Business Radios

Earlier this year, Motorola ran a really cool promotional campaign on its business radios. We're excited to announce that its back until the end of the 2021!

Although they call it a "rebate", it's not a cash back offer like their promotions in the past. It's more of a free radio offer instead. The way it works is this. Buy 6 analog CLS, CLPe, RM or RD series Motorola on-site business radios and get one free radio of the same series. Buy 6 DLR series or DTR600 digital radios, get a free radio plus either a bonus radio or free Motorola CB300-D 900MHz Indoor Callbox. This is a very good deal that is not to be missed, especially if you're a retailer, as the callbox alone is a great asset to have when communicating with employees or customers curbside.

This offer is valid on up to 60 radios purchased. Add up the free radios and/or callboxes on that deal and your savings could be substantial. This promotion runs through December 31, 2021 and is valid only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Other restrictions may apply. For details, download the official Motorola Prepare For the Future Today flyer. To take advantage of this offer, buy the Motorola radios of your choice from Buy Two Way Radios, then visit MotorolaSolutionsRadioRewards.com to redeem your rebate directly from Motorola.

The table below lists all the models included in this promotion.

After two decades, a mobile MURS radio has arrived. Could this be the ultimate MURS radio? Judge for yourself in this quick introductory video of the new Wouxun KG-1000M MURS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio!

In this video, we give you a detailed view of KG-1000M, show you some of its exciting features and explain why we think it's the ultimate MURS radio, and most likely the only mobile transceiver made for the Multi-Use Radio Service. Plus, its license-free! It's now in our warehouse and available exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

In the autumn of 2000, the FCC created the Multi-Use Radio Service, or MURS. As the name implies, it can be used for multiple applications, from wireless home and office intercom systems to callboxes, public address systems, and portable handheld two way radios. Best of all, its available to use by almost anyone, whether for home or business, license free.

For much of its history, interest in MURS was limited to specific types of applications, partially because of its relative obscurity and the dearth of radios available that supported the service. Recently there has been growing interest in MURS. As a result, we've seen a slow but steady influx of type accepted MURS radios in the US marketplace. These products were limited to portable handheld MURS radios, such as the increasingly popular Wouxun KG-805M MURS radio.

Until now.

In response to a growing demand for alternative options, one manufacturer just released a new radio that may usher in a whole new era for the Multi-Use Radio Service, the Wouxun KG-1000M Mobile MURS two way radio!

The KG-1000M is the first mobile MURS radio from Wouxun, and it hits the ground running out of the gate. It transmits and receives all 5 MURS channels at the full legal limit of 2 watts for maximum allowable power and performance. It also receives on several other bands, allowing you to hear traffic from other radio services such as FRS, GMRS, business, marine, airband and more. It includes a NOAA weather mode and a built-in FM radio. It even receives AM transmissions!

At first glance this multi-band functionality may not seem overly impressive on its own. After all, there are other mobile radios out there with these capabilities, such as the KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV980P. However, the KG-1000M is FCC type accepted for legal use on MURS, which makes it a total game changer for users of this service. And that's just the beginning.

The KG-1000M is also capable of simultaneous dual mode operation, with A and B sides or areas, each capable of independent operation. This means it can receive on one area while transmitting on the other. You can even receive on both areas simultaneously. This is particularly useful when using the NOAA weather radio, as you can monitor the weather channels while scanning, transmitting or receiving on MURS. Essentially it is two mobile radios in one.

As a dedicated MURS radio alone, the KG-1000M is an extremely powerful device. In addition to the 5 primary MURS channels, it also has memory slots for additional custom programmed channels, for a total of 999 channels. But they aren't just for MURS. Any frequency from the wide RX range supported by the KG-1000M can be saved as a listen only channel. It also supports standard and non-standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes, plus the ability to split these tones and codes for transmit and receive. This means that you can leave the first 5 MURS channels straight, and customize them all with different tones and codes in hundreds of configurations on additional programmed channels as needed. Each channel can also be assigned a custom name with up to eight alphanumeric characters, so you can ID them instantly when switching channels.

