The main factor you should consider when looking to purchase an Icom, Vertex Standard or Motorola radio is what it will be used for. Many of the features included in differing models of two way radio are targeted towards different functions; for example, some more affordable models are light on features but hardwearing, making them ideal for keeping a group in touch on a field trip or at a festival, whereas others offer safety options like emergency signalling and 'man down' functions, making them a good choice for security applications such as door staff at nightclubs or police officers.
If the user is going to be working in a hazardous environment such as somewhere with volatile, potentially explosive gases or other such risk, the Icom, Kenwood or Motorola radio used must comply with the EU's ATEX regulations which govern device usage in such locations. This is a legal requirement for the sake of the safety of both the radio's operator and those around as a device which is not up to this standard may inadvertently cause an explosion or fire. If the operator will not be working in such an environment, the ATEX compliancy feature is unnecessary.
Transmission security is often another consideration made when choosing a Vertex Standard, Kenwood or Motorola radio. Most brands offer models with the option of a voice inversion scrambler which will encode transmissions, making it difficult for anyone intercepting them to understand the content of the broadcast. Although it's not a foolproof encryption method, voice inversion scrambling does provide a useful extra layer of protection which is useful for jobs where system security is a concern. Some models offer this as standard, whereas some lower priced units will provide the option as an optional extra or post-purchase expansion.
Though the two way communications market can be confusing, the best advice to help with navigating it is to simply know the application that the Vertex Standard, Kenwood or Motorola radio will be used for and to base your choice on that. There may need to be some further researching of what the features actually mean, and a brief look through the search engine or the manufacturer's webpage should provide that, but choosing a device that's fit for its purpose is the most important thing and is also the easiest way to find your way through the market.
Anna Stenning is a communications consultant with many years of experience advising on two way radio solutions. Find out more about some of the features available in a Kenwood, Icom or Motorola radio at http://www.bc-ltd.co.uk/motorola.php
Tags: gadgets, technology, gizmos, motorola radio