the past ten years have presented some drastic changes within the 2-way industry. the advancement of digital radio portfolios have given additional value to radio users in commercial and industrial organizations. these integrated solutions and applications for voice and data while increasing capacity and providing digital clarity.
Two-way radios have come with bright visible emergency buttons for a while, but recent advancements in digital radio technology have allowed for a much more robust set of options when confronting an emergency at the workplace.
Some types of the of emergency calls that can be made using today’s radios systems contain a combination of:
These can be sent to individuals (like a dispatcher at a desk), to groups of people, or to all members on the radio system. With all these options, these calls can be customized to each organizations preference and protocol on how to handle an emergency.
The additional talk paths presented by some digital radio technologies allow for role-based transmission interruptions. This can be a life-saving feature for a supervisor directing his staff away from a dangerous area or chief that needs to lead his crew towards a rescue effort.
Earpieces in general make it safer to transmit sensitive information, but wireless accessories such as Bluetooth and other wireless adapters can make it safer and more comfortable since users don’t have to deal with wires which can get caught and tangled in objects.
The continued enhancements in Bluetooth technology in the past few years have included the creation of some push-to-talk (PTT) protocols. The compatibility of headsets and two-way radio Bluetooth PTT protocols varies by manufacturer, but there are other options for those that prefer (or are required by law) to have a hands-free transmission. For these radio users, features like VOX (voice activated communication), or accessories like a Foot PTT switch, or Throat Microphone can allow them to talk with other radio users while keeping their hands on their equipment or steering wheel.
Another promising safety movement is the audible annunciation of channels, text, and other alerts such as battery status. This prevents the user from glancing down to grab the radio and looking at the display and possibly being distracted while working.
Years ago, it was difficult to easily use a radio with personal protective equipment (PPE). Now, radio accessories are becoming increasingly compatible with various styles of PPE accessories and at times have even been merged into a PPE / two-way radio accessory.
Many audio accessories are compatible with the different styles of helmets used by those in forestry, firefighting, mining, drilling, construction, and other heavy equipment industries where both hard hats and radio communication are required.
Tracking advancements use GPS and other positioning systems to send location information throughout the system. This assists dispatchers sending vehicles on routes, but also in creating geofences. These geofences are boundaries that send out customized alerts to dispatchers or supervisors once a radio has left or entered the outlined location on the map. The radio user can then be contacted to see what the situation is and why they are leaving their location.
We have discussed at length in previous posts the dangers of not using hearing protection while working in high-noise environments, but what happens when you need to communicate to one of the members of your production line standing right in front of you? Many people would just take off their hearing protection for the duration of that conversation.
We offer a wide range of 2 way radios.