Two Way Radio Communication
What is the most common two-way radio on the planet? If you though it was the cellular phone, then you're right. Those ubiquitous little items glued to everyone's ear contain a sophisticated two-way radio that sends and receives phone calls in a never-ending stream of signals. In fact, you have probably seen people using two radios at once, typing with one hand on a laptop connected to a wireless network at the coffee shop or mall while holding a mobile phone with the other. Both devices are examples of specialized two-way radio communication.
Two-way radios are used the world over to put people in touch with people. Radio does this with a bare minimum of fancy supporting technology and so provides a very inexpensive way of communicating. Examples of person-to-person radios such as CB radios, amateur radios, FRS radios, and scanners. Two-way radio communication really shows its worth when the chips are down and so are the cellular phones and Internet connections. Not many people realize that commercial communications systems such as the plain old telephone service (POTS) are designed to handle only a few percent of their subscribers at any given time. In a smaller-scale emergency such as a blizzard you are likely to find the systems unavailable due to overload. This lack of service can last for many hours and in a true disaster such as an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane, hours or days may pass before service is restored. In times like these, having a two-way radio that doesn't rely on a separate company or special systems can literally be a lifesaver. In an emergency not only do you need to know how to make the best use of your two-way radio and where to find help but you also need to now how to interact with others in a similar situation and with the people providing assistance. Two-way radio communication is not just for emergencies though. Using a two-way radio can enhance the experience of other activities. For example, auto racing fans use scanners to listen to their favorite drivers talk with their pit crews. Hikers, campers, and recreational vehicle users often use radios to keep in touch with others and as safety aids. The worldwide community of folks that combine outdoors skills and radios in orienteering and direction finding competitions is sizeable. Hang gliders and hot air balloonists can often be heard coordinating their flights in two-way radio communication. Public safety and service workers such as fire and police officers, paramedics, and transportation and wildlife officers, all make use of radio on a daily basis. Two-way radios are commonly used by security staff at public events and concerts. To pilots, two-way radio is a lifeline in the sky guiding them safely from point to point and keeping them informed about conditions ahead and on the ground. |
