With the recent technological advances in portable media, it’s no surprise that portable radios have
also seen a lot of change in recent years.

While you can still find the old analog tuning radios if you look for them, most new portable radios
feature digital displays and digital tuning. However, not all radios handle this new technology in
the same way.

For instance, some radios will have a digital clock. Some will have a backlight that’s always on,
and some will have a backlight that only stays on for a few seconds after you interact with the
radio. Many radios feature auto-shutoff features, whereby you can program the radio to turn off
after a certain amount of time.

Unlike analog radios, digital radios allow you to define presets. While the number of presets varies
by radio, most will allow between 10-25 presets across both AM and FM bands.

Determining which features are most important to you is an important first step to identifying which
radio would make the best purchase.

Size

Do you want a radio for a table in your house? To take on the bus? Or to strap to your arm while you
work out at the gym? Different sizes of radios come with different feature sets. Identifying where
you want to use the radio (and what size will work for that purpose) is almost as important as
deciding which radio to buy.

Style

As with all electronics, portable radios come in a wide variety of styles, from the smooth and tiny
to the ugly and bulky. As always, style comes with a price, and that price doesn’t always guarantee
a functional device.

Sound

Some radios get better reception than others, but there are a couple things to keep in mind:

1. No matter how good your radio, if you’re working in the basement of Fort Knox, you aren’t going
to get a signal.

2. The quality of the sound depends largely on your headphones. Most portable radios will come with
a set of earbuds, but they are generally low-quality and should be replaced with a nice set of
headphones. It’s also worth noting that many portable radios use the headphones as the antenna.

Power Source

Most portable radios use alkaline batteries, but the type and quantity will depend on the size of
the radio. Generally speaking, portable radios are simple electronics, and tend to get exceptional
battery life. Some even come with AC adapters and rechargeable batteries like you would expect to
see in a cell phone.

Convergence

As more and more mobile devices hit the market, we’re starting to see FM receivers built into other
devices, such as MP3 players and cell phones. Nobody wants to carry around more electronics than
they need to, so if FM radio is your thing, it might be worth checking out a converged device.

Radio Portable.

Kevin Spence writes portable radio reviews for Radio Portable.

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Old radio was big in size and with continuous modifications its size got reduced and now pocket
radios are also available. Radio has still its use in rural areas and those areas which are far from
other networks of communication. Internet is expanding its horizon since its inception and now
become a great source of entertainment and communication. Internet provides many services like
chatting, emails, games and videos etc. It has covered many services which were earlier provided by
other units. Now we can call by using our PC which were earlier done on phones.

Similarly, it has covered services of radio. Now many websites has come up which provides you access
to thousands of online radio stations . Some websites provide you free live radio facility where as
on others you have to become a member of the site by paying some fees to the website. These websites
may provide you a software to download by which you can access to thousands of radio channels. These
channels are divided into categories to make your search option easy and you can listen to your
favorite programme by choosing a program from any of these categories. These categories are music,
news, acting, sports, cricket, science etc.

There are also programmes available in different languages. Satellite signal received by radios are
often obstructed by tall towers and trees which effects audio quality of radio. Some times voice
cracks, sound is not clear and audible. Live radio is free of all such shortcomings. As the signals
are digital in nature its audio quality is far superior to that of radio.

With the availability of free live radio, one can easily find time to tune in to radio and listen
online radio stations while doing some other work on computer.

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The ease of operation makes them favorites for people in a variety of professions. Many people use a
two way radio in the workplace, including construction workers, landscapers, security professionals,
and firefighters. They are a great and convenient way to communicate. All it takes is a simple push
of a button and you can talk to your colleagues.

With a two way radio, you can speak with multiple people at once, making it easier to give and
receive information. Some of these radios even have a feature that allows you to speak with a single
person if the information exchanged is private. If you are thinking of purchasing some of these
radios and want to learn more about your options, you can visit 49erCommunications.com. The customer
service professionals at this site are knowledgeable and friendly, and can give you all the
information you need.

