Radios aren’t just for music. A 2021 survey of first responders revealed that 68% use mobile radios on most days, even with the rise of smartphones. Yet 18% of first responders feel that their agency’s technology isn’t enough to handle a crisis.

BK Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of radios. They have introduced the BKR9000 Multi-Band radio, which will be available in November 2022. If you’re interested in the best radios on the market, you should do your research on the BKR9000. 

What is the BKR9000, and who is it designed for? What types of radios can you buy? How should you introduce your new radios to your employees? 

Answer these questions and you can face crises with the world’s best technology. Here are five things you should know about the BKR9000.

1. BKR9000 Radios Are Designed for First Responders

The BKR9000 Multi-Band radio is specifically for first responders. Other professionals can use the radio, including construction workers at building sites. However, BK Technologies has designed the layout and features of the radio with an eye toward first responders in the field. 

The buttons on BKR9000 radios are oversized with an enhanced tactile feel. This lets you operate the knobs while wearing fireproof gloves. 

On the top of the device is a large red button. This is the emergency button, which will send messages to other radios in the area. The bottom of the device has a belt clip, making it easy to secure.

Each radio has a battery that can last for 12 hours on a 5-5-90 duty cycle. You can clean the radios with a little rubbing alcohol, but a BKR9000 device has a metal chassis that resists wear and tear. 

2. There Are Four Types of BKR9000 Radios

When you are shopping for BKR9000 radios, you may come across radios labeled Tier 1.0, Tier 1.5, Tier 2.5, and Tier 3.5. Each of these radios has different features, and you should understand what they are before you buy a wireless radio. 

Tier 1.0 is the basic BKR9000 Multi-Band radio. In addition to having multi-band operation, it has access to Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. You can communicate with your employees over encrypted networks as well. THis radio has no keypad.

Tier 1.5 has a top display and a navigation only keypad. It is otherwise identical to the Tier 1.0 radio. 

Tier 2.5 has a top display as well as a front display and a partial keypad. You can find Tier 2.5 radios with black and yellow casings. 

Tier 3.5 has a full keypad and all other features of the Tier 2.5 radios. You can also find Tier 3.5 radios that are yellow or black. 

3. Multi-Band Operations that you need

You can use your radios on VHF, UHF, and 700, 800, and 900 MHz bands. You can order all four bands or any combination you choose. 

BKR9000 radios have access to the VHF band at 136-174 MHz. They also have access to the UHF band at 380-512 MHz, as well as the 700 and 800 MHz bands between 763-776, 793-825, and 851-870 MHz. You can also access the 900 MHz band between 896-940 MHz. 

Many public radios and first responder systems operate in portions of the 800 MHz spectrum.  Communicate with your workers in advance so they know what spectrum and frequency you are using. 

4. Switch Between VHF and UHF

VHF is best used for outdoor use. The frequencies of VHF communications travel further if there are no barriers and other radios in the area. You should turn to the VHF band when you are communicating in a field, forest, or another open location. 

If you encounter interference while using VHF, you should locate the interference as soon as possible. Listen to your receiver and notice any changes in your noise or volume level.

You may need to move to another location or ask someone else to turn off their radio to communicate effectively. BKR9000 radios have noise cancellation technology, for crisp, clean communications at any time.

It is harder for other radio signals to interrupt UHF. The signals can reach through sturdy substances like concrete, so you can use UHF when you are indoors. 

Instruct your workers to switch to UHF as soon as they go into a building. Tell them what exact frequency you want them to use so you can communicate with them immediately.

Your BKR9000 radios will let you use P25 digital radio systems, which are used for all types of public safety, Police, Fire Fighters, EMT’s, etc. These are the correct radios anywhere you need dependable communications.  

5. You Should Train Your Employees to Use the BKR9000 Multi-Band Radio

BKR9000 radios are designed to be easy to use. However, you should always train your employees on using new technology, even if they have experience with using radios. 

Convene an all-hands meeting and introduce the radio to your employees. Give a radio to each employee and describe its different features. Describe how you can deliver messages, change frequencies, and access Wi-Fi networks, these radios have GPS and Blue-tooth standard. 

Run practice drills so your employees can use their radios outside and inside. The BKR9000’s will work fine with the radios you have now, but will let you transition to trunking, digital encrytion, and many functions your existing radios, may not have. This will encourage your employees to use the new technology. 

Understand the BKR9000 Multi-Band Radio

The BKR9000 Multi-Band radio is the best radio for first responders. It is designed with police officers, firefighters, and search and rescue personnel in mind. These radios also work great for Cal FIre, and Forest Service Contracts for wildland, and forest fire.

You can select one of four different radios to meet your needs, but all radios have access to VHF, UHF, and 700-900 mhz bands. Use VHF outside and UHF inside. Train your employees well in advance of crises so they know how to use their radio, including through formal practice drills. 

If you still have questions, turn to experts in BK radios. King Radios provides BK radios to agencies across the country. Contact us today.