Motorola Radio Systems
Knowing what questions to ask when purchasing two-way radios in Metuchen can help you find the best solutions to improve your team’s communication, productivity, and safety. Depending on your industry and areas of operations, we’ll help you answer important questions to asking during the buying process. Such as, if UHF or VHF two-way radios are better suited for your organization and if there are any additional systems or accessories you need to run your business effectively.Â
At Wireless Inc, we can help design, install, and maintain reliable Motorola radio systems for your Metuchen business. Get started by selecting the right two-way radio for your business with our free Motorola Radio Selector Tool.
Step 1 – Do I need UHF or VHF Two-Way Radios?
The main difference between ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) two-way radios is the frequency they operate on and their performance for indoor or outdoor operations. Another consideration when deciding on UHF or VHF is if you are currently using radios today and have an FCC licence. If you are unsure if you have an existing frequency with the FCC, please feel free to contact our team and Wireless Inc. and we’ll be able to quickly do a licence search for you.
VHF Radio Frequencies Are Ideal for Outdoor Use
VHF radios are suited for long distances because of the long wavelength producing low frequency they operate at. VHF radios are normally used for outdoor operations and in rural areas with clear lines of sight. Industries that use VHF two-way radios include:
- Highway Construction
- Oil and gas
- Farming and agriculture
- Trucking services
UHF Radio Frequencies Are Ideal for Indoor Use
UHF radios operate at a higher frequency, which makes them ideal for in-building communication where radios need to penetrate through walls, thick concrete, multiple floors, or, in some cases, densely wooded areas. UHF two-way radios are most commonly used in industries such as:
- Manufacturing and warehouses
- Building, construction, and renovation
- Hotels and hospitality
- Retail stores
- Schools and dorms
With 85% of radios sold being UHF radios, UHF two-way radios are the most common in use amongst industries today. Leading businesses in Metuchen know to purchase scalable UHF radio systems. This makes it easy to add to and profitable to invest in their existing infrastructure of wireless communication systems as their business grows.
Step 2 – Considering Repeater Systems
Considering the number of radios your business uses, the size of your operation, and if you are working on a single site, multiple locations, or traveling over a wide area will help determine which repeater system is best for your business. There are 3 general types of radio systems to consider:
Trunking Repeater System
Trunking repeater systems are perfect for larger operations with many radios that communicate over a large area or multiple locations. Some industries that benefit from trunking repeater systems are manufacturing, refineries, transportation, property management, healthcare, school districts and universities, and utilities. Trunking systems always work great whether your team is at a single location, if you need city or county-wide coverage, or even coverage across the world.
Conventional Repeater System
Conventional repeater systems are designed for medium sized operations located on a single site or that operate in a small facility. Industries that use conventional repeater systems are schools, hotels, malls or outlets, manufacturing, and sports facilities.
Simplex Radio System
A simplex radio system is designed for small operations and do not require any additional repeater infrastructure. Business that use simplex radio systems are retail, small warehousing, and small construction or renovation sites.
If you are not sure what system would be best for your business or application, please feel free to contact our team at Wireless Inc. After just a few questions, we can help guide you to the right decision for your business needs.
Step 3 – What equipment is best for my business?
The next step in the process is determining what type of user equipment you’ll want to purchase for your team. There are 3 types of radios you can consider for your team:
Portable radios, also known as walkie talkies, make up approximately 85% of radios sold today. This is because they are easy to carry, rugged enough to handle the harshest conditions, and allow your team the flexibility to move around locations as needed.Â
A limitation of portable radios is that they are less powerful than other options. So, at times it is possible to lose coverage. But, with the help of Wireless Inc., you can have a custom-designed system that will reduce the chances of this happening. Also, portable radios need to be charged more frequently than other radio options. Luckily, there are batteries available that are tested, proven and trusted with Motorola, that have improved battery life keeping your radio alive longer.Â
Mobile radios are the radios often found in vehicles, trucks, or heavy equipment. Perfect for drivers, mobile radios are stationary in the vehicle or equipment and are installed for maximum coverage. Mobile radios have more power than portable radios, meaning they are able to communicate over a much larger area. These radios also easily integrate with Bluetooth devices, allowing a driver to respond quickly and easily while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Base StationsÂ
Motorola base stations are designed for use at a desk or central location at your office or warehouse. Base stations use the same radio as a mobile system but are mounted with a power supply and external antenna for continuous operation and increased range. This piece of equipment is useful to almost every business and you will generally find at least one base station in radio systems.
Depending on your business, you may need all three pieces of equipment for your operations. Luckily, all devices can be used on the same system. Determining the quantity of each radio type you are going to need for your team one of the most important questions that needs to be properly answered. At Wireless Inc., our experienced team is prepared to answer your questions on the radio system that would work best for your team to set your business up for success.
Step 4 – What accessories are available for radios?
Accessories are often one of the most overlooked items when purchasing a radio system that can easily add value to your business. When purchasing radios, investing in the right accessories is critical in having your team use the radios consistently and correctly and having the system work to its full potential. Here are some of the most common accessories:
Speaker Microphones
Motorola speaker microphones should be a must-have for industrial settings for workers that are using portable radios. This accessory brings the speaker and the push-to-talk button closer to the user for easy use. Most speaker microphones can also be combined with earpieces for noisy environments.
One lesser-known benefit of speaker mics are they can act as bungy cords and protect your expensive radio from dropping.
Heavy Duty Headsets
In high-noise environments, heavy duty headsets are a must-have. They protect the hearing of your team while still allowing the radio to be used to its full effectiveness.Â
Earpieces & Bluetooth Accessories
Earpieces are one of the best accessories to add to your team to increase productivity of your operations. Using Bluetooth accessories and earpieces helps keep the user’s hands free keeping them focused and working at the task at hand and even able to communicate more effectively in high-noise environments.
Multi-Unit Chargers
For teams with a number of radios, multi-unit chargers are invaluable. The ability to charge up to six radios or batteries at one time means your team will always have a radio ready to go and decrease unnecessary downtime.
Our experienced team at Wireless Inc. will be able to help you determine and review all the accessories you might want to consider on your system.
Step 5 – Is there anything else to consider?
Motorola has an extensive line of devices and accessories that can help improve your business. There are some additional features that should be considered as part of your system. These would include supporting radio infrastructure like dispatch consoles, voice recorders, and WAVE talk groups, inbuilding amplifiers, and applications for increased safety and productivity. Our team at Wireless is well versed in all areas of radio systems and will help to determine the best tools for your operation.Â
To get started and customize your own two-way radio system in Metuchen, check out our free Motorola Selector Tool today. As the premier Metuchen Motorola Two-Way Radio Dealer, we offer industry-leading two-way radios, equipment, and accessories, as well as great options for radio rentals to meet all of your business needs.