A two-way radio is an important tool for blue light services and private security companies because they provide a vital line of communication between operatives and headquarters. At Wall to Wall Communications, we’ve been providing the public and private sectors with two-way radios for 40 years and we have advised many businesses on the right radio systems to suit their needs.
As a business, you need to ensure that your data is not exposed. We previously discussed the frequently asked question: Are two way radios secure? Keeping on the same topic, we want to explore the issue of can a two way radio be traced? Two-way radios offer closed communication networks and these networks are known to be difficult for hackers to access. The networks rely on radio frequency, not an internet connection and radio frequencies can be hard to trace through GPS but it’s not impossible. Two-way radios traceability can be seen as a negative, but it also can be used to a company’s advantage to allow you to trace your employees whereabouts.
Can You Trace Two Way Radio Transmissions?
Tracing radio signals can be tricky because they aren’t as strong as a WIFI transmission, which makes it difficult to pick up a signal using GPS. Radio transmissions can be detected but they do have to be traced while an operative is using the device. There are several ways you can locate a radio signal which includes:
Triangulation
How triangulation works is that it measures the direction of radio waves from two to three points to locate the radio signal. The benefit of using triangulation to trace a two way radio transmission is that it only needs to measure the radio transmitters to pinpoint a location.
Trilateration
Trilateration is very similar to triangulation in tracing two way radio transmission but instead of measuring distance of the location of a radio signal, this method measures the time that it takes for radio waves to be transmitted between radios.
Can You Track Someone With A Walkie Talkie?
It is possible to track an operative using a walkie talkie, but it’s not always a bad thing. Many of our digital two-way radios include our unique trackitt software that gives real-time status updates from radio users. The application collects geographical information and stores it safely in the Cloud. The integration of trackitt into our digital walkie talkie allows businesses to build a picture of how well their radio operators are performing in their roles and to identify areas that need improving. Some more benefits of trackitt are:
Two-way radios are an important tool used in the security, construction, leisure and hospitality industries to just name a few. They play a key role in keeping the public safe, but also the user as well. Wall to Wall Communications has been in the industry for 40 years, so we know a thing or two about what businesses need from their two-way radios. We supply a range of analogue and digital two-way radios that suit a range of radio requirements for your business. The most common question that we see is how can I boost my two-way radio signal? This is an interesting question and there are many ways you can do this. In this article, we will give you our 5 tips for extending your two-way radio signal.
Install A Repeater On Your Site System
People work in all different environments which can pose a challenge to your two-way radio signal. Although radio signals can bend around buildings and travel great distances, the more work your radio signal has to do the weaker the signal will be. This can cause conversations to drop out or for people to be unavailable to talk. This can be a risk if you are out in the field. To combat the dropping out of signal, in some circumstances Wall to Wall Communications may recommend that you install a repeater into your two-way radio communication system. What a repeater essentially does is increases the power of your radio signal, enabling your business to always keep in contact with staff, in more challenging environments. This is a common solution for boosting your business’s radio signal.
Antenna To Boost Radio Signal
The size and design of an antenna does affect the range of your two-way radio signal. If your two-way radio communication system is currently experiencing issues with the signal dropping out, it might be best to invest in a new antenna. A better Antenna can help your business to reach areas that traditionally have poor signal and it will allow you to better keep in contact with your employees.
Regularly Change The Battery Of Your Two Way Radio
This might be obvious but it’s surprising how people have issues with their radio signal due to a dying battery. Typically, a battery that is in constant use should be changed every 24-30 months. This will prevent poor coverage, conversations being cut short mid-transmission and unclear communication. So if you use a full and healthy battery, your business will benefit from improved signal and better output from your two-way radios.
What Is A Leaky Feeder?
This is a great way to extend your radio signal to people working in tunnel environments or complicated buildings with thick or shielded interior walls. A leaky feeder is designed to be used by people who work underground, in tunnels or shafts. It is a cable that is used to leak radio signals to areas that may be difficult to penetrate with a strong two-way signal.
Two-way radios have been in operation since they were introduced into the military in WW2. Since then, they have been adopted by many civilians and they play a significant part in many firm’s day-to-day operations. They’re a great tool in keeping the public safe, but also play a significant part in protecting the people who serve the public as well.
The radios can come either with analogue or digital settings and the devices have a multitude of additional functions, which include location updates, discreet calls for assistance, instant messaging just to name a few. With a lot of two-way-radios operating in sensitive industries, where information about members of the public might be accessible, it’s important to know that your radio system is secure. Many people who may want to use the information discussed on two-way radios for criminal activities, need to be denied access to radio networks.
At Wall to Wall Communications, we understand your concerns so have ensured that we offer a range of walkie talkies that use the most up-to-date closed system technology on the market. If you have any questions on security or two-way radios in general, please feel free to contact us today.
How Does A Two Way Radio Stay Secure?
