5 Questions Customers Have About Using Two Way Radios in Buildings
So, you’ve decided to start using two way radios at your facility.
Indeed, evidence has shown that two way radios improve communication, efficiency, and safety.
But you’ll be using your radios indoors. Perhaps you’re in manufacturing, hospitality, retail or education.
Whatever the case may be, you likely have some questions. What are the best walkie talkies for inside buildings? (Now, keep in mind that when we say “walkie talkies,” we’re actually referring to professional two-way radios here. They’re much better than the average walkie talkie!). What about coverage issues? What frequency would I need?
We’ve got you covered. Here are 5 questions you likely have about how two way radios work when using them indoors.
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What Are The Best Walkie Talkies for Inside Buildings?
One of the first questions you likely have is what are the best walkie talkies for inside buildings (two way radios)?
We went directly to our expert Radio Rental Manager, Dave (connect with him on LinkedIn here), and asked him for his recommendation. He’s been in two-way radio business a long time, so he knows his stuff.
Dave says, “Digital over analog.” In line with this, he recommends Motorola’s XPR7550e Series radio, which you can read more about here and here. Indeed, it’s a bestseller here at Nova Communications.
It offers 8% better range than even other digital radios (this is because of its improved receiver) and loud, clear speech with industrial cancellation. It also offers text messaging, indoor and outdoor location tracking, Work Order Ticketing and even 29 hours of battery life.
2. UHF or VHF? (Or 900MG?)
Your next question likely has something to do with, “What’s the best frequency? UHF or VHF?”
In a nutshell, UHF offers both indoor and outdoor coverage (VHF, however, is primarily suited for outdoor environments). This is why it’s the most common frequency band. The UHF frequency has shorter wavelengths, which allows it to penetrate through various obstructions like concrete, etc.
You can read more about how to select the right radio frequency here.
3. Will There Be Any Coverage Issues?
This is one of the top questions that two way radio customers have.
Generally speaking, in an average-sized facility, digital two way radios provide excellent coverage.
As a point of reference, the popular DTR650 (since replaced by the DTR700) offers up to 350,000 square feet of coverage, whether in a building or outside. That is the equivalent of 10 football fields!
This said, coverage can vary depending upon building type. The number of floors, stairwells (and the thickness of the stairs, for instance) can also affect coverage.
That’s why our technical team will do a site survey of your premises to determine potential coverage issues and to determine the best two-way radio fit. We also like to give our customers demos.
Keep in mind that in the event of coverage issues, they’re always options to address them. Repeaters are one such solution.
4. What Kind of Quality And Clarity Can I Expect?
Compared to analog two way radios, digital provides excellent audio coverage. Digital eliminates the background noise that is typical with analog. In fact, digital offers a 50% reduction in repeater costs.
Many digital radios have noise cancellation features (including the ability to automatically adjust the background noise for you).
Rest assured that you can expect great audio coverage even inside.
5. How Much Will They Cost?
Here at Nova Communications, we offer three different tiers of two way radios depending upon your needs and budget.
From the Icom radios to the crème-of-the crop Motorola radios (which come in a variety of different price points), we have radios for every budget. As an estimate, our two-way radios range from $250 to $2000.
Remember, too, that two way radio rental is also an option. It’s a great way to reduce your upfront costs. Read more about the benefits of radio rental here.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re in manufacturing, hospitality, retail, education, two way radios improve communication, efficiency and safety.
Even indoors, there are two-way radios that are designed to optimize communications, as well as options here at Nova Communications for every budget.
Recommended Further Reading:
Improve communication and boost efficiency with two way radios. Looking for the best walkie talkies for inside buildings? Nova Communications is Motorola’s number one online Motorola two way radio dealer with Canada-wide shipping. Call us at 1-877-721-7070 or contact us online here.
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