Will a two-way radio system save me money?
Correctly chosen, a two-way radio system will considerably increase operational efficiency, by eliminating wastage of time and fuel. Most users find that the savings achieved, repays the cost of the equipment within one year of operation. Additionally it is impossible to quantify the benefits that your customers receive in terms of the efficiency of your response to them.
What range can I expect?
Range is determined by geographical conditions and other natural obstacles. Open ground gives good range and hills, trees and buildings restrict it. The subject of range can be best illustrated as follows. Imagine a scale, contoured model of your locality, with a small but powerful lamp fitted to the top of your base station antenna mast. Areas on the model illuminated by the bulb, will be in range of the radio system.Antenna efficiency and siting are other factors affecting range. The higher a base station antenna can be placed, the better will be the coverage. High power (5 watt) handportables, fitted to equivalent antennas, will have nearly the same range as 25 watt mobiles. Fitted with small flexible antennas, range by comparison will be limited.
Handportables or mobiles?
Handportables are normally used for applications where communication is required in defined areas e.g. airports, warehouses, factories, farmyards etc. Mobile units are normally required to achieve the maximum geographical coverage.
Can I communicate within buildings and yards?
Yes. UHF radios are found to give solid coverage within buildings and the immediate areas around them.
Can mobiles talk to mobiles directly?
Yes, if required. When applying to the DTI for your licence, you can opt for either one or other of the following methods of operation:
Simplex Operation ( mobile radio to mobile radio )
All radios on the system are channeled to the same frequency, and can talk to one another. If a base station is included in the system, it operates the same as a mobile. All the radios are limited to 5 watts power, and hence have less range than Semi Duplex operation.
Semi Duplex Operation. ( mobile radio to base radio )
Radios work on split channels, so that mobiles can only talk-to and hear the base station, which then relays messages from one mobile and another. These bases operate at full power, and guarantee the best possible coverage, but have to be continually manned. ( unless repeater operation is authorised )
Repeaters are automatic relay stations located at selected elevated communications sites, to give good geographical coverage - up to 80km radius from the site. This is generally far in excess of that obtainable from most private base locations. Generally they are owned by system operators who rent space on them to many commercial users. Operation is either as a CBS, which behaves like a party telephone line, i.e. only one user at a time, with unregulated queuing at busy periods. More modern systems are trunked which let many business use the system simultaneously, and with regulated queuing systems.
Can I operate an unmanned (Talkthrough / Repeater) Base Station
Licences for private base stations to provide unattended operation, are limited by the DTI to users in emergency situations, agricultural users, and on site ( local area) operation where handportable to handportable operation will not cover the entire site, such as in large shopping centres.
Are channels shared?
Yes, on a regional basis, and dependant upon the status of a users. Local Authorities for instance only share with other local authorities, and are generally given a lower channel loading / reuse basis than say taxi operators. The DTI do endeavor to reallocate channels only in areas outside an existing users service area, so interference is minimal.
Can I connect to the national telephone network?
Direct interconnect to the BT network is possible with DTI approval. Companies operating large internal telephone systems may be granted permission to access them.
Can I use the radio in more than one vehicle?
Yes. Mobile radios generally fit into a bracket using either a clamp or four thumbscrews, with power lead and antenna connections. Spare brackets and leads can be purchased to allow changeovers. Mobile mounts/chargers are available for handportables. These connect the radios to the vehicle battery and to a more efficient roof mounted antenna, and recharge the battery pack. In a reasonable service area, this may well be an acceptable alternative.
Can I tell if calls are received when I am away from the vehicle
Yes, with Selcall options. These provide lights that show a call has been received or activate a pocket pager that is carried by the driver, and bleeps when the call is received by the mobile. Digital selcall system will also display the callsign of the caller. Modern trunked radio systems give caller ID also, and call in absence.
Licensing, approvals and reliability
Our equipment operates on frequencies which require a licence issued by the DTI. Currently a licence covering up to ten units costs 120.00. Our equipment is DTI approved, and designed to withstand the rigours of operation in vehicles ranging from cars, agricultural machinery and heavy plant. In the unlikely event of breakdowns, we maintain fully equipped workshops and field engineers to deal with any problems - rapidly
Extended warranty
At the end of the normal 12 month warranty period, extended on-site or return to workshop warranties can be arranged to suit customers requirements.