Start Tearing Into Holiday Gifts at the RadioShack Online Store.
www.RadioShack.com/Radios
Mobiles with 45 watts & 32 channels Brand New with a Factory Warranty
www.pwservice.com
Sales, Rentals and Repairs Excellent Service-Competitive Price
www.CommunicationsExpress.com
Powerful Mobile Two Way Radio. Big Discounts, Fast Shipping.
www.HoustonCommunications.com
Absolutely Lowest Price and Best Warranty On Commercial Grade Radio.
www.2wayRadioExpress.com
Wireless Leased Line and T1/E1 100% Voter/Comparator Synchronous
www.CarlsonWireless.com
Low Prices on Two way radio's Free 2-Day Shipping w/Amazon Prime!
www.Amazon.com/HDTVs-Video-Audio
Get a pair of 34-mile range Gmrs 42 channel handsfree New 5 Watt radios
www.DAK.com
Provider of industrial portable cordless remote controls and communications equipment.
www.cattron.com
Designer and manufacturer of communications systems and hearing protection, including aviation headsets, space suits and aviation ground support communications systems. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts.
www.davidclark.com
We offer two-way, in building & broadband wireless, military, multichannel surveillance, PC-based HF surveillance receivers, and direction finding.
www.morcom.com
Designer of mobile radio communication systems for the pivate mobile radio market for police forces and civil organizations.
www.prod-el.com
Manufacturer of radios for the agricultural industry, public address systems, entertainment systems for businesses and video systems, Scenic View and Seat Back Video, for motor coaches, school and transit buses. Products are sold to multiple in...
www.radioeng.com
Sells various communication products, including mobile radios and CBs.
www.thecbshop.com
Communication products, such as radios, cellular, and satellites, for the trucking industry.
www.yourheregps.com
Start Tearing Into Holiday Gifts at the RadioShack Online Store.
www.RadioShack.com/Radios
Mobiles with 45 watts & 32 channels Brand New with a Factory Warranty
www.pwservice.com
Guide to Mobile Communications Basics
Tips for selecting communication radios and accessories for your mobile communications needs
By Virginia Franco, Freelance Writer
There have been major technological improvements over the years in communications radios including devices like the mobile radio, wireless radio and mobile CB radio. Stronger antennas, batteries with a longer lifespan and even wireless headsets have all contributed to the growing popularity of mobile radios. This article will provide an overview guide to mobile communications basics with regard to radios. Ask yourself the following when searching for mobile radios for your business:
1. Does your business require a portable radio that is programmable or customizable?
2. Is a handheld mobile radio preferable to one that is permanently installed?
3. Would your business benefit from purchasing accessories for mobile communication devices?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider programmable or customizable portable radio devices
Many portable radio devices come equipped with radio service software that allows you to program channels and codes for squelching. You can choose a variety of capabilities from scrambling to signaling, or even toggle between the two.
I recommend: Mobile Communications offers a handful of portable two-way radios on a rental basis. Office World sells the popular two-channel business radio with programmable scrambling features.
Compare handheld wireless radio devices to those that are permanently installed.
Knowing how you will use your radio will determine if a handheld is preferable to a more permanent, hard wired installation. The advantage of an installed device is that you can talk hands-free, while a mobile radio has the advantage of portability.
I recommend: Mobile Radio Communications sells handheld and mobile radios for permanent installation. Com-Tech Electronics sells two-way radios from a variety of different manufacturers.
Purchase communication radios accessories to maximize usage
Consider purchasing accessories to maximize your mobile radio communications usage. Devices that will enhance or make using your radios easier include headsets, antennas, microphones, and radio batteries.
I recommend: Ion's 123radios website sells a variety of radio accessories. Blinkwave's website allows you to click on your brand or model to get a listing of the appropriate radio accessories.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Save money on communication radios by purchasing pre-owned or refurbished units. They are slightly older, but usually in perfectly good working order at a much more affordable price. Only purchase these from a reputable dealer. Not sure you want to commit to purchasing mobile radio equipment just yet? Consider renting the equipment for a while to see if it makes good business sense for your organization.
Business owners and staff are in need more today than ever for wireless radio gurus. Consider the following when looking for mobile communication devices:
1. You can incorporate communication radios, mobile radios and other portable radio devices in sea to land travel, within towns and cities, on campuses, and within buildings. This is convenient in government, corporate and personal-life America.
2. Two-way mobile communications radios have proven to be a success. They are cheaper and faster than cellular service. As long as you stay within your range and have proper conditions, these are a great buy.
3. The type of mobile radio your business needs depends on the range of distance you need it to cover.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose from providers with a large selection of mobile communications
The more brands or models you have to choose from, the higher the chance that you'll find the perfect fit for your mobile communication needs.
