Regardless if it&#;s the office or hobbies that bring you outside of the city limits, remote areas always make cell reception a challenge. Whether you&#;re on the job or on a hunting trip, you have to find a reliable alternative for communication. When choosing a portable device to stay in contact while you&#;re out of cellular range, there are essential features to take into consideration:
Signal Range &#; This is the most obvious feature, considering if you don&#;t have reception then whatever device you&#;re using won&#;t be all that helpful. Signal strength becomes even more critical during an emergency situation. To eliminate dropped calls and signal dead zones while in a remote area, choose a device that doesn&#;t have to rely on cell towers for reception.
Emergency Features &#; While signal range is the most obvious consideration, we consider emergency features the most essential element when choosing a communication solution for remote locations. At the very least, your device should have a dedicated button for emergency alerts that will instantly contact the correct person or group for fast response time, without ever having to dial a number.
Audio Quality &#; After you have checked the boxes for signal range and emergency features, next on the list is the level of audio quality. If you are operating heavy machinery or competing against harsh winds, you need a device that will cut through the noise and deliver clear communication every time. Communicating during a crisis leaves no room for white noise or asking someone to repeat their message. Choosing a device that doesn&#;t compromise on audio performance will give you the confidence that your message will be heard no matter what else is going on around you.
Durability &#; A lot of oil rigs, construction projects, and manufacturing plants operate in remote areas, so any device on-site needs a high level of durability. Even when you&#;re planning to hit the ski slopes or setting up the tent for a long weekend of camping, Canadian weather always adds a layer of unpredictability to your plans. Choose a device with a high IP rating that shows it has been tested for waterproofing, dust-resistance, shocks, and extreme temperatures.
Battery Life &#; Overtime on the job or losing track of time in the great outdoors, the battery life of your portable device shouldn&#;t run out before you&#;re ready to go home. Choose a device that is powered by a battery designed for long-term usage. Also, consider a device that is easy to change out the batteries just in case you last longer than the charge does.
When it comes to checking all the boxes for reliable communications in remote areas, Motorola digital two way radios always come out on top. We have spent over 30 years working with companies in the most remote parts of Canada, giving us the insights and real-life applications to understand the unique communication needs of each location, terrain, and operation. Out of all the Motorola two way radios available for every type of operation imaginable, there are three that have been ranked the best two way radios for remote areas.
Motorola CP200D
This is the most lightweight device of the top three, making it ideal for users that already have a lot of gear to wear or carry. Being a digital two way radio model means that it operates on a private network, outside of the public cellular networks. This digital network delivers a superior signal strength and doubles the calling capacity of a regular cell tower, so more people can connect in more places and never worry about overloading the network.
This radio gives you military standards of durability and given an IP54 rating for water and dust-resistance in harsh environments. Automatic Gain Control will automatically boost the speaker volume to cut through background noise and deliver clear communications. The CP200D also houses a high-capacity Li-ion battery, boosting usage time by 40% for up to 18 hours of battery life. Transmit Interrupt gives an added layer of safety by stopping current transmissions and clearing all necessary channels when the emergency Push-to-Talk button is pressed, giving priority access to critical communications for fast emergency response.
Motorola XPRe
This digital handheld radio adds built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities and is designed using the latest IMPRES energy technology to further extend battery life up to 28 hours. It also features an improved receiver, boosting signal range over longer distances by 8%. Audio quality is enhanced as well with Industrial Noise Cancellation and Intelligent Audio to eliminate background interference, while automatically adjusting speaker volume based on the level of background noise.
The exterior of the XPRe is completely dustproof and rated IP67 for waterproofing in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. This radio can be purchased with HazLoc features as well that are Certified Intrinsically Safe to use in areas where flammable or explosive materials are present. This radio also has a number of additional safety features like Emergency Search Tone for those emergency situations where users might be unable to describe their location. The Emergency Search Tone emits a loud, continuous alarm on the radio so emergency response teams can easily follow the sound until the user is located.
Motorola XPRe Series
This series delivers best-in-class ratings for audio, durability, and safety. The XPRe series of digital two way radios further enhances Motorola&#;s Intelligent Audio technology by adding an Acoustic Feedback Suppressor and Microphone Distortion Control. Not only do these radios cancel out background noise, they recognize distorted audio and adjust transmissions for the most superior clarity in communications.
This series also has options for large, full-colour screen displays with icons and easy-to-use navigation buttons for simplified work-order ticketing and text messaging capabilities. The Day/Night Mode will adjust your display to the right contrast for the light in your environment. The XPRe series also meets the toughest military standards and offers the highest IP68 durability rating for complete dust proofing and waterproofing in six feet of water for up to two hours. This series enhances Motorola&#;s industry-leading safety features by adding a prominent orange emergency button for faster PTT emergency response, along with an integrated accelerometer that can sense if a user has fallen and will automatically call for emergency assistance.
