Two-way radios: jargon, dealers and price guide Posted on 27 January 2011 Radio jargon Watt (W) – The unit for measuring radio power output. Higher wattage means higher power, but may not directly translate to greater range. RF – Radio Frequency. Typically refers to the operating frequency of a device. RF ‘level’ may also refer to the power output (in Watts). AM & FM – Amplitude and Frequency Modulation. The two principle contrasting types of radio transmission. AM varies the height (or amplitude) of the radio wave and FM varies the wave length (or frequency) while keeping the height constant. CB radio – Citizen’s band radio. Low powered HF radio for use over short distances. Not in common use in South Africa. HF – High Frequency (3Mhz to 30Mhz). Impractical over short distances, unless in direct line-of-sight, but excellent over distances of 300 kilometres or more. VHF – Very High Frequency (30Mhz to 300Mhz). The most common frequencies in use for FM radio communication in South Africa. UHF – Ultra High Frequency (300Mhz and above). Common for hand-held devices. HAM – Refers to individuals (HF amateur radio operators) rather than a type of radio or RF. Whip – The visible aerial that sits on the outside of your vehicle. Tuning (or Trimming) – Determining the correct length of your antenna according to the frequency of the radio wave you’re using. Mobile radios – Alternative name for two-way radios that are mounted inside a vehicle. Portable radios – Alternative name for hand-held two-way radio devices. Two-way radio dealers Klerksdorp: REPCOM, tel 018-468-3013, e-mail [email protected], web www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php Johannesburg: LA Radio, tel 011-346-1310, e-mail [email protected], web www.laradio.co.za OR SATLEC, tel 011-660-2237, e-mail [email protected], web www.satlectwowayradios.co.za Durban: Natal Coastal Communications, tel 031-569-1000, web www.coastalcomms.co.za Cape Town: I.R.Pope & Sons, tel 021-975 1888, e-mail [email protected], web www.2wayradio.co.za Price guide** Handheld <0.5W R400 – R900 Handheld >0.5W R1300 – R2300 Mounted AM radio R1000 – R1500 Mounted FM radio R1900 – R3000 ** Obtained from Eric Skeen of REPCOM. Prices listed exclude antennas and installation. Page 1: A review of inter-vehicle communication Page 2: Antenna mounting, fitting and servicing Page 3: Clubs, licensing and the law Page 4: Radio etiquette, prowords and the phonetic alphabet Page 5: Jargon, dealers and price guide Related Posts Heading off the grid with solar-powered gear 26 May 2021 Solar power and batteries have come a long way in a short time, making it... read more Guaranteed for life: The strangest, smartest and most-enticing inventions 17 February 2021 A lifetime warranty is one of the marketing world's strangest, smartest and most-enticing inventions. We... read more The hottest camping gear out there 5 March 2020 Camping is a great adventure and having the right gear (and nifty accessories) will make... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
Heading off the grid with solar-powered gear 26 May 2021 Solar power and batteries have come a long way in a short time, making it... read more
Guaranteed for life: The strangest, smartest and most-enticing inventions 17 February 2021 A lifetime warranty is one of the marketing world's strangest, smartest and most-enticing inventions. We... read more
The hottest camping gear out there 5 March 2020 Camping is a great adventure and having the right gear (and nifty accessories) will make... read more
