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Advances in two-way radio are providing better reliability, utility, lower overall costs, and features which could benefit industries where cellular currently dominates.  These radios can provide real solutions for Las Vegas companies. These developments support the value of two-way radio across many industries. In this post we will explore some of the specific advantages and disadvantages of two-way radio when compared with cellular systems. Advantage: New Technology The advent of smartphones resulted in a short period during which industry leaders were left with an ambiguous choice: is cellular a better technology because of the rapid introduction of new features such as text messaging and GPS, or do the pros of two-way radio still outweigh the cons? Today, the choice is less ambiguous because two-way radio manufacturers rapidly integrated common cellular features into their products, including location tracking, instant notifications, and a long list of accessories such as headsets and car mounts. When coupled with well-planned infrastructure, two-way technology’s newest error correction capabilities provide superior voice quality across wider distances, whereas cellular networks still provide spotty service in remote locations. When voice communication is critical, these advances in technology give two-way the advantage. Advantage: Reliability According to a 2014 report by VDC Research on the benefits of two-way radio versus cellular, annual failure rates of cellular devices are a whopping 18-20% compared to the relatively small 4-8% of rugged two-way radios. The same report estimates a loss of between 60 and 120 minutes of productivity each time a device is damaged, highlighting the problem of downtime due to cellular device failure. Furthermore, emergencies often leave cell networks vulnerable to systemic overloads making most smartphones and tablets all but useless when they are needed the most. Not having to deal with network outages makes modern two-way radio a better choice where reliability is the main concern. Disadvantage: Limited Range Reliability of two-way radio gradually diminishes outside a certain radius. Although new technology greatly increases this radius, the value of two-way radio still decreases when workers must travel outside of local regions. Therefore, industries which require frequent long-distance travel may find cellular networks a better choice. Advantage: Lower Lifetime Cost Two-way radio requires an initial capital investment in order to install the infrastructure needed to relay the radio signals. However, the purchaser owns the complete system outright and does not pay a monthly contract for talk-time minutes or data. As such, large firms can recoup a two-way radio investment in a few months when compared with a comparable cellular deployment. Furthermore, studies indicate two-way radios break less often, so they provide greater uptime at a lower cost than the cellular alternative. Smaller businesses who cannot afford the initial capital outlay of buying a two-way system are not shut out from the benefits of two-way radio, however. Many dealers can rent systems on an as-needed basis for very affordable prices, perfect for short term engagements such as a movie production or temporary construction site. Advantage: Easy Group Communication Another key advantage of two-way radio is simplified conferencing. All users of a system can hear every broadcast when dialed into a particular channel, which makes coordinating group action much easier than having to call individual employees a la cellular. A plus is that having all users on the same channel also decreases the chances of any of them abusing the system or “goofing off,” which leads to less loss of productivity. This simple analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of two-way radio versus cellular leaves the former as the top contender for businesses where the reliability of mission-critical communications is paramount. For these, two-way radio is ultimately more cost-effective and easier to use than cellular, and keeps workers in-touch and productive even in instances where communications networks are unavailable.

The first thing you need to know is UHF radios will never be able to communicate with VHF radios. Choosing the wrong frequency means you could lose money and delay your work. If you already have radios and are looking to purchase additional units, be sure to select the same band. Just remember, UHF to UHF ,VHF to VHF ! UHF radios UHF, short for Ultra High Frequency operate on frequencies from 400 to 512 Megahertz (MHz). UHF radios work best for most two-way radio users because the waves are shorter and can get around or penetrate areas of interference found in buildings, thickly wooded or hilly areas and urban outdoor settings. UHF walkie-talkies with a good-sized antenna and enough power will reach further into a building and push through and around steel, concrete, wood and earth. If your two-way radios are going to be used exclusively indoors or if they’ll need to go indoors and outdoors, UHF is, hands down, your best choice. VHF radios VHF, short for Very High Frequency, operate between 136-174 Megahertz (MHz). The advantage to a VHF walkie-talkie is that it can cover more distance with less power because VHF waves are longer and remain closer to the ground. VHF radios work best when there’s a clear line-of-sight between the sender and the receiver with little obstruction. VHF radios are used exclusively in aviation and marine communications where signals are sent across open bodies of water or between the sky and the ground. VHF band walkie-talkies are also great for open fields, golf courses, landscaping and for outdoor security situations with few obstacles.