Its powerful versatility doesn't end there. The Scan options provide even more. Of course, you can scan all 999 programmable channels, but you can also scan them with CTCSS tone and DCS code detection. The KG-1000M also features priority scanning and support for up to 10 Scan Groups, for even greater control over scans.

Then there is the Tone Scan. This feature scans for CTCSS tones and DCS codes. It allows you to discover the precise tone or code used on a specific channel, completely eliminating the guesswork of which one the sender is using.

Among its many other features, the KG-1000M has caller ID display, group, call, all call and selective calling, DTMF encoding and decoding, a compander, descrambler, wide and narrow bandwidth selectivity, and English voice prompts. Environment features include four power level settings, APO power management, minimum operating voltage adjustment and a built-in cooling fan in the back with adjustable control from the menu.

Of course, a dual mode radio wouldn't be very easy to manage without a dual display, and the KG-1000M has one. Like the equally powerful GMRS version of this series, the popular and highly rated KG-1000G, this dual display is detachable and includes both angled and flat switchboard panels in the kit, so you can mount it virtually anywhere in or around your dash while the base of the radio is neatly tucked away somewhere else within your vehicle.

Actually, the KG-1000M is essentially the same radio as the KG-1000G, only it's for MURS instead of GMRS. Physically, it's nearly identical, right down to the control knobs, front panel keys and 3 color LED. The hand microphone is also the same, with speaker, TX/RX indicator LED and volume control. Like the 1000G, the hand mic allows nearly full control of radio including full menu access and on-the-fly programming directly from the radio. The KG-1000M has two speakers built into the base of the radio that can be controlled independently. The additional speaker in the hand microphone brings the total number of speakers to three.

For all the functionality that is core to this radio, there is yet one more feature that sets the KG-1000M apart from any other MURS radio on the market. Aside from three different Channel Modes, the KG-1000M also has Frequency Mode. That's right. In Frequency (VFO) Mode, you can type in or to tune directly to a specific frequency regardless of the frequency having been previously saved. This is a feature rarely, if ever seen on license-free radios, and never on one for MURS.

Until now.

As for the price? For all it's advanced features and powerful functions, the KG-1000M is available for the same price as the GMRS model at $369.99.

The KG-1000M is the logical alternative for those who want more range and flexability than FRS offers for personal use, and without the need to purchase a license. It's also good choice for businesses that are already using MURS and need mobile radios, or are looking for VHF radios that are license-free.

Audiogram excerpt from Episode 151 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast - MURS radios from Dakota Alert!

For years the market for the Multi-Use Radio Service or MURS was vastly underrated, and greatly underserved. This license-free service is a great and powerful alternative for users of both business and consumer radios seeking an alternative to the expense and hassle of obtaining and maintaining a radio license. Yet the availability and selection of MURS radios has left much to be desired. It was, that is, until now.

This year we've worked hard to bring more of MURS radios our customers. Our line of MURS products now includes models such as the Motorola RMM2050, Ritron MURS callboxes, intercoms and base stations and the new, exciting Wouxun KG-805M. And now we have more great news. We've just signed on as an authorized dealer for Dakota Alert!

Here is an overview of the Dakota Alert products now available from Buy Two Way Radios.

Dakota Alert M-538HT MURS Handheld Two Way Radio
The M538-HT is small, yet capable MURS handheld transceiver that is capable of operating on all five MURS frequencies. It supports 38 CTCSS tones and is compatible with MURS radios on the market. It features a removeable antenna, LCD display, tone alert and a built-in speaker with ample volume.

This handy talkie is powered by 6AA rechargeable batteries and can be used for business or personal activities. I'ts backed by a one year manufacturer warranty from Dakota Alert. Best of all, it's license-free! Price: $84.99

Dakota Alert M-538BS 2-Way MURS Base Station
The M538-BS is a bona fide MURS base station that sits on a counter, shelf or desktop for quick and easy access to any other MURS station within range. It has five MURS channels, 38 sub-channels and tone alert that activates when an alert signal is received. to help you communicate freely with other users in your group.

