If you are working as part of a large business, two way radios can become a vital system in ensuring there is consistent and reliable communication between staff members. Large businesses often span multiple sites which makes reliable two way communication even more important but more difficult to obtain. Mobile phone signals cannot be relied upon as signal coverage can be patchy and inconsistent which can inhibit the safety and running of your business, which is where two way radios come in. Regardless of whether your business is based underground, in a rural area, in a built up city with dense signal blocking buildings or spanning all three, two way radios can be your solution. With the help of a leaky feeder, your two way radio signal can be trusted to keep you in contact and your business running smoothly. But what is a leaky feeder, and how does a leaky feeder cable work?
What is a leaky feeder?
A leaky feeder cable also known as a ‘radiating cable’ is an alternative to a traditional network of RF antennas. Comparatively, a normal feeder cable is what is used to connect a repeater to an antenna and is designed to trap a signal within the cable and inhibit any other interfering signals penetrating the cable. In contrast, a leaky feeder cable is specially designed to ‘leak’ signal out of the cable in a controlled manner. Simultaneously, the leaky feeder cable will allow a controlled amount of signal to penetrate into the length of the cable. In summation, a leaky feeder cable essentially behaves like a very long antenna for radios, allowing the signal to reach where it would have not been able to without one.
When do you need a leaky feeder?
In circumstances like tunnel works where it is impractical to install a network of traditional RF antennas or where Licensing restrictions limit signal from radiating outside of a building like a large building in a city centre, Leaky Feeder may be a good option.
A particular case study that Wall to Wall Communications worked on is the Tottenham Court Road Underground Upgrade. The challenge here was that the staff needed to be able to communicate from underground to above ground, penetrating thick layers of concrete. The solution was to install a leaky feeder antenna system. Installing a leaky feeder cable allowed for the staff working underground to have a consistent and clear connection with the workers above ground level, a vital function in the smooth running of the underground tunnel.
Installing a leaky feeder
Businesses in need of a leaky feeder typically require this enhanced signal and communication 24 hours a day. For this reason, leaky feeders are generally installed on a permanent basis.
With over 40 years of experience, Wall to Wall Communications are experts in two way radios and what is required to ensure signal is consistent, wherever you are based. Wall to Wall has installed leaky feeder systems to a number of companies throughout the UK.
London, with a population of around 9 million people and businesses at every corner, is in need of reliable effective communications more than ever. With skyscrapers and tightly packed buildings affecting signal, huge underground projects, the need for two way radio hire in London has never been more crucial. Here to Wall to Wall Communications, we pride ourselves on our 4 decades worth of experience, bringing the best systems to many industries. Here is our quick guide in two way radio hire in London depending on your solution needs and industry.
For any two way radio hire London requirements please call us on 020 8770 1007
Types of Two Way Radio you may need:
The good news is two way radio caters to a variety of industries situated in London such as: Security, offices, events, construction, education, hospitality and many more. To see the different industries we cater for, head on over to our website: https://walltowallcomms.co.uk/find-your-radio/. Below is some example of how two way radio can cater for particular industries.
Office Blocks
As mentioned, London is booming with many different businesses and being the capital, at every corner you’ll see new office blocks and tall skyscrapers, often phone signal will be at a premium or unreliable. So you’ll need an effective solution at the best value cost for your company.
There are many ways in which two way radios can assist. For example, in large office blocks, you may require security, and security needs reliable communications. This ensures that everyone in the building is safeguarded and any emergencies can be dealt with effectively and quickly.
Two-way radios we would recommend for this would be:
Hytera PD705
Motorola DP4800
Hytera XP1
These two-way radio systems feature: location tracking, man down functions, voice encryption, text messaging, voice record and many more. In addition, we can also provide accessories to accompany these systems such as earpieces, to allow discrete yet clear communication.
Get a radio solution now
We’re proud of providing radio and leaky feeder solutions in London to clients like
Events and Celebrations
You can guarantee there is always a celebration or event taking place in London- the city never sleeps. If you’re hosting an event or celebration in London and require two way radio, here’s how we can assist with your communications:
At Wall to Wall Communications, we have had the pleasure on working alongside many large events such as Reading Festival, The Commonwealth Games and The Dulux Colour Run! Whether your event is big or small, we can help you get the most effective communications systems for you.
Case Study
Working with our clients, Christie’s (a global art business and fine arts auction house), they required a solution to improve and enhance their communications systems with two-way radios, to ensure everyone within the business was connected. This was vital as hosting an event open to the public, meant communication was of the highest importance, needing strong management of staff and the safeguarding of assets and guests. Here we recommended the Hytera X1p.we programmed in mission critical applications such as: Lone worker, ManDownand Panic Button. This solution was a system that enhanced health and safety, access to multi-site connections, allowed effective communications from different areas and improved voice clarity.
We guarantee the lowest cost to your business on a like for like service and tailor every solution to ensure your company is getting the most effective, and cost effective solution.
Other typical two way radios for hire for similar events and celebrations in London
Hyetra PD785
Hytera PD705
Icom 4002
Each of these radio communications have functions such as:
Text messaging, noise cancellation and are durable against the elements such as mud and water depending on the event.
If not quite sure which system would be the most suitable for your event, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 020 8770 1007 and we can advise you as to which will suit your needs so can enjoy the celebrations, along with your guests.
