Two-Way Radios: Your Essential Guide to Dos, Don’ts, and Must-Knows

The Dos of Two-Way Radio Communication

Do a Radio Check Before use:
Do a Radio Check Before Critical Operations: Before an event starts, a shift begins, or you venture into an unknown area, always perform a quick radio check. This confirms your radio is working, you’re on the correct channel, and everyone can hear each other clearly. A simple “Radio check, this is [your name/call sign]” followed by a confirmation from the receiver is usually sufficient.

Do Use Clear, Concise Language:
Radio communication thrives on simplicity. Be sure you get straight to the point. Avoid slang, jargon, or unnecessary chatter. Think about what you need to convey and say it in as few words as possible

Speak clearly and calmly:
Hold the microphone a few inches from your mouth. Speak in a normal, calm tone; don’t shout, as this can distort your voice. Make sure to enunciate your words carefully.

Listen before you transmit:
Always pause and listen to the channel before pressing your Push-to-Talk (PTT) button. This prevents you from interrupting crucial conversations and ensures your message gets through.

Utilise words like ‘over’ and ‘out’:
These simple words streamline communication. Say “Over” when you’ve finished speaking and are awaiting a reply. Say “Out” when you’ve concluded your conversation and expect no further response. Also, when spelling out names or codes, use the phonetic alphabet (e.g., “Alpha” for A, “Bravo” for B). This reduces any confusion, especially in noisy environments!

Maintain your radio:
A radio with a dead battery is useless. Make charging a routine at the end of each day or before every major use. Consider carrying spare batteries for extended operations. Keep your radio clean and dry. Avoid dropping it, and if it’s a waterproof model, ensure all seals are secure. Regularly check the antenna, battery, and clips for any damage.

The Dont’s of Two-Way Radio Communication

Don’t monopolise the channel you’re using:
Radio channels are shared resources. Avoid lengthy, drawn-out conversations that can prevent others from relaying urgent information. If a discussion becomes extensive, switch to a less busy channel or use another communication method.

Keep language professional:
Maintain professionalism. Two-way radio channels are not private. Assume anyone can hear your transmissions, including colleagues, clients, or even the public. Following this shouting distorts your voice and doesn’t make you clearer. Speak at a normal conversational volume.

Make sure to identify yourself:
Always identify yourself when initiating a call or sending a critical message.

Don’t always rely on the radio:
While you can use two-way radios for pretty much everything when it comes to communication, when it comes to more complex discussions, sensitive details, or non-urgent matters, use a phone, email, or speak in person. Radios are best for immediate, essential communication.

Don’t block the antenna:
Holding or obstructing the antenna can significantly reduce your radio’s range and signal quality. Keep it clear for optimal performance.

Must knows about your radio

• Channel Etiquette: Understand that each channel is a shared space with its own rules. Some channels are for specific teams (e.g., security, maintenance), while others are general. Know which channels to use for what purpose and respect turn-taking.
• Range Limitations: The advertised range of a radio is usually an ideal scenario, like open, unobstructed terrain. In reality, buildings, hills, dense trees, and even weather can significantly reduce effective range. Test your radio’s performance in your typical operating environment.
• Battery Health: Familiarise yourself with your radio’s typical battery life under regular use. Batteries degrade over time; if your radio isn’t holding a charge as long as it used to, it might be time for a replacement.
• Licensed Radios operate on dedicated frequencies assigned by the communications regulator (like Ofcom in the UK). They offer higher power, better range, clearer communication, and more private channels, making them essential for professional, large-scale operations. You must hold the appropriate license to operate these. Get in touch to learn more.

Other points to keep in mind…

Voice Prompts and Alerts: Many modern radios offer useful features like low battery alerts, channel announcements, or emergency call functions. Knowing these audio cues can be crucial.

Emergency Procedures: If your radio has an emergency button, ensure you know exactly how it works and what protocols are initiated when it’s activated. This is vital for safety.