Our team of Certified Motorola Specialists is here to help answer any questions you have about choosing the best two way radio for your needs in remote areas.
Is your work in remote locations seasonal? Would you like to try two way radios on your next hunting trip? We offer weekly, monthly, and long-term rental plans for most of our digital two way radios as well.
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Two-Way Radio, Rugged Devices, and Mobility
Citizens Band radios (CBs) are a time-tested type of two-way radio communication used for short-distance, person-to-person voice communication. CB radio users operate on 40 frequency channels in the 27 MHz band, sending only one transmission at a time per channel. These easy-to-use radios are especially popular among truckers and in remote areas that lack reliable cell service.
The components of a CB radio are simple: a few essential knobs, a transceiver microphone, a digital display, and a coaxial cable to connect the antenna. But before you buy, it&#;s a good idea to understand the types of CBs and how they&#;re used.
Types of CB Radios
Mobile CB radios are the most popular because they connect drivers who exchange important information while on the road. Truck drivers, off-roaders, and RV owners all use mobile CB models.
The chassis comes in different sizes (generally about 8&#;x2&#;x8&#;), connects to the vehicle battery, and is installed either on the dashboard or floor. Be sure to measure your vehicle&#;s interior so you can choose a model that fits well. Mobile CB radios vary in style and price from basic radios to expensive models with upgrades like an SWR meter, instant channel 9, a public address system or Multi-Band capability. As a general rule, mobile CB radios have a better receiver and clearer sound than the smaller, more portable versions.
All-In-Handset compact CB radios are ergonomically designed with the controls built into the handset to allow for one-hand control. Because the controls are in the handset, these units have a larger microphone and a smaller base unit. The unit usually plugs into the vehicle&#;s 12V accessory socket and weighs about two pounds. Their compact size and easy installation make them a good choice for installation in smaller vehicles.
A Base Station CB radio is operated from a stationary location, such as a home or office, and is powered through an AC wall outlet. Base stations have a built-in AC power supply and the user interface is designed for desk use. They typically have more features than other types of CB radios so they tend to be more expensive. These high-end models are ideal for both business owners and hobbyists.
To ensure optimum performance, these CB radios require a base station antenna with a ground plane kit. These kits have radials extending up to six feet long off the base to improve the performance of the base station.
Handheld CB radios are a mobile transceiver similar in appearance to an FRS walkie-talkie but with much greater range and more channels. GMRS radios are also handheld, but they require an FCC license and are primarily used for outdoor and worksite needs. Handheld CB radios offer flexibility for different situations because they are compact and portable. They&#;re ideal for traveling by foot, horseback, motorcycle, or bicycle. Additionally, the small size makes them convenient for smaller vehicles or when a permanent CB radio installation is not practical.
Handheld CB radios can be converted for use in vehicles by connecting a magnet mount or fixed-mount CB antenna; simply remove the radio&#;s rubber antenna and attach a connector for the car-mounted antenna. They usually have a 12V auxiliary adapter plug for the vehicle&#;s accessory socket in addition to battery-power. Some models have rechargeable battery packs or incorporate rechargeable AA batteries. Keep in mind that they&#;re usually limited to about 2 watts of power.
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Common Uses of CB Radios
Even with the widespread use of cell phones, 40-channel CB radios continue to have a loyal following because they don&#;t rely on cell towers and are easy to use. CBs are the go-to option for a variety of situations where communication is important.
: CB radios work in areas without cell service, so many off-road vehicle groups require members to have a CB radio. Users can monitor the CB for emergency warnings and get advice on navigating specific trails. Hikers appreciate the radio&#;s ability to request help when needed.
: Truckers use CB radios for real-time traffic alerts such as crashes, construction, gridlock, or police activity. CB radio users can notify trucks when it&#;s safe to pass or merge, helping to prevent confusion during heavy traffic.
: A CB radio keeps you informed about weather alerts, storms, environmental catastrophes, and other threats.
Because cell service is virtually non-existent on the open water, boaters depend on marine radios and CB radios to keep them safe; multi-band radios can access marine channels as well.
CB radios work in remote areas, allowing communication between groups.
: CB radios will function in lousy weather or mountainous terrain. Easy communication between a group of vehicles traveling together makes them popular with RV travelers, motorcyclists, and truck drivers.
CB Radio Features To Consider
While anyone can get started with a base model CB radio, more experienced users look for full-feature radios. To find the best CB radio for your needs, consider the following features:
One of the most important radio features to consider is the size of the transceiver. CB radios range in size from small, hand-held portable units to large, full-chassis base units. It&#;s important to consider where your radio will be mounted and to choose a CB radio model that will fit well in your space. For example, Jeep and off-road vehicle owners usually have little room in their cabs and tend to use smaller radios. RV and large-truck owners with ample room have a wider range of radio models to choose from.
