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What gives a 2 way radio it’s mile range?
Question : What gives a 2 way radio it’s mile range?
I have some 2 way radio’s and would like to get more mile range out of them if it’s possible and I wanted to know what makes the mile range. is it the antenna? or the battery power or the wattage or what?
2 way radio batteries
Best answer:
Answer by Furball
It’s a mix of antenna and power output.
No good having lots of power, with a stubby little rubber duckie type antenna to feed it through. You might want to consider a portable antenna. Do a search for the model no of your radios, accessories(#1234,accessories), which should pick up what’s available.The socketry is pretty standard, so adaptors should be available to fit whatever you have.
Of course more power means less battery life. Some radios come with a socket for a 6 volt battery, to save running down the internal ones. If used outside away from mains power, you could use a 6v motorcycle or sealed lead acid battery, with the appropriate connector.
Some radios, (in particular PMR 446 standard radios used here in Europe) can be internally modified to boost the power output. This may apply to your radios. I would suggest googling model number with the words “power increase”.
Hope that helps.
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#2 written by Ken C 1 year ago
Furball has part of the equation. The antenna and RF power output are part of it, but so are the sensativity of the receiver AND the terrain.
The RF power output for public use license-free two-way radios is limited by the FCC. The antennae on those units is not directional, so they don’t have any gain. The best that can happen is that the antenna is well tuned to the frequency band.
People forget about the other end of the system; the receiver. The most sensative (and again, the better tuned the antenna) the weaker the signal can be and still get picked up.
Finally, the terrain itself will come into play. If you read the fine print, most of those radios will have a disclaimer saying that the stated range is under optimal conditions. That’s probably means absolutely flat terrain (no mountains or buildings) between the transmitter and receiver. Just like the miles-per-gallon on your care, your performance will vary.
Greetings from Austin, TX
Ken
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The Radio Frequency it uses.