49er Communications sells a quality two way radio. To buy this, visit
http://www.49ercommunications.com.

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“Breaker one-nine, good buddy, old Smokey’s got his eyes open, so keep it at the double nickel near
milepost 215!”

Those old enough to remember the CB-radio craze of the late ’70s might also remember their colorful
broadcast lingo. For most people, 2-way radios are more than just the way for truckers on Citizens’
Band channel 19 to avoid highway patrolmen using radar guns to catch speeders. To get the right
radio for your situation, you’ll need to know a few important terms:

FCC: Federal Communications Commission–the federal agency that oversees public airwaves. The FCC
licenses users, sets rules for use and fines for misuse and abuse of all radio communications.

Pirates: Those who put illegal radio traffic on the air; the FCC won’t hang you from the highest
yardarm, but if they notice you running without a license when you need one, you will notice the
fines.

VHF: Very High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 30MHz to 300MHz. Range is approximately
line-of-sight, meaning if the transmitter can see the receiver, the receiver can hear the
transmitter. In relatively open ground like suburbs, VHF has better range than UHF. Among common VHF
uses are FM radio and television stations 2-13.

UHF: Ultra High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 300MHz to 3GHz. UHF frequencies operate
well with very small antennae and pass through buildings better than VHF, making these superior for
city use. Low-power UHF transmits very short ranges so many UHF devices (cordless phones, baby
monitors, Wi-Fi Internet, etc.) can be used in proximity without annoying each other. Some
television stations still broadcast in the UHF range.

Citizens Band (CB) operates at 27MHz (below the VHF band). Set aside for public use in the 1950s, it
reached its height in the 1970s. Range is limited by law to 5 miles. Other two-way radio
technologies are giving CB serious competition, but CB is still an inexpensive, easy, fun-to-use
option, especially when “driving the boulevard” (the interstate highways).

Family Radio Service (FRS) operates at 462-467MHz. Created in 1996 as a UHF alternative to CB; these
2-way radios are limited to 14 channels and 0.5Watts power. No FCC license is required because FRS
was designed for private, short-distance, personal communications. It’s great for casual use around
the neighborhood or a public venue.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) also operates at 462-467MHz. Created in the 1960s as “Class A
Citizens Radio,” anyone over 18 may apply for a license, which also covers immediate relatives and
must be renewed every five years. GMRS uses 15 channels (7 of which they share with FRS) and are
limited to 50Watts power. The walkie-talkies themselves are superior to CB or FRS because the FCC
sets higher technical standards for them. New combination 2-way radios are available featuring all
FRS and GMRS frequencies. Also designed for casual, private use, these radios are for the serious
hobbyist.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) operates at 151-154MHz. Created in 2000 as a VHF citizens band
(license-free) band for personal or short-range business use, MURS 2-way radios have five channels
and are limited to 2Watts. MURS advantage is the lack of limits on external antennae for handhelds.
This means, for example, you can attach a good-sized antenna to your car, plug your handheld into
that antenna and get greater vehicle-to-vehicle range with MURS over FRS.

Additionally, the Industrial/Business Radio Pool (IBRP) includes several groups of channels
operating at various frequencies in VHF and UHF bands. It was designated in 1995 for business
operations–dispatching, coordinating equipment, etc. Since many varied frequencies are available,
IBRP licensees must purchase sets of radios on matching frequencies.

Digital two-way radio (DTR) is a new business radio idea that’s catching on fast. DTR walkie-talkies
operate at 2.4GHz and do not require a license. Being digital, these UHF communicators offer
enhanced privacy, greater range, longer battery life and higher audio quality. They will,
undoubtedly, soon work their way into the private use market.

How to buy a two-way radio:

Two-way radios come in three basic types: Base stations are two-way radios that sit on the table or
desk; plug into the wall and operate through a tower antenna. Mobile stations are radios mounted in
a vehicle–they may be designed specifically for vehicle use or for both home and auto. Handhelds
is the proper term for self-contained, battery-operated radio units commonly called walkie-talkies.

