What is Two-Way Radio Communication?
The term two-way radio is a technology that allows individuals to keep in contact with each other using radio waves. Each user is given a radio unit that sends and receives audio and data sent over the radio waves. A two-way radio communication system can be as simple as two radios connecting directly to each other, or as complex as an encrypted network that covers an entire country.
You might know two-way radio by the name “walkie talkie”, which is the term used for unlicensed radio devices. The term two-way radio covers the unlicensed equipment and the licensed equipment. If you want to get a quote, get in touch with Viking Communications, the largest two-way radio dealer in Milwaukee.
How Does Two-Way Radio Work?
Two-way radio works by converting audio to radio waves that are then transmitted through the air. These radio waves are received by other radios which convert the radio waves back to audio.
The conversion to radio waves can be sent as an analog signal or a digital signal, with digital transmission being the more modern technology. With digital radio, it is possible to send other types of data over the radio waves such as text messages and status updates. It is even possible to encrypt data when using digital radio to stop people from using your network without your permission.
What Frequencies Does Two-Way Radio Communication Use?
Two-way radio works between the frequencies of 30 MHz (Megahertz) and 1000 MHz, also known as 1 GHz (Gigahertz). This range of two-way frequencies is divided into two categories:
- Very High Frequency (VHF) – Range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz
- Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) – Range between 300 MHz and 1 GHz
From these ranges, most two-way radio equipment falls into the 136 – 174 MHz and 403 – 527 MHz parts of the spectrum and must be licensed. Each country has its own organization tasked with allocating licenses, but some two-way radio frequencies are allocated as license-free (for instance, PMR446 at 446MHz).
Contact Viking Communications!
Viking Communications has been in the business since 1964, always maintaining the consistent goal of helping our clients to communicate more effectively and efficiently. We are locally owned and operated, this allows us to provide professional service in two-way communications systems, with a personal approach for each client.