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Business Radios

  • Don't Let Your Two Way Radio Dealer Hold You Hostage

    When a two way radio dealer can't earn his customer's loyalty by offering great prices and service, he's often got a different tool at his disposal: locking the radio so that it's difficult for other dealers to read. Some manufacturers have an option in their programming software that allows a dealer to mark a radio as unreadable, preventing other dealers from easily determining the frequencies and other setup information. The goal could only be to hold the customer hostage, preventing them from taking their business elsewhere. This is a terrible practice and is unethical. On top of that it doesn't work, so I'd like to encourage all of our competitors to join us in leaving radios unlocked.

    I probably shouldn't be giving advice to the competition, but in this case I can't help myself: This tactic does not retain customers! Therefore, speaking to other dealers, I ask that you consider the consequences and put the customer first. Once a customer finds out that you've locked their radio, they've already gone to another dealer! Maybe they thought they really liked you, and they only went to a different dealer just this once because you were out of stock, or out of town, or some other reason that makes a lot of sense. What do you think are your chances of seeing this customer again after the new dealer tells them you locked their radio and are trying to hold them hostage? Locking the radio doesn't accomplish what you would like it to, anyway! We've been in business since 2002 and have never had a situation in which we were not able to eventually determine how a radio is programmed; you just make it more difficult and further inconvenience your former customer.

    Speaking directly to our customers, let me assure you on this. Here at Buy Two Way Radios, we will never prevent you from reading a radio that you have purchased from us. In most cases we will even include a printout of your programming information when we ship your radios, which makes it even easier for you to go to a competitor. We do our best to offer great products at great prices with great service, but if we haven't earned your repeat business then we don't deserve it.

  • Small and Discreet Radios For Hard-To-Install Vehicles

    Effective communications while on the road is important to a radio operator, which is why there are so many mobile radios on the market today. However, as newer vehicles become more compact, the installation of a full-featured mobile radio is becoming more of a challenge. Large RVs or trucks usually offer more room to install a mobile unit without too much trouble, but many modern sedans and small compact cars offer little room and few options for adding another device to the dash. If you want to put a mobile radio in your car, but space on or under the dash is very limited or almost non-existent, what can you do?

    Fortunately, there are options, and they are not only sensible, they are often more affordable, as well.

    The most obvious choice, of course, is to find a mobile radio that is small enough to fit within the confines of your vehicle. This is easier said than done, since the radio needs to be large enough to provide the range, wattage and full feature set most radio operators generally expect from a typical mobile transceiver. Mobile radios come in different sizes, but even the smaller models may still be too big to mount in some newer vehicles. However, there is now one radio that may resolve the issue for many mobile users - the Leixen VV-898.

    The Leixen VV-898 is an ultra-compact dual band UHF/VHF radio that can fit inside almost any small vehicle. It's tiny, about the size of a handheld, and is very lightweight compared to other mobiles, which also makes it easier to mount. It's so small and light weight, it may even be possible to mount the VV-898 with hook-and-loop strips if necessary, although the included lightweight mounting bracket is recommended. (we haven't yet tried to use hook-and-loop to mount it, so we don't currently recommend it). It includes many features found on most standard mobile radios, plus one or two that aren't, such as the ability to change frequencies wirelessly.

    The VV-898 uses a standard SO-239 (UHF female) antenna connector for easy compatibility with many dual band mobile radio antennas and is powered with the standard 12 volts provided by most vehicles. It operates on up to 10 watts of transmit power. Of course, 10W is considerably lower than your standard 40w to 50w mobile radio, however it is still sufficient to reach local repeaters in many cities and suburban areas across the US, and is double the wattage of the typical amateur or business handheld radio. Considering the increased popularity of using handheld radios as mobile transceivers in vehicles today, the VV-898 is a definite upgrade.

    The best part is the price. At around $150 MSRP, The VV-898 costs considerably less than other mobile radios and is comparable to the cost of a decent handheld.