The M538BS has an adjustable antenna, LCD display, and internal speaker. It operates on AC power so you can monitor communications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the need to recharge. It also features a relay output for operation with alarm panels, doorbells and other types of alert systems.

The M-438HT and M538-BS are designed to receive alert signals from the Dakota Alert MURS Alert™ Transmitter, which is sold separately. This can be used to build out a security alert, motion detection or home monitoring system around the parimeter of a business of home. Price: $74.99

MURS-HT-KIT
This package combines a MURS Alert™ infrared transmitter and handheld two way radio into one convenient kit for a complete, monitoring system. The MURS Alert™ transmitter is a passive infrared sensor that you can place or mount virtually anywhere to monitor movement or any activity in and around your property or domain. When the sensor detects any motion, it sends an alert to the MURS handheld radio.
You can program the transmitter to send one of four pre-programmed alert messages in English. This allows you to add on more transmitter units as needed to create up to four different zones. Price: $189.99

MURS-BS-KIT
This is essentially the same bundle as the MURS-HT-KIT, but with the base station unit instead of the portable handheld radio. The handheld radio is a good option when mobile or roaming the property, but this one is preferred when you are stationary inside a home or building in an office, security station or front desk.

You can also add on additional MURS Alert™ transmitters, handhelds and base station units to this package to expand your monitoring system as needed. It's extremely flexible, and as a wireless security solution that is also license-free, it's an economical one, as well. Price: $179.99

It's the year 2020. Schools are opening soon, but this year things will be different. Every school that is planning to offer classes on campus has adopted considerable changes. Some are restricting students to classrooms only and some are prohibiting visitors from entering their buildings. Others are alternating students between at-home and on-campus classes to reduce class size. No matter the scenario, an instant, reliable and simple means of communication between everyone on school property is vital, and radios are the perfect solution for ensuring safe interaction. Here's how radios and callboxes can enable safe, productive social distancing in schools.

Social distancing guidelines require a minimum of six feet between individuals. Since most classrooms are not built for this sort of distancing, many schools are forced to re-arrange classrooms to space out desks and limit the number of students allowed within a specific area. When each staff member is equipped with a walkie talkie, such partitioning is easier to organize and manage.

One strategy that schools are taking to limit the spread of coronavirus is by restricting movement between classrooms, within the facility and across the campus. Some schools are not allowing students to leave the classroom. Some schools are not allowing parents or visitors to enter the building. In some situations, even the teachers, staff and administrators may all be confined within their designated work areas to minimize the possible spread of a contagion. These are all scenarios in which it may be essential for each staff member to have a radio.

As an educator, you're probably already aware that every school is different, so there's not a one-size-fits-all solution for handling the current coronavirus crisis. Simply put, there are as many solutions for dealing with this pandemic as there are schools. Yet, if there is one thing that we keep hearing from our customers, it's that radios fit into the plan, and we're here to help with that. Here are a few products that are already popular with schools, and can help you meet your goals of providing a quality education in a safe, healthy environment.

Motorola CP200d
The Motorola CP200d is one of Motorola's most popular models and is commonly used by educators. Currently there is an opportunity to save $40 per radio on the CP200d when you buy at least 10. Contact us for a quote, or for more details.

The CP200d is a powerful 16 channel radio with superior audio quality and long battery life for extended periods on campus. The Motorola CP200d is available in either 4 watt UHF or 5 watt VHF models with 16 channels, superior audio and long battery life. Available in analog or analog/digital versions, both with repeater capability, the CP200d provides the coverage needed for reliable communications throughout your school.

The CP200d features Dual Capacity Direct Mode, All Call/Group Call/Selective Call (Digital Mode), Auto-Range Transpond System (ARTS™) Alert, Basic Privacy, Monitor Channel, and Voice Announcement. It is rated IP54 dust and water resistant, with the ruggedness and durability needed in an educational facility or on-campus environment.

