F A Q

 
What is the difference between licenced and unlicenced (PMR446) radios ?
A licensed radio (radio for business and commercial use) is a radio that would not operate unless programmed to work on a specific frequency. The radio channels / frequencies used for licensed radios are examined by Ofcom, prior to assignment, to assess the potential for harmful interference from adjacent users. (NB: exclusive-use assigned channels are not likely to suffer harmful interference whereas shared-use assigned channels may be subject to minimal harmful interference.
Licence Exempt / Licence Free / Unlicensed radios are non-specialised radios (often referred to as walkie talkies). They are used on channels that are shared on a UK-wide basis and are therefore more likely to suffer harmful interference due to their high usage (not recommended for business use).
Licensed Simple Site and Simple UK channels are also shared on a UK-wide basis but the licence fee results in reduced usage, but can still suffer interference issues in dense urban areas.
What is the average battery life of a radio ?
Depending on the usage (actively transmitting or in "stand by" mode), a radio battery lasts about 8 - 12 hours on average. If the battery is of Li-Ion type, it may last longer, especially with the latest covert models (featuring lower power consumption - 2W only).
We also recommend that you scrap your old radio battery and replace it with a new one every 18 - 24 months.
Can I try a radio before I buy (hire) it ?
Wall to Wall Radio Communications offers short-term radio hire as well as radio sales. Hiring equipment may be useful if you are not sure which system you need or want to expand your radio system on a temporary basis. It is also cost effective if radios are used occasionally. We allow our customers to try our equipment (for extra peace of mind) before they buy or hire it. Our radios can be trialed for a week.
What radio should I buy - digital or analogue ?
The way forward in the radio comms world is digital. However, in some instances, analogue radios still remain the preferred solution. Therefore the pros and cons of the two options have to be weighed carefully. Wall to Wall Radio Communications is always happy to discuss your radio system requirements and offer the most appropriate analogue / digital solution. To find out what the benefits of digital equipment are click here.
What is OFCOM ?
Ofcom is the communications regulator in UK. Its responsibilities include the regulation of the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms and mobile phones, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices (like two-way radios) operate. Ofcom operates under the Communications Act 2003.
Wall to Wall Radio Communications can help you apply for a radio licence. Contact Us.
Do I need a radio operator's licence (type of licences) ?
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 requires that, unless subject to licence exempt use (read this article to self-qualify or refer to the next question for a quick overview), all radio transmitting equipment requires a licence issued by the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
Wall to Wall Radio Communications can take you through the whole process. We offer consultation (free of charge) and could apply for the relevant licence and pay for it on your behalf. Just get in touch.
How to reduce your Ofcom two-way radio PMR licence fee ?
OFCOM uses four basic licence fee structures for private mobile radio (PMR) equipment operation in the UK:
** technically assigned licences
** area defined licences
** simple / light licences
** licence exempt equipment
For more information on this topic, please refer to our blog...
Can a two-way radio be a better choice over a mobile phone ?
The way that the radios work is very simple. You take two (or more) radios, set them to the same channel and then you can communicate with each other by pressing the transmit (or Push To Talk - PTT) button when you want to speak, and releasing it when you want to listen. There's no fees or line rental to pay.
The radios are not like mobile phones because:
(a) they do not depend on any outside network to operate. When you press transmit, you send a signal that is picked up directly by other radios on the same channel within range. With mobile phones the signal is transmitted indirectly, via a network of mboile phone masts and the landline telephone network. You have to pay to make calls.
(b) you cannot talk and listen at the same time. You have to remember to press the Push-To-Talk button to transmit, and let go of it when you want to listen to the person talking to you.
For more information on this topic, please refer to our blog...
What is a repeater ?
A radio repeater is typically an un-manned base station. Its common use is to extend the range of handheld and / or mobile radios within a radio system. For on-site systems with repeaters, e.g. shopping centres, the antenna may be located above roof height so as to get good over all coverage. There may be additional antennas located within the building to get coverage in, otherwise, dead spots are possible. Wall to Wall Radio Communications can help you establish whether using a repeater is the best option for your radio system.
How many radios can talk to one another ?
The minimum number is two and there is no maximum limit, providing the radios are within range of one another and all radios are using the same channel.
What is the typical range of a two way radio ?
The maximum range is around 2 miles (3 kilometres). All PMR446 radios are legally limited to 500mW transmission power, which means that all brands will have around the same range. The range is reduced drastically when the radio signal passes through solid objects. Within buildings the range may be as little as 1/4 mile. It all depends on the thickness and density of the materials making up the obstruction between the transmitting and receiving radio. It is not possible to give a definitive answer to the question "will these radios work within such-and-such a building or site?" without actually trying them out on-site.
Business radios transmit well over 2 miles and when repeaters and antennas are used, range significantly improves. It is possible to have multiple radios talking to one another via IP connection, which allows different sites in different locations to be linked in a radio network.
What is the difference between Lone Worker and Man Down ?
The lone worker function sends a response request to a user (example: security guard) at pre-defined durations. The user is required to respond within a short period of a request otherwise an alarm is activated.
The man down function comprises of a tilt mechanism on the handheld that is activated if the handheld is tilted beyond a selected angle for a pre-defined duration, e.g. when the user is lying on the ground.
Wall to Wall Radio Communications can help you establish whether using the lone worker and / or man down functions are the best option for your radio system.
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Recent News

