Analog vs Digital Radios

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Analog vs Digital Radios

Analog vs Digital RadiosIn the two-way radio world, there are two types of radios you can buy: analog and digital. Even though most would think that like cell phones, digital is the way to go, both have their pros and cons. What to buy depends on a number of different factors. Before you can decide which radio fits into your lifestyle or work place, let’s see what makes them different.

Analog radios use FM (frequency modulation) waves. These waves produce clear voice transmissions, but cannot filter out other noise around the sender. They are also not able to transmit signals past a few miles.

Analog radios are relatively inexpensive when compared to digital radios. They are far less complex and easy to use.

Analog radios have been in existence since the early 1900s and have therefore exhausted their advancement abilities.

There is no privacy on an analog radio as there is on a digital radio. A conversation can be heard by anyone else tuned into that station.

Digital radios are a bit more expensive than analog, but have far more capabilities, such as:

  • Voice filtering
  • Direct and group calling
  • Text messaging
  • Farther signal transmissions
  • Call privacy
  • TDMA protocol increases band usage, reliability and battery life

There are two kinds of digital radios, TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and FDMA (frequency-division multiple access). A TDMA radio uses the full 12.5 kHz channel and splits it into two time slots, using 6.25 kHz each. By splitting the band, more users can transmit on one channel, sending and receiving messages in succession based on time. TDMA radios have a higher battery life than FDMA, have reduced interference and many more voice and data channel options than FDMA radios.

FDMA radios, which are fewer in number than TDMA, use the frequency band by splitting it into narrow sub channels. It does not use the full 12.5 kHz that TDMA does. Fewer frequencies are available for use on an FDMA radio, and often upgrading is needed as more users are added. In contrast to the TDMA radios, FDMA radios are not vulnerable to timing issues. They can also be used with other digital and analog radios.

In many situations, analog radios are capable of performing the functions that many people require. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Most also do not require a license, as we mentioned in our previous blog. They are also far less complex than digital radios and can typically be picked up and used by anyone with no learning curve. In addition, for emergency personell, analog radios can actually work better than digital radios. When a sender is speaking on a radio, noise behind them can be filtered out by a digital radio. But in some instances, especially when the background noise is particularly loud, a digital radio can actually error and confuse the two sounds, therefore creating confusion for the receiver.

In contrast, digital radios are, like cell phones, becoming the replacement for analog radios. They have many of the same capabilities as cell phones such as text messaging, group calling, privacy during calls and increased reliability. They have far more available frequencies to use, and can be conversational in fashion (the sender and receiver can speak at the same time). With the use of repeaters, their range can extend for hundreds of miles, and even without they are far superior in range to analog radios. Unlike analog, digital transmissions can be in any form such as voice or data.

Analog radios have reached the peak of their advancement. They are simple to use and are often all that is needed on a personal level. When an individual or company needs a more advanced radio that is capable of messaging, location services and more, they look to digital radios. As they become more and more popular, their price goes down. Their uses, like cell phones, will keep multiplying as technology progresses. They can be used on the TDMA protocol which has solved the problem of too many users on the same channels, and tend to be more reliable than most other radios, especially when used at great distances. If you’re a hunting guide or hiker, an analog radio might be all you need. But when your company is looking for advanced radios that can do it all, look to the world of digital radios.

 

FRS and GMRS Radios – What a Consumer Should Know

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There are two main types of handheld radios in the united states, FRS or Family Radio Service, and GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service. The two types differ in a number of ways, but what many don’t know is that a license is needed for one, and not the other.

 

FRS

The Family Radio Service was created in 1996 for use by individuals in close range. The FRS system uses frequency modulation (FM) rather than amplitude modulation (AM) which increases its predictability, as opposed to the CB band. Most FRS systems are found at local sports and hunting stores, and used between family members and friends. They are relatively inexpensive, can be used by anyone and are easy to find.

Unlike their more powerful big brother, GMRS, the FRS system is only allowed 500 milliwatts (half a watt) of power according to the FCC. Because of this, their range is very limited. Most FRS radios will work up to about 1 mile apart. Large trees, buildings or hills will interfere with and reduce the range of communication.

