Features

With the recent technological advances in portable media, it’s no surprise that portable radios have
also seen a lot of change in recent years.

While you can still find the old analog tuning radios if you look for them, most new portable radios
feature digital displays and digital tuning. However, not all radios handle this new technology in
the same way.

For instance, some radios will have a digital clock. Some will have a backlight that’s always on,
and some will have a backlight that only stays on for a few seconds after you interact with the
radio. Many radios feature auto-shutoff features, whereby you can program the radio to turn off
after a certain amount of time.

Unlike analog radios, digital radios allow you to define presets. While the number of presets varies
by radio, most will allow between 10-25 presets across both AM and FM bands.

Determining which features are most important to you is an important first step to identifying which
radio would make the best purchase.

Size

Do you want a radio for a table in your house? To take on the bus? Or to strap to your arm while you
work out at the gym? Different sizes of radios come with different feature sets. Identifying where
you want to use the radio (and what size will work for that purpose) is almost as important as
deciding which radio to buy.

Style

As with all electronics, portable radios come in a wide variety of styles, from the smooth and tiny
to the ugly and bulky. As always, style comes with a price, and that price doesn’t always guarantee
a functional device.

Sound

Some radios get better reception than others, but there are a couple things to keep in mind:

1. No matter how good your radio, if you’re working in the basement of Fort Knox, you aren’t going
to get a signal.

2. The quality of the sound depends largely on your headphones. Most portable radios will come with
a set of earbuds, but they are generally low-quality and should be replaced with a nice set of
headphones. It’s also worth noting that many portable radios use the headphones as the antenna.

Power Source

Most portable radios use alkaline batteries, but the type and quantity will depend on the size of
the radio. Generally speaking, portable radios are simple electronics, and tend to get exceptional
battery life. Some even come with AC adapters and rechargeable batteries like you would expect to
see in a cell phone.

Convergence

As more and more mobile devices hit the market, we’re starting to see FM receivers built into other
devices, such as MP3 players and cell phones. Nobody wants to carry around more electronics than
they need to, so if FM radio is your thing, it might be worth checking out a converged device.

Radio Portable.

Kevin Spence writes portable radio reviews for Radio Portable.

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Radio receives transmission of signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves from satellites.
Officially it was invented by Marconi. Since its invention it became very popular and very soon it
became a household thing. Radio brings you many programmes of news, music, stories and acting. It
offers you many stations and many of them are in local languages which people prefer to listen to.

Old radio was big in size and with continuous modifications its size got reduced and now pocket
radios are also available. Radio has still its use in rural areas and those areas which are far from
other networks of communication. Internet is expanding its horizon since its inception and now
become a great source of entertainment and communication. Internet provides many services like
chatting, emails, games and videos etc. It has covered many services which were earlier provided by
other units. Now we can call by using our PC which were earlier done on phones.

Similarly, it has covered services of radio. Now many websites has come up which provides you access
to thousands of online radio stations . Some websites provide you free live radio facility where as
on others you have to become a member of the site by paying some fees to the website. These websites
may provide you a software to download by which you can access to thousands of radio channels. These
channels are divided into categories to make your search option easy and you can listen to your
favorite programme by choosing a program from any of these categories. These categories are music,
news, acting, sports, cricket, science etc.

There are also programmes available in different languages. Satellite signal received by radios are
often obstructed by tall towers and trees which effects audio quality of radio. Some times voice
cracks, sound is not clear and audible. Live radio is free of all such shortcomings. As the signals
are digital in nature its audio quality is far superior to that of radio.

With the availability of free live radio, one can easily find time to tune in to radio and listen
online radio stations while doing some other work on computer.

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A two way radio is one that can both receive and transmit on a variety of FCC-approved frequencies.
These are more commonly known as walkie-talkies. A number of factors come into play when it comes
time to choose the frequency you will be using. Besides the FCC regulations, you must also take the
terrain and other users in the area into account. Such factors can affect the quality of the signal.
People choose to use walkie-talkies rather than cell phones or terrestrial lines for a number of
reasons. One of the most often touted is that these radios will work in environments where cell
phones are inoperable.

The ease of operation makes them favorites for people in a variety of professions. Many people use a
two way radio in the workplace, including construction workers, landscapers, security professionals,
and firefighters. They are a great and convenient way to communicate. All it takes is a simple push
of a button and you can talk to your colleagues.