In the battle to keep the corridors open and cut costs, retail stores in Las Vegas are embarking on new business ventures and employing new strategies — two-way radios have played a major part in this shift. Two-way radios have been in the market for decades, and with technological growth, as well as the shift from analog to digital, they’ve brought a whole new experience to the retail industry. If you manage a store on the strip, old Las Vegas or surrounding towns like Henderson or Summerlin, consider these 5 ways two-way radios could help your business. Cost Effectiveness  Unlike other forms of communications, two way radios have no ongoing costs.  Once they are purchased, they are self-sufficient.  If you are working in a retail location, they will cover your area well with no monthly fees or subscription costs.  Even though many of Las Vegas shopping areas are spread out, two way radios still work well and are a great solution. Instant communication To connect from floor to floor — or in many cases the same floor but different areas — there is a need for a reliable and efficient communication system. Two-way radios provide a high-quality reception and increased operational range that works for any retail space. With instant communication between managers and employees, response time is quick, increasing productivity. Instead of physically locating a staff member, activities such as cleanups, price checks or other inventory issues are flawless.   Enhanced safety and security Two-way radios provide security personnel with a reliable tool that allows them to quickly respond to concerns such as theft, disruptions and accidents. Management also has a strong safety and security monitoring platform to communicate with relevant security and maintenance teams. This includes alerts and tracking systems incorporated in digital radios, which record all details in each communication channel. Time and positioning, including voice and data traffic, are monitored with the latest radio devices. These can also be linked to CCTV monitoring sites and police stations to reaffirm safety and security of both shoppers and staff. Cost-effective, durable and reliable communication In contrast with cellular phones and other communication devices, two-way radios are considerably cheap. And aside from being mobile, radios are reliable and can withstand the extremes various weather conditions. Depending on the size and structure of a retail establishment, different gadgets are available for increased efficiency. Single-channel radios may be ideal in most situations, but multichannel options are also available if there is a need for several groups to be connected. Separate communication channels facilitate privacy for staff members. Better shopping experience Issues of health, safety, and security are appropriately dealt with once the establishment incorporates two-way radios as part of its communication system. To improve the atmosphere in the busy retail environment, radios provide shoppers with much-needed coordination among staff members, facilitating faster and easier responses from staff. Variety of models and accessories In regards to the size and needs of a retail store, two-way radios provide a myriad of models and accessories. Current trend innovation trends have introduced a number of steadfast accessories that work with radio technology. The use of GPS monitoring software, panic buttons, shop-watch schemes, as well as body-worn cameras, has increased the level of operation and security within retail environments. These developments have transformed many retail stores to safe and secure spaces for shoppers. From store management and stock controllers to security and other staff members, two-way radios long proven their significance in the retail sector. Teams are now communicating discretely and effectively to ensure operational stability. Whatever the size and type of retail operation, two-way radios offer fully-scalable solutions, featuring both digital and mixed (analog & digital) modes, which can apply in almost any retail environment.

If you’re a portable two-way radio user in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami or anywhere in the state of Florida, you probably use the technology a lot. Whether you carry it on your person or close to you throughout the work day, there are obvious things that you shouldn’t be doing as it can put a strain on your two-way radio. Inevitably, your radio is going to be put through the bumps and expectations that your team is on a daily basis. They will be dropped. They will endure abuse from time to time. But there are some don’t do’s that can help your two-way radio last longer: Try Not To Let It Get Overheated Cities like Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami are known for their heat and humidity.  If you leave a cell phone in direct sunlight it will shut down.  Though two-way radios are much more durable than your average cell phone, they can still be susceptible to extreme heat.  