Why are Digital Two-Way Radios Better than Analog?

As technology advances, Motorola Two way radios have moved from analog to digital. Some legislators are even mandating that no new two-way radios can be certified unless they have digital capability. So what makes digital better than analog?

Advantages of digital two-way radios:

police woman using digital two-way radio
  • Better voice quality
    • With analog, every sound that’s picked up the microphone is transmitted. Digital technology software instead focuses purely on your voice. This means voice quality on the other end is much clearer.
  • Better capacity

    • Digital radios are able to handle much more than analog. A digital radio is able to receive double the calls from every channel. Digital is so bandwidth-efficient that it can accommodate two completely separate “channels” into one.
  • Better coverage

    • Your voice stays strong and clear everywhere you receive coverage. Conversely, a voice on an analog radio would be garbled by static as it reaches the ends of your coverage. Digital radios also have a built-in error correction to eliminate static and make sure voice calls are heard clearly over a greater range.
  • Better battery life

    • With a digital two-way radio, you can communicate longer on a single charge. While both analog and digital radios consume about the same power in standby mode, once you start transmitting, digital radios are more efficient. Frequent and heavy users who depend on their radios to last the entire shift will appreciate digital technology software. Batteries last up to 40% longer when you use a digital radio.

Extending the Life of Your Two-Way Radios

Although two way radios are great products, they can be a large investment initially. Our Two-way radios are tough and durable, and with proper care and maintenance they can last you a very long time. To get the most out of your investment, use the tips we have listed below for extending the life of your two way radio!

durable Two Way Radio in rubble

Proper Care:

  • Take proper care of your radio by grabbing it by the body as opposed to the antenna.
  • Avoid dropping your radio by using accessories such as a belt clip or a protective case to keep it in its place. Though our radios are very durable, limiting the amount of times they are dropped will ultimately help extend its life!

Maintenance

  • Replace parts on your radio such as the antenna and the battery as they are needed.
  • Read and follow the specific charging instructions for your two way radio.
  • Keep your radio turned off while it’s charging. If you keep it on, your radio will be drawing current and charging at the same time. This can end up shortening the lifespan of the battery.
  • Avoid over charging your batteries by unpluging them when they are fully charged.

Cleaning

  • Wipe down the surface of the radio with a soft microfibre cloth. Only use a very little amount of water on the cloth if needed.
  • Never immerse your two-way radio in water to clean it.
  • Strong chemicals are not necessary.

Storage

  • The ideal environment for storing your radio in is a dry and room temperature place.
  • Limit exposure to extreme weather conditions; excessive cold or heat. This will prevent damage to the batteries as moisture could corrode them over time.
  • When storing your two-way radios, make sure it’s turned off and batteries are removed.

 

Two-way radios are one of the most durable communication solutions. Extending the life of your two way radio and furthering your investment is easy if you take the steps to care for them properly. The better you care for your radio, the longer you will have reliable communications, and the larger you return on your investment will be.

VHF or UHF? Which frequency is better for my workplace?

Frequency tower

One of the most commonly asked questions is, “which frequency is better for my workplace?” Two-way radios communicate over radio waves and have different frequency bands. UHF and VHF are the two most common.

 

UHF- Ultra High Frequency. 

In Canada, the UHF spectrum is 403 to 470 MHz. UHF is more suitable for indoor and outdoor use as the wavelengths are shorter and more likely to penetrate through obstacles such as steel, concrete, and trees. The higher the frequency, the better your signal will penetrate through structures. UHF frequencies also allow for a more compact radio, as a smaller antenna can be attached. If you would like coverage for both indoor and outdoor, UHF would be your best bet! Its flexibility and versatility makes it the most common frequency band used in many industries.

 

VHF – Very High Frequency

The VHF spectrum is 136 to 174 MHz in Canada. VHF is more suitable for long-distance outdoor use as the wavelengths are much longer. This means you are able to communicate further on flat ground provided there aren’t many obstacles. A longer antenna can also be attached to increase the range.