    If size matters but wattage is critical, another option is to find a full size mobile radio that can operate from the dash but install somewhere else. Some radio manufacturers, aware of the space issue in modern vehicles, are now using this method as a primary solution. An increasing number of mobile two way radios are now manufactured with a detachable front panel. The chassis of the radio can be discreetly installed somewhere else in the vehicle, such as under the dash or under a seat where there is more room, and the front panel can be mounted on the front of the dash or anywhere else more convenient for the driver.

    The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV950P offer this option and go even further, providing not one, but two front panel mounting plates, one angled and one straight. Both models also include an extension cable so the radio can connect to the front panel from almost anywhere inside the vehicle. Some Icom and Vertex business mobile radios offer such an option as well. This split installation allows you to find more space to mount your radio more securely and still be within your reach while driving.

    Whether you choose a tiny transceiver or a unit that can be split in two, there are ways to effectively install a mobile two way radio into a vehicle with very limited available space. We're always searching for more options. Any other ideas? Post a comment below!

  • How To File A Construction Notification For Your FCC License

    When you apply for an FCC license to obtain frequencies for your business radios, you may think the process is complete once you submit your application. Not so fast! After the FCC has granted your license, you are required to let them know when you begin to use the frequencies. This is called a Construction Notification. You have one year after the license is granted to file the construction notice, and failure to do so will result in the loss of your license.

    Most of the time, dealing with the FCC's processes is complicated and confusing. Fortunately, filing a construction notice is somewhat simple and straightforward. We will walk you through the process of filing a construction notice in 8 simple steps as outlined below.

    Important! If you used our FCC License Service to get your frequencies you do not have to complete these steps. As part of our service, we file the construction notification on your behalf once your license has been granted.

    Filing a Construction Notification

    1. Login to the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS). Use the FRN and password that you created when you applied for your license.

    2. If you have multiple licenses, click to view the license that needs the notification.

    3. In the "Work on this License" section to the right, click "Notify the FCC"

    4. Application Purpose. Choose "S - Construction requirements for the referenced system have been met" and click the Continue button.

    5. Buildout Information. For each frequency in the list, enter the date that you began using the frequencies in the "Actual Construction Date" field. Click Continue.

    6. Fees and Waivers. If you are exempt from application fees or are requesting a waiver of commission rules, indicate that here. Usually the answer will be "No" to each of these questions. Don't worry, there are no fees for filing a construction notice. Click Continue to proceed.

    7. Summary. This page is simply a review of your previous selections. If everything is correct, click "Continue To Certify" to move to the final step.

    8. Certification. Read the information under the Certification Statements. Assuming you agree, enter your name and title in the Signature section below. Click Submit Application to complete the process.

  • New Motorola RM Series radios available this summer

    RM Series XT400 Series RVA50 family front_270.pngMotorola is a big name in world of business walkie talkies, and their RDX series is a staple among businesses, agencies, organizations and industries that rely on portable handhelds for communications. Now the company is about to update their product line with the new Motorola RM Series two way radios, due for launch this summer.

    The RM Series is expected to debut in July or August 2013 with five new models operating on 2 Watts. All are updated versions of 2 Watt RDX Series radios currently on the market. Details from Motorola are still sketchy but here are a few general notes on these new radios:

    RMU2040 - This is a UHF radio with 4 channels and without a display that will replace the RDX RDU2020. MSRP: $245.

    RMU2080 - Essentially the same radio as the RMU2040, but with 8 channels and no display. It will also replace the RDU2020. MSRP: $290.

    RMU2080d - This model operates on UHF business frequencies and has 8 channels. Think of an RMU2080 with a display and this is it. Replaces the RDX RDU2080d. MSRP: $310.

