The professions that require the use of two-way radios may be few, but they’re some of the most respected job roles today. As opposed to cell phones, two-way radios offer immediate connection and reliable communication. They don’t rely on cellular networks to get the job done, and they’re a critical component of high-risk workplaces.
While Motorola is often viewed as the cream of the crop when it comes to two-way radios, RCA leads the pack in affordability and advanced features. They’re lauded for their ability to reduce Experience Modification Rates (EMR), an essential factor when it comes to hazardous work environments.
Although having an RCA radio is better than having none at all, it’s important to pick the right kind for your profession and the industry you represent. Here are some of the best RCA two-way radio models for each vocation.
School Administrators
School security is a point of major contention, but there’s one thing most people agree on: The need for it has skyrocketed in the last decade. More school administrators are outfitting themselves with two-way radios to supplement the existing PA systems set up in most schools.
That’s why the BR200 model is the ideal choice for school administrators. Not only is it an economy model that fits nicely within most district-provided budget allocations, but it integrates seamlessly with the Ritron wireless PA system, so that mass announcements can be easily made as well.
With 4 watts UHF of output power, it has a broad range, ensuring it works in even sizable college and university campuses.
Emergency Responders
Few professions can benefit from the two-way radio as much as emergency responders can. Due to the nature of the job, this position requires one of the higher-end models. The RDR3600 is both submersible and weatherproof.
So, if emergency responders are dealing with a natural disaster, this radio will withstand any damage from floods, heavy rains, or high winds.
Furthermore, it comes with an emergency button that sounds an alarm across the entire channel with just one push, alerting others that there is danger in the dispatcher’s location.
Hospitality
While hotel and restaurant workers rarely have to face the same brutal circumstances as public safety workers, they still benefit massively from the right two-way radio for safety and customer service purposes. The RDR2500 is a light, compact two-way radio that serves this industry ideally.
Not only is it cost-effective compared to similar Motorola models, it’s easily carried on a belt clip for convenient portability. Furthermore, it maintains a 10-14 hour battery life even with regular usage, ensuring it won’t require a charge until the end of your employees’ workday.
Construction, Factories, & Warehouses
Aside from public safety, this is the field in which you’ll most regularly see two-way radios in use. There are various models suitable for this kind of work, but the best across the board option is the RDR4330. This radio is classified as Intrinsically Safe (IS), a certification that guarantees a radio’s resistance against fumes, wood dust, and flammable substances.
So, whether employed in a warehouse or an oil refinery, this is an essential component. What’s more, the RDR4330 comes with a color display and 23 programmable features. One of these programmable features is GPS-tracking, an important element when it comes to workers in large construction sites or warehouses.
In addition to the fact that it has an emergency button like the RDR3600, it also has man-down and lone worker features. The man-down feature sends an alarm across the channel when the radio detects it is in a horizontal position, suggesting the worker has fallen. Meanwhile, the lone worker feature sends a worker a reminder to interact with the radio if they haven’t in a while. If they fail to respond to the reminder, a notification is sent across the channel.
Surveillance
Unlike the previously mentioned tools, the security and surveillance industry doesn’t employ a traditional two-way radio. Rather, it employs a two-way radio surveillance kit that consists of an earpiece, push-to-talk mic, and cabling and plugs.
While the functionality is much the same, the execution is different in that these kits tend to be composed of more compact and discreet pieces.
The RCA SK21NE-X03 two-wire surveillance kit is both heavy-duty and inconspicuous. It comes with a palm mic that you can place on your lapel or the end of your jacket sleeve. Whether you’re working as a personal bodyguard, nightclub security, or in public safety, this system will deliver crystal-clear communication for a minimal price and fast setup.