  • Advantages and disadvantages of different two-way radio systems


    This document is intended to give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of base station, mobile, and handheld / walkie-talkie two-way radio systems. These include short-term hire, licensed and licence-exempt systems (the so called “licence free”) in the VHF (Low / Mid / High) and UHF (1 / 2) bands.

    There are many types of two-way radio systems available:

    • licence-exempt PMR446 walkie-talkies
    • Short-term Hire handheld radios (licensed by hirer)
    • licensed Simple UK (formerly UK General) handheld radios
    • licensed Simple Site, e.g. handhelds and a base station
    • licensed Technically Assigned back-to-back system, e.g. handheld radios only
    • licensed Technically Assigned on-site system, e.g. handhelds and a base station
    • licensed Technically Assigned wide-area system, e.g. handhelds and mobile radios and a high-power base station
    • licensed Technically Assigned multi-site system, e.g. handhelds and mobile radios and high-power inter-connected base stations


    LICENCE-FREE PMR446 WALKIE-TALKIE RADIO SYSTEM

    Advantages of using PMR446 walkie-talkie radios include:

    • they are easily available
    • can be operated on a licence exempt (aka licence free) basis
    • do not require specialised tuning in order to use them
    • often used on existing sites, e.g. outdoor events, business premises, and building sites
    • may be used almost anywhere within the UK
    • may need permission in safety critical areas, etc
    • domestic analogue versions can be very low cost
    • hard wearing / ruggedised versions available for commercial use
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised

    The disadvantages of using PMR446 walkie-talkie radios include:

    • their low power results in relatively short range compared with higher power radios
    • their easy availability may result in the channels being congested with multiple users
    • the further apart two users are, the more likely they are to suffer from harmful interference, e.g. a nearby PMR446 user unknowingly blocking the channel and
    • channel usage is on a first-come first-served basis, with no priority for emergency users

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licence-exempt PMR446 walkie-talkies.


    SHORT-TERM HIRE RADIO SYSTEM

    Advantages of using Short-term Hire walkie-talkie radios include:

    • no licence fee
    • no significant outlay on radios that may only be used rarely
    • they are easily available via a specialised radio supplier, e.g. Wall to Wall
    • they have more available frequencies than Simple UK radios
    • they are less likely to suffer harmful interference than on Simple UK channels
    • they typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • may be used almost anywhere within the UK
    • may need permission in safety critical areas, etc
    • hard wearing / ruggedised versions available
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised

    The disadvantages of using Short-term Hire walkie-talkie radios include:

    • in some areas, short-term hire channels may be shared with several other users and
    • channel usage is on a first-come first-served basis, with no priority for emergency users

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on renting and using Short-term Hire radios.