Before considering which 2-way to buy, consider how you will use it. Will it be used occasionally
around the neighborhood, campground or mall? Will it be used every day to keep the office in touch
with the jobsite? Will it be used on the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains? How far apart will
users usually be?

The half-watt FRS two-way radios are the least expensive and have the shortest range. Within these
limits, they are very good radios. MURS-type radios have greater power and range than FRS. A GMRS
radio is the best choice for areas with more interference problems (cities, hills, forests) or for
those who need to talk over longer ranges. If you can afford the hardware and you can get the
license, DTR is the best technology available.

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in walkie-talkies, mobiles or base stations. To use
GMRS or DTR channels, you need the same type of radio that police and fire departments, road crews
and commercial businesses use. This means you’re buying professional grade electronics, higher in
price than what you find in the local hobby shop, but better gear overall.

Obviously, two-way radios with more power have greater range. They also use more energy, so
batteries run dry faster (not a consideration with base stations, of course). If you use
walkie-talkies frequently, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.

Solid state electronics means breaking your radio is a much smaller problem than the vacuum tube
days. Still, don’t drop your radio–especially into the water, as water and electricity don’t mix
nicely. Unless your walkie-talkie is designed and built for rough weather or maritime use, keep it
dry. Turn it off when not in use. Clean it with a dry cloth or canned air after use. Store it out of
direct sunlight. Buy a protective case in leather, nylon or plastic. Handhelds, especially, will
wear out but, if you use common sense, you and your two-way will have years of fun together.

If you’re looking for a tough walkie-talkie that’ll stand up to hard use, look for “mil spec radio”
in the description. These radios meet Defense Logistics Agency guidelines to withstand the rough and
tumble things soldiers deal with regularly. If you might use your radio around flammables, Factory
Mutual Global has set the “intrinsically safe” standard for the industry; two-way radios meeting
this criterium do not produce sparks.

Why choose a radio instead of a cell phone?

Several reasons: Good 2-way radios will reach into cell phone dead spots, especially in the great
outdoors. Walkie talkies allow you to talk to everyone at once. Two-way radios usually have much
better warranties (1-2 years vs. 90 days). Many new radio models have telephone interconnect,
selective calling and caller ID technology, just like cell phones. Walkie talkies don’t require a
monthly fee; buy the radio and the license (if required) and you are good to go. A walkie talkie
will often continue working when cell or landline service is interrupted by disaster. Cell phones
have not entirely replaced radios, and never will–in their particular spheres, each is a great
communications tool.

For more information:

The Personal Radio Steering Group (http:www.provide.net/~prsg/home.htm) is a volunteer advocacy
group for citizens’ radio users and a great place to find the latest info on rules changes and other
matters.

Phoenix Roberts has been a journalist, freelance writer and desktop publisher for over 10 years.
Presently, he is an SEO Content Writer for Internet discount retailer Overstock.com
http://www.overstock.com (C)2008 Overstock.com–All Rights Reserved

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One episode was about five people who decided to take a boat out on the Atlantic. They encountered a
bad storm that forced them to abandon ship. The only thing they managed to hold onto was a flimsy
inflatable life raft which only served to keep them out of the water. In the end, only two of the
original five survived after five days of floating in the shark-infested waters with no food or
drink. An emergency radio would not have done much to quench their thirst or relieve their hunger,
but having one could have possibly made their trip at sea shorter. Many emergency crank radios have
built-in flashlights and some are even waterproof (an added benefit if you are surrounded by water.
Depending on which model you buy, there are other features available to you: Some are equipped with
flashing emergency beacons which could have helped the aforementioned adventurers attract help.

