A Comparison of Analog and Digital Radios

In the two-way radio world, there are two types of radios available; analog and digital.

The main difference is the way in which signals are transmitted and received.

An analog radio works by picking up the signal from a transmission site using carrier radio frequency waves. Listeners tune into analog frequency stations on their device. They listen to the electrical radio waves as they are transmitted directly from the radio station to the analog radio. These radios waves are transmitted continuously, without interruption to the sound.

Digital radios work by picking up a processed signal which turns sound into patterns of digits rather than the radio waves which are used for analog transmissions. These digital signals are transmitted via satellite to listeners’ radios by the same technology as is used for digital television signals.

Pros and Cons of Analog Radio:

Pro

• Analog radios are relatively inexpensive when compared to digital radios. They are far less complex and easy to use.
• The number of products and accessories offered is much larger and provides for more options.
• Analog systems make good use of bandwidth and are well understood.
• Analog radios are eco-friendly by comparison to digital radios.
• Analog radio waves broadcast a continuous signal, so every tone of a transmission is heard as a complete sound.
• Analog systems use the natural voice, which is a feature preferred by many users.

Con

• Typically only one two-way conversation can occur at a time on each channel.
• Analog systems require hardware receivers and transmitters that are designed to fit the particular transmission.
• No software-driven business applications are available for analog radios.
• Analog radios cannot filter out other noise around the sender.
• There is no privacy on an analog radio.
• Analog radios pick up interference from other transmitting stations.

Pros and Cons of Digital Radio

Pro

• Digital radios have greater range than analog.
• Digital and analog voice signals can be combined in the same digital devices.
• Digital signals can be handled by standardized antenna systems and existing infrastructure equipment.
• Digital radios have far more capabilities, such as: voice filtering; direct and group calling; text messaging; call privacy.
• Longer battery life.

Con

• Radio frequency noises can impact the signal received on a digital device.
• First-time users may experience a steep learning curve.
• Digital is currently typically more expensive than analog.

When considering your next fleet radio purchase, it will help to understand which transmission type will suit you best. Assess the level of reception of digital and analog radio signals at the location you intend to use the radio to help ensure you are making the right choice. Keep in mind the United States is moving in favor of digital transmission, which may affect the long-term worth and usability of analog models.

Whichever  you choose, the Sales Team at 2-Way Communications will be happy to help with the selection of radio and accessories that best meets your needs.Give them a call at (603) 421-6288 or send an email to sales@2-way.biz.

Magnetic Mic

Our Fleet Coordinator says these mic clips do not stay on the shelves … everyone takes a look, realizes the benefit, and gets one for their vehicle. Here’s a quick look at this inspired-in-the-field device.
Magnetic Mic enhances safety by reducing distracted driving. Once installed it helps drivers stay focused on the road when picking up and returning a CB or police radio microphone to its holder.  The magnetic attraction between the mount and mic allows you to keep your eyes on the road. Magnetic Mic works with virtually all radio systems. It doesn’t matter if your radio system functions with an on-hook/ off-hook setting, switches to a private line or scans when hung up.
The Mic replaces your hang-up clip using a standard two-hole mount. It installs anywhere within the driver’s reach and is designed to work with all major microphone manufactures. According to the manufacturer, currently more than 30,000 radio operators in a wide range of industries (construction, public transportation, commercial trucking, police, fire, EMS and more) benefit from the use of this made-in-America product.
Visit the showroom or give us a call (800-441-6288) to learn more about this amazing product!

Motorola’s MotoTRBO SL 7000e Series

Here’s a quick look at one of the MotoTRBO radios that’s part of the current Motorola promotion, the SL 7000e series.

The SL 7000e Series is designed for the the ultra-busy manager and features a slim and light form and incorporates high performance integrated voice and data.

 

Here’s what’s new in these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Upgraded audio for greater clarity at high volume
• Improved expandability
• Increased UHF transmitter power for greater range

SL 7000e Series radios include:

• SL 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, UHF
• SL 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800
• SL 7590e: Color display, Full keypad, 900

MOTOROLA SL 7550e FEATURES

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7580e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7590e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

If you’d like to learn more about these radios, or demo a MotoTRBO, call your 2-Way Communications account manager. It only takes a two minute phone call to get it started.

The 3CX Phone System

The 3CX Phone System for Windows is a software based phone system for Windows that works with a wide array of phones, SIP trunks and VoIP Gateways to provide a full PBX solution. It does so without the inflated cost and management headaches of an ‘old style’ PBX.

3CX includes clients for smartphones and laptops that allow employees to use their office extension from anywhere, making it seem as if they were in the office. Not only are all calls to the office free of charge, but employees can leverage one single number and make a professional impression.

