WHAT IS TWO-WAY RADIO ?

 

HOW IT WORKS

Two-way radio is a versatile and cost effective way of keeping in touch.

In the business arena, two-way radio can help improve profitability and enhance customer service. When safety is the issue, it provides a quick response in emergency situations and a way to reach people in potential danger.

Radio technology is based on electromagnetic waves. Produced by an electrical signal, these carry information through the air. The signal oscillates back and forth at a rapid rate: this is called its frequency. The constant electrical signal is produced and amplified by a transmitter.

In two-way radio a voice (or data) signal is merged into the electrical signal. Originating in a microphone, the voice signal is carried piggy-back style. Then the combined signal is radiated into space by the transmitter’s antenna.

The radiated signal is picked up by the receiving antenna and sent to a receiver tuned to the correct radio frequency.

Various factors affect the performance of radio, such as the power output of the transmitter, the height of the antenna and the local terrain. Furthermore some frequencies are better than others at, say, providing coverage in an inner city area characterised by tall buildings. But whatever the problem, effective solutions are available. Radio works - and works well.

TWO-WAY RADIO: NOW YOU’RE TALKING !

Two-way radio equipment can be fixed at a central site such as an office, mounted in a vehicle or built into battery powered hand-portable units.

CONVENTIONAL RADIO SYSTEMS

Unit-to-unit radio
The most basic radio system comprises units operating on a single frequency. Because everyone transmits and receives on the same frequency, users cannot talk and listen at the same time. This is ‘over and out’ type radio.

Central dispatch radio
In a two-frequency system, transmitters operate on one frequency, receivers on another. This means that through mobile and portable units cannot talk to each other, the central operator can hear everyone. When he/she wants to call one or more field units, the message reaches every radio that is switched on.

Repeater systems
Repeater systems receive signals from mobile and portable units and re-transmit them. The result can be wider area coverage.

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

Trunked radio systems comprise networks of repeaters and are computer controlled for optimum efficiency. They are often used by agencies, such as the police and fire service, which operate as separate users but also need the ability to use the same infrastructure.

Trunking systems can be shared. Differing applications - such as local government, haulage fleets and the organisation of large public events can be assigned user groups within a radio system and be charged according to use.

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Mason Electronics, 218 - 220 Abbey Street, Derby, DE22 3SX, UK.
Tel : +44 1332 380500 Fax : +44 1332 340017 E-Mail : bert@masonel.demon.co.uk