When looking for the best two-way radio there are a number of brand names to check out and consider. One of the larger companies offering reliable two-way radios is Kenwood Corporation. As an authorized Kenwood two-way radio dealer, we are clearly fans of the company’s products. Perhaps Kenwood offers the right radio communication system for you and your business. Learn more about Kenwood two-radios, including who the company is and all that they have to offer.

The History Of Kenwood Corporation

Kenwood is a worldwide company that offers a large variety of technology, including car audio, home and personal audio, amateur HAM radio equipment and two-way radios. The company was originally established back in 1946, at which time it was called the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. In 1960, the brand was renamed as the “Trio Corporation.”

In 1963, just three short years after their original name change, the company expanded to the US, opening its first overseas office in Los Angeles, California. This move proved rather beneficial for the company as they continued to expand and grow partnerships within the industry.

Success in the US sparked the idea to create a more American-sounding name, which is how the brand became known as Kenwood Corporation. The name derives from two different things. First, “Ken” was chosen because it represents a name accepted in both Japan and America, plus “Kenmore Appliances” had already proved to be a successful name and they too utilized the root “Ken.” Secondly, “Wood” comes from a reference to both a durable, reliable substance and Hollywood, a famous location near the company’s first American office.

It didn’t take much time for the name Kenwood to surpass the name Trio in popularity. And so in 1986, the brand changed their name worldwide from Trio Corporation to Kenwood Corporation.

It was in 1978 that Kenwood released their first analogue two-way radio, and in 1999 they released Pro-Talk license free two-way radio. In 2008, Kenwood globally launched NXDN digital two-way radio system. Since then the brand has remained busy creating the latest in two-way radio systems, and much more.

Kenwood Two-Way Radio Options, From Simple To High Tech

Kenwood has developed a large fan base with their cutting edge two-way radios. There are many different industries that rely on this brand to successfully communicate, including construction sites and cross state fleet drivers.

The two-way radio options offered by Kenwood are varied; some include many fancy bells and whistles while others stick to the basics.

If simplicity is what you are seeking, the Kenwood PKT-23K is small, light weight and very dependable. This radio is capable of lasting 15 hours on the same charge, plus it comes with a Micro USB port perfect for all of your programing needs. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack, granting more options when it comes to using this two-way radio with compatible accessories.

If you are looking for a two-way radio that offers more high tech options, the Kenwood NX-300 UHF is a pretty big deal. This radio includes a larger screen than most comparable models, allowing you to see twice as many characters at once. The NX-300 offers a lot of programmable options for more personalization. It also comes packing a lot of internal memory, allowing this device to handle numerous channels and frequencies.

What Do People Love About Kenwood Two-Way Radios?

There are a few things about Kenwood our customers love, causing them to continually stick with this brand time and time again. According to real customers, some of the best features associated with Kenwood model radios include:

-Durability

Kenwood radios are meant to stand up to a lot of challenges, including dusty construction sites, and distracted drops. Some models even offer waterproof features that make destruction close to impossible.

-Price

Kenwood strives to keep competitive pricing as a top importance, granting customers with a great radio for a fair price.

-Comfortable To Use

Kenwood radios are made with the user in mind. When working at a job site or out driving the roads you don’t want a big, bulky radio getting in your way.  Kenwood radios are made small and lightweight with easy grip for increased comfort. Plus, there are a number of accessory attachments to make two-way radios even more accessible and easy to use.

-Long Battery Life

It’s never good if the battery on your two-way radio doesn’t hold a charge throughout the day. Kenwood battery life tends to be very good, lasting around 13-15 hours per charge.

-Compatible Models

There are many two-way radio accessory options that can make any job easier and more convenient, thus increasing productivity. Yet, not all two-way radios are compatible with the latest accessories. Most Kenwood models come with features that make them compatible with most phone cables and accessories.

Contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about your options with Kenwood two-way radios. We look forward to helping you find the best radio for your needs.

How tough is your two-way radio? Can it stand up to dirt, dust, water, and impact damage? Depending on your job site, the durability of a two-way radio may or may not be of significant importance. Still, accidents happen and it’s always nice to have a strong radio you can rely on, no matter what life throws your way.

While most cell phones break easily, with only one good drop on the ground or in water, two-way radios are built with far more attention to detail in regards to durability. Still, some two-way radios offer many awesome features but lack the sturdiness required around certain job sites.

Two-way radios are used to prevent calamities, and are often needed most during times of emergency. A radio that is not durable and built to stand up to these challenges just might let you down when you need it most. Don’t end up with a two-way radio that breaks and lets you down. Learn what makes the most durable two-way radios on the market today, as well as some super strong options worth checking out.