Because 3CX runs on Windows, it is easily installed and managed. It’s preconfigured to work with popular IP Phones, VoIP Gateways and SIP trunks, so no hassle of having to configure and manage those devices.
With 3CX, companies can reduce their telephone costs by up to 80%. With the CRM integration agents get a customer name rather than a number, and the ability to make outbound calls from a CRM customer page.

To summarize, with 3CX, you can:

Take your extension everywhere you go
All calls are free of charge – slash your mobile phone bills
Increase productivity – work from anywhere
Know who’s calling with CRM integration – increase customer satisfaction

Contact 2-way Communications Services Network Division for more information, or to set up a free trial. Give them a call (603-431-6288) or send an email to NetworkSolutions@2-way.biz.

Bendpak Vehicle Lift

The Bendpack 4 post 9,000-pound vehicle lift arrived and was assembled in May, just a couple of months ago. Ryan and Craig took the lead on the assembly, and Jim and Bill lent a hand as well.

The lift was included as a part of the Fleet expansion (think new door, stockroom improvements … there’s more), and was included to increase the variety of services the company’s Fleet Division could provide to both professional organizations and commercial customers.

Uses of the lift so far include (but are not limited to): installing running lights on a police department’s Tahoe; inspecting and replacing a front bumper on a commercial vehicle; and a 1960’s Mustang exhaust system replacement.

Fleet Coordinator Jim says the lift is pretty awesome … it’ll get just about anything that will drive onto the shop floor up into the air, and it certainly makes a number of jobs … well, not fun … but much more manageable!

How can Fleet help you get ready for what’s next for your organization? Give Fleet a call at 603-431-6288 x 1755 (that’s Jim).

 

 

Remote Managed Service

Maybe it’s the sometimes rude, hard-to-understand IT support guy. Maybe it’s the variable costs associated with a break-fix support model. Maybe your IT guy closed his doors and just disappeared.

Working with local Seacoast companies and town offices, we understand your day-to-day operations provide enough of a challenge. You don’t have time to deal with these scenarios. We can help – our customers spend more time on core business and 20 – 45% less on IT costs.

A managed services provider (MSP) offers management and support of IT network-based services, applications and equipment. A reliable MSP allows business owners and employees to focus on their core functions and not spend valuable time trying to learn enough to take the place of an IT professional.

The Network Division of 2-Way Communications Service provides proactive IT managed services using a remote monitoring and management (RMM) system. This platform allows us to continually monitor the health and performance of your IT network—without any kind of disruption to your employees’ activities.

 

Our robust RMM platform supports early detection and remediation of issues before they cause downtime or data loss. We will also generate regular reports that provide insight into your IT system, including the business value and services being received, which will help you plan and budget for future IT expenses.

Remote monitoring and management works because an RMM tool conducts oversight of your network and IT assets 24/7. When necessary the RMM tool alerts your MSP to a potential issue or an issue about to occur; a centralized dashboard allows for remote diagnosis and remediation of the issue by the appropriate technician—without disruption to your business flow!

You can trust us to deliver the level of managed services your business needs to ensure a stable and secure IT environment. Our proactive services model will eliminate business disruptions and give you peace of mind knowing that your networks are always secure and operational with no surprises or unexpected expenses.

Is it time to get back to business and let an experienced team take care of your IT? Call the Network Division at 2-Way Communications Services (800-441-6288 x 1746) or send an email to Networksolutions@2-way.biz .  They’ll help you develop, implement, and execute a plan that best fits your company’s needs.

The XPR 7000e Portable Radio

 

The XPR 7000e Series is designed to keep the skilled professional better connected, more safe and more productive. With high-performance integrated voice and data and advanced features for efficient operation, these next-generation radios deliver superior two-way portable radio performance to your organization. The radio is tested to tough military standards and is waterproof to IP68. It won’t let you down.

Here’s a partial features list for these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Enhanced audio quality
• Improved expand-ability
• Better battery life (up to 29 hours)
• Better range (up to 8%)
• Better waterproofing (IP68)

Bluetooth® audio lets you talk without wires, integrated Wi-Fi enables remote software upgrades. Total visibility of your resources is provided by indoor and outdoor location- tracking capabilities. Your organization stays connected as it grows via support for trunking and legacy analog technology. Text messaging and Work Order Ticketing simplify complex communications, and data capabilities support advanced applications. 29 hours of battery life is available via the latest energy technology, and range is boosted because of the improved receiver. The audio amplifier and industrial noise cancellation delivers loud, clear speech. The orange emergency button on XPR 7000e Series radios summons help with one touch, and the integrated accelerometer automatically calls for assistance should you fall.