    LICENSED SIMPLE UK RADIO SYSTEM

    Advantages of using Simple UK walkie-talkie radios include:

    • they are easily available via a specialised radio supplier
    • they typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • comparatively cheap licence fee when compared with other licensed systems
    • often used on existing sites, e.g. outdoor events, business premises, and building sites
    • may be used almost anywhere within the UK
    • may need permission in safety critical areas, etc
    • hard wearing / ruggedised versions available
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised

    The disadvantages of using Simple UK walkie-talkie radios include:

    • their sharing of a limited number of radio channels can result in the channels being congested with multiple local users
    • the further two intended users are apart, the more likely they are to suffer from harmful interference, e.g. an unintended nearby user unknowingly blocking the channel and
    • channel usage is on a first-come first-served basis, with no priority for emergency users

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licensed Simple UK system radios.
     

    LICENSED SIMPLE SITE SYSTEM

    Advantages of using a Simple Site system include:

    • a base station repeater may be installed - extending the range of the handheld radios
    • they are available via a specialised radio supplier
    • the handheld radios typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • comparatively cheap licence fee when compared with other licensed systems
    • may be used almost anywhere within the UK
    • may need permission in safety critical areas, etc
    • hard wearing / ruggedised handheld radios available
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised

    The disadvantages of using Simple Site radios include:

    • their sharing of a limited number of radio channels can result in the channels being congested with multiple local users
    • the further apart two intended users are, or the higher the base station antenna, the more likely they are to suffer from harmful interference, e.g. an unintended nearby user unknowingly blocking the channel and
    • channel usage is on a first-come first-served basis, with no priority for emergency users

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licence Simple Site system radios.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED BACK-TO-BACK SYSTEM

    Advantages of using a licensed technically assigned back-to-back system include:

    • the radios are easily available via a specialised radio supplier
    • the handheld radios typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • the channel is assigned by Ofcom using carefully planned sharing criteria. So, unlike the Simple Site / UK licences, any interference should be minimal
    • licenses may be issued for almost anywhere within the UK
    • exclusive use channels are available in many parts of the UK
    • hard wearing / ruggedised handheld radios available and
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised

    The disadvantages of using licensed technically assigned back-to-back systems include:

    • exclusive use channels can be very difficult to obtain in some dense urban areas, e.g. Central London. Ofcom’s licensing criteria, however, are designed to minimise undue interference between adjacent licensed systems
    • the licence fee is greater than a Simple UK licence but, unlike the Simple UK / Site channels, Ofcom will investigate and resolve undue interference cases to this type of licensed channel
    • two intended users should be able to operate much further apart than Simple UK / Site users before potentially suffering undue interference and
    • the radios can be programmed in to groups of users with each group having an order of priority for channel access. For instance, the Emergency Group can be given the highest priority and, perhaps, Cleaners the lowest

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licensed technically assigned back-to-back system radios.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED ON-SITE SYSTEM

    In addition to the licensed technically assigned back-to-back system advantages, the advantages of using a licensed technically assigned on-site system include:

    • the inclusion of a low-power base station and external antenna should increase the coverage radius of a radio system
    • the base station antenna can be directional thereby concentrating the signals where they are required  
    • the inclusion of a down-fire antenna may increase the coverage down through multi-floor buildings and also reduce interference from adjacent co-channel users and
    • Ofcom considers the use of a down-fire antenna to be spectrum efficient and rewards users with a low fee licence

    In addition to the licensed technically assigned back-to-back system disadvantages, the disadvantages of using licensed technically assigned on-site systems include:

    • increasing the base station antenna height will increase the radio system coverage area but will also is increased the potential for incoming interference (see the above reference to down-fire antennas)

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licensed technically assigned on-site system radios.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED WIDE-AREA SYSTEM

    In addition to the previous licensed technically assigned systems advantages, the advantages of using a licensed technically assigned wide-area system include:

