, College games, and PGA tour. For the business man they offer breaking news reports from channels such as CSPAN, CNN, CNBC, and BBC.

What’s new with Satellite radio?

Both satellite companies now offer NavTraffic updates. If you have a built-in navigation unit, you can now get local traffic updates in real-time. For just a low monthly fee your Navigation unit will allow you to Navigate around traffic and bad weather conditions.

Satellite radio is the hottest, new way to stream music to its listeners. With a low monthly fee, you can enjoy commercial-free broadcasting that is heard nearly anywhere. Enjoy cd quality sound with minimal grey areas. National Stations allow you to listen to the same great channel no matter how far away from the big city you may be. They also offer hundreds of stations to suit your needs. So whether you like oldies, rock, talk, hip-hop, or sports, they have the station that you desire.

Will it fit?

Universal Tuners and Satellite Integration products make it possible for you to enjoy satellite radio no matter what vehicle you own. Improvements in technology have made dash mount units smaller and easier to operate. Antennas are now about the size of a matchbook and can easily mount inside on your dash or outside on your roof without the eyesore of the once larger satellite antenna.

Most aftermarket radios are now equipped to work as a Satellite Receiver so no dash mount controller is needed. Look for the SAT READY logo on your CD receiver to see if a tuner is available. SAT READY units display channel number and song titles, and allow you to scroll through channels like a standard radio station.

OEM integration is also available for select Vehicles. Manufacturers like PACC and Directed make tuners that will adapt to your factory radio to function as if it was sold with the Vehicle. No Dash alteration is necessary, units plug directly into factory harness without splicing so there is no worry about voiding factory warranties. Channel information displays on factory radio just like a regular radio station.

Sirius? Or FM?

Sirius
$12.95/mo Over 130 channels of commercial free music and talk radio. Home of Howard Stern, NFL and NASCAR premium channels such as Playboy radio are also available for an additional charge.

XM
$12.95/mo 170 Channels of digital music. XM is proud to Host MLB, NHL, College games, and PGA tour. For the business man they offer breaking news reports from channels such as CSPAN, CNN, CNBC, and BBC.

What’s new with Satellite radio?

Both satellite companies now offer NavTraffic updates. If you have a built-in navigation unit, you can now get local traffic updates in real-time. For just a low monthly fee your Navigation unit will allow you to Navigate around traffic and bad weather conditions.