What to Consider When Investing in Two-Way Radios

If you're part of an event planning agency or simply a small business looking to put on a party, charity run, or gala, at one point or another, you have probably looked into purchasing a set of two-way radios. Depending on the number of people you will be supplying, they can be a costly investment for any company, and the wide variety of available options on the market can make it difficult to know which kind is the right fit.

The abbreviations on the package definitely don't make understanding the product any easier, but there are a few options for two-way radios that you should be familiar with to make an informed decision.

UHF versus VHF

If you see the abbreviation UHF in an advertisement for a two-way radio, keep in mind that it stands for Ultra High Frequency. This is the most common kind of two-way radio because the waves are short and can easily penetrate or maneuver around areas of interference. Even thick walls of concrete or dense forests are no match for UHF radios. The disadvantage to this kind is that they operate best indoors or at close range.

VHF stands for very high frequency, meaning the waves are longer and able to cover more distance with less power. VHF two-way radios are ideal for events that cover a lot of space with few obstacles between the sender and receiver or that are exclusively outside on areas like open fields or golf courses. 

Local Laws

Some countries, towns, or states may have specific laws prohibiting the use of wireless devices in certain areas (like two-way radios) because they can be used to "tap-in" to different secure networks. Although this is uncommon, it is worth checking up on to ensure your abiding by all rules and regulations in your area.

Number of Channels

All two-way radio manufacturers have outfit their product with a certain number of communicable channels. When possible, it is always best to purchase the option with the highest number of channels, as this will allow you to divide up large groups of people and assign them to a certain channel. The best part is that you don't need multiple devices to operate on multiple frequencies— it can all be done with one two-way radio system.

Other important options to consider include battery life, the size and sturdiness of charging docks, and privacy codes, but the three above are the most vital factors to consider.