One of the largest users of two-way radios in the United States is construction companies at commercial and industrial job sites. These larger projects involve many people who are inherent security risks and multiple tasks going on at the same time. Communication keeps the job site safe, employees safe and projects on the job. Choosing the right walkie-talkie for these job sites is not as simple as choosing the most expensive walkie-talkie in the catalog. We know that price is important and that this article does not end up suggesting that you buy the most expensive two-way sold radio. There are a number of questions you need to ask before deciding which two-way radio is right for you. Let’s dive into the questions you need to ask when choosing a two-way radio for your job site.
How Many Talk Groups Do You Need? The main purpose of using two-way radios is to communicate with others in the workplace. How many different contractors are there, and how many do you need to communicate with? We see these typical channels in a commercial setting. Superintendent, electrical, security, tower crane, mechanical contractor and labor. There are often many more, so most construction companies buy at least 16-channel two-way radios.
How big is the project? The size of the system you are building determines the power requirements of your two-way radio. If your project is bigger than a Super Walmart, you need 4 Watt two way radios. Handheld two-way radios are available in 1, 2, 4 and 5 Watts with UHF and VHF models available. A construction company should never use VHF two-way radios, as UHF always works better when concrete and reinforcement are in Two Way Radio.
Should You Go Digital? There are a number of digital two-way radios available. It is important to choose a digital two-way radio that works in both analogue and digital mode, because while you may be progressive, other contractors at the job site may not. Digital gives you the benefit of talking to your team members individually, providing better clarity and better battery life. Be careful to ask how easily you can switch between analog and digital modes. Not all digital two-way radios are created equal, and digital two-way radios may not be compatible with another manufacturer's digital two-way radios.
Why you shouldn't buy recreational two-way radios. Besides the fact that you buy a toy, recreational walkie-talkies are not built to last, so you end up spending more in the long run. Batteries, charging trays and audio accessories for these models are all designed to be used occasionally, not every day when you need them. We are not saying that they will not work, we are saying that they do not work as well.
Need intrinsically safe two-way radios? You should only buy inherently safe two-way radios if your insurance company or OSHA requires it. Using these two-way models means you are worried about an explosion. You create responsibility for your business if you buy intrinsically two-way radios and you don't need them.
Need an FCC license? This depends on the frequencies you use, so an FCC license may be required. There are a number of companies that can help get an FCC license and most secure a 5-10 year license for under $ 1,000.00. We would be left out if we didn't tell you there are thousands of two-way radios in use without the proper FCC license.
Why not cell phones? Two-way radios provide almost instant communication, and they work where you work without the need for cellular coverage. Mobile phones also do not allow group communication that is key during concrete pouring when the crane is in use or when the security manager is doing his thing.
Should we get a two-way radio repeater? Repeaters complicate things, and repeaters guarantee that you need an FCC license. Repeaters should be used when building a skyscraper, at job sites for the airport and large industrial facilities. Repeaters are also useful when there is distance between the job site and the job trailers. If you are constantly getting poor call coverage with your 4 Watt commercial two way radios, a Repeater is a likely solution.
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