| Picking the correct portable radio can
be difficult for anyone! One portable works better than another in any particular
application/environment. Generally there are
3 types of portable radio systems:
Low-band 30-50 Mhz
VHF 150-174 Mhz
UHF 450-512 Mhz.
Each frequency band has their own benefits and drawbacks.
Low-band is meant for longer distance communications, typically a
several town radius on a portable, however it can be plagued with problems from atmospheric
conditions and the 11 year sunspot cycle which produces "skip" from far away.
Building penetration is poor on these frequencies. Many Fire departments and Police
department continue to utilize low-band for effective and reliable communications.
With the advent of many esmr/smr systems, many low-band channels are now unused,
and make cost effective/economical business communications. Repeaters are now allowed
under FCC licensing rules, so it is possible to obtain wide area coverage. One of
the best/inexpensive low-band portable radios on the market is the Ritron
RTX050.
VHF provides shorter range communications, typically 1-2 miles
outdoors without major obstructions. VHF is not bothered by skip, but the proliferation of
low cost portable radios has caused some channels to be extremely congested in some major
market areas. In-building penetration is still poor, but much better than it's earlier
cousin on Low-band. VHF is best suited for outdoor communications, or small, open
warehouse type buildings/yards. VHF will easily cover a 100,000 square foot
building/yard combination. A private line option, while not mandatory, can filter
out other users on the channels. The Jobcom JMX141 makes an
excellent/low-cost 1.5 watt starter radio without private line, and the 2 watt
JMX146/446 is a jump-up with private line built in, and the 5 watt
SLX series makes a great radio
for demanding environments.
UHF provides many benefits over low-band or vhf, in that it has
excellent in-building penetration, has good range (typically 1-2 miles on a 5 watt
portable) , and is less congested in major market areas. Range is slightly less than VHF,
but clarity is improved with less dropouts and static. In addition, on-site repeaters can be set up to cover larger areas, such as multiple
buildings or large sites if necessary. For economical starter radios, look at the 2 watt JMX446D. The
SLX-400 also
offers excellent values for
a full 5 watt radio that will grow with your business.
GMRS is a class of license used for personal
communications only and not for business. Full 5 watt radios can be
utilized, and the best pick BY
FAR is the
SLX-400.
Licensing is required through the FCC, but it can all be done online easily!
For more information on GMRS, see the excellent GMRS
DOUGWEB site!
MURS is a new License Free radio
service which operates in the VHF radio band on up to 5 frequencies, the
advantages of this is that you are allowed to run up to 2 watts so your
range is much better than regular FRS radios! The Ritron
JMX146D radio is an excellent choice that will
last you many years! Can be used by businesses or individuals!
Still Confused? Call us and we'll be
happy to find the right radio for your needs today! |
