Two-way radios have always been a part of many industries and have helped shape the world into how we know it today. It allowed people to communicate with each other better and enabled them to relay messages in real-time without any delay. It is crucial, especially if you want to pass on critical information, and time is of the essence. There are dozens of companies that offer radios but none as good as Rugged Radios.

With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing high-noise environment communications, Rugged Radios has been the pioneer in its industry. The company boasts a full lineup of innovative racing communication products, including headsets, intercoms, handheld radios, and more. The company takes pride in its ability to configure almost any communication application, an option not available with other manufacturers.

Rugged Radios specializes in communications for off-road, circle track, and road racing, in addition to aviation, fire/safety, marine, tactical, and industrial purposes. The brand's lineup consists of both individual components and complete communication packages.

Rugged Radios can configure anything to meet your individual needs, whether for work or play, to provide an unparalleled advantage and better experience all around. Today, Rugged Radios has become the brand of choice of enthusiasts who want the best radios available in the market.

The most popular automotive applications that use CB Radios are big rigs. Communication is the key to avoiding traffic jams or potentially unsafe situations. For off-road use in a Jeep, truck, or UTV, having communication with other vehicles can save you from a crash. It's also common to get separated from a group, and without cellphone service, you will have no other way to contact the group to find them. CB Radios are also great in emergencies and can make the difference between life and death.

Rugged Radios has been providing racers and recreational riders with high-quality communication equipment for over two decades. They have blazed a trail in communication product development using proprietary design elements, circuitry, and features only found at Rugged Radios. 

The company currently offers a comprehensive selection of antennas, voice-activated racing intercoms, handheld radios, lapel mics, radio jumpers, 2-way desert bike-to-bike kits, headset hangers, radio mounting plates for UTVs, replacement parts, and much more.

Each Rugged Radio headset and helmet kit includes powerful speaker and microphone units, rugged cabling, and molded connections for long-lasting operation. Rugged Radios' products are especially useful and reliable. These provide consistent communication on long distances as well. The company has a lineup of quality radios that can reach up to 30 miles for optimal communication.

Two-way radios work on radio frequencies regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A license is needed to transmit over these frequencies. To ensure their customers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, the company has licensed ten nationwide commercial band frequencies (35 Watt) and 60 area-specific commercial band frequencies (60-Watt).

These channels are available for business, recreational, or race use. For a list of channels and areas licensed, you can get a list of company licenses here. Under this FCC license, Rugged Radio's customers can transmit on Rugged brand mobile and handheld radios only, on the pre-programmed channels, and in the locations designated by the license. You can even ask Rugged to license a new area by calling (888) 541-7223.

Mounting your antenna correctly is critical for getting the most out of your two-way radio. A metal vehicle roof with the antenna mounted in the center with no obstructions within 18" provides the farthest range.

• Roof Racks

• Mount the antenna at the highest point of the rack away from obstructions and use a no ground plane antenna.

• No Roof

• Choose a mounting spot in the middle of the vehicle where the intersection of two tubes can act as a ground plane.

• Mounting the two-way radio antenna to a corner triangle tab and using a no ground plane antenna works best.

Don't run coax and intercom helmet cables in the same wire loom because RF can bleed when transmitting, causing excess system noise. Don't run coax or power cables near MSD, ignition connections, or equipment. This layout can create a lot of noise if the coax is too close to the MSD; transmitting can even power the vehicle off!

The two-way antennas are tuned at the factory for the middle range found on the radios. Remember that tuning is far less critical for the relatively short wavelength of VHF/UHF than for CB or HF frequencies. For most applications, they recommend keeping the antenna length as-is.

When antenna tuning is needed, they use SWR meter and a generic online wavelength calculator to get a baseline. This two-way radio antenna tuning type is a trial and error endeavour and requires adjustments in small increments to get it right.

Rugged Radios is the number one choice for racing communications. Vivid Racing is proud to carry a satisfying lineup of products from Rugged Radios, including complete radio kits, antennas, and accessories such as batteries, chargers, and adaptors. To know more about Rugged Radios and what they can offer, visit Vivid Racing and check out their list of products that fit your specific requirements.

If you have any questions regarding the products listed above, please call our sales team at (480) 966-3040. We'd be more than happy to go over the uses and functionality of Rugged Radios.