Are my two-way radios DIGITAL?
If you recently bought two-way radios with any of the following DIGITAL standards listed on the box: P25, DMR, IDAS or NXDN, the radios are DIGITAL. If it does not list any of the noted DIGITAL standards, then the two-way radios are ANALOG only.
Why is this important? Well, many two-way radios prominently list a technical filtering feature by the common marketing name of DCG (Digital Channel Guard) or DPL (Digital Private Line) with DPL being the most widely used. The real name of that filtering feature is CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System). Since the word DIGITAL is in the description, it may give the impression that it is a Digital radio, but it is not.
CTCSS and CDCSS are a set of filters that reduce interference from other users when sharing the same frequencies. The CTCSS codes are an older set of filters used in the 50’s when two-way radios were just coming into use.
ANALOG only radios will just list the power rating, channel capacity, CTCSS and CDCSS as part of the selling features. ANALOG only two-way radios will never be able to work in Digital mode. They will not have the advantage of improved battery life, range, PRIVACY, caller ID and other features and functions true Digital radios have.
ANALOG and DIGITAL two-way radios of equal quality are almost equal in price and Digital radios are compatible and work with ANALOG radios. So the next time you are looking to buy two-way radios pay attention to the label and remember that if it does not say P25, DMR, NXDN, or IDAS, it is not DIGITAL.
Call 1-800-269-4098 or contact us if you need additional information or need help choosing your two-way radio equipment.
Written by: Frank Sampedro
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