The handheld radio is an often overlooked relation, something that may be fast becoming out of date. The technical name for it is handheld two way transceiver, it communicates to other units by transmitting and receiving messages. When miniaturization came, this was when the reliable gadget came into use, still unchanged today like the Dallas two way radios that companies and agencies still rely on.
Way back when cell phones were not even in the horizon for communication, these sets were all the rage. The same went for things like CB or ham, which aficionados often built from scratch. They shared the same technology. Even with the technology available these days, handheld radio sets are deemed better in some ways. Many places and personnel still use them, like in many businesses and official agencies, and by personnel in construction or security.
No one who has used these sets wonder why people still find them very handy. For one their prices are much lower than that of phones. Next, you do not need contracts or loads for them to operate. You simply press the button for talking, then communicate with another person who has a handheld or any sort of radio unit.
These handy items have it over cell phones in several ways. In these days of advanced telecommunications, they do not take much to operate, can work without the help of other infrastructure like phones do. Plus, people who know will tell you how these are so strong, even when dropped badly or immersed in water.
When going to Texas, you can see them being used in very vital installations which, if asked, will admit that they like using their gadgets and would not change them with newer stuff. Military reservations, ships, malls, hospitals, power plants, all sorts of manufacturing facilities still have them on line. Persons with these gadgets are often the most important in the operational business of these places.
Some technical things apply to these gadgets. They can be had as digital or analog. Two way means that they cannot receive or transmit at once. Many units are quite technologically advanced, with variable wattage or strength, a difference important for units that are used inside installations or in the outdoors. More advanced stuff for enthusiasts include light bars, fixtures, sirens and attachments for live video.
More technical items include GPS tracking that could be applicable for transport units. They can also have GPS tracking for anything appliance or gadget that is not powered and often carried around. Enhanced service for them can often include connection to digital repeaters and other systems. They are so versatile and well loved that a well known phone company has created cellphone apps that mimic their operation. It is a concept that is still to take root.
In the city of Dallas, like so many other cities, they are not hard to find. Many retail shops have them on display. Again, the prices for them remain very affordable, and they are often bought in batches. Servicing for them lasts for many years. After all that is said and done, they have now entered a new digital phase that is even more competitive, even overtaking the usefulness of phones.
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