More than likely, none of us will ever experience anything as extreme as the scenario I presented,
but it never hurts to be prepared in case of emergency. If there ever is a power outage due to some
kind of storm or national disaster, an emergency crank radio would allow you to stay connected and
informed. As the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

For Features of Emergency Crank Radios Go Here

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UHF Radio

UHF equipment operates between the frequencies of 300 MHz and 3000 MHz. Until recently, it wasn’t
widely used. Now, the UHF radio frequency is used for GPS, Bluetooth, cordless phones, and WiFi.

There are more available channels with UHF so in more populated areas UHF may be less likely to have
interference from other systems. If you are in an area where population is thin, VHF should work
fine for you. Not too long ago the FCC also opened up a new VHF frequency called MURS that is so far
not heavily used in most areas. There’s more about MURS below in the VHF section. If you are in an
area where interference from other radios may be an issue, UHF transmitters and receivers could be
your best choice unless you use a MURS VHF radio. UHF is better at penetrating physical barriers
like walls, buildings, and rugged landscape. Anything that obstructs a radio wave, will weaken a
radio signal. UHF lessens that effect. Though it may not travel as far, UHF radio waves will
penetrate obstacles better than VHF.

To highlight the differences in indoor range, below is an excerpt from a brochure of a leading
two-way radio maker on the predicted range of one of their lines of handheld VHF and UHF two-way
radios:

“Coverage estimates: At full power, line-of-sight, no obstructions the range is approximately 4+
miles. Indoor coverage at VHF is approximately 270,000 sq ft and 300,000 sq ft at UHF. Expect about
20 floors vertical coverage at VHF and up to 30 floors at UHF. Note: Range and coverage are
estimates and are not guaranteed.”

VHF waves are not very good at penetrating walls, buildings and rugged landscape. Therefore range
will be significantly reduced for VHF radios in these environments. That may not necessarily be a
problem if the range needed is only a few hundred feet. You can also add an external antenna to an
indoor VHF base station that will reduce or eliminate this problem.

One of the downsides to UHF is that the FCC requires you to get a license to operate in these
frequencies. Although many frequencies in the VHF business band also require a license. If you
choose a radio in the VHF MURS frequencies you can operate it without a license. UHF equipment is
usually more expensive. The components need to be finely tuned and are more expensive to construct.
This does not mean it’s necessarily better, just more expensive.

One advantage of UHF transmission is the physically short wave that is produced by the high
frequency. That means the antenna on the radio can be shorter than an equivalent VHF radio.

VHF Radio

VHF equipment operates between the frequencies of 30 MHz and 300 MHz. FM radio, two-way radios, and
television broadcasts operate in this range.

Both UHF and VHF radios are prone to line of sight factors, but VHF a little more so. The waves make
it through trees and rugged landscapes, but not as well as UHF frequencies do. However, if a VHF
wave and a UHF wave were transmitted over an area without barriers, the VHF wave would travel almost
twice as far. This makes VHF easier to broadcast over a long range. If you are working mostly
outdoors, a VHF radio is probably the best choice, especially if you are using a base station radio
indoors and you add the external antenna.

Since VHF has been around longer and isn’t as complicated to make, equipment is usually cheaper when
compared to similar UHF equipment. One disadvantage to this equipment can be its size. Since the
frequency waves are bigger, an antenna must be bigger.

VHF radios also have a smaller number of available frequencies. Interference with other radios could
be more likely to be a problem. However, the FCC recently made this less of a problem when they
opened up the MURS frequencies. The 150 MHz frequency is a Citizens Band radio spectrum that is
called the MURS service. MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service. This service is for use in the
United States and Canada. It is a low power, short range service in the VHF 150 MHz Citizens Band
radio spectrum. There are 5 channels in the MURS frequencies with 38 privacy codes under each one
that enable you to only pick up conversations on your code. The FCC does not require users of
products for MURS to be licensed.

With MURS you can add a larger or external antenna to improve range. If you want to put an antenna
on top of your house or business, you can do it with MURS. Some antenna manufacturers claim an
external antenna can increase the effective radiated power of a transmitter by a factor of 4. These
MURS intercoms can transmit up to four miles, and perhaps more with an external antenna depending on
the terrain.