Motorola VX-261
The VX-261 is a 16 channel radio with enhanced audio and a battery system that is universally compatible with other models in the VX-Series. It has 2 programmable keys for a custom configuration and a loud 700mW internal speaker so you can hear and be heard in and around the classroom. Features include MDC1200® FleetSync® 2-Tone and 5-Tone encode/decode and DTMF signaling options, multiple scan options, Dual Watch, Emergency Alert, hands-free VOX capability (w/VOX accessory), lone work feature, and Auto-Range Transpond System (ARTS™) Alert.

This is also a rugged radio. The VX-261 is IP55 water/dust resistant and meets MIL-STD 810 C, D, E, F and G for durability. It comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty to boot.

Icom F4001
If you need a tough walkie talkie that's built for day-to-day use in the classroom or outside around school grounds, the Icom IC-F4001 is one to consider. This radio is a good choice for educational facilities that need rugged, reliable Mil Spec and IP54 radios which are also easy on school budgets.

The IC-F4001 a 4 watt UHF radio with 16 channels, CTCSS/DCS tones filtering, and powerful 800mW audio output for noisy classrooms and physical education activities in schoolyards. It features channel scan, 2-step power save, time-out timer, talk around function, lone worker function and hands-free VOX capability. The F4001 is also repeater capable and PC programmable. It comes with a battery pack that can power the Icom IC-F4001 for up to 20 hours on a single charge.

Icom F1000/F2000 Two Way Radio
If you need a walkie talkie with the power, features and durability of a big radio but in slim, compact shell for easier handling and greater portability in the classroom, you need the Icom F1000/F2000 two way radio. This little transceiver can take the long hours and heavy workloads of the average school day, but is considerably lighter, smaller and easier to carry around the campus. This heavy duty radio is IP67 waterproof, which means it can even take a dunking in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

The F1000 is the 5 watt VHF model and the F2000 is the 4 watt UHF version. Both have 16 channels.

The F1000 / F2000 may be compact, but don't let its small size fool you. It's loaded with powerful features, such as built-in 2-Tone and 5-Tone, CTCSS and DCS signaling for group communications, selective calling, quiet stand-by, channel announcement and a built-in inversion voice scrambler for safe, secure conversations. It's also MDC 1200 compatible, allowing for additional programmable features such as PTT ID, RX radio check and Stun/Revive.

The Icom F1000 and F2000 are especially designed with workplace safety in mind, so it's equipped with emergency features, such as programmable Lone Worker and Man Down features, an escalating alarm, a surveillance function, a built-in motion sensor to detect its position and state of motion, and an emergency signal that can be sent when there are extreme changes. These can be quite useful in an on-campus environment for both pandemic control and security reasons.

Ritron XT Series Heavy Duty 2-Way Radio Callbox
Ritron is a US manufacturer of solid, dependable callboxes for indoor and outdoor use, and their XT Series Callbox is top of the line. Managing visitor entry is crucial in this pandemic, and the Ritron XT is an excellent choice for any educational institution that needs to safely and securely control, limit or monitor access to school buildings or campus grounds from anyone on the outside.

The Ritron XT Series 2-Way Radio Callbox extends access control and instant, PTT communications to even the most remote locations on campus! It installs virtually anywhere on school property without trenching or expensive installation of wiring. It works seamlessly with your existing two way radio system and is both field and PC programmable with user adjustable settings. It features a built-in relay control for remote control of gates and doors, and remote activation. You can also program custom, pre-recorded voice messages for playback on demand. An optional lighted entry keypad is available for programming features into the callbox, as well as relay control.

The Ritron XT Series Callbox is available in analog models for UHF, VHF or license-free MURS radio systems. It is also available in digital models for NXDN® or DMR systems! Each callbox supports one channel, with a high-gain mic and a built-in speaker with loud audio output for noisy school environments. The XT can be powered by 6 alkaline "D" Cell batteries or an optional external 12VDC adapter, which is sold separately.

