Radio Communications

Two general types of radio communications are available: High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) (or Ultra High Frequency (UHF). HF radios are used for transmitting long distances in the 100s of km range, whereas VHF radios are for shorter distances, usually line of sight, though this can be increased by the use of repeater stations. Please see Safe & Sound, Chapter 7 for more detailed guidance on HF, UHF and VHF operations.

In either case, base stations, hand-sets and vehicle radios will need to be programmed prior to use and for this reason, we recommend to source from local suppliers used by peer agencies such as the UN or NGOs. UN Logs Cluster and/or WFP may also be able to give guidance or provide technical support.

Note: The radio kits specified here are Codan (HF) and Motorola (VHF) manufacturers. These are the most common brands in use. Alternative makes and models should be considered only with consultation with the IT and HRD departments and ensuring that they provide comparable specifications. Procurement should ensure that all listed components are provided when ordering, as some sources may not be automatically included the exact components listed below.

HF Radios

Often referred to as Codan Radios; are medium range radios that rely on bouncing radio signals off the atmosphere and thus do not need line of sight. Operational range is in the 100s of kilometers, depending on atmospheric conditions. They are, however, subject to interference issues depending on weather conditions. HF radios can be fixed as base stations or installed in vehicles, but are not available as handheld models.

The Codan NGT SRx has been superseded by the Codan Envoy. As the NGT SRx can still be procured and is still in use in many location, its information is still presented for reference.

Sample Product HF Codan Base Radio Station/ /HF Codan Mobile Radio Station – Envoy
Manufacturer link: Codan (Base) / Codan (Mobile)
EFOM link:  TBD
Purchase Cost:  Information to come
Running Cost No direct cost for use though may need a Radio Operator in large scale programs
Advantage Long range coverage, no usage charges, GPS tracking, can be set up for transferring data and SMS.
Disadvantage Weather can affect quaility of communication: High visable in insecure environments: Communication is not secure:
Ideal Use In large project areas where the distances between offices and mobile teams renders the use of VHF as impractical.

The Envoy is:

  • Backwardly-compatible with NGT for clear and encrypted voice, data, GPS tracking, telephone interconnect and VHF/UHF crosspatch. There are no issues with having mixed networks of NGT and Envoy.
  • Compatible with most NGT peripheral devices including power supplies, antennas, modems, crosspatches and telephone interconnects. The Envoy RF Unit fits into the same vehicle cradle as the NGT RF Unit, and uses the same cabling to the handset, speaker, antenna and vehicle battery.
  • Offers an optional internal modem for data and, in addition to serial RS-232 ports, it also has USB and Ethernet interfaces.
  • The Ethernet interface may also be used for remote control, with the Desk Console and RF Unit at different sites.
Sample Product HF Codan Base Radio Station/ /HF Codan Mobile Radio Station – NGT SRx
EFOM link: HF Radio Base Station (Codan) and HF Vehicle Radio Package (Codan)
Purchase Cost: $4,800 (Base) $3500 (Mobile)
Running Cost No direct cost for use though may need a Radio Operator in large scale programs
Advantage Long range coverage, no usage charges, GPS tracking, can be set up for transferring data and SMS.
Disadvantage Weather can affect quality of communication: High visible in insecure environments: Communication is not secure:
Ideal Use In large project areas where the distances between offices and mobile teams renders the use of VHF as impractical.

See pages below for details of models and accompanying components for this option.

HF Vehicle Radio Package (Codan)

HF Radio Base Station (Codan)

VHF or UHF radios

For town or base camp areas with short range communication needs, handheld mobile and base camp VHF radios can be a good option. VHF requires line of sight for communications. Their range is extended by the use of repeater stations, which forward signals from one radio to the next. In areas where CRS is not currently accessing a repeater station, the UN Logs Cluster, WFP and other UN agencies should be contacted to find out about available option. Local communications companies may be options where the Logs Cluster is not providing access. Installation of repeater stations is usually not feasible in the short term where it is not already available. VHF radios will be a good option when these repeater stations, via UN, private telecommunications company, etc., are accessible.

Distance that can be achieved by a VHF device without the use of a repeater, and bearingin mind the terrain will affect the signal
Handheld to handheld 5 km
Mobile to mobile 20 km
Mobile to base 30 km
Base to base 50 km

VHF radios will most often be used with hand-sets (at least one radio per anticipated field team member, plus extras for visitors, etc.) and one or more base stations for office locations or mobile sets in vehicles. Base stations need to be outfitted with antennas. Repeater-type VHF operations are much more costly than comparable HF systems, though like HF radio system most of the costs are up front and after it is just energy to charge batteries and periodic maintenance costs. See pages below for details of models and accompanying components for this option.

Sample Product VHF Handheld Radio
Manufacturer link: Motorola Two-Way+Radio GP380
EFOM link: VHF Hand Held Radios (Motorola)
Purchase Cost $350 -$400
Running Costs 0
Advantages Mobile – hand held: Multiple users: immediate sharing of information:
Disadvantages Limited range without repeater: No call function – need to constantly monitor (background noise): need daily charging: Communication is not secure:
Ideal use. Logistic operations, insecure environments where visibility of handheld radio does not compromise security:
Sample Product VHF Radio Kit for use as Base or in Vehicle/Motorola Radio Base Kit
Manufacturer link: Motorola Two-Way Radios – Base/Mobile stations
EFOM link: VHF Radio Kit for Base/Vehicle (Motorola)
Purchase Cost: $960
Running Cost $0 (Radio Operator may be needed depending on size of operation)
Advantage Relatively cheap purchase cost,
Disadvantage Spotty reception in hilly, mountainous and built up areas: Needs external technical support to program;
Ideal Use Logistic operations with high vehicle use: Insecure environments where immediate transfer of information is required,
Sample Product Repeater
Manufacturer link: DR 3000 MOTOTRBO – Motorola
EFOM link :  To be Created
Purchase Cost: $4600
Running Cost $0 (Radio Operator may be needed depending on size of operation)
Advantage Relatively cheap purchase cost,
Disadvantage Spotty reception in hilly, mountainous and built up areas: Needs external technical support to program;
Ideal Use Logistic operations with high vehicle use: Insecure environments where immediate transfer of information is required,

Power Supply: Any radio system base station will need reliable power supply. When local power is unreliable or interrupted, consider alternate power sources. Below are listed options, including 12V battery power system and solar power options.

Radio Power Supply Kit

Base stations will require careful installation of antennas – the orientation of which is different depending on the type used. Please see Safe & Sound, Chapter 7 for information on antenna installation.