Two-Way Radio Term Dictionary

A

• APRS

  Standards and Systems
  (Automatic Packet Reporting System), A digital communication system used by amateur radio operators to send and receive real-time data, like location information (GPS).

C

• Call Alert

  Operating Modes
  A feature that sends an audible tone to another radio to get the operator's attention.

• Channel

  Operating Modes
  A specific frequency or frequency pair used for communication.

• CTCSS/DCS

  Modulation and Signaling
  Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) are privacy codes that filter out unwanted transmissions on a channel.

D

• Dedicated Channel
  A dedicated channel is a specific radio channel set aside for one team, purpose, or type of communication. This helps keep conversations organized and reduces interference from other users.

• DMR Digital Clarity
  DMR digital clarity refers to the cleaner, more consistent sound quality that DMR radios can provide compared with analog radios. It helps reduce background noise and keeps voices easier to understand, especially at the edge of coverage.

• DMR digital technology
  DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) is a digital two-way radio standard designed as a direct replacement for analog professional mobile radio systems. It helps businesses get clearer audio, better spectrum efficiency, and compatibility across equipment from different manufacturers.

• DTMF Paging

  Modulation and Signaling
  A signaling method using DTMF tones that allows a user to "page" another radio to get their attention, often used in selective calling systems.

• dB (Decibel)

  General Terms
  A logarithmic unit of measurement used to express a ratio, often for signal strength or power gain.

E

• Encryption

  Modulation and Signaling
  The process of scrambling a radio's signal to prevent unauthorized listeners.

• Earpiece

  Hardware Components
  An accessory worn in the ear for private listening.

F

• Foot Pedal PTT

  Hardware Components
  A push-to-talk switch operated by foot rather than hand, keeping both hands free. Common in dispatch centers, emergency services, and industrial environments where operators need continuous hands-on access to keyboards, equipment, or controls. Plugs into the radio's accessory port like any other PTT accessory.

• Frequency

  General Terms
  The number of waves passing a given point in a second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

I

• IP Rating

  General Terms
  A rating that indicates a device's resistance to dust and water.

L

• Lone Worker

  Operating Modes
  A safety feature that requires the user to check in with the radio at regular, pre-set intervals. If the user fails to check in, the radio automatically sends an alert to a dispatcher or other users.
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M

• Monitor

  Operating Modes
  A function that opens the receiver to listen to a channel without the squelch, which is useful for listening to weak signals.

• MHz (Megahertz)

  General Terms
  A unit of frequency, equal to one million hertz. This is the common unit used to describe the frequency of a radio channel.

• Mil-STD (Military Standard)

  General Terms
  A series of military standards for durability and environmental resistance. Many professional two-way radios are built to be compliant with these standards, ensuring they can withstand harsh conditions.

• Modulation

  Modulation and Signaling
  The process of varying a carrier wave to encode information. Common types are FM (Frequency Modulation) and AM (Amplitude Modulation).

N

• NX-P1300AUK

  Hardware Components
  NX-P1300AUK is the model name for a Kenwood business two-way radio.
  In plain terms: it’s a rugged, handheld UHF walkie-talkie designed for workplaces (warehouses, construction, hospitality, security) so teams can talk instantly over licensed radio channels without relying on cell service
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P

• PMR446

  Standards and Systems
  This is a European license-free radio standard.

• PTT button
  Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is the main control on a two-way radio or PoC device that starts and stops voice transmission.
  • When the user presses and holds the PTT button, the device starts transmitting their voice to the selected contact or talkgroup.
  • When the user releases the PTT button, the device stops transmitting and goes back to listening mode.
  This creates a one-at-a-time, half-duplex style of communication (only one person talks at a time), which is standard for two-way radio systems and PoC radios.
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R

• Range

  General Terms
  The maximum distance over which a radio can reliably communicate.

• Repeater-Backed System
  A repeater-backed system is a radio system that uses a repeater to extend coverage and improve range. It helps radios communicate more reliably over longer distances or around obstacles.

• RF Attenuator

  Hardware Components
  A device that reduces the power of an incoming radio signal to prevent signal overload on the receiver, which can improve clarity when you are too close to a strong signal source.

• Remote Speaker Microphone (RSM)

  Hardware Components
  A combination speaker and microphone that clips to a user's collar or shoulder, allowing them to operate the radio without holding it. Also called a Speaker Mic.

S

• Scanning

  Operating Modes
  The feature that allows a radio to automatically scan through multiple channels to find an active transmission.

• SMA Connector

  Hardware Components
  A small coaxial cable connector is commonly used on handheld radios to attach and detach the antenna.

• Surveillance Earpiece

  Hardware Components
  A discreet earpiece and microphone combination, often with a clear, coiled acoustic tube, used by security personnel.

• Squelch

  General Terms
  A circuit that mutes the radio's speaker when there is no signal, eliminating static.

• Single-Antenna Architecture
  Single-antenna architecture is a device uses one antenna to send and receive signals. This can make the design simpler and more compact.

T

• Talkaround

  Operating Modes
  A feature that allows radios to communicate directly with each other (simplex) without using a repeater. This is useful when radios are close together or if the repeater is out of range.

• Transceiver

  General Terms
  A portmanteau of "transmitter" and "receiver," it is the proper technical term for a two-way radio.

• Talkaround

  General Terms
  A radio-to-radio communication mode that bypasses the repeater. This is a crucial function for maintaining communication when the repeater is out of range or offline.

V

• VOX: Voice-activated Transmission

  Operating Modes
  Allows the radio to transmit automatically when it detects your voice, so you don't have to press a button.

W

• Wattage

  General Terms
  The measure of a radio's power output. Higher wattage generally means longer range.