I recommend: Check out service providers such as Global Sources. They offer a variety of communication radios. Purchase Motorola 2-Way Radios or check out their featured business radios. Browse the selection at Pronto, Inc.
Purchase mobile radios for business vehicles
A mobile radio mounts in your business automobiles for employee communication during travel.
I recommend: Radiophone Engineering, Inc. sells a selection of Motorola portable radios. Visit Teal Communications, Inc. to find a mobile CB radio.
Get help picking the right communication radios for your business
Some websites have tools to help you decide which communication radios you need.
I recommend: Filter communication radios by desired price, model and features at Buy Two Way Radios. Check out comparisons at Central Communications Corp. to find a mobile radio that fits your industry and applications.
Become a mobile communications dealer
If you're interested in becoming a land mobile radio supplier, you'll want to carry the top selling brands.
I recommend: Submit your information to Midland. They'll contact you within two business days about becoming a distributor. Learn more about becoming a Motorola reseller.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Don't forget to inquire about installation costs for mobile radios in your company vehicles.
The wireless radio has great implications for all types of businesses because of the convenience they provide. Amateur radio, also know as ham radio, land mobile radio system and citizen band (CB) radio are used as backups for emergency services and in industrial and business services. The type of training and license you need depends on the wireless radio. Organizations that specialize in mobile radio communication will:
1. Train users how to operate these communication radios.
2. Provide assistance in applying for a license.
3. Instruct you on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules and regulations.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Gather useful mobile ham radio information through training courses
Amateur radio or ham radio organizations provide training for people who want to learn about the mobile radio. A license is needed to utilize an amateur radio as the FCC uses this form of mobile communication as a backup in emergency situations.
I recommend: American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is your main source for everything you need to know about amateur radios. They have a continuing education program for those who wish to prepare for the amateur radio license exam and general information about ham radios. RadioExam.org has information about the ham radio exam including steps to obtain a license and exam sessions.
Consult the FCC about land mobile radio and take operation training classes
Land mobile radio is a two-way radio system widely used by emergency first response and public works. Various radio service licenses are needed to operate the land mobile radio system. The FCC is the regulator for operating communication devices and lists any licenses needed to operate a land mobile radio on a certain frequency.
I recommend: The FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) provides a list of land mobile private and land mobile commercial radios service codes with corresponding links to more information and required licenses. Sign up on Training-Classes.com for a class titled, “Intro to Two Way” which covers the fundamental of two-way radio communication systems or land mobile radio systems.
Understand mobile CB radio fundamentals through training and research
A citizen band or CB radio is primarily used to communicate short distances. It's used mainly by truck drivers and doesn't require a license to operate, but there are still rules and regulations that must be followed.
I recommend: Right Channel Radios offer free email training on selecting a CB radio, installation and troubleshooting. CBTricks.com has CB radio maintenance information including manuals, a new product showcase section and radio information by manufacturer and model.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Many cities have mobile radio clubs that offer training courses. These training courses are offered locally as opposed to online and are great for people who want to meet other operators.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
In the late 1980's, a standard system for the way in which mobile phones would communicate with towers was established. This is the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), one of two major mobile communication access systems in the world.
I recommend: GSM Security explains what Global System for Mobile Communication is and how it works.
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is another system by which users can connect to mobile communication. CDMA uses assigned codes for access to this system, allowing multiple users to connect to this system at the same time.
I recommend: Find a brief but thorough explanation of CDMA at CDMA Development Group.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Another mobile communications access system is called Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). TDMA is a technology that allows for many users to use the same digital cellular phone frequency, or channel, without interference.
I recommend: TechTarget provides a detailed explanation of TDMA and how it works.
1G, 2G and 3G Prepaid cellular
You might often hear mobile communications systems being referred to as first, second or third generation, or 1G, 2G and 3G. These terms refer to the technology of the systems, from analog and digital to faster services.
I recommend: Find detailed explanations about 1G, 2G and 3G mobile communications systems at International Telecommunication Union.
Prepaid cellular
Many mobile communications companies offer some type of prepaid plan. Prepaid cellular refers to a plan wherein you pay for minutes beforehand, and the phone no longer works when the prepaid minutes are used up. Other prepaid plans are also available.
I recommend: USA Today provides an article that defines prepaid cellular and illustrates some available prepaid plans.
Follow Me Roaming
Follow Me Roaming is a mobile communications service that allows access to your mobile phone, even if traveling overseas. Incoming calls are routed to your normal cell phone using this system.
I recommend: CellHire offers a brief explanation of Follow Me Roaming.