Each different radio service operates on specific channels. FRS radios are allowed on channels 1-14. Specific to FRS are channels 8-14, but channels 1-7 are shared with GMRS radios. FRS radios also use codes on each of these channels to filter out unwanted noise from other FRS users. Although this can increase privacy between talkers, it does not guarantee that others cannot hear what is being said. (Learn More about FRS Radios)

 
FRS and GMRS

GMRS

The GMRS system, as mentioned previously, is like the big brother to the FRS. Like the FRS, GMRS uses FM rather than AM waves to send signals, but unlike the FRS, GMRS can use up to 50 watts of power. Typically though, most GMRS radios use between 1 and 5 watts of power. Their range is a bit better than FRS radios, with typical hand-held devices being somewhere in the 1-2 mile window. Some mobile units with higher antennas can have a range up to 5 miles.

Today GMRS radio’s range is expanding exponentially, due to what is known as Wide Area Service. Similar to cell phone towers that are placed all around the country, wide area service providers are placing radio repeaters high atop buildings and other tall structures. Instead of a signal going directly from one radio to another, the signal is sent to the repeater, and then to the intended radio recipient. This repeater service increases the range dramatically, with each individual repeater being able to send out signal up to a 20 mile diameter around it. The range for GMRS radios using repeaters can be up to hundreds of miles.

GMRS radios share channels 1-7 with the FRS, but have their own specific channels of 15-22. On channels 15-22, GMRS radios are able to be used in duplex mode (where signals can be sent and received at the same time – explained in our previous blog on two-way radios vs. cell phones) whereas on channels 1-7 all radios can only be used on simplex mode.
In general, GMRS radios are higher powered, have an increased range, and are typically are bit more expensive (but also higher quality) than the FRS radios. The main, but often unknown, difference between the two is that in the United States, GMRS radios can only be used by licensed operators. (Learn More About GMRS Radios)

 

Licensing for FRS and GMRS Radios

Before 1987, the FCC required that businesses using GMRS radios be licensed. In 1987, this law switched to individual users. Today, anyone above the age of 18 can apply for a GMRS license (no test required). The fee is $85 and the license is good for 5 years, where at which time it can be renewed. Businesses with licenses that were obtained prior to 1987 can still renew for a fee, but new businesses cannot apply as such. Only individuals can get new licenses, and the licenses of businesses that were grandfathered in cannot be changed drastically.

In addition to the licensee, their immediate family can also use the GMRS radio under their license. GMRS licensees can communicate with FRS users under the FCC law, along with other GMRS licensee holders.

 

FRS and GMRS Radios, Which One Should I Use?

Are you a business with many employees, or a hunter who will only use a radio once a week? Do you travel long distances away from the people you need to communicate with, or are they merely a few hundred yards away? Cost is also a factor to consider, the cost of the radios themselves, and also the fee to get licensed. If you are a large company with employees, the licensing fee can be costly, but also well worth it. As a recreational user, an FSR radio is likely a better option for you. (Get More Tips On Choosing Your Radio

emergency situations

Emergency Situations – What Are Your Options?

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Classifying emergency situations is subjective. Depending on each person’s view, emergency situations could be as small as the toaster smoking. Fortunately most of us consider emergency situations to be at least somewhat life threatening. During such emergency situations, it is imperative that people are able to communicate. Not just emergency personnel, but everyday citizens need to talk to their family and contact others for help. As we have seen with situations like the brown out, 9-11 and hurricane Katrina, there are different modes of communication that are better than others in catastrophic situations.

 
emergency situations

Landline Phones In Emergency Situations

Although landline phones do not count on cell towers or satellites to operate, they do often need a modem nowadays. If your phone is serviced through a company like Verizon, make sure to ask if your landline will operate without power. Many won’t. If yours does, also keep in mind that landlines, unlike cell phones, are not required to be hooked up to a local 911 center. If your power is out, a landline phone might be your best option short term.

 

Internet – Email In Emergency Situations

If you have power, or a cell phone, your internet and/or email might be a good way to contact family members who are far away. Also, you can access local websites to see what is going on, where power is out, and if there are any instructions for people at that time. Utilize Facebook, see what people around you are doing, and keep in contact with others. But, if you don’t have power or cell phone access, none of these are options.

