RFUnderstanding Handheld Two-Way Radio Headsets and Accessories
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This page covers the basics of handheld two-way radio headsets, along with information about two-way radio accessories and batteries. As we know, any wireless system consists of two key components: a transmitter and a receiver. Any radio device will incorporate both of these parts into a single unit. The transmitter of one radio unit sends the signal to the receiver of the other, and vice versa, enabling two-way communication.
Two-way radios are also composed of a transmitter and a receiver. As shown in the figure, to receive calls, the user needs to release the PTT (Push to Talk) button. To transmit or talk, the user needs to press the PTT button. Two-way radios are used in a variety of applications such as public safety, security, transportation, oil and gas, real estate, hospitals, manufacturing, and government offices.
They are commonly used by public safety organizations like fire brigades, police, ambulances, and military professionals.
Figure-1 below depicts the front panel of a two-way radio, highlighting the functionalities of different buttons.
One two-way radio device can “talk” directly to other radio devices without needing a complex network infrastructure. However, two-way radios have a limited coverage range due to the attenuation of the transmitted radio power. To extend the range, radio network infrastructure is employed.
Two-Way Radio Frequency of Operation
Analog radio technologies include APCO-16, LTR, and MPT-1327. Digital radio technologies include APCO-25, DMR, EDACS, iDEN, OpenSky, TETRA, and TETRAPOL. Both analog and digital two-way radio technologies utilize TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) as access schemes to share frequency and time resources among multiple terminals. Refer to FDMA vs TDMA for more information.
Two-way radios operate in VHF (Very High Frequency), UHF (Ultra High Frequency), 800 MHz, and 900 MHz frequency bands. The following table outlines the frequency bands used in different types of radio terminals.
| Two way radio terminal type | Frequency band |
|---|---|
| Analog (APCO-16 terminal), Digital (APCO-25) | • 136 to 175 MHz (VHF) • 403 to 512 MHz (UHF) • 800 MHz band |
| Analog, LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) | • UHF Band • 800 MHz Band • 900 MHz Band |
| Digital, TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) | • 380 to 400 MHz • 410 to 430 MHz • 800 MHz Band |
| DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) | 446/VHF/UHF |
Two-Way Radio Headsets, Accessories, Batteries
Two-way radio headsets come with a variety of accessories. The following table lists common two-way radio accessories.
| Audio Accessories | Carry Accessories | Chargers | two-way radio Batteries | Replacement Parts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earpiece with In-line PTT Microphone | Swivel Belt Holster | Multi-Unit Charger | Packaged Battery | Battery Cover |
| Earpiece with Boom Microphone | Leather Carry Case | Normal charger | AAA Battery Tray Kit | |
| Earpiece with Microphone | ||||
| Headset with Swivel Boom Microphone | ||||
| Earbud with PTT Microphone | ||||
| Remote Speaker Microphone |
Two-Way Radio Vendors
Following are some of the manufacturers/vendors of two-way radios:
- Motorola
- GLOBAL TELE COMMUNICATION (https://www.globaltelecomm.in/)
- MANASREKHA ENTERPRISES (https://www.manasrekhawirelessradio.com/)
- Gvtel Communication System (https://www.walkietalkieindia.in)
- Galaxy Telecommunication, INDIA
- Arora Group & Wireless Personal Communication, INDIA
- Guang Yuan Electronic Co. Ltd, CHINA
- Fujian Nanan Baofeng Electronic Co. Ltd, CHINA