They may not shut off as a cell phone will, but that kind of heat and humidity will shorten the life of your radio. Don’t Carry It By Its Antenna. It’s really that simple. Doing this can affect the transmission over time. If you notice that the antenna is damaged – replace it. It’s a simple, cost effective solution, and keeps you in touch with your team. Secure It Making sure your radio is secure by a clip or case on your belt or person prevent drops and bangs of your equipment. Sure, two way radios are durable, but the less drops they endure, the better. PRO tip: If your team is prone to dropping their two-way radios, buy a speaker mic for communication. If the radio falls of your belt, the cord from the speaker mic will prevent it from hitting the ground – protecting your radio as a result. Don’t Overcharge It’s important not to leave your radio on a charger for an extended period of time (more than a few days). This can impact the battery, resulting in its efficiency dwindling overtime. Yes, it’s okay to do so over a weekend for example, but any longer, take it off. It’s Not a Tool I know this may be an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many times we come across this kind of abuse. Don’t use your radio as a hammer. Use it for what it’s intended for. Yes, these radios are built tough, and, yes, they can hold up to the bumps and bruises of your day, but it’s not a tool. Just Speak Normally Yelling into your two-way radio does not ensure you get your message across sooner, or clearer. If you hold it a few inches from your face, talking into it in a regular voice, clear communication with your team will be PRO TIP: Accessories help your team. It’s as simple as that. From speaker mics, earpieces and headsets, each can really make a difference in day-to-day conversation with your team, but the needs of your workplace are unique. We can easily help you determine what would work best for you, based on your requirements and what has worked for other similar industries and businesses. Keep in mind – two way radios are built to be durable –We offer only quality manufacturers and these producers put these radios through many tests to ensure that when its users are doing everyday work, they can stand up. But, ensuring your team listens to these ‘don’ts’ can keep your radio in top shape for longer. If you need any help with your two-way radio or walkie talkie needs in the Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale or Miami area, don’t hesitate to call us at EventTone Wireless at 855-396-5450.  We’re here to help.

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Courtesy of http://generaldi.eu.org/two-way-radios-in-primary-and-acute-healthcare.html Communication plays a crucial role in healthcare. Timely dissemination and sharing of information is critical for acute healthcare providers. Similarly, primary healthcare can be easily administered by using practical and handy communication channels. However, there are several factors that need to be taken into account before deciding upon an effective mode of communication in both primary and acute healthcare institutions. Reliability, coverage and confidentiality of transmitted information along with the institution’s capacity in handling the equipment, play an important role. Healthcare institutions can largely benefit from a mobile clinical staff and two way radios can provide prolific results if used effectively for sharing information. Functionality and Build of Two Way Radios Two way radios allow only one function at a time – either receiving or sending the signal. This helps the users efficiently communicate without interrupting the interlocutor. These devices are helpful in exchange of crisp information, rather than constant communication. Two way radios are also known as transceivers or walkie talkies. Two way radios are simple devices made of primarily six components: power source, receiver, transmitter, microphone, speaker and the crystal. This implies that running and maintenance costs for these devices are not too high. Two or more communicating devices operate on the same radio frequency and a push-to-talk button switches the device between receiving and transmitting modes. Primary Healthcare and its Challenges There is a growing emphasis to offer primary healthcare to one and all. This requires creating an environment where equal emphasis is laid on healthcare for all individuals. However, shortage of trained medical practitioners poses a serious threat to achieving this objective. Medical planners have to focus on the use of technology to make the maximum use of the available resources. Isolation of patients is a big problem that surfaces in primary healthcare. Patients who need medical attention are usually dispersed, especially in rural areas and may not have access to medical facilities. The supply of drugs and medical tests are difficult to conduct and this defeats the very objective of primary healthcare. Lack of communication is another major problem in administering primary healthcare. A quick exchange of information offers a suitable solution to meet all these challenges. Two way radios enable exchanging of crucial medical information and gradation of current medical practices. The absence of advanced technologies in many locations also increases the importance of two way radio communication devices. Using Two Way Radios in Primary Healthcare Settings The most important use of two way radio in delivering primary healthcare is in connecting local medical practitioners with hospitals in cities and more advanced areas. This is critical to diagnosing a patient as well as for prescriptive purposes. A timely decision whether the patient must be referred to a hospital with advanced facilities can be crucial in saving lives. The hospital can also monitor the condition of a patient at another location through two way radios. How well two way radio technology is implemented for primary healthcare will be dependent on medical and health protocols. Doctors in some countries contact health aides and monitor the situation of the patient by use of two way radios. The medical structure of a community and the country determines how effectively the two way radio can be used for primary healthcare. Emergency situations can also be addressed by using two way radio. Lack of good transportation and communication facilities can jeopardize a community in case of a medical emergency. Two way radios can be used to send news of such medical exigencies to hospitals or district headquarters and help save many lives. In some countries, two way radios are used to connect fieldworkers with doctors who are constantly on the move. Use of airplanes helps attend to critical patients in a very short time as soon