 

Cell Phone In Emergency Situations

For most every day emergencies, cell phones are the best option available. To call a tow truck, to let your wife know you broke your wrist playing softball, or when you just need some Chinese food. But what about during a hurricane or a blizzard? Most of the time cell phones work well even in these situations, until everyone tries to use their phones at the same time. Cell towers get overloaded, and quickly no one is able to get a call out.
When there are more disastrous events, such as hurricane Katrina, cell towers actually lose power. If they are knocked down by wind or water, they will no longer transmit a signal. If they lose access to the A/C power needed to run them, they also will not transmit signal. In addition to towers losing power, if power is out among your neighborhood or city, you will also have a difficult time charging your phone. During a long term outages, a car is an option, but keep in mind that fuel might be hard to get, and the battery in your car is charged by your car running. Some cars do not even charge a cell phone unless the motor is on, so use gas sparingly.

 

FRS Radio In Emergency Situations

FRS radios are a good option during an emergency; they are just typically unable to reach others at long distances. The emergency channel used for FRS and GMRS is the same, so likely if you are tuned into that channel, you can reach emergency personnel within a few miles distance. If you live in a remote area though, your best bet is a GMRS or Ham radio.

 

GMRS Radio In Emergency Situations

GMRS radios require you to obtain a license, but are able to send and receive signals from other radios from many miles away. GMRS radios use repeaters on tall buildings and towers to send and receive signals out over very far distances. As long as the repeaters are intact, the radios will work, and you can contact a larger number of people than FRS radio can.

 

Ham Radio In Emergency Situations

Using a ham radio, people have reported being able to chat with others across the world, using repeaters of course. A license is required, but well worth it. And with some practice, in an emergency situation ham radios can be invaluable. You can get them as stationary or portable devices, and with some tinkering, and additional antennas, you can reach out to most anyone. The test to get licensed is not particularly hard, and knowing Morse code is no longer needed, but it does take some studying. Overall according to preppers and the like, the Ham radio is your safest bet in an emergency.
Remember that in an emergency, communication is important, but so is being prepared. In addition to whatever form of communication you choose, make sure you have batteries, water, some source of heat and extra food. A generator is always a plus, just remember to keep extra fuel at home (stored appropriately) for it. Keep your phone or radio charged, and don’t panic. Clear headed, calm individuals are always beneficial in an emergency and can be of great help to emergency workers and their very own fellow citizens.

Two-way Radios used in NASCAR

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NASCARThere are numerous industries all over the world that use two-way radios as a trusted form of communication between employees, supervisors, and outside sources. But nowhere else is there such a high concentration of radios than at a NASCAR race. With anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 people in attendance, including fans, staff and race teams, radios number in the thousands.

During such a large event, a repeater is used to transmit both digital and analog signals from radio to radio. All frequencies available are used as the need for communication is in such high demand. Two-way radios began their use in NASCAR back in the 1970s, when crew chiefs began talking to their drivers about car performance, pit stops and strategy. Quickly two-ways have moved into almost all aspects of the sport. From fans to drivers, few people at a NASCAR race aren’t equipped with a two-way radio.

The Driver

The driver is of course the key element of any race team. The driver wears a small radio that fits inDriver his ear that both gives and receives signals. A hands free device is a must, as he is busy driving, and is also wearing a helmet, along with other protective gear. The driver talks to his crew chief constantly throughout the race; when to pit, what will happen during a pit stop, how the car is performing and any changes that need to be made, where his teammates are on the race track, and more are all topics of discussion. The driver is also receiving signals from race track staff. When there is a caution on the track or there is an update on laps left the driver hears it via a one-way signal coming from NASCAR officials. The driver is also communicating with his spotter.

The Spotter

The job of the NASCAR spotter is to watch out for his driver. He usually sits up high, on top of the grandstands or a tower and radios down to the driver about accidents and race strategy. Drivers have extremely limited peripheral vision, due to their safety equipment and car structure, so a spotter is their eyes from up above. They can tell them which way to go around a wreck, where other cars are on the track, and when they are clear after passing another car. Spotters also communicate with drivers about who to work with on the track. Teammates (drivers who work for the same car owners) will often team up and draft, or work together to pass other cars. This is often worked out by spotters, who often all sit together. Spotters are also helpful to the car crew, as they can relay to them imminent changes in weather. At large race courses, many teams will have multiple spotters, as one alone cannot see the whole track.
 
