Two Way Radio Glossary Of Terms

Two-Way Radio: A radio telephone device that transmits and receives signals over distances providing instant voice (and sometimes data) communications between individuals or groups.

Portable Radio, a.k.a. Walkie Talkie: A battery operated handheld sized two-way radio with an integrated speaker and microphone and an attached antenna, that can easily be carried by a person.

Mobile Radio: A two-way radio designed to be mounted inside a vehicle, generally with more power and range than a Portable Radio. A mobile radio will employ a separate hand held microphone, and an integrated or external separately mounted speaker. Mobile radios typically rely on an antenna mounted on the vehicle’s exterior and the vehicle’s power to operate.

Base Station: A two way radio designed to be operated at a non-moving location such as an office.

Desk Top Base Station: A Base Station designed to be placed on a desk or table and operated by an individual immediately in front of it. It usually has a desk or hand mic and an externally mounted antenna. It will plug into the wall outlet for power.

Remote Base Station: Similar to a Desk Top Station but located elsewhere usually for the purpose of extending its range. It is accessed by a communications console.

Repeater a.k.a. Mobile Relay: A two-way radio configured to extend the range of two-way radio systems by receiving a signal from a portable, mobile or base station and simultaneously rebroadcasting it over a wider area. It is generally located at a higher elevation above the service area and uses an external antenna mounted high enough to extend its range.

Speaker: A device connected to or mounted in a two-way radio that remote users voices are emitted from.

Antenna: A device connected to a two-way radio that delivers its signal into the air and receives remote signals. Ususally a metal rod(s), or on a portable radio it’s a short, flexible and rubber coated and connected directly to the top of the radio. On others is it remotely mounted and connected by a cable.

Service Area: The area that users of a two-way radio system occupy and expect the system to provide communications coverage over.

Communications Console: A desktop or table top device designed to control a remote base station. It includes a microphone and speaker, and controls to cause the the remote base station's functions such as transmit, receive, change channel etc. to operate. It can be a simple as a telephone style desk set with a push to talk button or computer based controlling a multitude of remotely located base stations and functions.