Analogue or digital: when an upgrade makes sense
Almost everyone replacing part of a radio fleet asks this question. The answer is not simply that digital is better: it depends on the number of users, the number of talkgroups and whether you need more than voice.
When analogue remains a sensible choice
With around fifteen to twenty radios, one or two talkgroups and voice-only operation, an analogue radio is cheaper, easier to maintain and can be repaired by a radio workshop. Replacing a working fleet solely to go digital adds cost without a practical benefit.
Three signs that it is time to go digital
- There are not enough channels: talkgroups interfere with one another and the channel is busy.
- You need to call an individual user rather than everyone at once.
- The dispatcher needs to see users’ locations or exchange more than voice.
What DMR actually offers
First, two talkgroups can use the same frequency channel that carried one analogue conversation, doubling capacity without additional frequencies. Second, digital reception avoids the increasing hiss at the edge of analogue coverage: the signal is either intelligible or lost. Third, it supports addressed calls and data such as coordinates, status messages and text.
A phased transition is a practical approach
Digital radios support analogue mode, allowing a gradual fleet upgrade. New vehicles and crews can receive digital radios while existing equipment remains in use; an analogue channel maintains communication between them. Replacing everything at once is unnecessary and expensive.
When DMR is not enough and TETRA is required
Where there are hundreds of users and requirements for strong radio encryption and guaranteed call setup time, TETRA becomes relevant. This requires network infrastructure: unlike DMR, TETRA does not begin with just two radios.
What to specify before ordering
Specify the frequency band, number of users and talkgroups, whether a repeater is available, and whether GPS and individual calling are required. We use these details to select the kit. Our complete catalogue is shown below.