    RMM2050 - One of the most interesting of the series, as it is a MURS radio. It supports all five VHF MURS frequencies and, unlike the 2 channel RDM2020, the RMM2050 has five channels, enough for each frequency. It does not, however, include a display. The RMM2050 replaces both the RDM2020 and RDM2080d, the latter of which is a display model. So if you specifically want a MURS radio with a display, you may want to consider the RDM2080d while they are still around. MSRP: $225.

    RMV2080 - The VHF version of the RMU2020 and RMU2080 has 8 channels and no display. It replaces both the RDV2020 and RDV2080d. MSRP: $245.

    Although these new radios will eventually replace 2 Watt models in the current RDX Series, the 4 and 5 watt models, such as the RDU4100, RDU4160d and RDV5100, are not scheduled for replacement, at least not yet. In addition, all RDX radios will continue to be available until early 2014. We will have more details on the new Motorola RM Series two way radios as they become available. Some model specifications and features may be subject to change. Subscribe to our blog at Buy Two Way Radios for the latest updates!

  • An alternative for replacing Sprint Nextel Push-to-Talk

    Sprint Nextel will cease operation of their push-to-talk iDEN network June 30th, 2013. According to a company press release May 1, the last full day of service is June 29. The shut down process will commence through the day on Sunday, June 30 as Sprint de-activates the system.

    IDEN, or Integrated Digital Enhanced Network , is a trunked radio system operating in the 800 MHz Special Mobile Radio (SMR) band. The system uses Time Division Multipe Access (TDMA) and speech compression technologies and was used by Sprint Nextel to provide half-duplex push-to-talk trunked two-way radio services on its cell phones. Sprint first announced it would end iDen service May 29, 2012 as part of its plan to migrate the push-to-talk service from GSM to CDMA.

    No doubt this will be a disruption to at least a few of the one million or so Nextel business customers who still use the old iDEN network and rely heavily on the instant walkie-talkie dispatch capabilities of phones that currently operate on iDen. It's not just the hassle of migrating from one phone system to another that can make such a move problematic, it's also the cost.

    It could be quite an expensive proposition to migrate a company's entire workforce to new devices that operate on Sprint's new CDMA based Direct Connect network. Cell phones aren't cheap, especially units with a PTT radio feature. That's just the initial migration.

    Then there are the monthly fees. Cell phones, even those with built-in walkie-talkie functionality all bundled into a service that typically requires a contract, also has a monthly service fee. For small companies with ten to fifty employees, the total cost of migration could add up quickly. For large companies with hundreds or even thousands of employees, it could be staggering.

    If a company really needs to outfit their staff with cell phones, then it may very well be an unavoidable expense. However, if the primary purpose for the cell phone is to serve as a trunked radio, there is another option: simply use two way radios.

    There are several benefits to doing this, most of them economical. First, the initial purchase cost of a walkie-talkie is comparable to the retail cost of a typical cell phone. Second, the cost of obtaining a license for business frequencies can be competitive with the setup costs of cell service, expecially for a large fleet of phones.

    Also, as tough as some of Sprint's new phones are, most business two way radios are designed specifically for extremely rugged working conditions. Some radios are certified as intrinsically safe. These are radios that can be used in potentially hazardous environments, such as near flammable materials or explosives.

    Of course, the obvious advantage is that there are no recurring or monthly usage fees. Once the radios are purchased and the frequencies licensed, the airwaves are essentially free. There are no limited talk and text plans, no roaming charges and no overage fees. Once your radio network is in place, you're done.

    There is one more benefit that is often overlooked. The issue of planned obsolescence. It is no secret why cell phone carriers sell two year agreements. That is the life cycle of the typical cell phone. This keeps everyone upgrading and renewing their contracts or entering into new ones, thus perpetually locking a company in to a service and its constant fees.

    The average life span of a typical business two way radio is five to seven years. Some may last considerably longer. Business frequency licenses are valid for ten years. Imagine, up to ten years of service without recurring monthly fees. That seems like a millenium in the cell phone industry!