The areas you are trying to cover will determine which band suits your needs best. Make sure you consider where you would like coverage as each band has different uses for each environment.

For more information, contact us or leave a comment down below and we will be more than happy to help you out!

Using Instant Communication for Camping with the Family

children using Instant Communication for Camping

Use Instant Communication for Camping to Keep your Family Safe

Camping with your family is more enjoyable when you know everyone is connected and safe. With two way radios, you can instantly reach your family from miles away at the push of a button. Using instant communication for camping is a great way to ensure all family members are in touch, and therefore provides peace of mind.

MOTOROLA T600 TALKABOUT TWO-WAY RADIO

The best radio for instantly communicating with your family in remote areas is certainly the Motorola T600 Talkabout. This radio has a 35-mile range so your family can communicate even during faraway adventures. It’s durable and waterproof design also withstands harsh conditions, and its ability to float prevents it from sinking to the bottom of the lake.

Even more, the flashlight at the bottom of the radio will light the way while lightening your equipment load. With these capabilities, you can count on the T600 to deliver reliable communications during your wildest adventures –  by land or sea.

Two Way Radio Range: How Far do They Work?

Frequency tower

How far do they cover? What is the range?

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about two way radios. But the truth is, there is no definite answer when it comes to coverage and range.

Canada is a big and beautiful country; it has large cities with thousands of tall buildings, and open lands with forests and tundra. Obstacles such as tall buildings may obstruct the coverage of a radio and therefore interrupt it. So when it comes to the coverage of a two way radio, there is no exact measurement because different areas will have different obstacles.

Although we cannot predict exact coverage, the general rule for coverage is: the higher the wattage, the further the coverage. Radio with higher wattages are more powerful than those with a low wattage, and therefore are able to reach further.

We know that choosing the right radio for your needs can be a difficult task. That is why our customer service representatives are always ready to help you! If you have any questions about what radio suits your needs best, please send us an email and we will get back to you soon! 

Below are a few examples of the various 1 watt, 4 watt, and 5 watt radios we carry, along with a brief description of the environments they are best suited for.

 

 

1 Watt Two Way Radios:

The CLP1013, CLP1043 and the CLP 1063 are all 1 watt two way radios. These options will work best in smaller areas such as dental offices, retail stores, and restaurants. If you are interested in using two way radios for a small space, these will get the job done.

4 Watt Two Way Radios:

The VX261, EVX261 and EVX-S24 (3 watts digital) are all 4 watt radios. They are more powerful and therefore have a larger range than 1 watt radios. These options are able to cover much larger areas, and can even be used in high-rise buildings for communication between levels. If you are looking for radios to use for events, large restaurants, landscaping, security, and more, these are the radios for you!

5 Watt Two Way Radios:

The MOTOTRBO XPR7350e and XPR7550e are both 5 watt radios that work best in large manufacturing facilities, factories, and plants.

 

Remember, if you need help choosing a two way radio, you can always send us an email and we will get back to you soon! We want to make sure you get the right two way radios for your needs.

The Best Two Way Radios for Retail

best two way radio for retail

Trying to find the perfect two way radios for retail? Let us help.

 

With a busy retail store, you need to be able to get in touch with your staff instantly. Whether you’re contacting employees in the back room to check stock, or asking for assistance from a manager, two way radios will improve your store’s efficiency. As a result, your customers will be better served and leave your store happier. Below is our curated list of the best two way radios for retail shops.

1. Motorola CLS1413 Two Way Radio

CLS1413 two way radios for retail

A walkie-talkie/two-way radio suitable for a Customer Service Representative, Merchandiser, Supervisor, Floor Manager,  Assistant Manager and more.

The CLS1413 is a light weight, affordable, and easy to use two way radio that is perfect for retail. It is designed to enable quick one-touch communication, which will help increase your stores productivity and customer service. This two way radio will help give your business a competitive advantage. It includes four channels to cover every area in retail stores, and even has VibraCall® Alert to discreetly receive transmissions.