With a two way radio, you can speak with multiple people at once, making it easier to give and
receive information. Some of these radios even have a feature that allows you to speak with a single
person if the information exchanged is private. If you are thinking of purchasing some of these
radios and want to learn more about your options, you can visit 49erCommunications.com. The customer
service professionals at this site are knowledgeable and friendly, and can give you all the
information you need.

49er Communications sells a quality two way radio. To buy this, visit
http://www.49ercommunications.com.

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Cell phones are big–almost everybody has one–but two-way radios remain popular for work and play.
Walkie-talkies are part of every smart outdoorsman’s camping kit and radios continue to be valuable
on jobsites and other places, especially when you need to talk to several people at once.

“Breaker one-nine, good buddy, old Smokey’s got his eyes open, so keep it at the double nickel near
milepost 215!”

Those old enough to remember the CB-radio craze of the late ’70s might also remember their colorful
broadcast lingo. For most people, 2-way radios are more than just the way for truckers on Citizens’
Band channel 19 to avoid highway patrolmen using radar guns to catch speeders. To get the right
radio for your situation, you’ll need to know a few important terms:

FCC: Federal Communications Commission–the federal agency that oversees public airwaves. The FCC
licenses users, sets rules for use and fines for misuse and abuse of all radio communications.

Pirates: Those who put illegal radio traffic on the air; the FCC won’t hang you from the highest
yardarm, but if they notice you running without a license when you need one, you will notice the
fines.

VHF: Very High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 30MHz to 300MHz. Range is approximately
line-of-sight, meaning if the transmitter can see the receiver, the receiver can hear the
transmitter. In relatively open ground like suburbs, VHF has better range than UHF. Among common VHF
uses are FM radio and television stations 2-13.

UHF: Ultra High Frequency radio waves–those operating at 300MHz to 3GHz. UHF frequencies operate
well with very small antennae and pass through buildings better than VHF, making these superior for
city use. Low-power UHF transmits very short ranges so many UHF devices (cordless phones, baby
monitors, Wi-Fi Internet, etc.) can be used in proximity without annoying each other. Some
television stations still broadcast in the UHF range.

Citizens Band (CB) operates at 27MHz (below the VHF band). Set aside for public use in the 1950s, it
reached its height in the 1970s. Range is limited by law to 5 miles. Other two-way radio
technologies are giving CB serious competition, but CB is still an inexpensive, easy, fun-to-use
option, especially when “driving the boulevard” (the interstate highways).

Family Radio Service (FRS) operates at 462-467MHz. Created in 1996 as a UHF alternative to CB; these
2-way radios are limited to 14 channels and 0.5Watts power. No FCC license is required because FRS
was designed for private, short-distance, personal communications. It’s great for casual use around
the neighborhood or a public venue.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) also operates at 462-467MHz. Created in the 1960s as “Class A
Citizens Radio,” anyone over 18 may apply for a license, which also covers immediate relatives and
must be renewed every five years. GMRS uses 15 channels (7 of which they share with FRS) and are
limited to 50Watts power. The walkie-talkies themselves are superior to CB or FRS because the FCC
sets higher technical standards for them. New combination 2-way radios are available featuring all
FRS and GMRS frequencies. Also designed for casual, private use, these radios are for the serious
hobbyist.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) operates at 151-154MHz. Created in 2000 as a VHF citizens band
(license-free) band for personal or short-range business use, MURS 2-way radios have five channels
and are limited to 2Watts. MURS advantage is the lack of limits on external antennae for handhelds.
This means, for example, you can attach a good-sized antenna to your car, plug your handheld into
that antenna and get greater vehicle-to-vehicle range with MURS over FRS.

Additionally, the Industrial/Business Radio Pool (IBRP) includes several groups of channels
operating at various frequencies in VHF and UHF bands. It was designated in 1995 for business
operations–dispatching, coordinating equipment, etc. Since many varied frequencies are available,
IBRP licensees must purchase sets of radios on matching frequencies.

Digital two-way radio (DTR) is a new business radio idea that’s catching on fast. DTR walkie-talkies
operate at 2.4GHz and do not require a license. Being digital, these UHF communicators offer
enhanced privacy, greater range, longer battery life and higher audio quality. They will,
undoubtedly, soon work their way into the private use market.

How to buy a two-way radio:

Two-way radios come in three basic types: Base stations are two-way radios that sit on the table or
desk; plug into the wall and operate through a tower antenna. Mobile stations are radios mounted in
a vehicle–they may be designed specifically for vehicle use or for both home and auto. Handhelds
is the proper term for self-contained, battery-operated radio units commonly called walkie-talkies.

