The Importance Of Two Way Radio To The World

The two way radio is an important tool in maythe ground and instead were able to communicate in
industries, from taxis to security it providesreal time with other aircraft and commanders.
operatives with an instant form of communication forDevelopment continued in both the military and law
the relaying of important information. Typically theenforcement spheres. The New York Police
two way radio is available as a handheld deviceDepartment utilised a system that enabled faster
although stationary central devices are also used forresponse times while during the Second World War
more far reaching purposes. The history of thistroops used handheld and backpack devices that
device is an interesting tale of innovation andallowed for greater operational effectiveness.
experimentation.These early systems however had serious limitations,
At the earliest stage the first receivers andthe most serious being that only one communication
transmitters were created to carry messagecould occur at any time. This was because all of the
wirelessly. Some argue that it was in 1907 that twodevices used the same frequency; understandably
way telegraphy started across the Atlantic Ocean asthis led to confusion in many cases. The problem was
a commercially available communication method. Thesolved however by giving different transmitters their
uses of these devices spread rapidly and by 1912own frequency meaning that systems were linked to
wireless devices were fitted in the majority ofa smaller network. Terminology refers to these two
commercial and military ships to allow communicationsystems as 'simplex', the single frequency mode and
across the seas.'duplex', the multiple frequency mode of operation.
This early equipment however was in no way mobileThe earliest of these devices required operatives to
and usable for transit applications. This all changedtrain and learn Morse code; especially true in the
however in 1923 when an Australian policeman,shipping sphere. However the advancement of
Frederick William Downie invented the first portabletechnology, particularly in the military meant that the
wireless communication device for patrol cars. As atransmission of voices became a reality. This
senior officer in the Victoria Police Force, Downie feltsubsequently led to more efficient communication and
that the existing method of communication thathence greater levels of operational effectiveness.
utilised strategically placed phone booths was simplyToday devices are simple and easy to use meaning
inefficient and unworkable for the purposes ofthat operatives do not require large amounts of
effective crime fighting. Hence he worked towardstraining to utilise the equipment successfully.
creating a device that would allow officers toFrom humble beginnings helping the police forces of
communicate with each other and the headquartersAustralia the handheld two way radio has made life
from their cars. The equipment however was stilleasier for many all over the world. It has not only
large and cumbersome, reports from the time claimmade the role of law enforcement more successful
that the radio took up the entire back seat of thebut has also played an integral part in winning wars. In
Lancia patrol cars.the modern era it still has a number of applications in
Technology however rapidly improved and the sizethe military and police but in many other industries
of the two way radio was soon reduced. The militarysuch as retail it is also extensively used. In the world
were quick to realise the benefits of the device byof communication there is no other more important
fitting them into aircraft. This innovation meant thatdevice.
pilots no longer had to drop messages to troops on