One possible option that I haven't seen mentioned is the use of a commercial communication provider. There are some providers that may offer statewide (or near-statewide) service via linked repeaters in major population areas. Typically, both the radios and the service are rented and can be up-sized or downsized as needed. The on-going monthly cost might be daunting, but the up-front costs would be minimal.
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Boss wants 6 radios for security use
- Thread starter Stretchman
- Start date
- Status
baybum
Member
Download the "Two Way" app for the cell phones you already own, and try that. It's free.
MSS-Dave
Member
I posted a commercial communications provider solution even to the name of a dealer earlier in the thread. I don't know why this subject is getting Beat to Death so much though. In order of cost least to most expensive, Zello on a cell phone, IP based toy "two-way" radio, commercial provider like I mentioned, build your own system. The OP said there's not a lot of money available for this so Zello on a cell phone would probably be the only way he's going to be able to go.
To continue beating the deceased horse:
-Cellular app is least expensive --but reliant on cell infrastructure
-Renting time on someone else's system (FL NexEdge OR SunTalk- whichever has better coverage for you) --least capital expenditure, but highest operational expenditure
-Build your own--large cap ex, lower op ex
TT
-Cellular app is least expensive --but reliant on cell infrastructure
-Renting time on someone else's system (FL NexEdge OR SunTalk- whichever has better coverage for you) --least capital expenditure, but highest operational expenditure
-Build your own--large cap ex, lower op ex
TT
How can you say build your own has lower operating expense. The estimate given previously suggested $2,150.00 per month expenses to rent 2 tower sites plus internet service. Even at $35 per unit airtime you'd have to have 61 radios to break even. And that doesn't account for any infrastructure maintenance costs. Most small businesses could put that 15-20K infrastructure dollars to better use. Plus the SMR service will go beyond the local radius and keep in communication during the couple hundred mile drive between Jacksonville & Miami and they can open a future office in another city without additional infrastructure cost.
We operate an SMR and it is simple math to justify airtime vs build your own to our 100+ radio customers
We operate an SMR and it is simple math to justify airtime vs build your own to our 100+ radio customers
Stretchman, this is merely my 2 cents. When "the boss wants" comes into play, RUN. Run like the wind! I have been entangled twice in "the boss wants radios" situations. In my experience, the boss has absolutely no clue what it will take to realize what he/she envisions. IMHO, tell the boss go to a radio service provider & let him/her run with it.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
That's good advice. The fact that the "boss" balked at the price should tell you a lot. Don't get roped into trying to build him/her some cobbled together, legally questionable, hackjob radio system. Having no clue what he's looking for, no idea what it's going to cost, and no idea how to get it is always a red flag.
ohyouknow1885
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2019
- Messages
- 4
The company I work for are Icom dealers and this may be a good solution for you. This is taken from Icom America's site.
Communicate far and wide with LTE-CONNECT, Icom’s LTE radio solution. Using 4G and 3G networks, the IP501H allows for instantaneous push-to-talk communications throughout North America.
Communicate far and wide with LTE-CONNECT, Icom’s LTE radio solution. Using 4G and 3G networks, the IP501H allows for instantaneous push-to-talk communications throughout North America.
- Status
