Communications Connection

A Beginner's Guide to Two-Way Radio

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Fri, Jan 8, 2016 @ 16:01 PM

For years you've been seeing two-way radios everywhere you've gone.  The usher in the movie theater was using them, the engineer at the hotel you stayed at, the security guard in the casino, the front desk supervisor at the office building, even the football coach in the game you were just watching, now it's your turn at your job.  Your organization has decided to make the jump from cellular to two-way radios and it's your responsibility to set up the communications but you don't have the slightest idea as to what would be best. 

This is Part 1 of our beginner's guide to navigating the world of two-way radio communications.  In it we will address how to choose the right two-way for you and your organization.  Part 2 will cover the actual usage and operation of a two-way radioExpressions-16.jpg


When deciding on the appropriate two-way radio there are some questions you need to ask.

  1. Mobile vs. Portable - How are you planning on using the radios?  Mobile radios are units that are installed in a vehicle like what a bus driver would use.  Portable radios are your "typical walkie-talkie" - units that can be carried around.
  2. UHF vs. VHF - UHF ("Ultra High Frequency") 403-512 MHz is used primarily for indoor applications where there may be some obstacles.  VHF ("Very High Frequency") 136-174 MHz is better suited for outdoor applications without much interference.
  3. Number of Users/Number of Channels - The number of people using your radios system should be considered when thinking about how many channels you would need.  Also consider if you need private channels for management, security, emergency etc.
  4. Number of Locations - How many locations will be using the radio system?  Multiple locations can be linked allowing you to communicate from one location to another or you can have radios for a particular building only.
  5. Features - In an utopian world, what features would you like on your two-way radio?  Do you need a "man down" alert?  Would you like to be able to text message?  Do you need a display that will show names?  Depending on the unit chosen, those features are a few of the options available.
  6. Ruggedness - Do you require intrinsically safe units?  Are your radios going to primarily be used by executives or do you need a more rugged unit for the maintenance workers?
  7. Budget - The pricing of two-way radios range depending on the units and features.  It's a good idea to have a budget in mind when you start talking to a sales rep about your wish list.  Put together a list of what is an absolute must and also what you would like if possible.


Don't be overwhelmed with the options available.  Start by asking yourself the questions above.  Below is a link to a radio selection guide that should also help you see what options are out there.  Call your local radio dealer and they will help guide you through the process.  Once you have your radios up and working you'll wonder why you waited so long to switch.

Radio Selection Tool

 

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, two way radio

How Technology Is Changing The Way We Use Two-Way Radios

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Thu, Dec 3, 2015 @ 11:12 AM

Two-way communications have been around, in some form, since the late 1800s.  Through the years, with technology ever-changing, they have morphed from the original incarnation that replaced carrier pigeons to the technologically advanced units of today.  Who would have thought back in 1885 when Heinrich Hertz proved that electricity can be transmitted in electromagnetic waves that in 2015 people would be able to communicate with both voice and text from a unit that can be worn on their belt loop?

Radios have been an important part of communications within companies and/or public safety organizations for quite some time.  In the past, they were used strictly as voice communication between one person and another or perhaps messages were relayed through a base unit with a dispatcher.  While today's two-way radios still allow for person to person voice communications and also for a base unit with a dispatcher, there are many advances which allow for increased efficiency and streamlining in your business.TRBO_IMG_6191.jpg

Today there are radio options ranging from voice only to "smart phone" type devices.  These newer units have the capability to cover mission critical and professional needs.  There are applications designed to help with command and control, email and text, interoperability, location tracking, system monitoring, voice dispatch and work ticket management.  In the past, radios were used on a conventional system, while this is still available, Motorola Solutions has made many technological advances.  Now radio systems can be Conventional, Connect Plus (multi-site digital trunking that enables you to accommodate high volume, wide-are communications), Capacity Plus (a single-site, scalable digital trunking solution that lets you expand the capacity of your MotoTRBO two-way radio system), Linked Capacity Plus (integrated voice and data in a single site or across a wide area without the use of a separate network controller), or IP Site Connect (uses the internet to extend the coverage of your MotoTRBO system regardless of where you are).

Two-Way radio was previously treated as a voice only communication device, now it is a solution to increase your productivity, efficiency and safety.  All of these options can seem overwhelming so my best suggestion is to getting started would be to take a deep breath, sit down and make a list.  Make a list of your obstacles and your goals then contact your local radio dealer and they can help you develop the solution that works best for your needs and your budget.  You'll never look at a walkie-talkie the same again.

