Two-Way Radios – Features to consider when selecting a Two-Way Radio
Wattage
The more watts of power out, the further your signal will travel. More watts give more power, which in turn means more distance covered. Remember that milliwats (mw) are LESS than watts (w), so 900 mw is less that 1 w.
External Casing
Depending on what you plan to use your radio for, you might choose to select one that has extra durability or is water-resistant. Note that some even concur to MIL-810 standards, the tough standards the US Military demand from their equipment when it comes to shock and vibration.
 Range
Consider the terrain that you will be using your Two-Way Radio in. Areas that are highly built-up or hilly will have much shorter ranges than a wide-open expanse. Bear this in mind, because no matter how far the manufacturer will claim the range to be, in real life this is not always the case.
An out of range alert (also known as an ATF - Automatic Transponder Function) can be a useful tool if you need to cover large distances, as it will warn you when you are reaching the edge of your radio range. Alternatively if you need to gain further distance from your Two-Way Radio communications, consider getting a repeater to boost the signal.
Channels and Group Codes
Two-Way Radios work on either the UHF or VFH channels, and it is important to get this right if you are buying new Two-Way radio equipment to match with existing ones. Channels are like frequencies on your car radio – and they work in the same way to avoid interference between broadcasters.
The more channels you have, the greater flexibility you have, and the better chance you have of avoiding interference with other Two-Way Radio users in the vicinity. Some Two-Way Radios offer a channel searching function, where it automatically searches to find you a free channel. Group Codes give you even greater flexibility, offering you different combinations to choose from per channel.
Batteries
Some Two-Way Radios work with conventional batteries, other will come with their own rechargeable ones. Work out which will suit your requirements best. It may also be useful to check for a Low Battery Indicator, so that you know in advance when you need to replace or recharge the batteries.
Additional Features
Some Two-Way Radios will also feature extras such as a Lock Button (so that the settings cannot be accidentally changed), a Voice Scrambler (for secure private communications) or a Backlight Display (to enable you to view the display in the dark). While they may not be the reason you choose a particular model, they can make your life much easier and should not be ignored.
 Standards
Any Two-Way Radio using the PMR446 standard is using a European-wide short-range radio service that is licence exempt. This means that whilst you can use your radio throughout Europe without restriction, there are no hidden usage costs or contract fees. What you pay for your radio, plus the cost of keeping it charged and operational, is all you will pay.
But note that not all Two-Way Radio equipment is licence free – make sure to check before you buy. PBR (Private Business Radio) is often the choice for businesses and professional users who require more challenging operating facilities.
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