    It is this sort of obsolescence that is now forcing a million iDEN fans who have hung onto their old PTT Nextel phones through thick and thin to make an uncomfortable and expensive move to a whole new system. However, there is another, possibly smarter option.

    Nextel iDEN business customers who are facing an expensive a migration may want to consider this before moving forward on such an upgrade.

  • TWRS-58 - Radios in Construction

    We talk about using two way radios in construction. We also review the Impact Platinum PRSM-HD2-NC HD Noise Cancelling Speaker Mic.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:16


    Topic Discussion 1:34
    We discuss how two way radios are used on construction sites, the types of radios used, and recommend some specific models for use in the construction industry. For more information on using radios in the construction industry, read Two Way Radios For Construction and Do You Need A Business Two Way Radio?. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

    Commercial Break 15:10
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 16:10
    Today we review the Impact Platinum PRSM-HD2-NC HD Noise Cancelling Speaker Mic.

    Questions and Answers 21:14
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 29:01
    Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

    © 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • TWRS-55 - Radios For Property Management

    We talk about using two way radios for property management. We also review the Motorola RLN4570A Break-A-Way Universal Radio Chest Pack.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:17


    Topic Discussion 1:34
    we discuss how apartment complexes and other property management entities use two way radios, the types of radios used, and recommend some specific models for use in this industry. Radios discussed include the Icom IC-F4011, Kenwood ProTalk TK-3230, Motorola RDU2020, Motorola CLS1110, Motorola CLS1410, and the Ritron Outpost 1 Series Callbox. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

    Commercial Break 17:48
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 18:46
    Today we review the Motorola RLN4570A Break-A-Way Universal Radio Chest Pack.

    Questions and Answers 25:30
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 32:24
    Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

    © 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • Radio 101 - The facts about squelch

    A common term heard among two way radio operators is squelch. It is a standard feature of FRS, GMRS, business, amateur, air band, marine, and CB radios. But what is it? What does it do? In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony from Buy Two Way Radios explains what squelch is and how it works.

  • Radio 101 - The difference between UHF and VHF radios

    There is a fundamental difference between UHF and VHF two way radios and choosing the right one for your particular consumer or business radio application is very important. In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony at Buy Two Way Radios explains the difference between UHF and VHF so you can determine which is best for you.

  • The FCC narrowband deadline is near

    Are you narrowband compliant? If not, the FCC deadline for narrowbanding is almost upon us and you are almost out of time.

    What is the narrowband requirement? The FCC mandated that all manufacturers of business two way radios must cease the manufacture and import of radios that include a 25 kHz mode and all VHF/UHF industrial, business and Public Safety Radio Pool licensees must operate on 12.5 kHz (11.25 kHz occupied bandwidth) or narrower channels By January 1, 2013. At that time, all business land mobile radios and licensees operating in the 150-174 MHz VHF and 421-512 MHz UHF bands must be at 12.5 KHz or narrower.

    The good news is that most business class radios sold in the United States within the last eight to ten years are already narrowband capable or compliant. If you are currently operating on wideband, you may simply need to re-program your radios for narrowband. However, if your radios are older, they may need to be upgraded. Fortunately, Kenwood and Motorola are both offering special rebate offers on new UHF and VHF business radios that are narrowband ready. Motorola is currently offering a trade-in promotion as well, in which you can trade in your old wideband radios for newer narroband-compliant models. These promotions end December 31, 2012, so if you need to upgrade, now is the time.

    In addition to the radios themselves, business operators must also be licensed for narrowband frequencies. If you are already licensed for narrowband, you're all set. If your license covers wideband only you will need to update your license by December 31, 2012. If you need assistance, give us a call. We can help.

    For more information about the new FCC narrowband requirements there are several resources available at Buy Two Way Radios.

    The final countdown to narrowband compliance has begun - are you ready?
    The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-12 - The Migration to Narrowband
    Existing License Narrowband Update
    FCC Public Notice DA 12-12

    You can also give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or enter our live chat weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM ET.

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