Is Your Two-Way Radio Tough Enough?

Two-way radios come with a variety of options and upgrades, and some are built tougher than others. If you work in an indoor environment where exposure to dust, water and impact are limited, durability is not nearly as important. On the other hand, if you work in construction, or other industries where elemental exposures can be harsh, a durable radio is of utmost importance.

When shopping around for a solid two-way radio make sure to ask about the durability features regarding a particular model before making a purchase. Knowing what features the most durable radios on the market offer can help you select a model that truly stands up to the competition. Some important features to look out for include:

–Waterproof. Some two-way radios come with water resistant technology. If water is a common factor around a job site you don’t want to risk a walk-talkie ending up soaked and unusable. With a waterproof two-way radio you can avoid this issue altogether.

–Dust resistant. Many job sites come with a fair share of dust and debris, and some include far more than others. Try as hard as you will to keep a radio free of dirt, but within due time the dirt will find a way in those cracks. If dusty conditions are a part of your industry, you need a two-way radio that isn’t going to tear up due to exposure to dust.

-Long Lasting Battery. When you think of durable you might not think of battery life, but if a two-way radio can’t hold a charge for a good amount of time it doesn’t matter how durable it is, it will eventually let you down.

-Impact resistant. A two-way radio that breaks the first time it is dropped is not going to do you any good at all. While out working on a job site it’s way too easy to become distracted and drop your radio. A durable model should be able to withstand a number of nicks and dings without breaking down.

Kenwood’s Most Durable Two-Way Radios

Kenwood offers a wide range of awesome two-way radios, some offering more durability than others. A couple of the most durable Kenwood two-radios include:

The Kenwood TK-2400

The TK-2400 is a simple but powerful radio built with a tough outer shell made to withstand some of the toughest work environments.

The Kenwood NX-300

The NX-300 is one of Kenwood’s fancier two-way radios, offering everything from superb sound quality to a large color screen. This radio is also considered one of the most durable options on the market. It is waterproof and resistant to dust and debris, making it the perfect choice for marine and construction related industries.

Motorola’s Most Durable Two-Way Radios

A couple of the most durable Motorola two-radios include:

The Motorola XPR-7550

The XPR-7550 includes the latest and greatest features offered by Motorola, including reliable durability. This walkie-talkie is made to operate something like a smartphone, with a color screen and added perks like Bluetooth and GPS tracking. You will also enjoy added battery life thanks to the technology of IMPRES.

This radio might seem fancy with data integration and a lovely outer appearance, but go ahead and drop this beauty a few times, no need to worry considering the tough design is meant to withstand plenty of wear and tear. This model is also waterproof, making it excellent for any sites where water damage is a possibility. You won’t have to worry about dust interfering with this device either, meaning the XPR-7550 is virtually perfect for every environment.

Highland Wireless is a leading authorized dealer of Kenwood and Motorola two-way radios. Contact us today to learn more about your options regarding the most durable radios on the market.

How much radio range do you need to keep in contact with friends, family, or coworkers? This question comes with a lot of different answers! Necessary range distance will vary depending on your use of two-way radios. Most likely you know someone who has purchased a two-way radio only to be disappointed by its actual range capabilities. This is a common issue that people face when comparing the advertised range to the actual range they are able to get. You don’t have to deal with this mess; here we explain how you can secure the best two-way radio range possible.

Types Of Two-Way Radios

In general, there are two types of two-way radios on the market:

Family Radio Service (FRS) includes lower-power units that can transmit via 7 FRS channels and 7 additional shared FRS/GMRS channels, granting a total of 14 different communication channels to select from.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) include higher-power radios that can operate any GMRS or FRS bands, granting you a total of 22 channels to select from.

The average radio now comes with access to all 22 FRS and GMRS channels. In order to utilize GMRS channels you need a five-year license from the Federal Communications Commission.

Range Advertised Up To 25 Miles… But Is It True?

Many basic two-way radios come with a statement on the packaging which promises “up to 25 miles” of range. Read the reviews from dissatisfied costumers and you will quickly realize how unlikely this range really is. More realistically, in 90% of all instances this range might actually be closer to 2 miles or less… a far cry from 25 miles!

How could this be, and why hasn’t someone alerted the authorities in regards to false advertisement? In optimal conditions, in which stock two-way radios are tested, they do reach ranges near 25-miles. The issue is that in the real world ‘optimal conditions’ are hardly a reality. Instead, a number of natural and unnatural factors get in the way and interfere with connectivity.

What Causes Two-Way Radio Range To Decline?