Durability is a key factor for CB radios that will be used outdoors or on the road. Be sure to select a CB radio model with high durability ratings as well as compatibility with secure mounts.
All CB radios operate on the same 40 channels within the 27 MHz band; however, there are three different modes that vary in quality and range. You can switch between modes, but both the sending and receiving CB radios must be using the same mode. As you get started shopping for a CB radio, it&#;s important to choose which combination of modes works best for you.
Traditional CB radios transmit in AM mode, so base models come standard with AM mode. From there you can add FM and/or SSB mode.
FM mode is an option available only since when the FCC began permitting the use of FM CB frequencies. This mode provides close-range higher sound quality because it locks onto the strongest signal and decreases background noise and interference. This mode is easy to use and an affordable upgrade from AM only.
CBs equipped with Single Sideband mode (SSB) use either the Upper Sideband (USB) or Lower Sideband (LSB) of the AM range to enhance transmission clarity and range. Radios equipped with single sideband (SSB) also have an additional control called a &#;voice lock&#; or &#;clarifier,&#; which is adjusted to clarify signals received when using SSB. You may want the &#;Frequency counter&#; feature when you are operating on single sideband mode and need to adjust the frequency on which your radio is receiving or transmitting. An SSB CB radio offers more power and greater range than AM mode, so expect to pay more for this feature.
Multi-band CB radios allow users to receive communications on multiple bands because they pick up a broader spectrum of radio waves. Multi-band radio includes VHF, UHF, CB, HAM, AM, and FM all in one unit for a versatile communication system that picks up shortwave, emergency, aviation, and marine bands. Multi-band radios are excellent for emergencies when listening to public safety communications is critical. Most multi-band radios operate as plug-in models, but some are designed to be portable and run on batteries. In addition to using the CB channels, amateur radio users who are licensed with the FCC can broadcast on Ham radio channels.
SWR meters measure your radio transmission&#;s standing wave ratio (SWR) to ensure your antenna is working properly. This can be a convenient, built-in feature of your radio or an add-on. The SWR meter measures if there are discrepancies between the transmitted and reflected signals, helping to prevent damage and improve your signal when installing and tuning your radio antenna. While a separate SWR meter is best for tuning a CB antenna, many CB radios have a built-in meter to help with troubleshooting.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert feature transmits a unique tone and the CB radio sounds an alarm to warn of the danger. The National Weather Service will send out alarm tones that interrupt your channel and even come through when your radio is off (provided it is still connected to power). An AM/FM CB radio with NOAA weather alerts is one of the most popular configurations for CBs.
On a CB radio, channel scan finds an active channel where people are talking and automatically stops there. This safety feature keeps the driver&#;s eyes on the road while searching for conversations. This is particularly helpful because certain CB channels have designated uses that are predominantly for the benefit of truckers.
Channel 9: emergency channel for communication about first response and accidents
Channel 19: communication about traffic, speed traps, etc.
Channel 6: truckers use this channel to talk about traffic and road conditions
Channel 10: communication with weigh stations and inspection places
Noise interference can easily ruin your experience with your CB radio. There are multiple features to help limit background noise and improve sound quality, including squelch control, RF gain, NB/ANL, or a Hi-Cut filter.
Radio operators can turn up squelch control to quiet background static, only letting through strong, direct signals. Be careful not to turn squelch too high, or it may block wanted signals that happen to be weak or far away.
RF gain is similar to squelch control, but acts as a sensitivity filter. RF gain controls your radio&#;s ability to receive distant or close by signals, which in turn affects the level of noise your radio picks up.
The Noise Blanker (NB) and Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) are features included in most mobile CB radios, and are necessities for operating a radio in a truck. NB/ANL are noise filters, reducing interference from outside sources such as power lines, ignition noise, inverters, or engine noise.
The hi-cut filter is another way of reducing static by removing high frequencies that make up a significant portion of white noise. Cutting higher frequencies also improves the clarity and sound quality when receiving communications.
Radios with bluetooth capabilities allow for hands-free conversations through your CB radio using your cell or bluetooth headset. This feature reduces the risk of distracted driving, while still letting you communicate with family and friends or make work-related calls.
Color LCD display is a key feature that comes into play when driving at night, during bad weather, or any kind of dark driving conditions. Backlighting makes the radio screen easy to read, and some radios come with backlit knobs so drivers can easily identify where to make adjustments to their radio. Some radios have customizable night and day color display settings. Even if your radio doesn&#;t come with illuminated controls, you can install a lighted radio knob kit to make it easy to operate your radio in the dark.
This feature allows you to hear your voice when you transmit so that you can adjust volume and clarity. Your voice will come either through the CB speaker or an external speaker.
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