Top Five Features to Look For in a Motorola Two Way Radio
With so many features to choose from, it can be easy to lose sight of which ones are most important for you to consider when looking at purchasing or upgrading your two way radios. To ensure you get the most out of your portable two way radio selection, our Motorola experts have rounded up the primary types of criteria you should look at when making a selection.
Below are the top five features and capabilities you should consider – and match against your users’ and organization’s needs – when selecting a Motorola two way radio:
Digital vs. Analog Technology
Two way radios have traditionally used analog technology. Digital technology is the next generation of two way radio, and offers several advantages over analog, including:
- Clearer audio
- Integrated data applications
- 40% longer battery life
- Increased capacity
A number of radios have both technologies, an ideal solution for organizations looking to transition from analog to digital while ensuring future-readiness.
Battery Selection
A variety of solutions are available to ensure that your two way radios get the most out of their battery life.
- NiMH (nickel–metal hydride) batteries were the most common rechargeable battery for radios; however, they are increasingly being replaced by Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries.
- Li-ion batteries have one of the best energy densities, limited memory effects, and can be stored for extended periods.
Batteries are a critical factor in radio user satisfaction, and more portable radios are turning to IMPRES: a state-of-the-art smart battery technology. IMPRES batteries lengthen battery life and extend talk time, so you can be assured your radio battery is ready when you are.
Durability
Depending on who will be using the radio, along with when and where it will be used, radio durability is critical. Industrial-strength radios that are suited to the work environment can help reduce replacement and maintenance costs and improve safety and efficiency for the user. Durability features to look for include:
- Waterproofing
- Dust-proofing
- Intrinsically safe ratings (see #4 below).
Also, be sure to consider the warranty associated with your portable two way radio – a must when durability is a key concern.
Canadian Standards Association Intrinsically Safe (CSA IS)
This designation affirms that a portable radio, with an attached certified battery, is safe for use in potentially hazardous or critical environments. Devices are rated and approved based upon the hazardous conditions they have been designed to be used in, including:
- Flammable gas
- Flammable/combustible vapours
- Combustible dust
This approval is critical for the oil, gas, & mining industries, as well as some manufacturing facilities.
Security Features
For added safety and security, some radios have an Emergency Call feature. With the push of a button, the user can send a distress message to all other radio users to indicate an emergency and be given priority to talk. This is useful in any number of settings, including:
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Warehousing & Logistics
To learn our recommended models for all price ranges and requirements, download the FREE Portable Two Way Radio Guide below.
Or, talk to a Motorola specialist today to learn which device from Nova Communication’s comprehensive portfolio can meet your needs by calling 1.877.721.7070.
//