 

Request a Communications Consultation

 

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Topics: MotoTRBO, two way radio

6 Things About Digital Two-Way Radios Your Boss Wants To Know

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Thu, Apr 16, 2015 @ 09:04 AM

You've done your research, you're convinced your company needs to upgrade to digital radios, now your obstacle is to convince your boss.  How do you explain to them the benefits of using digital radios.  Here are 6 things that they want to and need to know about converting to digital.

1- You do not have to convert all of your radios at once (but you can) - Many digital radio models also function in analog mode.  What this means is you can slowly replace radios as the need arises and have the radios programmed in analog mode.  Once all of your radios are purchased and you're ready to flip over to digital all it takes is reprogramming the radios.  If you want to purchase all of the radios at one time but financing is an issue, inquire about leasing options.

2- Long term costs will be reduced - Digital radios and analog radios use about the same amount of power in stand by mode however once you begin transmitting and receiving, digital radios are much more energy efficient.  On average their battery life is increased 40% over analog.  This leads to long term savings since you won't have to replace your batteries as often.

3- Better Voice Quality - When you transmit using an analog radio every sound, every background noise is transmitted.  When you transmit using a digital radio voice clarity is exceptional.  The noise suppression technology allows the transmittal to come through without the background interference.  Watch this quick demonstration to see (and hear) what I mean.

4- Better Coverage - Depending on your environment and your frequency band, your radios only cover so much area.  When you use an analog radio, the closer to the end of your coverage area you are, the weaker your quality is - think similiar to a cell phone in a poor signal area.  While your coverage area with a digital radio will be about the same as your analog, the sound quality will not.  The features of the digital software, the built-in error correction, will allow you to communicate clearly throughout your entire coverage area.

5- Better Capacity - Spectrum efficiency has been a hot button issue lately.  The FCC required commercial two-way radios to be narrowbanded which means operating on 12.5 kHz instead of the previous 25 kHz.  Digital repeaters allow for two talk paths - in essence two "channels" while only using one repeater with one channel.  This not only allows you to have more users but also less equipment and less licensing which decreases your costs.

6- You Can Connect Multiple Locations - In the past, in order for your multiple locations to be able to communicate with each other, you would have had to install a very complicated, very complex, and very expensive system.  Now you have the ability to link your locations using IP Site Connect.  What this means, simply put, you put a digital repeater at each location and then connect them over IP.  Think of the possibilities.  Your maintenance workers in your lower Manhattan  facility talking to the security officers in your Jersey City location.  Your boss will think you are brilliant!

Take these points to your boss.  Explain how you will increase quality while decreasing long-term spending. Digital Radios are the future, make sure your company is on board. Go ahead and take credit for figuring it all out - we won't tell.

 Request a Communications Consultation

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, two way radio, digital radio, video

Introducing Motorola's Latest Addition - the NEW SL300 Two-Way Radio

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Wed, Nov 12, 2014 @ 10:11 AM

Motorola SL300Motorola Solutions, Inc. has recently announced an addition to their ever growing MOTOTRBO portfolio, the new SL300 portable radio.

This innovative radio measures less than an inch thick and can easily be carried in a pocket or purse.  It's ergonomic design allows one-handed operation, similar to that of a cell phone.  It has a shatterproof Active View display that uses a matrix of LED lights behind the radio housing to communicate radio information and shuts off when not in use to conserve battery life.  It is both analog and digital capable which allows you to get all the benefits of digital, including better voice quality, better range and better battery life—but retain compatibility with your existing radio fleet. With analog and digital capability, you have the freedom to migrate to the latest technology at your own pace.  This is the perfect radio for retail, hospitality and education (just to name a few). 

Contact Us for more information or to see a live demo of this great new radio

Motorola SL300 Spec Sheet

Watch this video to learn more about the Motorola SL300 two way radio

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, SL series, two way radio, new product, 2 way radio, hospitality, digital radio

Telecom Communications has launched our new website

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Tue, Jan 21, 2014 @ 11:01 AM

websiteYou spoke, we listened.  Telecom Communications, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of our revamped website www.TelecomNY.com.  Our new site has been updated to include and highlight what you told us was important to you.  The many videos on our site cover everything from the history of Telecom and Motorola to product spotlights including the MOTOTRBO SL 7550, accessories like remote speaker mics and MOTOTRBTelecommug resized 600O applications along with industry solutions for manufacturing and hospitality to name a few.  www.TelecomNY.com is continually updated with our current promotions and you can easily request a quote right from the website.