The Ritron XT Series Callbox is built for outdoor operation in all-weather environments, with a fiberglass housing and stainless steel faceplate. It comes with tamper-resistant fasteners to discourage vandals. This callbox is built for safety and security, which is a high priority for schools.

Ritron LM-600Analog LoudMouth Wireless Stand-Alone PA System
The LoudMouth is a public address system that allows you to broadcast announcements to a loudspeaker in and around the school property directly from your walkie talkie! it's an extremely flexible, yet cost-effective solution for campus alerts, announcements and notifications without the costly installation of a wired Public Address system.

The Ritron LoudMouth PA is an easy add-on that integrates seamlessly with your existing two-way radio communication system. It can be installed almost anywhere, which means it is perfect for locations where a wired PA is not feasible to install. the LM-600Analog can receive and play emergency weather warnings from the National Weather Service that are broadcast on one of the seven NOAA weather frequencies in the US! It works with your existing two-way radios on UHF, VHF, or VHF MURS. The LoudMouth also supports Canada UHF, VHF and Part 95 GMRS/FRS frequencies. It is also available in a DMR digital version for schools that use digital radios.

The Loudmouth PA consists of an industrial grade, dual band radio receiver connected to a powerful PA horn type speaker capable of —95dB SPL@ 50 ft. The unit is PC and field programmable for one channal with 156 digital and analog Privacy Codes and one of 10 selectable 2-Tone Codes. It also supports DTMF and Selcall Codes. It operates on 110VAC or an optional rechargeable back-up battery that can be purchased separately.

The Loudmouth PA may not be necessary for schools with fancy intercoms and PAs, but may be extremely useful for schools that need to make announcements specific to certain locations if their main intercom isn't capable of that type of flexibility.

Regardless of how your school is handling the pandemic this year, it's clear that radios are more necessary to its operation than ever before. Two-way radios and callboxes enable instant, safe and reliable communication at a distance, which is going to be an essential requirement for administrators, faculty, staff, and especially students this school year. Our staff is standing by if you need any further assistance. Contact us and we will be happy to help.

There are many different types of business two way radios out there that offer many variations of channel options. Becoming familiar with how two-way radio channels work can help you decide which radio might be best for you. It could also prevent you from paying too much for a radio that may be overkill for your particular situation.

A radio channel is best described as a separate, individual line of one or two way communication on a radio band. Think of it as an assigned and numbered channel on a television set and you have the idea.

Most business radios will have anywhere from 1 to 32 different channels. Depending on the radio, these channels can be easily changed using either a knob on the top of the radio or by using the menu option on the LCD screen.

For businesses that prefer all of their radio users to be able to hear and reply to every conversation, one single channel will work just fine. For businesses that want to separate the communications between departments or want supervisor communications separate from those with and between employees, a radio with multiple channels will be the way to go.

Another benefit of having multiple channels is that you have options in the event of radio interference. Even if you only use or need one channel, having multiple channels to choose from will allow you to easily switch to a different frequency if the current channel you are on is already in use. For instance, if a neighboring business interferes with the channel you were using, simply change the channel.

Of course, a radio with more channels often costs more money, but not always. There are some models with a large number of pre-programmed or user programmable channels that are priced competitively with radios that have fewer channels. The advice here is to shop around and check all the different brands and models.

Deciding how many channels are ideal for your company can be a big money-saver, as well as a beneficial tool during day-to-day use. If you have any questions as to how many channels you may need, feel free to contact our sales department at 1-800-584-1445, and we will be happy to guide you based on your specific needs.

One of the most frequent concerns from our business customers is whether or not their radio communication will be private from eavesdroppers. It is important to be discreet when using two way radios, especially with sensitive information. When it comes to company communications, even with regular conversation, privacy is always a top priority.