The CLS1413 is also incredibly easy to use. The LCD screen will clearly display what channel the user is on, and how much of the 12-hour battery life the radio has left. The user can also attach a headset to the radio to enable hands-free and discreet communications. When your staff is finished their shift, they can place the radio into the drop-in charging station to keep them charged and together.

 

 

To learn more about the features of the CLS 1413, check it out in our online shop!

 

2. Motorola CLP1013 Two Way Radio

CLP1013 two way radios for retail

A walkie-talkie/two-way radio suitable for a Customer Service Representative, Supervisor, Floor Manager, Assistant Manager.

The CLP1013 is a discreet but durable two way radio that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Its crystal clear audio and comfortable ear piece makes communicating across large stores easier than ever. The sleek design is much smaller and therefore lighter than other radios in its class.

This is one of the best two way radios for retail because it is extremely easy to use. This is because the CLP1013 operates on only one channel and features a large push-to-talk button. The 14-hour battery life will also keep your employees connected shift after shift.

To learn more about the features of the CLP1013, check it out in our online shop!

 

3. Motorola CLP1043 Two Way Radio

CLP1013 two way radios for retail

A walkie-talkie/two-way radio suitable for a Customer Service Representative, Supervisor, Floor Manager, Assistant Manager.

The CLP1043 is a discreet but durable two way radio that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Its crystal clear audio and comfortable ear piece makes communicating across large stores easier than ever. The sleek design is much smaller and therefore lighter than other radios in its class.

This is one of the best two way radios for retail because it is extremely easy to use. This is because the CLP1043 operates on 4 channels and features a large push-to-talk button. The 14-hour battery life will also keep your employees connected shift after shift.

To learn more about the features of the CLP1043, check it out in our online shop!

The Best Two Way Radios for Hospitality

two way radios in the hospitality industry

Improve the way you serve your customers with these two way radios for hospitality

 

Guest Relations, Maintenance, Security, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage are all important parts of the hospitality industry. They must keep track of rooms, supplies and facilities to ensure customer satisfaction. Big chain or small boutique, differentiating your property through exceptional service is essential for attracting customers. Two way radios for hospitality will instantly and discreetly connect your employees throughout your property, and will therefore improve the way your guests are served.

Your employees are all core workers that maintain the success of your hotel. That being said, it is extremely important that they are easily connected without delay.

Motorola CLS1413 Two-Way Radio

CLS1413 (front)

A walkie-talkie/ two-way radio suitable for Housekeeping and Food & Beverage staff.

The CLS1413 is a small, light weight two-way radio with 4 channels allowing discreet privacy between selected employees. It is extremely important for the front-end operations to be connected  to Housekeeping with real-time information to ensure that rooms are ready on-time and requests are efficiently answered.

It is also a more affordable two-way radio in its small and light weight category. The two-way radio has accessories that will allow your Servers, Expo and Dinning room Manger to be hands free. This will make running food, making drinks and attending to tables more comfortable.

 

Motorola CLP1043 Two-Way Radio

CLP1013 (with swivel headset) - Thumb

A walkie-talkie/ two-way radio suitable for Guest Relations, Food and Beverage staff.

The CLP1043 is a slim, palm-sized two way radio. It has a very professional and elegant look for Guest Relations staff and a comfortable earpiece that sits comfortably on the ear. The length the earpiece is long enough to sit along your torso, but short enough so you don’t have extra wire hanging. Your staff can be comfortable when running food, making drinks, and tending to their tables.

 

Motorola CLP1063 Two-Way Radio

CLP101 (front) - ThumbCLP1063 (Bluetooth Accessory Kit pod with earpiece) - Thumb

A walkie-talkie/ two-way radio suitable for Guest Relations and Food and Beverage staff. 

The CLP1063 is a slim, palm sized two way radio. With its Bluetooth capabilities, it has a very professional and elegant look for Guest Relations and Food and Beverage staff. It also has a very comfortable and long-lasting Bluetooth earpiece that sits comfortably on your ear allowing long usage.

