Seasoned construction industry professionals will know that two way radios have been used on site for as far back as anyone can remember. Back in the day, the technology was fairly straightforward – plain handsets with a single speaker and microphone mounted in the front panel, a push-to-talk button, channel select and volume control were all you needed for the first forays into mobile communication.

 

Times, however, have changed, the needs and expectations have moved on and technology has advanced at dizzying speed. The basics of being able to keep entire teams of contractors in touch anywhere on site still apply, but the aspirations of achieving seamless, efficient site coordination and exemplary safety records demand so much more from modern communications solutions.

 

When faced with changing demands, technologies either adapt or die. In the case of two way radio, a new wave of innovation from manufacturers directly targeted at meeting the needs of industries like construction has helped transform a reliable old fall back into an essential tool for front line site management. Here are four examples of how two way radio technology has radically extended its capabilities to better serve the construction sector.

Emergency Freeze

The idea of having an automatic lock down system in the event of emergencies has been well established on heavy plant machinery for a long time. But how do you stop people as well as machines? One of the benefits of two way radio in large teams is that the whole-network communication paradigm relays messages to all users at once. But it is not foolproof – if people are already using their handsets, other messages cannot get through, and voice messages can be drowned out around loud machinery. When you absolutely have to get the message through to everyone to stop what they are doing, a pre-set alarm that works simultaneously on all handsets is more effective.

Remote Access Intercom

One of the really interesting consequences of the digitisation of two way radio is that handsets can nowadays be connected to all sorts of other networks and systems, vastly expanding the range of possibilities for what they can be used for. One that is already popular is connecting two way radios to access control and intercom systems on gates and doors. Instead of having to staff the gates, visitors can buzz through and speak to an authorised person via their radio. Once verified the gates can be unlocked from the handset, saving time while ensuring high security standards are maintained.

Crane Intercom

One of the big challenges with construction site communications is ensuring everyone on site is on the network, whatever their job role and wherever they work. With crane operators, the challenge is doubled by the fact they are working at great height and they need both hands to work with – pausing while they pick up a two way radio to press a button and make a call is not an option. At the same time, maintaining communication with staff on the ground is critical. A crane intercom makes use of an external microphone and a foot pedal adapted to replace the push-to-talk button. This allows for completely hands-free use, meaning a crane operator can stay part of the conversation at all times even as they work.

Multi-Site Connections

Another of the possibilities opened up by the data connectivity digital two way radios provide is that they can hook up to IP networks – otherwise known as the internet. This has all sorts of potential uses, but one of them is the option to connect multiple two way radio networks via broadband. Traditionally, two way radio has been capable only of creating isolated local networks, with only limited options for using the same handsets in different places without reprogramming. With software platforms like Motorola’s IP Site Connect, however, that is changing. By connecting hardware base stations and repeater units via the internet, IP Site Connect means you can use the same handsets in multiple places. In addition, the technology also provides a workaround for the limited geographic range of two way radio. By linking multiple sites together via IP, you can in theory create networks as large as you like.

 

Brentwood Communications has specialised in two way radio solutions for the construction industry for more than four decades. With extensive expertise working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, we provide a wide range of construction-friendly products and specialised services. Learn more here.