With normal analog radios, creating a true private channel can be very tricky and expensive. Analog radios typically have a default list of programmable privacy codes or PL tones that can be set to each channel. Enabling these tones will definitely help prevent outsiders from cutting in on your conversation, but it is important to note that they do not prevent them from hearing you.

Another option is voice scrambling, but on analog radios this typically requires additional hardware, such as scrambling/encryption cards, which greatly increases the overall cost of the radios. Considering this, your best line of defense to prevent against eavesdropping is to go with a digital radio.

Digital radios such as the Motorola EVX-S24, Motorola EVX-261 and the Kenwood TK-D340U would all be excellent choices. These are DMR radios using TDMA or Time-Division Multiple-Access, a popular technology with enhanced privacy.

The fact that FDMA or Frequency-Division Multiple-Access digital technology is much less common and not readily supported by scanners makes the Kenwood NX series radios such as the NX-340U16P a great option. An added bonus on these units is that they also have the ability to operate in analog mode, and they can be programmed to be compatible with your existing analog radios. This helps make for a smooth transition if you want to make the jump from analog to digital without replacing your entire fleet of radios all at once.

The Motorola DTR600 and Motorola DLR1060 both use 900 mHz frequencies, which are rarely used to begin with. Additionally, these radios use FHSS or Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology, which means that the radios change frequencies every few seconds, all while staying synced up with one another. These features combined makes it nearly impossible for anyone to pick up your transmission for more than a second or two.

Privacy is a valid concern for business owners, but there are options. Going digital is one of them. If you have any questions or concerns on which digital radio may be right for you, give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 and we will be happy to help.

One of the questions we get asked most often is "How hard is it to program the settings I need into the Motorola DLR radios?" While we realize this can seem confusing to novice radio users, Motorola does offer a free CPS (customer programming software) that will make this process much easier. In this article, we will be giving you some tips on how to use this software to meet your needs. These same steps apply for both the DLR1020 and DLR1060 models.

First, you will need to download the programming software from the DLR page at MotorolaSolutions.com. As already mentioned, this is a free download. Second, you will need to purchase the Motorola DLR series programming cable. Once you have these two things, you are ready to begin programming your Motorola DLR radios!

The programming cable will communicate with your radio via the drop-in charger tray. Plug one end of the cable into your USB port on your computer, and the other end into the power connector on the back your charger. Make sure the radio is secure in the charger tray and turned ON. Also, be sure that the switch on the programming cable is set to the position marked Digital.

At this point you should be able to access your programming software. Run the application, choose RADIO in the top column and select "DLR" as your radio type. If you would like to view the current settings of  your radio, click the option Read Radio. This will upload the current settings of the radio to the application. If you would like to begin customizing your radio based on the default settings, you can click New Profile.

The screen that comes up will now give you the options to change your basic settings. These settings include options for setting the microphone gain, turning voice prompts on or off, setting volume levels, audible beeps, and selecting your "home" channel, just to name a few. This screen also has several options that you can choose to become part of your Advanced Settings, discussed in the next two paragraphs.

In the top center of your screen, you will see a button labeled Switch to ADVANCED. These advanced settings offer several options, but the most commonly used is the Direct Call feature. This will give you the option to select and call an individual radio in your fleet, instead of transmitting to an entire group.

This feature comes in handy when you want to have private conversations. For instance, if two supervisors need to discuss something privately, without employees hearing them, they would use Direct Call. In order to enable the Direct Call feature in your Basic Menu options, you need to first upload the unique “private” identification (12 digit) number of each radio. Click on the Switch to ADVANCED button. Under Privates (Advanced) tab, click Add for CPS to upload the radio ID. You can customize the radio ID name under the Name column. Once a radio ID is uploaded, the CPS will give the option to enable Direct Call. Customize your PROFILE ID Number for any 4 digit number different from “0000” to differentiate your radios in a radio fleet.

Once you have changed all the settings, click Write to radio in order to program your radio with the new settings. The CPS will display a window confirming the writing (programming of your radio) is successful. You can also save your profile at any time in order to use the same settings when programming other radios by clicking on Save to profile. This will save the profile to the current default path in your computer. To specify a different path to save the profile, click on the Save As button.

