Communications, whats the choice?

[Sanjeger]

I've been looking around for something useful for work, something around 4 radios with additional equipment such as chargers, earphones, etc.

Location is in a concrete building, over short distances.

Anyone have any advice or experience on such?

[FenderJoshBass]

Motorola Talkabouts.

[T3ngu]

If you have concrete buildings you may want to go for higher wattage units. I have numerous brands, each with pros and cons. Any of the name brands should work well. I had a cheap 0.5W unit that used to be able to communicate from one end of our farm to another, when in reality it should not have been able to.

I can't see what the motorollas are, but im guessing 0.5 or even 1 W. Remember, quoted range often includes repeaters.

My advice, borrow a set and try them. Battery life can be short on some units, so it can pay to buy a decent brand.

[usa320]

On the low end are the motorola talkabout and plus model... and Kenwood's version the FreeTalk, these are the units that are commonly used by hikers, and businesses. youve probably seen the staff at Best Buy, Home Depot or Old Navy using them. Construction outfits also use them alot. A set of 2 runs about 49.99 at ****s or Best Buy.

A step up would be something like the Kenwood Protalk or the ICOM F-series... These are the kind of units used by security companies, large construction outfits, property management groups, public safety, and tactical communications ect... Obviously youd be spending a bit more.

At work we run about 50 ICom F-4021 VHF/UHF units...Output is about 4W... Range isnt bad, we boost it by placing repeaters around the airport. They have alot of features, preprogrammed text macros, up to 128 channels that are programmed with a PC and USB cable... The ones we use are the government issued model, so they feature Trunking and Voice Scrambling, automatic emergency signal that is sent out if the radio sits still horizontally for more then 5 minutes, as well as attachments for shoulder mics and earpieces. Obviously those run about $300 a piece plus batteries, chargers, repeaters ect... it becomes pricey.

For most small businesses, outdoor laborers or construction outfits a cheap motorola talkabout would probably suffice, or a Kenwood ProTalk if a bit more range is needed.

[nick1]

What radio does the taliban choose for their ICOM chatter.

[usa320]

What radio does the taliban choose for their ICOM chatter.

http://www.laorosa.com/images/tin_can_phone.jpg


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[lt tahoe]

Note that anything above .5W will require a license to use. I know a lot of guys ignore this for personal use, but for business use that's not a good idea. Check on all laws regarding radio use.

[nick1]

I'm sure the taliban is not worried about the FCC.

[T3ngu]

Note that anything above .5W will require a license to use. I know a lot of guys ignore this for personal use, but for business use that's not a good idea. Check on all laws regarding radio use.
Really? lol finally we have something over another country. You can buy up to 5w handhelds, and i have a 5w vehicle mounted unit.

[wagon]

You used to need a license for a 'CB' here but they abolished that years ago. They (the government) probably figured it cost more to administer than they were making in fees plus every second set was illegal so....

[lt tahoe]

Well, as Sanjeger has not specified any location beyond that he's working in a concrete building, best to mention it. Most countries have laws about radio freqs and power available to civilians.

[Sanjeger]

It would seem the limit is set to 4W. But considering its a 2 story building, that should most certainly do it.