What Is a Simple Radio?
A simple radio is a radio terminal used at a simple radio station for business or personal leisure use.
The radio station does not require a radio operator license, so anyone can use it. Depending on the form of the radio, it is divided into fixed, vehicle-mounted, and portable types, with the portable type generally referred to as a transceiver.
Unlike cellular phones, simple radios can share a channel in advance and transmit to multiple people at once. No phone numbers need to be entered, and transmissions can be made as soon as the “send” button is pressed.
It can also be used deep in the mountains where there is no cell phone coverage. Thus, simple radios are excellent for those who want to keep in close contact with predetermined members of the group.
Uses for Simple Radios
Simple radios are used for business and personal leisure activities that require communication and simultaneous calls in places where cellular phone reception is difficult.
1. Security Work
They are suitable for security work in large commercial facilities, such as plants, factories, etc.
2. Events
When running an event, the system can be used to communicate with all staff members with a single transmission, facilitating smooth communication. Other advantages include the ability to send and receive even when the scale of the event is large and the staff members are far from each other, such as at Comiket and music festivals.
It is also suitable for sporting events such as marathons and walkathons, where athletes and staff have to travel extensively.
3. Large Distribution Warehouses
With the spread of online shopping, logistics warehouses are being built in various locations and are becoming larger and larger. This system is useful for communicating between workers and managers engaged in picking and other tasks.
4. Outdoor Activities
It is useful to keep in touch with family and friends when climbing mountains, camping, etc. Registered stations are not for business use only, but leisure use is also permitted.
Principle of Simple Radios
Simple radios are radio stations that use radio waves to communicate with other simple radios. The frequency is in the UHF band and the maximum output power is 5W. There are two types of simplex radios: analog and digital. Since the analog communication method is scheduled to be discontinued, the digital communication method is used here.
Digital simple radios digitize voice and communicate via radio waves. Encryption enables the provision of a secret communication function.
In addition, the digitalization maintains a clearer sound quality compared to the analog method, and allows calls to be made in a narrower radio bandwidth, thus making effective use of radio waves.
How to Select a Simple Radio
1. Licensed Station and Registered Station
There are two types of simple radios: licensed stations and registered stations. It is important to make a decision based on the purpose of use and the range of users.
Licensed Station
Licensed stations are radio stations intended for business use by corporations and organizations. Licensed stations have 19 channels +9 channels (excluding audio) at 154.44375 to 154.61254 MHz and 65 channels at 467 to 467.4 MHz, and have more channels than registered stations, making them less prone to interference.
A license is required for each radio, and only those who belong to the organization can use it. Therefore, the rental of licensed simple radios is prohibited.
Registered Stations
Registered stations are radio stations that can be used not only for business but also for personal leisure. Registered stations have 30 channels between 351.2 and 351.38125 MHz and 5 channels between 351.16875 and 351.19375 MHz, which are fewer channels than licensed stations.
By submitting an application for registration and a notification of the establishment in advance, a station is approved through a formal requirements examination. Registered stations are allowed to be used by non-registered persons and can be rented.
2. Shape
There are two types of simple radios: the handheld type, which can be carried around, and the vehicle-mounted type. The choice depends on the type of use.
3. Functions
Some simple radios have functions, such as GPS, secret communication, recording, waterproofing, and dustproofing, in addition to the calling function. Check to see if the equipment has the functions you need for your business.
Other Information on Simple Radios
Restrictions on Simple Radios
There are some restrictions on the work for which simple radios can be used.
Please note that they cannot be used for the following operations. They cannot be used for telecommunication services, for the purpose of ensuring safe navigation of ships and aircraft, for safety and security such as preservation of human life and property or maintenance of public order, or for social infrastructure.