The Crew Chief

Crew ChiefThe crew chief for any race team is the head of operations. He decides on all the important matters during a race, and needs to be informed on a second by second basis. Throughout the race, he is talking to his driver, their spotters, and the race crew. In addition, he is also getting one-way signals from NASCAR officials. It is imperative to the success of the team that the crew chief be able to communicate, both sending and receiving signals, with anyone on the team at all times during a race.
 

The Crew

The crew of a NASCAR team is like the organs in a person’s body. They keep the car running at peak performance Pit Crewduring a race, make major and minor adjustments during pit stops, and prepare between pit stops to help put their driver out ahead. Like the drivers, the crew use hands free two-way radios because they wear helmets and are constantly moving and using their hands. When a driver makes a pit stop, the crew can fill up their gas tank and change four tires in around 16 seconds! But, there are times when a driver only needs two tires, or a quick adjustment to the car. Many of those decisions are relayed to the crew via two-way radios.

 

The Staff and Officials

OfficialIn addition to the race team, there can be upwards of 40,000 staff working during a given NASCAR event. This requires an extreme amount of planning and communication before, during, and after the race. There are officials who keep the race going, track maintenance workers, and emergency personnel, just to name a few. Like the race teams, specific staff functions are kept on certain frequencies and the staff does their best to communicate only when necessary, in order to keep radio channels open.
 
The Media

The media at a NASCAR event are of course using one-way radio and television waves to transmit information to the public, but what about to each other? Again this is where the two-way radios come in. Media staff are not only responsible for knowing up to the second information, who they are interviewing and what is happening on the track, but also who their colleagues are interviewing, who is up next, and who is being interviewed in real time. In order to keep all this information straight, they are set up with two-way radios to talk to other reports, the station or TV channel they work for, and the race teams.

The Fans

The fans are the sole reason that NASCAR racing exists. Without them paying for seats, or watching the race at home, teams would have no sponsorship, and basically no reason to race. Income from fans pays for just about everything (besides the companies who sponsor each specific race – who only do so to advertise to fans). Today fans are becoming more and more in the know when it comes to the happenings at each event. And often the way they do that is with radios. All communication between teams is transmitted to nascar.com, where any fan can download an ap and hear exactly what is going on with their team of choice. In addition, many fans in the stands have two-way radios and listen in on the conversations being had on the many channels being used. They can also use two-ways to communicate with each other. Many fans will arrive on Friday and camp out until the race on Sunday, during which time families get spread out and can use two-ways to discuss current locations and meeting times.

Overall a NASCAR event has the highest number of two-way and one-way radios being used at a given time than any other event in the world. The smooth operation of both the staff and race teams is due in large part to the use of radios, and could not happen without them. The fans at the track and at home also get their information from both kinds of radios, and each year becomes more and more informed because of them. To a race team, radios are a key to not only their success, but also their driver’s safety. Spotters relay information to drivers that keeps them safe, and to most racers, safety is at the top of their priority list.

Two-Way Radios

Two-Way Radios: What Cell Phones Can’t Do

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We often hear from customers that cell phones have the same capabilities as two-way radios. With cell phones now being able to connect you to the internet, share pictures, and access email (among many other things) it is not surprising that they are seen as a descendant of two-way radios. This could not be farther from the truth. It is no secret that cell phones have come a long way in recent years, but what is widely unknown are the many uses of two-way radios that cell phones just can’t do.

 

The History of Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios date back to the late 1800s. In 1885, Heinrich Hertz proved the existence of electromagnetic waves and that these waves could be sent and received. Shortly thereafter, Nikola Tesla used this theory and created the first radio. To learn more about Hertz, visit (this article). To learn more about Tesla and his part in two-way radio history, visit (this link). Two-way radios made their first appearance on ocean ships and airplanes. Before this, pilots often had to land their planes to deliver important messages, and ships were relegated to using Morse code and carrier pigeons. Within a few decades, two-way radios were implemented in police cars, and used by the military in WWII. Today two-way radios are used in numerous public and government functions. From firefighters to police officers, and construction workers to miners, two-way radios go where cell phones simply can’t.

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Three Modes of Communication

When electromagnetic waves were first harnessed to serve as communication transmitters, they were sent in only one direction, which is referred to as simplex communication. Your car radio or home televisions are examples of this form of communication. Simplex communication is one-directional and often used in instances of emergency when a large population needs to receive information. Your television harnesses simplex communication to deliver you the news, and both your TV and radio will interrupt normal broadcasting to inform citizens of emergency situations. Today simplex communication is still used in daily life more than most people realize. Pagers, GPS services, baby monitors, garage door openers, video cameras, and printers all rely on simplex communication.