The XPR 7000e Series radios include:

• XPR 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800/900
• XPR 7350e: No display, No keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7380e: No display, No keypad, 800/900

Connect with your account manager to learn more, or to set up a demo.

Vehicle Graphics

Emergency and law enforcement vehicles need to be seen, especially at night. At the same time, all organizations need a cost-effective way to show a professional image on their units.

2-Way’s Fleet Division understands that your vehicle needs to be seen. They use high-quality custom graphics for higher visibility, enhancing side of the road safety. Also, during upfitting graphics are much more cost-effective than a paint job. And when a vehicle is retired, the graphics are peeled off, saving the cost of another trip to the painter.

In addition to reflective and organizational identity graphics, the Fleet Division can wrap all or part of a vehicle. A wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal which is applied directly over the original paint job on a vehicle. Using a wrap, a unit’s appearance is changed almost instantaneously, allowing, as example, an all-black sedan to have the appearance of a more traditional black-and-white with wrapped doors and roof.

Ghost graphics (for a change from influencing behavior to actually catching speeders) is another type of graphics available from Fleet. No magic here … simply using white reflective vinyl graphics on white patrol cars, black on black. The reflective portion of the wrap remains unseen until lit up by the guy doing 80 in a 45 mph zone …

2-Way’s Fleet Division is your one-stop-shop for vinyl, reflective, and ghost graphics. On the commercial side they do plow truck lettering, landscape truck lettering, construction truck lettering … you get the idea. For more information, or to get your next project started give Rick or Jim a shout (603-431-6288) or email them at FleetSolutions@2-way.biz.

Steganography 101

Steganography is the practice of hiding secret messages in otherwise non-secret mediums. It has been used in various ways for years – writing Revolutionary War messages in invisible ink, as an example. In the digital world, even something as benign as an image may be stealthily encoded with information. As an example, the pixel values, brightness, and filter settings can be manipulated by a hacker using a secret code to embed a message.

Through this technique hackers are deceiving internet users and smuggling malicious payloads past security scanners and firewalls. Steganography’s goal is to hide the fact that the content exists at all by embedding it in something else. The hidden code can then be used in all sorts of malicious attacks.

Various reports indicate that steganography is being used more than ever … although it is possible that the good guys are just getting better at detecting it. Steganography is being detected not only in sophisticated hacks, but in the attacks of low-level cyber criminals as well: malvertising; phishing; and malware distribution. This may be in part to the sale of steganographic instructions, allowing the technique to trickle down to the bad guys who may not have thought of a particular attack.

For individuals and small businesses, the way to protect yourself from steganographic attacks is to continuously work on security overall. Whether a phishing or a malvertising attack incorporates steganography or not, it still requires you to click on a link or download a file. If you’re aware of these types of attacks, looking out for them, and securing your accounts with protections like two-factor authentication, you’ll reduce your risk and have defenses in place if you are attacked.

Overwhelming, isn’t it? The Network Division at 2-Way communications can help. We’ll provide you with the integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform used by more than 8,000 customers nation-wide. Contact The Network Division for more information or to set an appointment today. Give them a call (603-431-6288) or send an email to NetworkSolutions@2-Way.biz.

Motorola Q3 Promotion

MOTOROLA Solutions

Q3 PROMOTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS: July 1 – September 30, 2017

UNIFY YOUR WORKGROUP COMMUNICATINOS

Migrate your technology from legacy
to leading edge!

Enjoy savings on Motorola’s Team Communications solutions with these special offers,available July 1 through September 30, 2017. Team Communications solutions are designed for the demands of industrial and commercial workers. Migrate your technology and take advantage of sizeable trade-in discounts on Next-Generation MOTOTRBO™ XPR 7000e, XPR 7550 IS, and SL7000e radios, the SLR 8000 repeater, and special financing.

XPR 7000e / XPR 7550 IS / SL 7000e RADIO TRADE-IN OFFER

There’s never been a better time to turn to Motorola’s Next-Generation MOTOTRBO radios to enhance workforce efficiency, productivity and safety. You can save $1,200 USD when you purchase 10 MOTOTRBO XPR 7000e, XPR 7550 IS, or SL 7000e series radios and trade in 10 eligible units.

SLR 8000 REPEATER TRADE-IN OFFER

A huge leap forward in technology, the SLR 8000 represents the next evolution in repeaters. Save $500 USD when purchasing the MOTOTRBO SL 8000 repeater with a trade in of a Motorola Solutions MTR 2000 base station or other industry repeater.

POWERFUL FINANCING OPTIONS

Thanks to Motorola, you have options. As a Motorola customer you can take advantage of special financing offers such as 0% financing with no payments until 2018.