Your DLR radios are now programmed to your preferred settings, and you are ready to use them as needed! If you have any questions concerning the programming, please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-584-1445, and one of our experts will be happy to assist. We thank you for choosing Buy Two Way Radios!

It's no secret that two way radios are great for managing the social distancing of your business or organization with customers and the public. From curbside service to managing visitor entry, business radios enable you to service your customers more efficiently while protecting both parties and abiding by the new social distancing rules of engagement. This isn't limited to front-facing transactions, either. A fleet of business radios can also benefit your internal operations, because they reduce direct, close contact between your employees or staff.

Radios can reduce employee contact considerably. For example, fewer face-to-face meetings are required between managers and other staff members, as radios provide instant communications at a distance. A clerk at the front desk can instantly call for assistance or report an incident at the push of button, without interacting in person. Shift changes can be coordinated without face-to-face contact and staff breaks can be handled safely with remote communications. There's no need for close interaction during much of the work shift. With radios, over-the-air contacts can help your operation remain contagion free.

This method of wireless communication provides another important benefit. In addition to enabling the recommended social distancing, business two way radios empower your workers to respond and react more quickly.

Instead of walking to the back of the stockroom to find that size 9 sneaker, a shoe store clerk can call to check for its availability while serving the next customer. The cart attendant at the local supermarket can immediately be called back inside the building without the manager spending ten minutes in the parking lot on a search. As a result, you'll likely see improved efficiency by using radios. Greater operating efficiency translates into lower operating costs, adding to the bottom line. Tasks take time, and time is money. Radios can save you both. Considering this, radio communications may be practically indispensible for both the profitability and safety of your entire operation.

But before you jump onto an international, online mass marketplace and order a pack of cheap, generic walkie talkies, it is important to understand that a radio is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different types of radios out there, and many, many models from which to choose. They may operate on different radio bands and radio services, some of which may or may not be feasible or even allowed in your area for your particular business operation.

Every company is different, and your business may have needs that require a more customized solution. This is where our Business Radio Buyer's Guide can help.

The Buy Two Way Radios Buyer's Guide is an excellent resource for business owners who need an optimized solution for wireless communications, but don't have the time, resources or inclination to research everything about radio technology (time is money, right?). The guide is easy to use, and quickly narrows your search based on your type of business, as well as your requirements, budget and needs.

Professional two way radios are often designed and manufactured for specific types of businesses or industries. Here are some examples, along with a few recommended radios made for use in those niches. These general recommendations may help lead you to the right radio for your situation.

Dining, shopping and marketplaces
Restaurants, retail stores, mom-and-pop shops and many other localized, on-site businesses may only need a small, lightweight radio for light duty use indoors. The Kenwood ProTalk LT PKT-23, Motorola CLS1410 or Motorola DLR1020 are perfect choices for these types of businesses. The Motorola radios even have antimicrobial housings to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, a nice feature to have in a restaurant or diner.

Big box businesses with a small box budget
For larger facilities that need easy to manage, general purpose radios with high power at a low price, the Olympia P324 and Midland MB400 will give you solid performance without breaking the bank. These are medium duty transceivers with standard features that are also repeater capable.

Larger facilities
If you have a large facility with many floors or lots of walls, a high power 4-5 watt radio would probably be the best choice. Many radios in this category, such as the Motorola VX-261 or Icom F2000 also support repeaters. That means if you need to increase your range in the future with a repeater, you don't have to replace your radios.

Hotel security, malls or commercial sites
Larger commercial operations with multiple departments may need more than just simple on-site communications. Commercial tier radios such as the Motorola CP200d or SL300 provide advanced features and functionality for more expanded operations.

Industrial, manufacturing and warehouse operations
If your company needs heavy duty radios with great clarity for high noise environments, the Kenwood TK-3400-U16P or Motorola RMU2080d may be what you need.