 Have a cup of coffee, stop by and take a look around - make sure to drop us a comment and let us know what you think.  We are looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

Topics: MotoTRBO, SL series, telecom, press release

Two-Way Radio Solutions for Education

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Wed, Aug 8, 2012 @ 14:08 PM

 

The end of summer is rapidly approaching.  For children this mean no more beach days or running for hours in the neighborhood, for parents this means daytime quiet and order restored to the house but for school administrators this means a whole new school year with a whole new set of efficiency and budget issues.

With the economy being what it is and budgets being slashed year after year, it becomes a task of how to do more with less for less.  Investing in the proper equipment can help with this.  I'm sure by now you have heard about the mandatory F.C.C. Narrowbanding (if you haven't, read more about it here).  One way to accomplish the conversion and streamline your operations in one felt swoop is to upgrade your equipment. 

Wouldn't it be a dream to be able to communicate throughout your district, connect to your school buses and keep your students safer in the classroom while reducing operational costs?  Well it isn't a dream.  You can make it a reality.  The Motorola MotoTRBO portfolio can help you and your organization achieve this dream.  To learn more about MotoTRBO and it's impact on Education, check out this education application brief "MotoTRBO: Score High Marks for Schoolwide Safety". (to download the brief click here)

You will learn:

  • How to locate your staff, students and buses instantly
  • Prioritize communication immediately
  • Manage employee attendance and payroll automatically
  • Respond remotely with tracking applications
  • Connect your campus completely
  • Reduce operational costs
  • Communicate without disturbing others

Many districts have already deployed the MotoTRBO solution.  To read about how one district did this click here.

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, education, two way radio

Motorola's New SL Series: The Making of a Radio

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Wed, Mar 7, 2012 @ 11:03 AM

Motorola Solutions, Inc. has recently announced their newest addition to the MotoTRBO family, the SL Series.  This radio was designed to be the intersection between function and style.  It is designed to get the work done without getting in the way.  Here at Telecom we just received a few of these newest radios and I have to say, I have never seen anything like it.  It is sleek, compact and elegant looking without losing the functionality of a MotoTRBO radio.

I was looking for some information to share with our readers on it and came across the video below.  It will show you how the engineers designed the radio, how customer driven the design was, and you can hear some customer testimonials.  Take a minute to watch the video and let us know what you think. 

To learn more about the Motorola SL radio including some additional videos click here.

If you would like to see the SL series live contact us to set an appointment

Topics: MotoTRBO, SL series, 2 way radio

It's a Boy, no wait it's a Girl...no it's a TRBO!

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 @ 14:01 PM

Motorola has recently announced their newest aXPR6100ddition to the MotoTRBO family, the XPR6100.  This is an entry level MotoTRBO digital radio with crystal clear audio, digital performance and efficiency and a great price.  It is voice centric and backwards compatibile with your traditional analog radios. This 32 channel portable radio is available in UHF anf VHF frequency bands and comes standard with an IMPRES Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. 

For more information on the Motorola XPR6100 click here

To learn more about the MotoTRBO product family visit http://www.telecomny.com/mototrbo/why_digital.htm

 

 

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, two way radio, new product

What is MotoTRBO?

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 @ 14:07 PM

You've heard me talking about digital two-way radios and MotoTRBO and you are probably wondering what exactly they are.  The MotoTRBO two-way radio is Motorola's digital platform radio.  I have touched on digital radios and the future of two-way radios in a previous post (read the blog here). 

Motorola has created a series of 16 videos about their MotoTRBO radios explaining what they are and how they can help different vertical markets/industries and, as I promised in my previous post about MotoTRBO reaching 1 million users  I will be posting them here over the next few weeks so stay tuned, there's more to come.

The first video by John Jaderholm of the Motorola Solutions Systems Team talks about "What is MotoTRBO?" So, without further ado, here we go.

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, 2 way radio, digital radio, video

Motorola MotoTRBO reaches 1 million strong

Posted by Amy Cavaliere on Fri, Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:07 PM

Motorola has announced that they have reached 1,000,000 (1 million!) MotoTRBO subscribers.  That shows the versatility and popularity of these two-way radios.  Between the digital capability, text messaging and various apps available there is a fit for virtually everyone. 

Stay tuned because over the course of the next few weeks we will be posting some videos Motorola has created to show how MotoTRBO radios work and how they can be used in different industries such as retail and transportation just to name a few.

Have you tried the Motorola MotoTRBO radios yet?  What are your thoughts on them?  How have you implemented them into your organization?  Let us know in the comments below.

Topics: motorola, MotoTRBO, two way radios, video