Guide: How to Choose the Best Fire Department Radios

Is your department in desperate need of a new set of radios?

There are many kinds, of different quality and with changes in technology, it might be hard to make an informed decision.

Here is a guide for you to make coming to a decision on fire department radios easier.

Knobs

It is really important that you find a radio with knobs that will be very easy to use while wearing gloves.

It’s probably best to go for a radio with large knobs that make changing channels quick and easy to do.

The channel knobs should be distinct and have a resistance feel to it that makes it’s user aware if they are using the correct knob or not.

You should test out the radio first to see how well you can use the knob while wearing your gloves. Easy channel tuning can make a very large difference.

Not only do you want to be able to turn your knobs, but not dropping your radio is a large plus as well.

Slip Resistance

As a firefighter, you move around a lot. Not only do you move around a lot, but you also get put in situations where you have to quickly take your radio out.

For these types of situations, you want to go with a model that has a non-slip rubber texture.

Something with a bit of extra texture so it’s safe from bumps is a plus too. Again, you’ll be moving a lot and get put in a lot of emergency situations, the last thing you need to do is to lose your radio.

Speaking of dropping your radio, you want it to be sturdy in cases of when this does happen.

Strong Glass Display

You will be thrown into hazardous situations, it’s par for the course when being a firefighter. For these types of situations, you want a sturdy glass screen.

You don’t want your screen to become easily scratched or broken, after all, what’s the point of having a radio if you can’t read the screen. As well as having a durable screen it’s also best that the screen is fairly large.

You want to be able to quickly look down at your radio and be able to read it.

You’re also going to need a radio that can help you out in a pinch, especially in this line of work. A radio with safety features can be your lifeline.

Safety Features

Some models have helpful safety features. In this line of work, you will need it to help get you out of harm’s way or alert others when you are.

It’s best to find a model with a large emergency button. This allows you to be able to quickly press a button and not fumble around with your radio. In hazardous situations, you will need to send out an alert quickly. There is no room to fumble.

Another useful feature is a “firefighter down” feature. This will transmit a signal when a firefighter remains motionless for a long period of time. It uses software to detect how long you are motionless for.

Some radios go as far as to have GPS technology to locate a lost firefighter. This is helpful in the event of a forest fire for example.

Being able to let your comrades know your status at the push of a button is neat, but it’s equally unsafe if they can’t make out your words clearly through the radio.

A Quality Mic

Perhaps one of the most important things you want to look for is a great quality mic.

You want a model that has a clear, loud, microphone/speaker. Sometimes in the event of lots of smoke, it’s hard to see what end of the mic you are speaking into. You should find a model with a speaker at each end or on the front and back so this doesn’t matter.

A mic with noise canceling technology is a plus as well.

Now that you know the sort of features that you should be looking for in a radio, here are a few models that you can look and compare.

Fire Department Radios

With all of the features out there, it can be hard now to choose one that has them all, or at least most of them.

You want a firefighter radio that is easy to use but also means the safety of your department.

King Radios- KNG M150 Mobile

This miraculous device is the first of it’s kind to have a touchscreen display. It offers features in a standard size for both mid and high power applications.

It has four frequency bands and two power options. It’s a smart little radio that is really easy to program.

KNG P-150 Portable

This firefighter portable radio is long-lasting and works as hard as your firefighters do. It’s durable and ensures uninterrupted interoperability across frequencies, different groups of responders and in tough terrain.

It’s the type of durability that you need for a tough day’s job.

P25 Digital Portable Two-Way Radio

This Radio uses next-generation technology meaning, that it is software driven. It introduces the possibility for built-in intelligence and is open to future enhancements.

It’s smart and durable under the harshest conditions.

Choosing A Radio

There are many different features that firefighter radios possess and not all will have everything you are looking for. It is important, however, that you find one that comes close.

You want one that is durable, has features that will ensure your firefighter’s safety and works as hard as they do.

For more information on different radios, or to check prices, visit us here.