The dependability of a two-way radio relies on a couple of different factors, such as:

• The topography of a location, lots of hills, canyons, or ridgelines can interfere with reception.
• The current weather, for instance if there are thick clouds or lightening.
• Any sort of large obstruction, including a tree-bloated forest, or a man-made building.
• Surfaces made of metal, for instance range within a vehicle is usually limited.
• The human body can even impact how well radio waves are transmitted and received. You are dense and made of water, two factors that can decrease a radios ability to communicate properly.  This is why in some cases it helps to attach your radio to something not directly connected to your body.

Higher-powered radios are capable of overcoming many of the obstacles lower-powered radios cannot.

What Improves Two-Way Radio Range?

Ideal conditions for a two-way radio result in impeccable communication across vaster distances. Several locations a two-way radio will preform best in include:

• Out on the water or along a shoreline two-way radios tend to get very good reception.
• Any setting that is flat without much, if any, obstructions.
• Height improves reception with two-way radios. If you are situated on a hill several hundred feet in elevation overlooking a flat valley you will experience ideal radio range. If you move up too high in the hills though, you can start to pick up too much range. In which case you will be able to hear communication from a number of different, and rather distant radios.

How To Have The Best Radio Range Ever

The future of radio communication is changing rapidly, and we are proud to be at the forefront of these transformations. Your business can’t rely on two-way radios unless you know for a fact they can communicate across the advertised range. That’s why a Wide Area Network provides the perfect solution to reliable two-way radio communication.

Just as the name suggests, a Wide Area Network allows you to operate your radios over a vast distance, reaching as much as 300 miles. This new technology relies on a number of radio infrastructure sites that are all connected together as one. Your two-way radio system comes with its own IP network address, which is used to identify your signals as they are sent and received. The process takes a mere second, delivering flawless results despite distance, hills or other obstructions that might otherwise get in the way of radio range.

Thanks to Wide Area Network you never have to worry about two-way radio range again. Highland Wireless offers the widest two-way radio range in Florida, stretching across Miami, West Palm, Orlando, and Tampa. Contact us today to learn more about our Wide Area Network and all that it can offer you!

You can get even more out of your two-way radios with accessories like extended batteries, portable chargers, crisp speakers or a radio headset. When it comes to finding the best headset for your radio setup where do you begin? Take a look online and you will see that there are countless headset options, ranging in price from as little as $18 to as much as $1,000+. In this blog we provide answers about some of the best headsets for two-way radios, plus how to determine if you really need a radio headset in the first place.

Do You Need A Two-Way Radio Headset?

Perhaps the most important question to consider is if you need a headset for two-radios or not. Here are a couple of determining factors to help you decide:

• Hold a meeting with staff to discuss the option of having a headset. Lead an open-ended discussion in order to find out if they think this accessory would improve functionality and comfort throughout their workday.
• Take into consideration the everyday tasks a team is assigned. For instance if employees are constantly on the move, a headset may help by allowing for hands-free communication.
• How much time do team members spend communicating via radio? If the answer is a considerable amount of time, a headset can save time and effort when it comes to communication.
• Do you need added privacy? A headset helps keep conversations more discreet, as others in the vicinity will not be able to hear what is being said over the other radio. This may or may not be beneficial to your business.
• Is the job field noisy? A headset can help reduce background noise so that both parties are better able to hear one another.

The Latest And Greatest Headsets For Two-Way Radios

Some two-way radio headsets operate as a microphone, while others work more traditionally by hooking over the ears. Some headsets are flimsy and lightweight, while others are substantial and heavy-duty. The right type of headset for your business will vary depending on your industry and the day-to-day work employees are assigned.

The type of two-way radio you are looking to connect with will also alter the right headset for the job, as some two-radios come equipped with Bluetooth and others require additional cords to connect via headset.

The Motorola PMLN5275A Heavy Duty Headset

This headset by Motorola is compatible with Motorola XPR and Motorola APX series radios, and requires a radio programed for VOX operation. This heavy-duty headset comes with a price point just under $500, and offers Boom Microphone and a noise reduction rating of 24 dB. The talk button is conveniently located on the side of the earpiece. This is a great headset for long shifts, as it comes padded with liquid and foam for extra protection and comfort.

Two-Wire Surveillance Mic For Motorola

Ranging on average around $30, this two-way radio headset is a more affordable option that offers compatibility to the CP200, as well as a number of other Motorola two-way radios. This comfortable two-wire kit is made to withstand a lot of use, plus the microphone comes with a clip for hands-free easy access.

This is a simple accessory with minimal materials, which many job sites prefer. The cords are not irritating and can run underneath clothing for invisible convenience. Overall this headset gets good reviews, but some people cite discomfort while wearing them all day long. Still, for the price this headset offers a lot of awesome features including good sound quality.