 

Motorola CP200D Two-Way Radio

cp200d

A walkie-talkie/ two-way radio suitable for Guest Services, Facilities and Maintenance, Guest Safety and Security and Housekeeping staff. 

The CP200D is a compact and heavy duty two-way radio that is more popular in many industries. This walkie talkie/two-way radio gets all the benefits of a digital radio such as better voice quality, better range and better battery life.

 

Motorola VX261 Two-Way Radio

 

A walkie-talkie/ two-way radio suitable for Guest Services, Facilities and Maintenance, Guest Safety and Security and Housekeeping staff. 

Finally, the VX261 is a light weight, compact, and durable walkie-talkie. It is an all purpose two-way radio that is certainly more affordable and lighter than similar radios in its class. Even more, you can clip it onto your belt loop and not worry about the weight of it pulling your pants down!

The Best Two Way Radios for Restaurants

two way radio in restaurant

Improve Service With Two Way Radios for Restaurants

Instant communication is extremely important in the restaurant industry. Staff need to be able to contact each other at all times in order to keep customers happy. Using two way radios will reduce the time spent looking for staff, communicating, and executing what needs to be done to make your customer happy. Below, we have put together a list of the best two way radios for restaurants so you easily find what you need!

 

1. Motorola CLP1063 Two-Way Radio

CLP101 (front) - Thumb.jpgCLP1063 (Bluetooth Accessory Kit pod with earpiece) - Thumb.jpg

The perfect walkie-talkie/two way radio for servers and expos.

The CLP1063 is one of the very best two way radios for restaurants. This incredible two way radio is small, slim, and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Even more, it is 40% smaller and 50% lighter than similar two way radios in its class. The CLP1063 also comes with a long lasting Bluetooth pod that clips comfortably onto a shirt collar and easily connects to a short-cord earpiece. This means that you can communicate with your staff hands-free from anywhere in your restaurant.

2. Motorola CLP1013 Two-Way Radio

CLP1013 (with swivel headset) - Thumb.jpg

A walkie-talkie/two-way radio suitable for a Server and an Expo.

The CLP1013 is the same palm sized design as the CLP1063, only without bluetooth and therefore less expensive. Though it may not have Bluetooth capabilities, it has a very comfortable earpiece that sits comfortably in your ear. The cord is the perfect length to clip the radio to your waistband. With the CLP1013, your staff can be comfortable while running food, making drinks, tending to their tables, and so much more!

Using Two Way Radios to Improve Safety at School

instant communications for schools

Improve Students’ Safety with Instant Communications for schools

Parents trust that when they bring their kids to school, they are in a safe environment. Safety responsibilities in the education industry start when students are picked up from their bus stop, and do not end until they arrive safely back at home. Because of this, administrators must be able to instantly communicate so they can be ready for any situation. Portable two way radios; also known as walkie talkies, are the perfect solution to improve instant communications for schools.

Below, we have curated a list of the best two way radios for a school setting to help keep students safe.

Motorola VX261 UHF Two-Way Radio

This radio is a great option for all school staff! It has 16 different channels to cover every section of your school from maintenance to lunch monitors. The enhanced audio quality also ensures that your important messages will be heard loud and clear in all situations, even in a noisy classroom. Even more, an emergency alert can be programmed to instantly notify help with a press of a button. These easy-to-use features will help your staff and students feel more secure in all situations!

Click on the product for more information about this radio’s abilities!

2. Motorola CP200D UHF 403-470 MHz Two-Way Radio

The CP200 is a very durable two way radio, which makes it great for classrooms and playgrounds full of children. It is dust-proof and splash-proof, so you can work with confidence in these challenging environments. Similarly to the VX261, this radio has superior audio quality, outstanding coverage, and of course a long-lasting battery life. The CP200 will also help your staff and students feel more secure throughout their school day.

Click on the product for more information about this radio’s abilities!

If you have any questions about what products would best suit your needs, please feel free to send us a message! We’ll get back to you soon to help you figure everything out.

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