as the news is delivered by way of two way radios. Two way radios can also help in training field workers who play an important role in primary healthcare. It depends on the level of existing competence of the medical workers and the desired levels of training. Moreover, field workers can listen in to the conversation of co-workers with physicians and learn by observing the standard medical practices adopted in different cases. Using Two Way Radios in Acute Healthcare Settings Clinical information in a hospital can be shared with the help of two way radios. A mobile unit of clinical staff will be more efficient in dealing with day-to-day problems faced by patients and in specific cases where a patient requires immediate attention. A patient who undergoes a complicated heart surgery may require constant monitoring for a few hours after the operation. However, it may not be possible for the doctor who operated on the patient to stay by his side all the time. Two way radios can prove to be a handy solution for helping healthcare institutions, solve such critical operational issues. A nurse attending on the operated patient can inform the doctor about the patient’s progress or whether the patient needs immediate attention, using two way radios. This will not just update the doctor on the patient’s condition but also help him take immediate decisions based on the available inputs. The healthcare industry has successfully tested and used two way radios for acute healthcare. Hospitals make wide use of two way radios for exchange of information among healthcare workers. Two Way Radios: Advantages Two way radios provide for a cost effective medium of instant communication. Healthcare industry requires rapid and extensive sharing of information in the most cost effective and efficient manner. A large healthcare institution can be brought under the ambit of wireless radio communication without running up high costs. Moreover, radio signals are quite reliable as compared to mobile networks, where one must depend on the network strength and connectivity. Also, issues of interference do not surface often. Maintenance costs for these devices are also considerably low. Two Way Radios: Standard Practices for Operation Some of the standard practices followed for using two way radios in healthcare

With the increasing frustration and stress, people are finding new ways of entertainment. Gadgets are great recreational items. There are some really great gadget items that can help you in easing your loneliness. Walkie talkie radios are quite popular among people. It can help you in communicating with your near and dear one within a certain distance. The best part is that, you can use it even in bad weather condition. Unlike, mobile phones, it functions properly even during bad weather. From walkie talkie phone, walkie talkie receiver to walkie radio, you can find all these to meet your requirement. Walkie talkie radio is truly a great gadget. You can enjoy non-stop music by switching on your walkie talkie radio. Workers in clubs or pubs staff members or teachers in colleges or schools would find walkie talkies very useful and effective when communicating with colleagues. Walkie talkie serves as a great communicating item during emergency. Motorcyclists also find it a useful device. Voice activation is done through MICVOX. You can keep in touch with your friends while cycling through a road during holiday. You can also carry a walkie talkie during mountain climbing or skiing. During these activities, mobile phones fail to function properly but a walkie talkie works. They can act as a stress buster and help you to ease your stress. There are some gadgets which came to the market many years back but are still rocking. One of them is walkie talkie. It is being used by the people for many years. It acted as a great communicating device in the early 1990s era. The popularity of walkie talkies talkie has never ceased. Though many technological improved gadgets are designed, but walkie talkies are still considered as useful gadgets. If you love to go motorcycling, enjoy outdoor activities, work in a college or school, club, pub, walkie talkie can be a very useful gadget that can help you in communicating with nay one. As most of us know that, walkie talkie can be used within three kilometer. You can use walkie talkie if you need to travel from one point to another (within a 3 km range). It has some advantages over mobile phones. Walkie talkies are does not have any call charges and are license free. The popularity of walkie talkie radios is increasing with time. 2-way radio is a great gadget item. They were recently made more portable, super-affordable. Battery system in these radios has developed. You need to select the right radio. You need to keep in mind certain things while purchasing two way walkie talkies. 1.Power It is an important factor that you need to consider while selecting a walkie talkie radio. A 1-watt radio will serve your purpose, if you require using it within one mile or within the same building. If you need to use it to communicate between two multiple buildings or between two mils, a 2-watt walkie talkie radio is sufficient. You can also find 4 and 5 watt radios. 2.UHF vs.VHF You can differentiate between VHF and UHF by their frequency penetration. On rolling hills, open grounds or through foliage, VHF waves travel faster than UHF waves. But VHF waves fail to work properly at buildings, penetrating walls, and rugged terrain. 3.Durability It is also an important issue. Check out whether the gadget is durable or not before buying any one. 4.Channels Depending on the use and requirement you should select the channel of the radio. If your group speaks on the same channel, then a one-channel radio will serve the purpose. You need to keep in minds these important points while purchasing a walkie talkie two way radio.