Two-Wire Surveillance Earpiece Mic For Kenwood Radio Models

This headset is compatible with the latest TK Kenwood radios, receives great customer reviews, and offers a very affordable price point. For around $30 you can pick up this headset that both transmits and receives messages. Despite its affordable price this headset is made to be worn over long periods of time and is constructed of soft materials that don’t irritate the skin.

The sturdy construction of this lightweight headset (as seen here) makes it appropriate for even the harshest work environments. Even in the loudest locations this headset works great to convey messages without interference.

Kenwood Radio Multi Pin Earpiece

This headset is sold for around $40 and is compatible with all Kenwood radios that have a multi pin plug. This model relies on slim cords, and the microphone can be attached to a shirt, sleeve, or practically anywhere else for easy access. This two-wire earphone kit is durable and discrete, which is why many security personnel use it as their go-to headset. Plus, the earpiece is great for loud site locations thanks to the superb sound quality.

Highland Wireless offers expert advice, superior service, and top-notch products for all of your two-way radio needs.

If one of your radio systems start giving you problems it can be a total pain and hold up communication. Thankfully, there are a number of simple solutions for many radio problems you might be currently experiencing.

Managers often make a service call or purchase an entirely new radio, when there is a far more cost effective option. Before investing money sending radios off for repairs or ordering new batteries, there are a few simple solutions you can try out on your own. In this blog we detail the most common problems associated with two-way radios and how to address and fix them.

Issue #1: Radio Appears Unable To Hold A Charge, Even After Charging

If a radio isn’t working or holding a charge the issue might be incredibly simple to address. Rapid chargers take about one hour to fully charge, and overnight chargers take 12 hours to fully charge. Yet, if the radio is not properly situated into the charger it is not going to charge no matter how long it sits there.

You might be surprised how many people assume a radio isn’t working, when the real issue has to do with the radio being incorrectly placed in the charger. This problem is so common because many overnight chargers do not indicate when they are charging or done charging.

Have a fresh pair of eyes take a look at the current charging situation before sending your radios in for repair; you just might find the solution is simpler than you think.

Issue #2: New radios or replacement batteries are not working properly

If you get new batteries or a new radio, you must charge them for a solid 12 hours. By doing this you ensure superior performance and the longest radio life possible. Even if you have a rapid charger, one-hour of charging time is not enough for brand new equipment.

Issue #3: Radio battery is going out after only a few hours of use

This problem is incredibly common, and often has to do with a device that has not been properly or fully charged. When you charge radios, make sure that they are turned off. If you leave the radio on while it is charging, chances are it will not charge.

Charging a radio while it is on also destroys the battery so that it requires replacement much sooner. It is very common for office workers to leave their radios on the charger all day while they work, but the charger is not a stand, and should only be used to charge radios that are turned off and not in use.

Issue #4: Radio will not stop beeping

No one wants to hear a continuous beeping sound, not only is it irritating but it’s highly inefficient. There are a few reasons your radio might be beeping. One reason is a charging issue, be sure that the radio is being properly placed in the charger and receiving a full charge. In some cases the battery might need to be replaced, signs that your radio requires new batteries include:

-The charger light blinks for 5+ minutes after the radio is placed on the charger.

-After only a few minutes of charging a dead battery, the light turns green indicating the radio is fully charged.

If the radio only beeps when it is tuned into a specific channel, this is not an indicator that anything is wrong with the actual radio. Instead, it simply signifies that the radio needs a frequency plugged into this channel.

Issue #5: Headset, speaker, or other accessory is not working with the radio

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with radio accessories the first thing to do is try out the same accessories on a different radio. If the accessory works, try once again to use it with the faulty radio, and make sure the accessories are fully plugged in. If the accessory continues to malfunction this is an indicator that the accessory jack on the radio is not working and needs to be sent in for repairs. If the audio accessory doesn’t work on any radios, you know that your issue has to do with the accessory and not the radios.

Issue #6: Your radios are acting up but you’re unsure which radio is causing the problem

Depending on how many radios you have in your fleet this can be a tricky problem that causes a lot of annoyance. Thankfully, there is a simple way to identify the radio culprit. You will need to run a basic transmit and receive test on each radio within your system to pinpoint the faulty radio.

Issue #7: A radio is not working but you are unsure if it has to do with the battery or the radio

Before assuming a battery or radio needs to be replaced, it’s best to find out which is actually causing the issue, the radio or the battery. Switch the battery from the malfunctioning radio into another radio and see if the problem is fixed or remains. If the battery works in a different radio, you know the issue has to do with the radio. If the battery does not work in a different radio, you know the battery needs to be replaced.    (read more)

Highland Wireless provides fast, reliable technical services for all of your two-way radio needs. Contact us today for the help you need to get back on track communicating.