Rough-Tough Two Way Radio Supplies
Two way radios provide communication for results-driven work environments where communication may be a matter of life and death. Some radios are more rugged than others, and some accessories can help improve functionality and durability.
Hobby Lobby, for example, uses RCA two-way radios to keep its massive warehouse and distribution center running smoothly. Features like durability, multiple channels, zoning and keypads can improve operational performance and offer safety features in hazardous areas.
Batteries
The batteries in your radio are a very important component. They provide the energy that makes it possible for you to communicate over a two-way radio. Two-way radio batteries are rechargeable and can be used again and again. They use a series of chemical reactions that occur between the anode and cathode to produce electrical current. Several types of battery are available, including dry cell rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion).
The display screen is a very important feature on your two-way radio because it allows you to see the status of your equipment at a glance. It can also allow you to access features on your radio, such as the channel and PL/DPL filters that are programmed into the device.
Some two-way radios have the ability to tune in to broadcasts by NOAA and Environment Canada, which will alert you automatically to emergency weather information. This can be a useful safety feature for workers in remote locations.
Two-way radios that are cloning capable allow you to easily load a configuration into another radio. This can make it easier when you are adding new radios or making changes to your existing radio fleet.
Chargers
A charger provides an alternate power source to recharge radio batteries. In-vehicle chargers plug into the power supply of a vehicle, providing a convenient way to two way radio supplies keep radios charged while on the go. They can also be hard wired into vehicles for a permanent installation. They typically come with a tie down strap to secure the portable radio in place during rough travel conditions such as sharp turns or bumpy roads.
To prevent battery damage from overcharging, it is best to only use a two way radio with its original batteries when charging. All batteries have a maximum rated charge cycle count, which is the number of times it can be fully discharged and recharged. Overcharging a battery results in natural degradation that reduces its performance and life.
Each day, staff are instructed to check in with their respective supervisors via the radio. This includes visual inspection of their assigned area, reporting that they are “Clear” and confirming the status of all equipment and supplies.
Administrators should calculate the total number of staff members and purchase a radio, charger and spare battery pack for each person (plus ten extra), plus surge protectors that can accommodate all the chargers and radio batteries. The ten additional radios are distributed to those granted access to the facility on occasion for contract work, parent meetings or law enforcement and security visits/inspections.
Antennas
Antennas are a vital part of two way radios and the communication they provide. They allow your radio to communicate with other radios over a specific frequency, and they can help with communication range, depending on the type of antenna you use.
The main types of antennas for two-way radios include whip, stubby, and heliflex. Antennas are made up of metal conductors, and they’re covered in plastic for three reasons – to support the potentially thin wire; to prevent physical damage like bending or crimping; and to protect the conductors from corrosion.
Whip antennas are seven to eight inches long and offer the highest gain, which means the best two-way radio range. They’re often favored for everyday use as they’re shorter and less intrusive than other antennas. Stubby antennas are three to four inches long and are less noticeable, but they sacrifice some gain compared to a whip.
If you’re in a very rural area, you may benefit from a two-way radio repeater. These are great for increasing your range over a large area by absorbing and rebroadcasting weakened signals to give them more strength and reach. These are also a good solution for areas where hills, trees, or buildings can cut off your line of sight communication. They can also add location functionality, sending your position over a digital network to another radio or control room.
Speakers & Amplifiers
An amplifier takes an audio signal that has been brought up in level by your mixer and makes it much bigger before it’s sent on to the speakers. It does this by using a circuit that looks a lot like a valve, where a transistor determines how much current flows through the amplifier at any time. The input circuit connects to the transistor’s emitter and collector, while the output circuit connects to the speakers’ terminals.
An important thing to pay attention to when pairing an amp with a pair of speakers is their impedance, which is the way they resist the current flowing MOTOROLA SLR1000 REPEATER through them. You can find this information on any speaker or amplifier spec sheet, and it’s a key part of the process of finding a synergy between them that will result in a great sounding system.
A good rule of thumb is to match the continuous power rating of an amp with the recommended wattage of the speakers it will be used with. This will give you enough headroom to avoid damage and overheating, while still leaving you with plenty of volume control.
You’ll also want to make sure that you use a crossover to ensure your speakers are getting the part of the frequency spectrum they’re designed to reproduce. You can get these built into an amp, or you can find standalone devices to do the job (but be careful – not all of these are created equal). Many amplifiers have presets for different speakers that will recall info about their sensitivity and a crossover that’ll be a good fit.