There was a time less than half a century ago when all navigators had to either depend on the ancient art of Dead Reckoning or a topographic map and a compass or, in the case of mariners, a chart, a sextant and, a compass to determine their position on the face of the Earth. But, even then, most fixes were merely close approximations given in degrees and minutes at best and thus, even for the best navigators, finding your way to your destination over long distances was as much art as it was science. However, thanks to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (aka DARPA) and the U.S. Air force in conjunction with the U.S. Government, many people have grown up using Global Positioning System applications on their smart phones and/or dash mounted GPS units in their vehicles which literally provide the user with turn-by-turn instructions to arrive at any chosen destination without fail. In fact, this technology has become so prevalent in today’s world that mounted GPS locators are now available for vehicles, boats, and planes and, handheld units are available for hikers and explorers. Thus, considering that GPS locators are readily available for most any mode of transportation and, that they are relatively inexpensive, why would you not want to purchase one to guide you on your travels? For your information, the Global Positioning System was developed by DARPA and deployed by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1973 for use by the United States Military but, it did not become fully operational until 1995 when the last of 27 GPS satellites was launched into orbit around the Earth. Even so, due to the potential value to both civil transportation and science, civilians were permitted access to the GPS system in the 1980s. However, both advances in technology and new demands placed on the then existing system led to efforts in 1988 to modernize the system but, it was not until 2000 that the U.S. Congress finally authorized the needed changes which, in turn, led to the next generation of GPS Block IIIA satellites and the next generation Operational Control System (OCX). In addition, for those of you who are not familiar with the inner workings of the Global Positioning System, it is a space-based, radio-navigation, system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Air Force and, it provides geolocation and time information to all GPS receivers anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites simultaneously. In fact, the Global Positioning System does not require the user to transmit any data and, it operates independently of telephone and internet services and thus, it is capable of providing critical, real-time, location information to military, civilian, and commercial users around the world and, it is accessible free of charge to anyone with a GPS receiver. So, now that you understand what a GPS locator is, it is time to discuss how they work and why everyone who travels to distant destinations on either land or water should have a GPS locator along. Thus, the first thing that you need to understand is that although there are a total of 27 GPS satellites which all orbit the Earth twice per day, only 24 are in use at any given time while the other three serve as failsafes and thus, the system is always on and always provides the necessary number of signals to virtually any location on Earth. However, the U.S. Military does have the ability to selectively block the signal in any given location and thus, it may not be available to civilians in a time of war. However, provided that the signal is available, GPS locators use a process known as Trilateration which differs from the process of Triangulation because Triangulation determines a position by measuring the angles of the triangles formed between an observer and two known points whereas, Trilateration determines a position by measuring the distance from an observer to at least two known points. However, it should be noted that GPS locators use the signals broadcast from at least four orbiting satellites at any given time to determine a position by simultaneously measuring the amount of delay in receiving the signal from the satellites based upon their calculated position in their orbits at any given time of day. Consequently, as long as you have a clear enough line of sight to receive at least 4 out of 24 total signals from the GPS system, you GPS locator will be able to determine your location. However, while simply knowing your Longitude and Latitude is sufficient for highly experienced mariners to navigate the world’s oceans, most navigators need a bit more detail than that because the surface of the ocean is relatively featureless while, the land features widely varied terrain; some which presents significant obstacles to travel. Therefore, GPS locator manufacturers have also included the ability to upload software such as topographic maps and/or nautical charts into the memories of their various GPS locators to provide users with a significant level of graphic detail about their location to make navigating to a specific destination much easier. Therefore, GPS locators designed