Two-Way Communication Technology for the Oil and Gas Industry

Good communication is an important part of any business. It can help build relations for growth as well as make sure everything is going smoothly. This is especially true in the oil/gas industry where a lack of communication can lead to injury or may have the potential for disaster. There are a number of types of two way communication available on the market including on the go wireless devices, fixed or wired ones as well as intercoms that are fitted with video.

Many professionals working with oil/gas will experience the need to be outdoors and away from the office. The rigs that they work on can be big and take time to get around. As a result, many workers in the field will need to have wireless communication devices so that they can talk with people in other parts of the area while on the go. Many people may associate a wireless intercom with a cell phone; however there are a few key differences. There is never a dial tone with an intercom and the user will never need to actually make a call. Instead, they simply push a button and begin talking. A wireless intercom simplifies the process and is the perfect solution to mobile communication while in the field.

Other employees may not have the need for wireless communication and can instead opt for a fixed intercom in the office. Wired systems allow for a range of flexibility and can be built into existing units if required. There are several different options available in the area including headsets and handsets that are much attune to a telephone. Similar to an actual phone, many wired intercoms can also make outbound calls for the times when it is required. Due to the range of wired intercoms, employees working in a single space can find an intercom that will meet the necessary requirements of the job.

The final type of two way communication is the video intercom. This type of intercom is a little more personal, as the users can have a face to face talk. Many video devices are also mobile, making them great for people in the oil/gas industry. If an employee is touring a site and need to check in with the office, we can show on video where he is and what he is experiencing. It can save time, as the user does not need to take pictures to bring back to the office. Instead, everyone can see in real-time what the field worker is experiencing.

No matter what kind a business needs, there are many different kinds of intercoms out there to fit the need. From mobile to fixed, if there is a need for communication in the workplace, there is an intercom that can get the job done.

What is MURS?

What is MURS? MURS is also known as the Multi User Radio Service. This is an unlicensed short distance two way radio service that is like the Citizens Band but cheaper. The Multi User Radio Service was established by the federal government in 2000. Here are some of the pertinent facts:

- The range of the Multi User Radio Service varies on the antenna size and where it is placed. The range of the Multi User Radio Service is between 10 and 30 miles. The antenna that you can attach to the Multi User Radio Service device must not exceed 60 feet in height.
- You can operate the Multi User Radio Service at any age and for personal or business use as long as you are not part of a foreign government.
- You can operate the Multi User Radio Service at any place that the Federal Communications Commission permits radio communications. All Multi User Radio Service devices must be regulated and certified by the Federal Communications Commissions before being operated.
- All certified multi-use radio service devices have labels that identify them as certified by the Federal Communications Commission.
- Multi User Radio Service devices should never exceed 2 watts of transmitted power output.
- You cannot make a telephone call with a Multi User Radio Service device, the Federal Communications Commission forbids it. Some people have asked if they can use their Multi User Radio Service device as a repeater station, the answer is no. The Federal Communications Commission prohibits using the Multi User Radio Service frequency as the input or output or a conventional repeater. The Federal Communications Commissions also forbids "store and forward" packet stations. Store and forward packet stations is a service that re-transmits a digital signal after a time delay.
- People using the Multi User Radio Service were also wondering if you can play music over the two way radio service, the answer is yes. The Federal Communications Commissions does not specify in their rules that you cannot transmit music over the two way radio service. The Federal Communications Commissions does however have a rule stating that you cannot transmit continuous audio over their two way radio service. MURS is sometimes known as the best kept secret in radio communication, as the frequencies used are still relatively clean from use, and even some CB radio fanatics have to ask ‘what is MURS?’. The Multi User Radio Service have five different frequencies that their users can communicate on which are 151.820 MHz, 151.880 MHz, 151.940 MHz, 154.570 MHz and 154.600 MHz.

Technology Used in Walkie-Talkies Gets an Update

Due to changes in business environments and security needs, there have been a lot of upgrades made in communication tech equipment. These changes have especially included the technology used in Walkie-Talkie radio systems.

In recent years, many businesses have changed the way their employees communicate with each other. This has particularly included construction firms and utility plants. At many construction firms for example, construction crew personnel are now being required to carry walkie talkie radios that have extra extended voice capability and communication ranges. This is due to the fact that many construction projects today consist of retail and commercial developments that stretch up to four or five city blocks.

Construction Industry

Because of this distance, the walkie talkie equipment used by construction employees needs to have communication capability of up to ten miles or more. The walkie talkie model many construction companies use today is the MURS Multi-Mile two way radio system. This system is preferred because it features long distance communication range and it is also made out of long lasting durable material, which is why this is the perfect two way radio system to have on a construction site. The price for this system generally ranges between two hundred and three hundred dollars.

The Utility Industry

In the utility industry, employee communication needs have also changed in recent years. This has been primarily due to the growing number of utility employees now being required to handle higher levels of dangerous equipment and chemicals. This has especially been the case with employees who work at solar power companies and electric utility plants. The dangerous nature of their work make it imperative that they have efficient walkie talkie equipment. These employees also generally use the MURS Multi-Mile two way radio system.

On-site Security Industry

In addition to changes in employee communication, there has also been changes in on site security communication needs. One good example is in the professional security industry, where many professional security guards today are using technology advanced walkie talkie systems. The need for more advanced communication equipment stems from an increase in business break-ins and other related crimes.

In addition, most security guards today also need advanced communication equipment because criminals in recent years have gotten a lot bolder. Because of this, these guards need to be able to communicate quickly for immediate back up assistance. The type of walkie talkie model they like to use is the Ultra-Compact Bluetooth two way radio. Many people like using this system because it is very reliable and compact. This model comes with a variety of different features would include Bluetooth capability, wireless communication designed for long distances, and also the flexibility to be used with other communication applications. The price for this two way system is about two hundred dollars.

Based on the examples above, it looks like communication tech upgrades will be needed for many years to come.

Intercom Systems in the Modern Home

It is a scene that is repeated in households every day - a mother or father will ask their child to call their brothers and sisters down for dinner and instead of going up to their rooms and telling them, the child will start to scream at the top of his lungs that dinner is ready. It might be an effective way to announce things, but in modern homes there is a way that is much better and much easier for everyone. Intercom systems are no longer only found in the homes of the wealthy. They can be used in any home and offer many different benefits to the people that use them.

Two-Way Communication throughout the Home

Instead of yelling at people, or having to lumber to the room or garage that they are in, an intercom allows you to talk to anyone in the home. The intercoms go both ways, so you not only can deliver the message that you want, you can also hear the other person’s response is to it. The messages that are sent are much clearer and easier to use. The quality of the sound delivered by the intercoms of today is impressive, and there is little confusion when they are used. An intercom that is connected to the outside of the home will also allow people inside the home to find out who is at the door in a much safer manner.

Permanent or Portable – You Decide

In the past, to install an intercom system in a home was difficult. The reason for this is that the intercoms had to be connected to each other and to a central unit. The only way to do this was through wires. That meant that you would have to run wires through walls to put an intercom system in. It was a project that usually required a professional to install it. This made the intercoms more expensive to put in and difficult to change.

The intercoms in modern homes are now wireless. That means that all you have to do to install them is provide power to the central unit and to the other intercom speakers that you have, and place them on a table. They can be moved to different spots in the room or they can be moved to different rooms as they are needed. You can also install wireless systems permanently on a wall or outside of a door if you need additional security, but remember this will be a little more difficult to move if you decide to do this later on.