London Underground Two Way Radio and Leaky Feeder
An average of 2 million people commute on the London Underground everyday. It is the easiest and most effective way to get around the city. We were proud to assist in the upgrade of the Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.
The solution required was a strong and reliable communications systems to those working below ground. Equipment had to be particularly robust.
Wall to Wall provided a few solutions to help reach this aim. Firstly, we provided the workers with the right two way radio which allowed everyone to connect to a multitude of channels and have integrated telephone connectivity. We also put in place a ‘Leaky Feeder’, which provided seamless communications between workers above and below ground. To read more on ‘Leaky Feeders’ and what they do, visit this guide: https://walltowallcomms.co.uk/2019/02/11/leakyfeederinstallation/
We hope this has given you an insight into how we can assist and provide communications to a wide variety of different industries in London, along with a few recommendations. Speak to us if you’re unsure if to use digital systems or analogue, we’ll help you to find the best systems that work for your needs and industry.
Why Wall to Wall Communications – Expertise, unique guarantee, super fast delivery and solution price match promise
It is appreciated that every day, new technological advances are entering the market and it can be hard to identify what to use and how to use it. Here at Wall to Wall Communications, we are an ISO 9001:2015 certified and quality controlled company, with 40 years worth of experience, priding ourselves in offering the best tailored devices to suit your needs. Which is why we’re able to offer our price match promise.
We offer bespoke radio training in London and offer super fast next day delivery for two way radio systems where required. Our engineers are the best in the business to ensure you’re up and running fast, or get you back up and running if you have any issues.
You may also choose to have a consultation, where our account managers can discuss your radio requirements and a what length of time you need them for. Furthermore, we can come to your location and demonstrate how to use your devices to save you time and give peace of mind- we are here to make this process easy!
We have a guarantee that you’ll receive an initial trial period of 7 days, allowing you the time to put your systems to the test to make sure they work for you in your environment and suit your personal needs- we simply ask you return them to us after!
Leaky Feeder, also often known as radiating cable, may sound complicated but can often provide the best solution in terms of quality and RF coverage for your business or project. What does it do? And which businesses and projects should use a leaky feeder installation instead of two way radio and other communication solutions? Read on for answers to those questions alongside expert information and advice about leaky feeder systems.
What is a leaky feeder?
Essentially, a Leaky Feeder acts as functioning extended antenna and is specialist coaxial cable that emits radio frequencies from point A to B. So, where there is leaky feeder cable there is signal.
The reason as to why they are named ‘Leaky feeder’ is due to the ‘leaking’ of signal that comes from the gaps in the copper casing surrounding the cable.
In simple terms, most co-axial cables have a copper shield surrounding the cable but as mentioned, a leaky feeder has small gaps with allow signal to be transmitted and received back and forth between communicators.
What is beneficial about leaky feeder, is that assets such as couplers and splitters can be used to send extended lengths of cable down different pathways and wireless devices can interface with the feeder, to allow for seamless two-way communication.
What does this mean for your business?
A Leaky feeder installation is a permanent solution, with ensures 24/7 communication when required and is ideal in emergency situations, where easy access to communication is needed.
To take an example, a hotel may need to provide RF coverage to all service areas, and to do this, multiple antenna’s would be required throughout the building (distributed antenna system). A Leaky feeder dramatically reduces the number of access points required and provides a permanent, higher quality solution, beneficial for both staff and guests.
What types of business and projects can leaky feeder systems benefit?
Leaky Feeders are commonly used in venues or spaces where communications tend to be difficult due to signal issues or where is it difficult to obtain an OFCOM licence for an antenna system. While Two-way radios can achieve excellent coverage in areas which mobile phones and other communication devices cannot, in certain circumstances, such as particular types of lifts, tunnels and or in basements they may struggle. This can be a major problem for those who work continuously in these areas such as; construction, mining, shopping centers and buildings where fire regulations stipulate the London Fire Brigade must have radio coverage. By having a leaky feeder system installed and in place, this ensures safety for all in the work place and consistent lines of communication, temporarily or permanently depending on the venue or project.
Choose a company with expertise for your business’ leaky feeder installation
Wall to Wall Communications have provided and recommended Leaky Feeder solutions to a range of companies in London, Surrey, Sussex and the UK. Including delivering for projects such as the Tottenham Court Road Underground Upgrade.
In this particular example, Wall to Wall were presented with the project and objective of achieving seamless two-way radio communications to everybody on site, particularly those who were working below ground and ensuring employees and the thousands of people commuting across this area where kept safe. The system needed to be robust, reliable and to be able to provide a multitude of channels- this is where Leaky Feeders came into play and met the criteria.
Wall to Wall provided a Digital Motorola MOTOTRBO system (Motorola DP3400, Motorola DP3600 and Motorola DP3000 repeaters) with multiple channels and Integrated telephone connectivity solution, as well as the integrated underground solution of using a leaky feeder antenna system.
Using the leaky feeder system, ensured efficiency throughout the completion of the project, provided great coverage of communication and in addition, the system also included text messaging and voice clarity features.
In conclusion, Leaky feeders provide an incredibly beneficial solution in the two-way communication world. They provide and guarantee easy communication in busy and hard to access locations. Without a doubt having one installed can benefit a company a great deal in terms of efficiency and safety.
error: Unfortunately, our content is protected, thank you.