License Free radios
Many of the radios listed above require an FCC radio license to operate business radios on assigned frequencies, but there are certain business class radios that are "license free" or, more officially, licensed by rule, meaning that you don't need a license at all to use them on their designated services. These radios are lower powered, but are nonetheless quite capable for use in many business environments and situations. The Motorola DTR600 is a digital model with great coverage indoors and a lot of powerful features. The Wouxun KG-805M is a 2 watt radio MURS radio that operates on 5 VHF frequencies and works very well for large retailers and big box stores. It's also quite rugged and is compatible with a large assortment of audio accessories from name brand manufacturers.

Between buildings, locations, or extended distances
If your company has a computer network with wireless connectivity and multiple buildings or locations, the Icom IP100H Two Way Radio for Wireless Networks (WiFI) may be exactly what you need. The IP100H connects over the air and directly to your network through a wireless controller for end-to-end voice communications without the use of repeaters. If wifi is available throughout facility, range concerns are totally eliminated. The IP100H also has advanced digital features and high quality, full duplex audio. IP radios are not traditional radios, so there is not much of a learning curve for support if your company has an IT department. The IP100H is also license free!

Clearly, two-way radios are quite useful to minimize employee contact and enable social distancing. The challenge is choosing the right radios for your business or organization.  Our Business Radio Buyer's Guide at Buy Two Way Radios can make the choice a lot easier. If your business is even more specialize or has very specific requirements, no problem! Just give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 and we will be happy to help find a solution for your radio needs.

Download this pdf and learn how Motorola CLS and DLR radios plus callboxes can increase efficiency and enable social distancing in your business!

As we've mentioned in previous articles, podcasts and videos, the Motorola DLR1020 and DLR1060 radios can be great assets for many different types of businesses. In this article, we will note some of the many pros, as well as the few cons, that these radios have.

One of the biggest pros of the Motorola DLR series radios is that they operate on 900 MHz digital frequencies. This feature is beneficial in several ways. First, consider the level of privacy that these frequencies offer. The 900 MHz frequencies are much less common than standard UHF or VHF frequencies, and the FHSS "frequency hopping" method used by these radios allows you to completely eliminate any chance of unwanted interference from neighboring two-way radio users.

Second, these 900 MHz radios do not require any type of FCC licensing. This saves you hundreds of dollars in licensing fees and allows you to use the radios as-is, "out of the box", with minimal, if any, programming required.

Third, because the DLR series radios are digital, the sound quality is impeccable. You will find that there is no background static or "white noise" like you may experience with normal analog radios.

Another major plus is the ultra-compact size of the Motorola DLR radios. They are very small and incredibly lightweight, making them practical for use in almost any situation. Even with their small size and light weight, these units offer military-grade specs for durability and resistance against dust, water, vibration, shock, and extreme temperature variations. Like many of the other Motorola onsite business radios, the DLR radios have antimicrobial housings to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.

With all the  pros, there are also a few cons. One disadvantage of the Motorola DLR radios is their low power. The transmit power of radios that operate on this 900 MHz band is limited to 1 watt by the FCC. This means they are not practical for very large industrial job sites. Also, the FHSS frequency hopping technology will not work with typical repeaters, limiting the possibility of extending their range.

Perhaps the biggest con would be the lack of cross-compatibility with an existing fleet of two-way radios operating on standard business frequencies. Based on their rather unique frequency hopping capabilites and the fact that they operate on 900 MHz frequencies instead of the UHF or VHF business bands, they are not universally compatible with other digital radios. Also, most companies still tend to use analog radios, which these digital units will not communicate with at all. The Motorola DLR technology is cross-compatible with only one other line of radios, the Motorola DTR series.

On the plus side, if you happen to already have Motorola DTR series radios such as the DTR600 or DTR700, the DLR line will work with them and will be a much sleeker, smaller, more affordable option.

With all this being said, the pros of the Motorola DLR1020 and DLR1060 radios far outweigh the cons, and tend to be an excellent option for almost any on-site business use!