for vehicle use usually have extensive street map data bases as well as traveler information such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and locals sights. Thus, with the push of a few buttons, you can locate any address you choose and receive turn-by-turn directions via electronic voice instruction as well as via a visual display to enable you to arrive at your destination without the anxiety of not knowing where you are or where you are going. But, if you are a boater instead, then there are also marine specific GPS locators in both mounted and handheld models who’s databases contain nautical charts which enable you easily determine your position when out on the water as well as providing a visual display of your course to your desired destination. On the other

If you’ve ever watched an episode of television or a film with someone communication over the radio with a string of numbers, you may have wondered what deal is with phrases similar to “10-4.” While 10-4 is arguably the most well-known of their lot, these code phrases are known as “ten-codes” or “ten-signals;” despite the name, there are for more than ten of them. The ten element of each code, beginning each phrase with the word “ten” arose as a workaround for receiving parties with inaccurate communication devices. The codes were initially conceived by Charles Hopper in 1937. Hopper had been serving the Illinois State Police as a comms director and grew frustrated with how the analog equipment would tend to lose the first few moments of a correspondence. Hopper eventually figured that if an officer were to begin a message with the word “ten,” that messages could be received by the other party without losing any of the pertinent information as the equipment warmed up to operational standards. The codified nature of these signals also had the beneficial side effect of expediting communications. 10-1 Receiving Poorty 10-2 Receiving Well 10-3 Stop Transmitting 10-4 Acknowlegemet Rec’d 10-5 Relay To 10-6 Busy 10-7 Out Of Service-At 10-8 In Service 10-9 Repeat-Conditions Bad 10-10 Out Of Service 10-11 Dispatching Rapidly 10-12 Visitors Present 10-13 Weather/Road Cond. 10-14 Convoy Or Escort 10-15 Prisoner In Custody 10-16 Pick Up Prisoner At 10-17 Conduct Investigation 10-18 Complete ASGD Quick 10-19 Return To Station 10-20 Your Location 10-21 Call Station (Phone) 10-22 Disregard 10-23 Standby 10-24 Trouble-Sand Help 10-25 In Contact With 10-26 Message Received 10-27 Complete Record Ok 10-28 Check Registration 10-29 Stolen And/Or Wanted 10-30 Against Rules/Reg. 10-31 In Pursuit 10-32 Is Do Opr Available 10-33 Emergency Traffic 10-34 Jail Break/Trbl. Station 10-35 Confidential Info. 10-36 Correct Time 10-37 Operator On Duty 10-38 Block Road (S) At Station By Phone 10-39 Message Delivered 10-40 Out For Meal 10-41 In Possession Of 10-42 Out Of Service-Home 10-43 Any Traffic For 10-44 Pick Up Papers At 10-45 Call_By Phone 10-46 Urgent 10-47 Blood Run 10-48 End/Did You Receive 10-49 Serving War. Capals 10-50 Stop Veh. (Tag 10-20) 10-51 Enroute 10-52 Est. Time Of Arrival 10-53 Coming By Office 10-54 Negative 10-55 Car Calling To Car 10-56 Meet…At… 10-57 At Pistol Range 10-58 At Road Patrol Office 10-59 Send Teletype/Comp. Mag. 10-60 Assist To Motorist 10-61 Need R.P.SGI On Scene 10-62 Need R.P.LT On Scene 10-63 Need Bomb Squad (Scene) 10-64 Need Crime Lab (Scene) 10-65 Can You Copy 10-66 Cancel 10-67 Serving Civil Process 10-68 Legal Advice/Advisor 10-69 Send Narc.Agent 10-70 Send Wrecker 10-71 Send Ambulance 10-72 Send Helicopter 10-73 Open Gate S.O 10-74 Re-Call 10-88 Where Can Be Reached 10-89 On Page Service 10-90 Scramble (Code ABCD) 10-91 Detective And Vice Freq. 10-92 Police Comm. Freq 10-93 Detective Needed 10-94 Send Back-Up Car 10-95 Computer Check 10-96 Radio-Telephone Patch 10-97 Arrived At Scene 10-98 Complete Assignment 10-99 Unable Receive Signal 10-100 Alert-Remain Contact With 10-101 Log On Digital 10-102 Log Off Digital 10-103 Ack. Digital Mag. Screen 10-104 Computer System Down 10-105 Send Jail Wagon 10-106 Medical Asst Needed

L.A. has some of the best outdoor activities in the world.  From the mountains to the ocean, some of the best opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors is available in Southern California. Want to stay in touch with your skiing or hiking pals at different spots on the mountain or trails? Two-way radios—rugged, lightweight, compact—are designed for such tasks. Here are some tips to help you decide which model is right for you. Two-way Radio Features Size and Weight: Shop units by size, shape and weight, especially if your intended use is backpacking. You’ll want a lightweight radio that isn’t bulky. If you’re a skier or mountaineer, look for an ergonomic shape so you can easily use it with gloves. Consider a model where the antenna length is similar to the length of the unit’s body; this provides peak power in a small package. Two-way Radio Channels: Most radios, especially those used for outdoor recreation, have 22 channels available, on either the Family Radio Service (FRS) band or the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band. To operate