While advancements in technology with radios and harnessing electromagnetic waves continued, two new systems evolved: half-duplex and full-duplex communication. Half-duplex communication is when radio waves can be transmitted and received by the same tool, but signals can only move in one direction at a time. Most walkie-talkies work in this fashion. A button is held down by the current transmitter, while the receiver simply hears the message. After the message is received, the receiver can then send a message back. In contrast, a full-duplex system of communication allows for both transmitter and receiver to send messages at the same time. Examples of this are today’s home and cellular telephones. While people are speaking to one another using telephones, both speakers can talk and be heard at the same time. Two-way radios can also be designed to work on full-duplex mode, where the transmitter relays their message on one frequency, and the receiver of that message can also relay a message at the same time using a different frequency. (Read More)

Most people would follow the logic that when looking at the advancements in communication, full-duplex is better than half, and half is better than simple. In contrast, all three forms of communication have their own pros and cons. Simplex communication is used in technology that is all around us, and would have no added benefit if turned into half or full-duplex forms. Do we really need our garage door openers to transmit signals back to us? Or do we need to send radio signals to our GPS services? Most would say no. It would be a waste of time and money to create car radios that also send outgoing messages. On the other hand, our telephones would be of little value to us if we were only able to speak to our friend at the other end without them being able to respond. When we compare two-way radios to telephones, cell phones in particular, we see many advantages to using a two-way radio.

 

Emergency Situations: Group and Instant Information

When it comes to emergency personnel, one would be hard pressed to find individuals who believe that a cell phone would be of greater use to them than a two-way radio. There are two main reasons for this: group communication and instant messages. Picture a large house fire. Firefighters and other emergency workers arrive to the scene, already with their two-way radios set to the same channel. All messages sent out by each person are heard by every worker who is set to the designated frequency. No answering, no buttons to push, no stopping. In addition to all personnel being able to hear the same messages, they receive these messages instantly. While a paramedic is moving an injured person to a nearby ambulance, he hears on his radio that another person has been rescued and needs medical support. He can quickly prepare himself and his team for the next person, and do it within a matter of seconds. The lives of all workers, and the people they are trying to rescue, require immediate action and to the second information.

In addition to emergency personnel, every day citizens will find it difficult to use their cell phone during national emergencies. It has often been seen during these times that millions of people get on their phone trying to reach loved ones. Because of this massive deluge of callers, cell phone networks often do not work. Callers cannot get through, and messages are not sent or received.

 

Durability

In addition to ease of use, group and instant messaging and reliability in emergency situations, two-way radios are much more durable than today’s cell phones. As most of us know, a cell phone can be destroyed with one simple drop onto an asphalt or concrete surface. Two-way radios are much sturdier and able to withstand much more abuse than any cell phone on the market. In tough work environments, a cell phone might last a matter of months, whereas a two-way radio can withstand the conditions and last for years.

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Remote Locations

Even though most of us are used to having excellent cell phone coverage, there are many locations around the world where cell phone towers are absent. When in remote locations, two-way radios are far superior. Two-way radios do not need any towers to send signals. The radio waves are simply transmitted from radio to radio. Examples of these areas include remote forests, underground construction sites, and open ocean.

 

Wide Area

Today, two-way radio providers are creating larger and larger areas in which radios are able to transmit to one another. A common problem with two-way radios is that their range can be just a few miles. For many companies, and during emergency situations, this short distance is detrimental to operations. Towers and tall buildings equipped with radio transmission equipment are making it possible to send messages via two-way radios that are up to 300 miles away. Using this equipment, messages are received in less than one second, just as if the two-way radios were only feet apart. (Learn More)

Overall two-way radios and cell phones are wonderful pieces of technology that in and of themselves serve very different purposes. Each has had advancements that further their uses, and in many ways are on separate tracks. Cell phones are great for having conversations, playing games or browsing the web. Two-way radios are a means of instant communication in emergency situations, in remote locations and when cell phone towers are overwhelmed. For more information on two-way radios for your company or government sector, please check out our contact us page (HERE).