Introduction
How they work
Radio reference Repeated frequencies
Non-repeated frequencies
Trunked radio systems
Encrypted radio systems

How do radios work?

There are four main types of radio systems:

-Frequencies broadcasted over a repeater;
-Frequencies without a dedicated repeater;
-Frequencies that use a trunked radio system;
-Frequencies that use encryption technology.

Each one of these systems tell a great deal about the agency or company that is using the system.  For example, one would not expect a simple shipping company to use expensive encryption technology on their radio system, but it would be normal for a law enforcement agency to employ such a system.

Depending on the system by which they are configured, generally a radio will send a signal to either a repeater, another portable or a base station.  The base stations generally have the most powerful transmitters and receivers.

Below, there is a picture of a police base station.
radio station

Compare that antenna to one on a police patrol car, and it is easy to figure which one is more powerful.
scpd rear

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