Basics of handheld two-way radio headsets
This page covers basics of handheld two-way radio headsets. It also covers two-way radio accessories, two-way radio batteries etc.
As we know any wireless system consists of two parts viz. transmitter and receiver. Any radio device will have both of these parts in one unit. Transmitter of one radio unit will transmit the signal to the receiver of the other radio unit and vice versa. Similarly two-way radio composed of transmitter and receiver. As shown in the figure, to receive the calls user need to release the PTT (Push to Talk) button. In order to transmit (or talk), user need to press the PTT button.
Two-way radio is used for wide variety of applications such as public safety organizations, security agencies, transport companies, oil and gas, real estate agencies, hospitals, manufacturing and government offices. It is used by public safety organizations such as fire brigade, police, ambulance and military professionals etc.
Figure-1 below depicts front panel of two-way radio mentioning functionalities of different buttons.
One two-way radio device can "talk" directly to the other radio devices using network infrastructure. The two-way radio has limited coverage range due to attenuation of transmitted radio power. In order to extend the range, radio network infrastructure is employed.
Two-way radio frequency of operation
Analog radio technologies include APCO-16, LTR, MPT-1327. Digital radio technologies include APCO-25, DMR, EDACS, iDEN, OpenSky, TETRA and TETRAPOL etc. Both analog and digital two-way radio technologies use TDMA and FDMA as access scheme to share the frequency and time resources among multiple terminals. Refer FDMA Vs TDMA for more information.
The two-way radio works in VHF, UHF, 800 and 900 MHz frequency bands. Following are the frequency bands used in different types of radio terminals.
| Two way radio terminal type | Frequency band |
|---|---|
| Analog (APCO-16 terminal), Digital (APCO-25) | • 136 to 175 MHz (VHF) • 403 to 512 MHz (UHF) • 800 MHz band |
| Analog, LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) | • UHF Band • 800 MHz Band • 900 MHz Band |
| Digital, TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) | • 380 to 400 MHz • 410 to 430 MHz • 800 MHz Band |
| DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) | 446/VHF/UHF |
Two-way radio headsets, accessories, batteries
Two way radio headsets come with various different accessories. Following table mentions two-way radio accessories.
| Audio Accessories |
|---|
| Earpiece with In-line PTT Microphone Earpiece with Boom Microphone Earpiece with Microphone Headset with Swivel Boom Microphone Earbud with PTT Microphone Remote Speaker Microphone |
| Carry Accessories |
| Swivel Belt Holster Leather Carry Case |
| Chargers |
| Multi-Unit Charger Normal charger |
| two-way radio Batteries |
| Packaged Battery AAA Battery Tray Kit |
| Replacement Parts |
| Battery Cover |
Two-way radio Vendors
Following are the manufacturers/vendors of two-way radio:
• Motorola
• GLOBAL TELE COMMUNICATION ( https://www.globaltelecomm.in/ )
• MANASREKHA ENTERPRISES ( https://www.manasrekhawirelessradio.com/ )
• Gvtel Communication System ( https://www.walkietalkieindia.in )
• Galaxy Telecommunication, INDIA
• Arora Group & Wireless Personal Communication, INDIA
• Guang Yuan Electronic Co. Ltd, CHINA
• Fujian Nanan Baofeng Electronic Co. Ltd, CHINA