Radio Coverage Test

Understanding Radio Coverage:

Radio coverage determines your systems communication range, clarity, and reliability. Traditional radios operate in frequency ranges between 150-900MHz, which travel via “line of sight”. Although these signals can bounce off of physical objects, they have difficulty penetrating metallic obstructions and other physical obtrusions.

One method of overcoming these obstacles is the installation of repeater sites. Repeater sites bolster coverage by increasing the power at which the radio signal is emitted. Whilst most handheld and mobile radios operate on between 1-5W of power, repeater site installations empower signal strength upwards of 50W without draining your radios batteries.

Common radio frequencies include Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF). Whilst VHF frequencies operate on longer wavelengths and therefore longer range than their UHF counterparts, they are prone to weaker signal strength and less available channels.

National Wireless Radio Coverage Tests allow our team to determine your ideal solution by investigating the Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) throughout your site – guaranteeing a tailored solution for your needs. this indicator details the signal strength the radio is receiving and can be increased by either transmitting from a higher power radio or reducing signal deterrents.

Several factors can inhibit a radio’s coverage range, including natural terrain, physical deterrents, such as buildings or tempered glass, atmospheric conditions, or antenna efficiency. Co-Channel interference can further inhibit your communications reliability by picking up signals from operations utilising the same frequency channel.

Common solutions to these factors can include raising antenna heights – thus bypassing geographical interference – and installation of repeater sites which bolsters frequency strength to overcome physical deterrents. Radio equipment, such as antennas, can increase range by increasing the radios sensitivity to frequency waves.

By ensuring quality communication coverage across site, you can improve the maximum range and audio quality of your radios – without running the risk of outside interference. This permits team-wide one-to-many communications and ensures efficiency and professionalism from your team.

View our full range of high-power radios, repeaters, and antennas here: