Two Way Radios for
Schools, Colleges and Universities

Types of Radio Systems for Schools and Universities

PMR 446. This is a low-cost unlicensed radio system, adequate for some small schools or for field trips away from the school. The price of these radios is a great attraction, and they are generally a smaller radio than the licensed radios. However for a greater range, more secure communications and clearer audio, choose the licensed option.

One tip about unlicensed radios - many users operate their new radios on the channel they are set to when bought, especially when purchased from a shop or off the internet, who do not give technical advice. You will probably suffer from eavesdropping and interference. Change one of the channels to an obscure combination, say channel 4 tone 17 (but not that one!), and you should find a quiet channel. (you may have to retry another channel if you are unlucky)

PMR 446 radios include the Doro range (including the waterproof WT91) and the Entel HX446E.

Licensed PBR. A licensed radio system (Private Business Radio), will give you a radio channel of your own to make interference and eavesdropping far more unlikely. The higher transmit power of these radios, around 10 times the power of an unlicensed radio, gives a greater reception range (further, but not 10 times further!) and better quality loudspeakers and audio circuits will give clearer speech. A wide range of accessories are available, such as remote lapel microphones, headsets, earpieces and multi-chargers.

Many schools require some privacy between radio users, and want staff members to be ready to receive a call but not hear everything going on over the radio system (e.g. if they are in class or exam room). Individual selective calling, selcall, where the radios can call one other radio without others hearing, is available as an option on LBR radios. Selcall radios can still call groups of radios, or the whole system, if they wish.

One licence is required per system (not per radio) and will be applied for by us on your behalf. Licenses usually cover radio use on the school premises and nearby (3km), and are renewed annually.

There are a wider range of professional licensed radios and a far greater choice of functions, such as talkthrough, selective calling (calling individual radios) and emergency call. Priced a bit higher than the PMR446 radios they are repairable and longer lasting, giving value for money.

Licensed PBR radios include the Entel HX400 series, Icom IC-F25 and the Motorola GP340 and many others. Antennae can usually be supplied as standard (pictured with the HX446E) or the shorter stubby (pictured with the HX423) - your preference.

Talkthrough Radio System. For larger premises, even the licensed radios may not give full radio penetration. To get radio coverage throughout the premises, sometimes a central base station is required to rebroadcast the messages via an external aerial.

The talkthrough base station would be sited in a position to reach areas of the grounds not otherwise in radio range (extremities, basement floors etc).

The handportable radios of a talkthrough system are standard licensed PBR radios.

Mobile Phones. When many people think of mobile communications, they think of the familiar mobile phone. Indeed, for many purposes, they are the ideal and most cost-effective solution. If that is the case for your school, and the school has good network coverage, then mobile phones are what we will recommend and provide.

Two drawbacks with mobile phones are the lack of immediate contact and the inability to call many users at once. For this reason, it is usually not the correct solution for security concerns.

For communications with the outside world, of course, mobiles are often the best solution. We can provide all networks and will look closely at your expected usage to ensure that you are on the correct tariff and not wasting money every month - tariff costs can be higher than radio costs.

Using and caring for your radios:

Range. Although some manufacturers' literature may quote the range of their radios, how far your radio can transmit to depends on many things. Radio power, aerial type, height of the aerials (both the transmitting and the receiving radio aerials) and the local terrain and buildings all have a greater or lesser effect. Radio signals are ostensibly 'line of sight', with some penetration of and bouncing off buildings. Discuss any range concerns with our engineers or sales staff and we will carry out a survey if necessary.

Batteries. Most of our radios use rechargeable batteries. These should easily last a full working day before requiring recharging. Switch the radio off and put in a charger overnight. Re-use when the light on the charger shows, usually, green (read the manual!). Rechargeable batteries have a finite life, based on the number of charges it receives. This life is usually about 2-4 years (400 charge cycles). When the battery begins to go flat sooner than usual, giving too short a working day or is unreliable, it is maybe time to replace it. If it is within 12 months of purchase, the warranty will cover it.

Repairs. Most radios, certainly all licensed radios, are repairable. When one goes faulty, please do not allow staff to put it away in a cupboard or throw it away, or worse, to put it back in the charger and pick another. Call us and we will return your radio to perfect working order. If you like, take out a maintenance agreement for a fixed low monthly sum and avoid unexpected bills.

Care. Unless waterproofing was specified, most radios do not like being wet. There are delicate circuit boards inside which quickly become corroded by moisture, usually irreversibly. Please keep all electronic equipment, unless waterproof, dry. 'Splash-proof' radios can take a little wetness but consider waterproof radios for wet conditions.

Likewise, avoid dropping radios as impact damage can occur. Consider using leather cases in rough environments. Lapel microphones will avoid the need to carry the radio by hand - it can be safely left in a pocket or on a belt while in use.

School Security

Quote from the GovernorNet website - "Governing bodies have a statutory requirement to include school security in the annual report and may need to draw up their own policy on school security, based on their LEA's policy".

Ofsted are penalising schools in their inspections for not adequately providing for pupils' safety through a lack of communications on site. If an intruder is suspected, or a pupil is hurt, getting a message across to other staff for assistance, immediately, is crucial. Having to go looking for help, possibly leaving an injured pupil behind, is not ideal.

A critical area of any security, evacuation or safety policy is communication. This may be in the form of two way radios or mobile telephones. Wearside Communications are experts in both fields and will help your school with their communications.

Below are helpful links, for Governors, Head Teachers and Staff, relating to school security:

DfES School Security Guidance
DfES School Security Website
DfES School Security: Dealing with Troublemakers
Emergencies - TeacherNet
Rights of Way - TeacherNet
Safer Schools Partnership - TeacherNet
Trespassers Guidance - TeacherNet
GovernorNet Website