Before considering which 2-way to buy, consider how you will use it. Will it be used occasionally
around the neighborhood, campground or mall? Will it be used every day to keep the office in touch
with the jobsite? Will it be used on the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains? How far apart will
users usually be?

The half-watt FRS two-way radios are the least expensive and have the shortest range. Within these
limits, they are very good radios. MURS-type radios have greater power and range than FRS. A GMRS
radio is the best choice for areas with more interference problems (cities, hills, forests) or for
those who need to talk over longer ranges. If you can afford the hardware and you can get the
license, DTR is the best technology available.

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in walkie-talkies, mobiles or base stations. To use
GMRS or DTR channels, you need the same type of radio that police and fire departments, road crews
and commercial businesses use. This means you’re buying professional grade electronics, higher in
price than what you find in the local hobby shop, but better gear overall.

Obviously, two-way radios with more power have greater range. They also use more energy, so
batteries run dry faster (not a consideration with base stations, of course). If you use
walkie-talkies frequently, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.

Solid state electronics means breaking your radio is a much smaller problem than the vacuum tube
days. Still, don’t drop your radio–especially into the water, as water and electricity don’t mix
nicely. Unless your walkie-talkie is designed and built for rough weather or maritime use, keep it
dry. Turn it off when not in use. Clean it with a dry cloth or canned air after use. Store it out of
direct sunlight. Buy a protective case in leather, nylon or plastic. Handhelds, especially, will
wear out but, if you use common sense, you and your two-way will have years of fun together.

If you’re looking for a tough walkie-talkie that’ll stand up to hard use, look for “mil spec radio”
in the description. These radios meet Defense Logistics Agency guidelines to withstand the rough and
tumble things soldiers deal with regularly. If you might use your radio around flammables, Factory
Mutual Global has set the “intrinsically safe” standard for the industry; two-way radios meeting
this criterium do not produce sparks.

Why choose a radio instead of a cell phone?

Several reasons: Good 2-way radios will reach into cell phone dead spots, especially in the great
outdoors. Walkie talkies allow you to talk to everyone at once. Two-way radios usually have much
better warranties (1-2 years vs. 90 days). Many new radio models have telephone interconnect,
selective calling and caller ID technology, just like cell phones. Walkie talkies don’t require a
monthly fee; buy the radio and the license (if required) and you are good to go. A walkie talkie
will often continue working when cell or landline service is interrupted by disaster. Cell phones
have not entirely replaced radios, and never will–in their particular spheres, each is a great
communications tool.

For more information:

The Personal Radio Steering Group (http:www.provide.net/~prsg/home.htm) is a volunteer advocacy
group for citizens’ radio users and a great place to find the latest info on rules changes and other
matters.

Phoenix Roberts has been a journalist, freelance writer and desktop publisher for over 10 years.
Presently, he is an SEO Content Writer for Internet discount retailer Overstock.com
http://www.overstock.com (C)2008 Overstock.com–All Rights Reserved

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There is a little show on Animal Planet called “I Shouldn’t Be Alive.” For those unfamiliar with the
program, each episode is an hour-long reenactment of life-or-death situations in which people have
found themselves.

One episode was about five people who decided to take a boat out on the Atlantic. They encountered a
bad storm that forced them to abandon ship. The only thing they managed to hold onto was a flimsy
inflatable life raft which only served to keep them out of the water. In the end, only two of the
original five survived after five days of floating in the shark-infested waters with no food or
drink. An emergency radio would not have done much to quench their thirst or relieve their hunger,
but having one could have possibly made their trip at sea shorter. Many emergency crank radios have
built-in flashlights and some are even waterproof (an added benefit if you are surrounded by water.
Depending on which model you buy, there are other features available to you: Some are equipped with
flashing emergency beacons which could have helped the aforementioned adventurers attract help.

More than likely, none of us will ever experience anything as extreme as the scenario I presented,
but it never hurts to be prepared in case of emergency. If there ever is a power outage due to some
kind of storm or national disaster, an emergency crank radio would allow you to stay connected and
informed. As the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

For Features of Emergency Crank Radios Go Here

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There are two major formats for two-way radios. They are Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio and Very
High Frequency (VHF) radio. Neither frequency band is inherently better than the other. They each
have their pluses and minuses. Both formats are effective ways to communicate with another person.
But how do you decide which one will fit your needs? Let’s go over the key components of both
frequencies to help you decide.

UHF Radio

UHF equipment operates between the frequencies of 300 MHz and 3000 MHz. Until recently, it wasn’t
widely used. Now, the UHF radio frequency is used for GPS, Bluetooth, cordless phones, and WiFi.

There are more available channels with UHF so in more populated areas UHF may be less likely to have
interference from other systems. If you are in an area where population is thin, VHF should work
fine for you. Not too long ago the FCC also opened up a new VHF frequency called MURS that is so far
not heavily used in most areas. There’s more about MURS below in the VHF section. If you are in an
area where interference from other radios may be an issue, UHF transmitters and receivers could be
your best choice unless you use a MURS VHF radio. UHF is better at penetrating physical barriers
like walls, buildings, and rugged landscape. Anything that obstructs a radio wave, will weaken a
radio signal. UHF lessens that effect. Though it may not travel as far, UHF radio waves will
penetrate obstacles better than VHF.

To highlight the differences in indoor range, below is an excerpt from a brochure of a leading
two-way radio maker on the predicted range of one of their lines of handheld VHF and UHF two-way
radios:

“Coverage estimates: At full power, line-of-sight, no obstructions the range is approximately 4+
miles. Indoor coverage at VHF is approximately 270,000 sq ft and 300,000 sq ft at UHF. Expect about
20 floors vertical coverage at VHF and up to 30 floors at UHF. Note: Range and coverage are
estimates and are not guaranteed.”

VHF waves are not very good at penetrating walls, buildings and rugged landscape. Therefore range
will be significantly reduced for VHF radios in these environments. That may not necessarily be a
problem if the range needed is only a few hundred feet. You can also add an external antenna to an
indoor VHF base station that will reduce or eliminate this problem.

One of the downsides to UHF is that the FCC requires you to get a license to operate in these
frequencies. Although many frequencies in the VHF business band also require a license. If you
choose a radio in the VHF MURS frequencies you can operate it without a license. UHF equipment is
usually more expensive. The components need to be finely tuned and are more expensive to construct.
This does not mean it’s necessarily better, just more expensive.

One advantage of UHF transmission is the physically short wave that is produced by the high
frequency. That means the antenna on the radio can be shorter than an equivalent VHF radio.

VHF Radio

VHF equipment operates between the frequencies of 30 MHz and 300 MHz. FM radio, two-way radios, and
television broadcasts operate in this range.

Both UHF and VHF radios are prone to line of sight factors, but VHF a little more so. The waves make
it through trees and rugged landscapes, but not as well as UHF frequencies do. However, if a VHF
wave and a UHF wave were transmitted over an area without barriers, the VHF wave would travel almost
twice as far. This makes VHF easier to broadcast over a long range. If you are working mostly
outdoors, a VHF radio is probably the best choice, especially if you are using a base station radio
indoors and you add the external antenna.

Since VHF has been around longer and isn’t as complicated to make, equipment is usually cheaper when
compared to similar UHF equipment. One disadvantage to this equipment can be its size. Since the
frequency waves are bigger, an antenna must be bigger.

VHF radios also have a smaller number of available frequencies. Interference with other radios could
be more likely to be a problem. However, the FCC recently made this less of a problem when they
opened up the MURS frequencies. The 150 MHz frequency is a Citizens Band radio spectrum that is
called the MURS service. MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service. This service is for use in the
United States and Canada. It is a low power, short range service in the VHF 150 MHz Citizens Band
radio spectrum. There are 5 channels in the MURS frequencies with 38 privacy codes under each one
that enable you to only pick up conversations on your code. The FCC does not require users of
products for MURS to be licensed.

With MURS you can add a larger or external antenna to improve range. If you want to put an antenna
on top of your house or business, you can do it with MURS. Some antenna manufacturers claim an
external antenna can increase the effective radiated power of a transmitter by a factor of 4. These
MURS intercoms can transmit up to four miles, and perhaps more with an external antenna depending on
the terrain.

One benefit of VHF wireless radios is that battery life is almost always better than for similar UHF
units. For handheld radios this is a plus.

VHF equipment is usually lower cost for those on a budget. Equipment can be more economical than
similar UHF products.

In summary, if you are planning on using your two-way radios mainly inside buildings, then UHF is
likely the best solution for you. If you are mainly using your two-way radios for communication
outside, then VHF would be a good choice. Either radio technology can work for you if you don’t
really have a long range to cover. In that case you may want to choose VHF for it’s lower cost.

David Onslow is the marketing director at IntercomsOnline.com, which specializes in selling two-way
radio and intercom systems for business use. Go to http://www.IntercomsOnline.com to see VHF and UHF
two-way radios and intercoms.

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