One of the top requirements for businesses that use two-way radios is that they are secure from interference from the public. As technology develops, so do the threats from hackers and criminals who want to exploit your communication system. Data security is an important aspect of any business that interacts with the general public. So your business may benefit from two-way radios that can protect your data. There are many aspects that you need to consider when purchasing a two-way radio, but here are the few features to expect from our range of walkie talkies:
Basic/advanced digital encryption
Scrambler feature in analogue mode
Supports multiple advanced analogue signalling modes(HDC1200, 2-Tone and 5-Tone)
Radio enable/disable (only decode), remote monitor (only decode)
More Ways To Keep Your Two Way Radio Secure
We understand that you may want to be over-cautious when it comes to security. If like us, you plan for every inevitability when it comes to your two-way radio, here are some tips for your business to maintain security:
Set up a privacy code that allows you to set up a secure channel
Use a headset to prevent conversations from being heard publicly
Two-way digital radios, also known as walkie talkies, are an effective way of maintaining a line of communication between your employees. Many different services use these devices such as blue light emergency services, events, hospitality, construction etc. Security companies often need two-way radios that are reliable, but also multifunctional as their roles change depending on the situation. Where it’s not possible to communicate through the voice function of two-way radios, it’s important to have another way of sending important updates to your colleagues. At Wall to Wall Communications, we provide digital two-way radios that offer instant messaging, which allows your business to maintain a line of communication in any eventuality that may occur in the field. If you need advice on what walkie talkie system is right for your business, please contact us today
How Do You Text On A Walkie Talkie?
Texting is a standard practice in the modern-day as many people use instant messaging to keep in touch with their friends and family. However, if you are used to only talking into a digital two-way radio it might present a new challenge, especially if you are in the field. However, once you understand how to use it, texting will offer your employees a safe backup to keep in touch with HQ whilst on patrol. Other benefits of using the text feature on a walkie talkie are:
Discreetly share real-time information
Safely keep in touch with colleagues
Get updates on employees whereabouts
Send directions to employees without disrupting their concentration
The texting feature is simple to use as most modern digital two-way radios include an intuitive, touch keypad that allows you to type your messages with ease. This is great when you’re dealing with an incident and you don’t want to escalate it by making a call for backup. The text feature is also useful when you may be working in a noisy environment that is hard to talk in, like a festival or concert.
How Will Texting On A Walkie Talkie Benefit Your Business?
At Wall to Wall Communications, we believe that being able to text on digital two-way radios is best suited for industries that deal with the public like security, blue light services, events and hospitality. It enables security personnel to discreetly send messages to their colleagues without attracting too much attention to themselves. This may help staff to preempt a violent situation and request back-up before an incident endangers the safety of the public and themselves. It also enables security personnel to give real-time updates to members of staff back in the office, so people can monitor their location and assist in any volatile situation. Overall, this feature will benefit private security companies because it will enable everybody to stay in touch and offer assistance in situations that are difficult to control.
There are a variety of radios from licence-free, POC, ATEX to digital radios. At Wall to Wall Communications we are a proud supplier of a wide range of radios designed for each purpose and price point. For help choosing your perfect radio you can read our blog post “Which Radio Is Best For You and Your Business” to get some ideas, or contact us here.
2) Set up
When you either rent or purchase a two way radio through Wall to Wall Communications, you will have an experienced team that will help you set it up. If you are using a licence-free radio, you will be able to begin using your walkie talkies straight away by tuning every radio into the same frequency. This can be done by turning the dial, usually at the top or on the side of the radio that says “channel” or “frequency”. Alternatively you can choose your frequency by navigating on the LCD display. Repeat this with every radio you plan on using, setting them all to the same channel or frequency. However, if your radio isn’t licence-free, you will need a licence from OFCOM. You can learn about these on our blog post “OFCOM Licence: All You Need To Know”. If you have any additional questions about OFCOM licences you can either call us on 0208 770 1007 or email us at info@charlotter5.sg-host.com.
3) Test your radios
Before you start using your radios, it is important to test them before splitting them up. Start by turning the volume up on all the radios and press the “push to talk” (PTT) button. As you hold the button down, wait 1 to 2 seconds and then speak into the radio that you are holding 0.5 to 2 inches away from your face. Wait for the sound to come out of the other radios to confirm they are working. The “push to talk” button is typically the large button on the side of the radio. After the radios are working fine in close proximity, test them again once they are where you will be using them. This will allow you to test the signal strength and the radios range. If you are having any issues with this, do not hesitate to contact the Wall to Wall team as there are many ways we can help boost signal and voice clarity.
4) Sending and receiving messages
Use the radios in the same way you tested them, repeating every time you want to send a message. After sending your message via walkie talkie ensure you release the PTT button to prevent it picking up cross-talk or white noise.
5) After use
After using your radios it is important to turn them off and re-charge them ready for the next use. This is particularly important if you are planning on using your radios daily.
A two-way radio is an important tool for blue light services and private security companies because they provide a vital line of communication between operatives and headquarters. At Wall to Wall Communications, we’ve been providing the public and private sectors with two-way radios for 40 years and we have advised many businesses on the right radio systems to suit their needs. 
