Two-way radios: jargon, dealers and price guide

Posted by Chris Davies on 27 January 2011

Radio jargon

  • Watt (W) – The unit for measuring radio power output. Higher wattage means higher power, but may not directly translate to greater range.
  • RF – Radio Frequency. Typically refers to the operating frequency of a device. RF ‘level’ may also refer to the power output (in Watts).
  • AM & FM – Amplitude and Frequency Modulation. The two principle contrasting types of radio transmission. AM varies the height (or amplitude) of the radio wave and FM varies the wave length (or frequency) while keeping the height constant.
  • CB radio – Citizen’s band radio. Low powered HF radio for use over short distances. Not in common use in South Africa.
  • HF – High Frequency (3Mhz to 30Mhz). Impractical over short distances, unless in direct line-of-sight, but excellent over distances of 300 kilometres or more.
  • VHF – Very High Frequency (30Mhz to 300Mhz). The most common frequencies in use for FM radio communication in South Africa.
  • UHF – Ultra High Frequency (300Mhz and above). Common for hand-held devices.
  • HAM – Refers to individuals (HF amateur radio operators) rather than a type of radio or RF.
  • Whip – The visible aerial that sits on the outside of your vehicle.
  • Tuning (or Trimming) – Determining the correct length of your antenna according to the frequency of the radio wave you’re using.
  • Mobile radios – Alternative name for two-way radios that are mounted inside a vehicle.
  • Portable radios – Alternative name for hand-held two-way radio devices.

Two-way radio dealers

Price guide**

Handheld <0.5W R400 – R900
Handheld >0.5W R1300 – R2300
Mounted AM radio R1000 – R1500
Mounted FM radio R1900 – R3000

** Obtained from Eric Skeen of REPCOM. Prices listed exclude antennas and installation.


Page 1: A review of inter-vehicle communication
Page 2: Antenna mounting, fitting and servicing
Page 3: Clubs, licensing and the law
Page 4: Radio etiquette, prowords and the phonetic alphabet
Page 5: Jargon, dealers and price guide

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