    • a wide-area system may have a radius of 30km. This should result in users within, say, 20km of the base station being unlikely to suffer any interference from the base stations of adjacent systems, e.g. 40km away

    In addition to the licensed technically assigned back-to-back system disadvantages, the disadvantages of using licensed technically assigned on-site systems include:

    • increasing the base station antenna height will increase the radio system coverage area but will also is increased the potential for incoming interference (see the above reference to down-fire antennas)

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to offer more advice on buying and using licensed technically assigned wide-area system radios.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED MULTI-SITE SYSTEM

    In addition to the previous licensed technically assigned systems advantages, the advantages of using a licensed technically assigned multi-site system include:

    • users at one site can communicate with users at all of the other connected sites

    In addition to the licensed technically assigned back-to-back system disadvantages, the disadvantages of using licensed technically assigned on-site systems include:

    • communications between one or more sites could be disrupted if the large area network (LAN) connection is lost


    Wall to Wall Radio Communications     will be pleased to offer more advice on hiring or buying any type of radio system.
    Call us for a great quote 0208 770 1007 or log-in to to your right and someone from our sales team will assist you further.

     

  • The use of Radios for Lone Worker Health & Safety (Part 3)


    ... continuation from part 2 ...

    LONE WORKING WITH RADIOS AT A PERMANENT LOCATION

    Assuming that the permanent location is owned by the employer, the radio system options for use at permanent locations are greater when compared with those typically available at a temporary location. The options include:

    • licence-exempt PMR446 walkie-talkies
    • Short-term Hire handheld radios (licensed by hirer)
    • licensed Simple UK (formerly UK General) handheld radios
    • licensed Simple Site
    • licensed Technically Assigned back-to-back system (handheld radios only)
    • licensed Technically Assigned on-site system (handhelds and a base station)
    • licensed Technically Assigned wide-area system (handhelds and mobile radios and a high-power base station)
    • licensed Technically Assigned multi-site system (handhelds and mobile radios and high-power inter-connected base stations)

    The advantages and disadvantages of the licence-exempt PMR446, Short-term Hire, and licensed Simple UK options have been discussed already in the previous section.


    LICENSED SIMPLE SITE SYSTEMS

    Advantages of using a Simple Site system include:

    • a base station repeater may be installed - extending the range of the handheld radios
    • they are available via a specialised radio supplier
    • the handheld radios typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • comparatively cheap licence fee when compared with other licensed systems
    • may be used almost anywhere within the UK
    • may need permission in safety critical areas, etc
    • hard wearing / ruggedised handheld radios available
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised


    The disadvantages of using Simple Site radios include:

    • their sharing of a limited number of radio channels can result in the channels being congested with multiple local users
    • the further apart two intended users are, or the higher the base station antenna, the more likely they are to suffer from harmful interference, e.g. an unintended nearby user unknowingly blocking the channel
    • channel usage is on a first-come first-served basis, with no priority for emergency users

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to advise you on how you may meet your responsibilities to your lone workers using a Simple Site system (also read part 1 and part 2 of this article).


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED BACK-TO-BACK SYSTEM

    Advantages of using a licensed technically assigned back-to-back system include:

    • the radios are easily available via a specialised radio supplier
    • the handheld radios typically operate a 8 x the power of a PMR446 walkie-talkie
    • the channel is assigned by Ofcom using carefully planned sharing criteria. So, unlike the Simple Site / UK licences, any interference should be minimal
    • licenses may be issued for almost anywhere within the UK
    • exclusive use channels are available in many parts of the UK
    • hard wearing / ruggedised handheld radios available
    • digital versions are available if casual eavesdropping needs to be minimised


    The disadvantages of using licensed technically assigned back-to-back systems include:

    • exclusive use channels can be very difficult to obtain in some dense urban areas, e.g. Central London. Ofcom’s licensing criteria, however, are designed to minimise undue interference between adjacent licensed systems
    • the licence fee is greater than a Simple UK licence but, unlike the Simple UK / Site channels, Ofcom will investigate and resolve undue interference cases to this type of licensed channel
    • two intended users should be able to operate much further apart than Simple UK / Site users before potentially suffering undue interference
    • the radios can be programmed in to groups of users with each group having an order of priority for channel access. For instance, the Emergency Group can be given the highest priority and, perhaps, Cleaners the lowest

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to advise you on how you may meet your responsibilities to your lone workers using a licensed technically assigned back-to-back system.  


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED ON-SITE SYSTEM

    In addition to the licensed technically assigned back-to-back system advantages, the advantages of using a licensed technically assigned on-site system include:

    • the inclusion of a low-power base station and external antenna should increase the coverage radius of a radio system
    • the base station antenna can be directional thereby concentrating the signals where they are required
    • the inclusion of a down-fire antenna may increase the coverage down through multi-floor buildings and also reduce interference from adjacent co-channel users
    • Ofcom considers the use of a down-fire antenna to be spectrum efficient and rewards users with a low fee licence


    In addition to the disadvantages of licensed technically assigned back-to-back systems, there is another one (in this group) and it is that by increasing the base station antenna height, the radio system coverage area will be increased but that will also increase the potential for incoming interference (see the above reference to down-fire antennas).

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to advise you on how you may meet your responsibilities to your lone workers using a licensed technically assigned on-site system.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED WIDE AREA SYSTEM

    In addition to the previous licensed technically assigned system advantages, there is another one (in this group) and it is the range, which may reach a radius of 30km. This should result in users within, say, 20km of the base station being unlikely to suffer any interference from the base stations of adjacent systems, e.g. 40km away

    In addition to the previous system disadvantages, another one to mention is that by increasing the base station antenna height, we will increase the radio system coverage area but that will also increase the potential for incoming interference (see the above reference to down-fire antennas).

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to advise you on how you may meet your responsibilities to your lone workers using a licensed technically assigned wide-area system.


    LICENSED TECHNICALLY ASSIGNED MULTI-SITE SYSTEM
     
    The advantage of using a licensed technically assigned multi-site system is that users at one site can communicate with users at all of the other connected sites.

    Disadvantage - communications between one or more sites could be disrupted if the large area network (LAN) connection is lost.

    Wall to Wall Radio Communications will be pleased to advise you on how you may meet your responsibilities to your lone workers using a licensed technically assigned multi-site system.


    Link to PART 2 of the series.

     

  • Hytera Open Day (Radio Comms Event)


            

     

  • HYTERA X1p Revealed - the slimmest full colour display / keypad digital covert radio on the market


    Following on the success of the release of the revolutionary Hytera X1 / X1e, the Chinese two way radio communications manufacturer, who has gained a lot of recognition and respect in the western world in the last few years (well deserved). This product is the leader in its class but those who compare it with Motorola's MOTOTRBO SL4000/4010 Series might want to consider it again. The new Hytera X1p has a full colour display and keypad just as the Hytera PD785 but it is much smaller, slimmer, tinier, lighter ..... It is designed to be the perfect two way digital covert radio - discreet, stylish, yet robust. Three other handy features become available with the keypad / display - text messaging, e-mail gateway and telephone interconnect.



    The Hytera X1p (VHF and UHF) is best suited for the design-conscious two way radio users - for those that prestige and image is a big part of what they do and how they do it. Hytera X1p is like a sexy techy toy, which is easy to mistaken with any posh and flashy mobile phone. It is not only about style and design, the Hytera X1p (just like its predecessors X1 / X1e) ensures extremely secure communications, featuring AES encryption angorythm and 256 digits high-level dynamic encryption key. This is more than sufficient to leave any evesdropper in the dark. In addition to the myriad of features presented with the release of the X1e (bluetooth, GPS, vibration etc), Hytera has upgraded X1p's functionality to also include digital trunking mode. 



    More information will be available very soon but feel free to express interest and pre-order as quanities will be limited for a while. Call 0208 770 1007 or e-mail your account manager.


     

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