a radio that uses GMRS channels, a 5-year family license is available from the FCC (look for Form 605). Wattage and Range of Coverage: Many two-way radios claim they have a range up to 25 miles in optimal conditions. Real-world conditions are usually not optimal, and in roughly 90% of situations, a radio’s actual range will be about 2 miles or less. FRS-only models put out the FRS maximum of a half watt and give you a maximum range of 5-6 miles. Though GMRS technically allows a maximum power output of 50 watts (used for base stations), most recreational handhelds offer 1 or 2 watts to keep size and weight low. These typically have a maximum range between 8-25 miles. A chief benefit of higher-powered radios (1- or 2-watt models) is their ability to fill in coverage dropouts (behind hills or buildings, for example) that often occur within the line of sight of a radio user. The higher power tends to improve the overall quality of the signal. Higher-watt radios use more battery power and are more expensive, so consider your use and decide whether your need for range outweighs your need for battery life. A low-watt FRS model may be sufficient if your main goal is to simply keep track of your family on the trail. Privacy/Interference-Eliminator Codes: In busy areas, such as a ski resort, 22 channels can quickly get occupied. As a result, many radios provide a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) or CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System) that allows you to subdivide main channels with the use of privacy codes. Rather than trying to communicate with a friend simply by using Channel 5, privacy codes let you connect with a combination of channel and code—for example, Channel 5 and Code 3. The use of CTCSS or CDCSS “codes” can minimize (but not eliminate) the amount of unwanted chatter on the main channel the user would otherwise hear. Important: A “privacy code” does not make your communication private. This is why some manufacturers alternately call this feature an “interference-elimination” code. Calling and Paging Features: Pre-set “calling” tones can let you grab the attention of other members of your party before you start talking. You can also set some models to vibrate instead of making an audible tone. Scanning: This allows you to cruise through channels in order to find the one that your group is using. You can also use this feature to quickly locate an “empty” channel for your group to use. Keypad Lock: This allows you to lock your settings in order to prevent them from accidentally getting changed as you go about your outdoor activities. VOX: The voice-activated (or “VOX”) feature begins broadcasting automatically when you speak in the direction of the radio, thus letting you operate it hands-free. Mountain bikers and skiers find this to be a useful function. Noise Filter: This allows clearer signals and enhanced range. Weather Radio: Tap into the NOAA weather band stations for local forecast and conditions. This is a very handy feature for anyone, but can be essential for backcountry adventurers. Hands Free: Jacks for microphones, headphones and microphone/headphone combos allow for hands-free operation. This is ideal for active sports—skiing, kayaking, cycling—where you might not be able to stop and answer the call. Radio/GPS Combo Units: Though more pricey, some units offer all-in-one nav/comm capability. A key advantage is peer-to-peer positioning, which allows you to broadcast your location coordinates so they appear on your fellow users’ screens. Two-way Radio Batteries: Most two-way radios run on AA or AAA batteries and are designed to accept disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Others come with their own rechargeable battery packs. In general, the higher a radio’s power output, the faster it will drain your batteries. Look for models that send the unit into a low-power, battery-saver mode after a certain amount of time has elapsed between broadcasts. Or consider a solar charger for in-the-field replenishment of rechargeable batteries. Tips for Using Two-way Radios Scattered trees and bushes are mostly transparent or “translucent” to radio signals. So even in forested or hilly territory, two-way radios generally do a fair to good job of transmitting short-range signals. However, several factors can inhibit two-way radio performance: Topography (hills, deep canyons, ridgelines, tall formations) Weather (such as thick clouds) Electromagnetic interference (lightning) Obstructions (dense forest, structures) Large metal surfaces (inside a vehicle, range is usually less than 1 mile) To optimize the range, make sure you achieve a good line of sight between you and the other radio operator. You will increase your ability to increase your range as you increase the elevation of your position. Attaining a high point above an otherwise flat area can be a huge benefit toward optimizing your radio’s maximum range. The human body can also block radio waves. You may boost reception of incoming signals if you attach a radio to a section of your pack that remains away from your body instead of clipping it to your belt. Other