There are basically two categories of two way radios, Consumer and Business. Business two way radios typically cost a lot more than consumer versions and business owners may well ask the question do I need to spend all that extra money? The answer is most likely yes as Two Way Radios are a vital investment for a business and commercial two way radios are designed with the needs of a business user in mind.
Determining whether a walkie talkie is a commercial or a consumer unit is as simple as looking at the channels it uses. If it uses either the FRS or GMRS designated channels then it is a consumer unit. Why might these channels not be suitable for business use? Firstly, the FCC places certain restrictions on these channels that might be limiting to business. FRS channels can only transmit at a maximum of 0.5 Watts, thats enough power to reliably get about 0.25 miles in a real world scenario. The GMRS channels can use more power but for a business to legally use GMRS channels businesses must buy a licence for each unit that costs about $80. Lastly, the consumer channels are far more crowded than the channels that the FCC designates for commercial use.
In addition to clearer channels business walkie talkies carry several advantages important to a business user. They are designed to withstand far more use and abuse than a consumer unit. Manufacturers understand that these will be used daily, tossed around and that businesses need to rely on their investment to keep working. Walkie talkies were originally developed for the battlefield and many models available today are built to military specifications. Business radios also maximize productivity with much longer battery lives than consumer units. Some units can go for 13 hours or more on a single charge.
You will need to purchase a license from the FCC to use your two way radios legally. It is a farely low fee of about $100 and when amortized over several units that most businesses need, it's a minimal expense. Business radios can come in VHF frequencies that is good for outdoor uses and UHF frequencies that performs much better inside steel and concrete structures. Be sure to choose the right frequency range for your application.
Many business radios are programmable. Ie they don't come with existing channels, they need to be programmed at the time of purchase. This is very important as you replace units and you want to program in your licensed frequency. Cloning models can quickly and simply replicate the settings of an existing radio.
Accessories for consumer radios are typically limited. Things like multi-unit chargers are especially useful for businesses and only available for commercial products. There are also headsets, ear pieces, etc available so look at this carefully if it is a factor. If you are going to be using the radio frequently, for extended periods of time or in very rugged conditions you absolutely should get a commercial unit. The extra initial expense will pay for itself very quickly. If you need little range and your useage is infrequent then one of the many good quality consumer radios will probably be more than sufficient.
Simon Leach, is a self professed technology enthusiast and entrepreneur. Improving business through the intelligent use of technology and process is a constant factor in his success.
Source: www.a1articles.com
