Do you currently work within the agriculture sector and need the use of two-way radios?
You might currently be using your mobile phones to communicate but struggle to receive a constant signal. Ditch the mobile phones! Two-Way Radios are the most cost-effective alternative for you to use.
Due to the vast amount of two-way radios on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for you. Whether you work in direct line of sight to your colleagues or need to communicate across multiple buildings, we understand it is important to communicate with your colleagues wherever you are.
There are various radio systems available including analogue and digital and UHF/VHF. You may find other features may be required within your system. You may want dust/waterproof radios, a longer battery life or a rugged built.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we have put together this guide to help you decide on the best solution.
Covering a Small Area?
We understand that some customers may require radios for a smaller environment. For smaller farms where you are working within direct line of site or an open area, Licence Free radios may be more than enough.
In cases like this, we would suggest the use of a business radio like the Motorola XT420 / XT460 range, the Kenwood TK3501T or the Icom F29SR.
Licence Free radios typically reach around 0.5 miles in range, so if you believe this will be enough for you, get in touch! We are happy to discuss any and all requirements to help you achieve your goals.
Covering a Large Area?
When there is a large area to cover, the use of Licenced two-way radios are highly recommended due to the higher output. Although they require the use of an Ofcom Licence, they offer next to no interference from users outside of your company. Just like Licence Free radios, Licenced radios work best within an open area or direct line of site, offering 1 – 2 miles in range.
As the radios will more than likely be used outdoors, we would suggest a rugged waterproof or weatherproof unit that can withstand any weather.
Should you buy or hire?
You may be at that point where you understand two-way radios are for you, but you are not sure if buying or hiring is the best step to take.
• Purchasing equipment will mean it is yours to keep and you avoid any monthly fees, but it also means you are responsible for any repairs or replacements you may require further down the line.
• Long Term Radio Hire, or Revenue Hire, is the perfect solution for those requiring the use of radios daily but are not in the position to pay the amount of money required to purchase and maintain a full working system.
During the term of a long-term hire agreement if you find you have faulty equipment, all you need to do it contact us to arrange a replacement unit or accessory. This also includes any replacement chargers and / or batteries that may become faulty during the hire.
Accessories
If you are required to use the radios in an environment where you may not be able to hold the radio in your hand, you might find the use of VOX (Voice Activated) highly beneficial. We would suggest this if you are operating machinery or if you’re in a situation where the use of both hands isn’t possible.
When operating a radio with VOX capabilities, the microphone will always be active. Once it picks up your voice it will start and end your transmission automatically – eliminating the use of a PTT button.
Most radios allow the use of earpieces. If you are going to be in a noisy environment, this is something we would suggest you use so you don’t miss out on any important transmissions from colleagues.
Recommended Radio Features
Staff members may find themselves in certain situations that require them to have immediate access to their colleagues. This could be if they are injured or working alone and require assistance at any point.
Companies may wish to implement the below features into their radio system to fully guarantee the safety of all staff members. These features can allow you to create a much safer working environment, allowing you to protect not only your staff, but also the future of the business.
Below are popular features currently being used by a lot of businesses in the same field:
Lone Worker
Staff may be working alone in situations where they are often at risk from work-related accidents, illness, or injury. It is often vital that you can monitor the safety of all vulnerable employees during their shift.
The lone worker feature will require the user to press their PTT button at pre-determined intervals. If the user does not check in at the expected time, they will be reminded by an audio warning on their radio.
If they still don’t acknowledge this, an emergency alarm will alert their colleagues. They can be alerted with a pre-recorded voice message, text, or tone.
Man Down
Monitoring the safety of individuals that work in hazardous environments might be your top concern. The man down feature will automatically dispatch emergency alarms when lone workers are injured. The radios can initiate an alarm sequence when they sense an abnormal vertical tilt, or lack of motion for a long period of time.
Man down alarms can be programmed to alert certain individuals or groups in the form of a pre-recorded voice message, text, or tone
Panic Button
If at any point a staff member feels vulnerable or threatened, they can simply press the emergency panic button on their radio. This will allow the user to quickly call for help, by allowing the radio to release a text message or audible tone to their colleagues.
Panic Button alarms are capable of operating reliably around large outdoor sites, which might help put staff members at ease if working alone.
If you would like more information on anything discussed above, our friendly staff are on hand to discuss anything which will help you decide on your perfect solution.