One benefit of VHF wireless radios is that battery life is almost always better than for similar UHF
units. For handheld radios this is a plus.

VHF equipment is usually lower cost for those on a budget. Equipment can be more economical than
similar UHF products.

In summary, if you are planning on using your two-way radios mainly inside buildings, then UHF is
likely the best solution for you. If you are mainly using your two-way radios for communication
outside, then VHF would be a good choice. Either radio technology can work for you if you don’t
really have a long range to cover. In that case you may want to choose VHF for it’s lower cost.

David Onslow is the marketing director at IntercomsOnline.com, which specializes in selling two-way
radio and intercom systems for business use. Go to http://www.IntercomsOnline.com to see VHF and UHF
two-way radios and intercoms.

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These radios operate on a technology called frequency modulation. In 2 way radios data is carried
over waves of different frequencies. The frequency of the wave also determines the distance that the
data will travel to. The larger the frequency, the more the distance travelled by the message sent
and vice versa. Most radios of this type also have an antenna attached to them so that they can be
used for easier and faster transmission of data. A good quality antenna ensures that the message is
sent and received very clearly and without any interference.

These radios must be bought after considering various factors. These factors include cost, the range
of the radios, the style, usage of an individual and also the type of battery used in these radios.
Once the 2 way radio has been bought, they need to be taken proper care of so that their efficiency
and effectiveness improve.

One of the main things that need to be kept in mind is that these radios must be kept in a dry place
and not in moisture. It must also be ensured that these radios are not dropped as this reduces the
life of the radios. Also these radios must not be exposed to extreme temperature conditions. This is
to ensure that the battery and other electronic parts are not affected adversely by the temperature
conditions. These radios should never be cleaned with chemicals as they might damage the various
components of the radio. In addition the batteries of these radios must be regularly checked to
ensure that there is no leakage. Any leakage in the battery reduces the life of the battery as well
as the radio.

These radios can even operate on very high frequencies including ultra high frequencies. These
frequencies are typically used for communication over very long distances. The 2 way radios that
operate on very high frequencies are used for communication purposes in remote areas. Also most of
these radios use line of sight propagation. This means that the 2 way radios cannot operate well if
there is some obstruction or if the terrain of the land is not plain. These radios also do not work
well in hilly areas. These radios can be high power or low power radios. When a high power
transmitter is used then these radios can send messages across long distances. If a low power
transmitter is used then the messages sent over these radios can cover only a short distance.

Rob Burdett is from UK Radio Communications Ltd, the UK’s Leading Provider of Two Way Radios for
Schools, Pubs, Shopping Centres, Retailers and Businesses of all types.

With a fully secure and stocked online store, UK Radio Comms provide modern two way radios and radio
communication equipment for hire and sale.

With radios available including Motorola Two Way Radios, Kenwood 2 Way Radio, ICOM and HYT, UK Radio
Comms highly knowledgable and experienced staff can provide you with advice and guidance so you and
your business gets exactly the right radio equipment for your needs and budget.

With many special offers available, free postage and packaging and free trials of many of their two
way radios, it has never been easier to see why UK Radio Communications are now the UK’s Leading Two
Way Radio Company.

For all your 2 Way Radio needs visit http://www.ukradiocomms.co.uk

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There are two frequency bands in use for two way radios these are the Family Radio Service (FRS)
band and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band. The FRS band is specifically used for
short-range communication between two way radios — short range is defined as 2 miles or less. The
GMRS band is used for two way radios uses that require longer range operation, where the users may
be up to eight miles from each other.

Some two way radios are only able to use the FRS band but almost all Motorola two way radios in
commercial use are able to take advantage of both the FRS and GMRS bands.

