All it took was a spark on a receiving antenna to change communication forever.
In 1886, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz became the first person to discover wireless radio waves. Radios have since evolved to facilitate two way transmission. Two way radios are indispensable to many commercial sectors seeking effective communication.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What is a two way radio?”, keep reading this guide to learn more.
What Is a Two Way Radio?
A two way radio, like the name suggests, allows for the transmission of audio signals between two devices.
These audio signals are sent from an initial device, transformed into radio waves, and passed through the air to the receiving device. The receiver then converts the radio waves back into audio.
As long as both devices are on the same frequency, they will be able to interpret the information being transmitted.
Two way radio frequencies operate between 30 and 1000 MHz (megahertz), and there are two major categories of radio frequencies.
Very high frequency (VHF) is the frequency range from 30 to 300 MHz. These wavelengths are longer and can cover larger distances as long as they are not obstructed. VHF is best used when transmitting outside and away from buildings.
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) includes a range of 300 to 1000 MHz. This frequency range produces shorter radio wavelengths that make communicating through buildings easy.
How Does a Two Way Radio Work?
Two way radios send information via a transmitter and receiver. Both devices have an antennae to send and interpret radio waves.
The transmitter tunes in to a particular frequency, or “channel”, and then sends out a message.
This message is passed on radio waves through an antennae. The receiver then interprets the message as an audio signal through a loudspeaker.
Simple components allow for immediate transmission of messages, which is why two way radios are often used in important commercial settings like hospitals and security management.
Any issues with these components can result in delayed communication, which is why two way radio repair is essential for maintaining effective radio equipment.
There are two main categories of radio communication.
Push-to-talk (PTT) is a common communication format in two way radio. This involves pushing a button to transmit information through radio waves.
An alternative to this is voice-operated transmission (VOX), which switches on the transmitter as soon as it detects spoken sound through the microphone.
The Benefits of Two-Way Radios
What is a two way radio? At its core, two way radio transmission is an effective way for two devices to send and receive messages over radio waves.
Two way radios are made up of simple components that make it easy to relay important messages across distance, and different frequency ranges make two way transmission possible in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The lasting popularity of two way radios comes down to their simplicity and ease of use for transmitting information quickly.
If you found this two way radio guide helpful, be sure to browse our blog for more high-quality technology articles.
