For any expedition, events, emergency services, or working in construction or other warehouses, long-range two-way radios are a must. Specifically, this radio offers a quick solution and coordination among people in an emergency. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure the radio is durable enough to withstand any impact and keep communication clear.
You need to understand and know the essentials of two-way radios, their durability, and other aspects that make the radio last longer than ever. Let’s get to know the details about the two-way radio and its durability from this article.
Evaluating the Durability of Two-Way Radio
Durability is a must for a two-way radio. But determining and assessing aspects of durability accurately can be a bit hard if you’re not very experienced in this field. The six most essential things you need to know about the durability of two-way radios are:
Build-Material
Two-way radios or walkie-talkies aren’t always made with the same sturdy material. That’s why if you want to know if the two-way radio is durable or how long it can last, you can start evaluating it by examining the built-in material and quality.
If your radio has a robust design, material, and quality, then it has a higher chance of handling rough weather, drops, and harsh impacts. Usually, radios made with metal alloys and polycarbonate provide greater protection since they are strong materials.
IP Rating
The IP or ingress protection rating of your two-way radio represents the dust and water resistance of the radio. So, if you see a radio with a higher IP rating, such as IP66 or more, then it means that radios can withstand a more challenging environment than a lower IP-rated radio.
Drop and Shock Resistance
Drop or shock resistance features aren’t standard or built-in for all the two-way radios. Only some radios are specially designed to withstand drops, absorb shock, and also protect the radio interior and exterior against that impact. Usually, reinforced casings are used to make them durable against drops and shocks.
Size and Weight
You should also evaluate the size and weight of the radio. Larger size and weight don’t always mean they are more durable. You must consider the compactness and weight ratio to see if they’re strong enough to withstand loads.
Temperature and Vibration
If your radio isn’t durable enough, it may not be able to function properly in extreme cold or hot temperatures. Make sure the operating temperature range of the radio is high; it will help you in emergency situations in extreme conditions.
Also, in some environments, like industry and construction sites, two-way radios are exposed to vibration from time to time. The vibration can interfere with the signals of the radio and the overall durability of the radios. That’s why it’s better to get a radio with a built-in vibration-resistance feature.
Battery Life and Features
Battery life and the features of the two-way radio are very crucial, as they determine the longevity of your radio as well as how efficiently you can use it in any crisis situations. The battery life of the walkie-talkies can vary from 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on usage.
Also, some batteries can come with one or more additional features. The features can be a GPS tracking system, an emergency alert system, a weather-resistant and many more. Having many features can also drain the battery faster. However, these features are very helpful in different situations.
For example, the location-identifying GPS tracking system is good for making sure your group mates are okay. Weather-resistant radios are good if you’re always out on outdoor work or adventures. And if you’re in a dire situation, the emergency alert can notify others.
How to Make Two-Way Radio More Durable
If you already have a two-way radio and you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible, then you must take safety measures beforehand. Some of the safety measures you can take are:
Regular Maintenance
Even if you buy one of the most durable two-way radios on the market, it won’t last long if you don’t do regular maintenance. Maintenance isn’t a complex task; just make sure the charging port and curve parts are dust-free and the battery voltage or other elements are working properly. Doing these will prolong the battery’s health and expand its lifespan.
Using Cases
Just as you use protective cases for your phone, you can also use cases for your walkie-talkie. If you use the cases, the radio can be more or less protected if it’s dropped or faces any harsh impact.
Using Audio Accessories
When you don’t need to keep the walkie-talkie in your hands, you can just use some audio accessories like earpieces, mics, and speakers to communicate with others through the radio, even without touching.
In this way, the two-way radio can be safer and less likely to face harsh impacts and get damaged. Specifically, if you’re in a location with a harsh environment, you can put the walkie-talkie in a safe place and use the audio accessories for effective communication as well as making sure the two-way radio will last longer.
Replacing Antennas
The proper functioning of your two-way radio also depends on the condition of the antennas. Usually, if your antenna faces strain, the transmission of radio signals can face obstructions. Also, if by any chance the antennas are damaged or there are visible internal parts of the antenna, then you must hurry up and replace them, otherwise, the lifespan of the radio will be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Selecting a strong two-way radio isn’t tough. Also, making an old walkie-talkie more durable is quite simple. But sometimes, the regulations regarding two-way radio can vary from state to state. So, it’s best if you contact a local professional to get advice before getting a walkie-talkie and how to take care of it in the area you’re in to ensure radio durability.