One important note about GMRS operation: The FCC regulates two way radios that operate on the GMRS
band and requires users of this type of radio to obtain a license and pay a fee. The GMRS license is
good for five years and costs $80.00; the license must be obtained by an adult (the radios operating
under the license may be used by minors but only with the licensed adult’s knowledge and
permission). Go to the FCC’s Internet page at:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile for more
information on GMRS licensing.

Channels! There are 22 channels commonly used on two way radios: Channels 1 through 7 can be used by
all two way radios whether they are using the FRS range or the GMRS range; channels 8 through 14 are
reserved for used by radios using the FRS band and channels 15 through 22 are reserved for use by
radios using the GMRS band. How this works in practical terms is pretty simple; basically, all the
two way radios within eight miles of each other that are set to the same channel will be able to
communicate with each other. The catch is, everyone with a radio receiver set to that channel’s
frequency will also be able to hear whatever is said — so be careful about what you say. To combat
that problem, most Motorola two way radios are also equipped with “privacy codes.” These privacy
codes will break up a single channel into many sub-channels which gives the radio users much more
privacy.

http://twowayradioshq.com Find out more about Two Way Radios.

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A security firm has just landed a lucrative contract at several convention centers spread across the
United States, but needs a way to share important information with any or all of its officers at a
moment’s notice.

The answer to all of these scenarios? Two-way radio rental.

One of the biggest financial drains on any company is its investment in equipment that depreciates
or becomes obsolete within the space of 3-5 years, regardless of the amount of money thrown at said
assets.

With regard to communication equipment, some items- such as phones, computers and paging systems-
must be purchased for use on a permanent basis. But unless Purchasing can reinvent the wheel, these
purchases still represent money down the drain.

In additon, how does a company address business-driven fluctuations in staff, and the resultant
security, safety, and customer service issues? Purchasing communication equipment that will be used
for one week, then set aside for months afterward- only to be misplaced, damaged or stolen before it
can be used again- is an expensive way to run a business.

How much better to work with a radio rental company; one that will not only provide the best service
and selection, but also tailor state-of-the-art equipment to your organization’s specific needs.

There are few things more vital to an organization’s well-being and security than effective and
efficient communication. Schools, public safety agencies, hospitals, the agriculture industry,
stores, construction sites, and airports are only a few of the many entities that rely on rapid
communication for the very existence.

Given the unstable state of the economy, equipment rental has become the best of all possible
solutions for companies with shrinking budgets. Aside from the fact that rental expenses are tax
deductible, the radios themselves are designed for ease of use, and built to withstand the most
rugged of conditions.

Two-way radio rental agencies offer the best warranties and service, as well as:

1. State-of-the-art equipment. 2. Systematic hardware and software updates. 3. Multiple frequency
capability. 4. Calibration of frequencies to match your existing equipment. 5. Local and/or
coast-to-coast capability, depending on your business needs. 6. Temporary repeater installation in
buildings where dead spots normally occur. 7. Next-day shipping to remote work sites. 8. Zero
maintenance cost. 9. Volume discounts.

Two-way radio has come a long way since its first use by police departments in the early 1930’s. In
equal measure, the more recent transition from analog to digital signal represents a quantum leap
forward in features, capability and efficiency.

In much the same way, two-way radio rental offers businesses and individuals substantial savings in
money, time and resources that equipment ownership never will.

Contact a radio rental agency today and learn about the many ways your company will benefit from the
latest in digital two way radio rental & technology.

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The two way radio receives and transmits the signals so it is also called as the transceiver. There
are two types of two way radio – one operates on the FRS band while the other on the GMRS band. The
FRS band radios have limited coverage area and so they can be used for a shorter distance. But the
GMRS band radios can be used at any place and they have no limitation of the coverage. The FRS band
radios are less expensive than the GMRS band radios.

Forget other radio geeks! If you want the best information around on a Mobile Radio Scanner or any
scanner for that matter, come by and visit my site now http://mobileradioscanner.net and let me turn
you into a certified radio geek!

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