Understanding 2-Way Radio Systems

A two-way radio is simply a radio that can both receive and transmit radio signals, unlike a simple broadcast receiver which just receives sound data. As such, it is an audio transceiver, a sender and receiver all in one unit, useful for bidirectional voice communication by other wireless users with similar systems. It is used in military and aerospace applications as well as private homes and even commercial operations. A two-way system is also useful for walkie-talkies, cell phones and other wireless devices. In simple terms, it is the main type of communication device used by hikers, bikers, hikers, campers and even motorists on long stretches of country road or tracks.

2way radio

Basically, there are two main types of two-ways available today: digitally pre-programmed and mechanically pre-programmed. Digital or CDPR radios generally have their own receivers and transmitters, while mechanical ones are connected to a computer or other device via RF or radio frequencies and generally control with buttons, sticks, dials or pads. However, you may be able to buy two-ways with separate transmitters and receivers, so that you could opt to have the two devices connected to your PC or laptop instead. It really depends on the type of use, though.

The other difference between digital and trunked radio systems is their channels. A trunked radio system allows several channels to be allocated to particular purposes, and these are again controlled by push buttons, sticks, dials or pads. In contrast, digital systems can operate on as many as 16 channels, although this is more common in commercial applications. The number of radio channels available for use in a single unit is usually fixed, although some manufacturers can configure multiple channels for use if required. In this case, they would have to do so via special wiring.

In addition to their standard use as communications tools, two-way radios are also used by motorists in their quest to find out location information and, perhaps more importantly, avoid colliding with other vehicles. In a bid to save fuel and time during their daily travels, many drivers choose to operate their two way radios from their vehicle and/or a mounted receiver inside it. Other consumers, however, find this option inconvenient because of the difficulty in locating their car’s GPS system and the additional cost of receiving signals from several satellites.

A traditional two-way communications system has channels designated either in numeric order or as part of a coded format, which indicates that channel (or frequencies) correspond to specific purposes. For example, there are channel numbers associated with traffic management, emergency protocol, and police communications. To receive these messages, motorists need only know the channel that was intended for the purposes for which they were meant. With digital communications systems, all that is needed is a compatible transceiver that receives the proper channel and sends the received information to an appropriate receiver.

As with many other technologies, however, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with two-way radios. While they can save a great deal of time by allowing people to communicate through their vehicles at great distances, there is a strong chance that they could become hazardous if they transmit a conversation that is inappropriate or offensive. Also, since the transmission can only be received by the transceiver on the other end of the channel, the possibility exists that other nearby vehicles could interfere with the signal being transmitted. Therefore, while they make excellent mobile communications tools, they may not be the best choice for highly populated areas where radio wave interference is a risk.