Within the expansive landscape of a wind farm, where challenging working environments are the norm, reliable communication is paramount. Two-way radios are more than just communication tools, they ensure that every task, every operation, and every worker is seamlessly integrated into the intricate production of renewable energy.

In this article, we will explore the pivotal role played by communication on wind farms and provide insight into our recommended devices for enhancing both productivity and worker safety on-site!

Wind Farm Communication Challenges

Wind farm sites present unique communication challenges due to their vast, rugged terrain that can stretch across hundreds of acres. This poses a significant hurdle for standard communication systems, potentially leading to difficulties in maintaining clear and consistent connections over such extensive distances. Ensuring workers stay connected is crucial for the swift and accurate transmission of critical information, especially during emergencies.

Moreover, wind farms are often situated in regions prone to adverse weather conditions, including high winds, rain, and extreme temperatures. These environmental challenges can significantly impact communication. As a result, the devices implemented on wind farms need to be robust and durable enough to withstand these harsh conditions, guaranteeing uninterrupted connectivity for workers.

Key Features for Two-Way Radios on Wind Farms

Long Range Capabilities

To meet the extensive coverage needs of wind farm operations, we recommend two options:

1. Licenced UHF two-way radios
2. Push-to-talk over cellular device

For professional use, we strongly advise choosing licensed devices over license-free ones. This is due to the substantial difference in power output: licensed devices boast a 4/5 Watt power output, while license-free ones only have a 0.5 Watt power output. The higher power output significantly extends the range of the device. The range can also be further extended with the addition of an antenna and repeater. Essentially, repeaters are a piece of equipment that pick up on the radio’s transmission and amplify it so that it can communicate over larger areas.

Additionally, we recommend PTToC devices for use on wind farms. These devices offer wide area network coverage, though a reliable WiFi system on-site is necessary for their operation. PTToC devices feature many of the same productivity and safety features as traditional two-way radios, such as emergency buttons, GPS tracking, and man-down alerts. This technology is revolutionizing the communication industry, providing a platform for future evolution.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Given that most wind farms are located in open, exposed and isolated areas. These areas are often prone to adverse weather, including high winds, rain, and even extreme temperatures. This means that the two-way radios must be durable and weather-resistant to ensure they can provide reliable and uninterrupted communication for your workers. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating serves as a reliable indicator of a device’s dust and water resistance. For wind farm operations, we recommend a minimum IP rating of 55, with higher ratings offering even better protection.

Battery Life and Power Management

Choosing a device with a long battery life is essential for use on wind farms. Wind farm operations often involve long and demanding shifts, sometimes spanning several hours or even overnight. A powerful battery ensures that workers can rely on their radios throughout their entire shift without the need for frequent recharging. It also leads to minimised downtime for workers. A long battery life reduces the need for frequent charging breaks, allowing workers to remain focused on their tasks and maintain productivity levels.

Recommended devices.

Motorola R7

MOTOTRBO R7 is the latest digital mobile two-way radio from Motorola.

The Motorola R7 has a superior receiver sensitivity allowing you to send and receive messages at the edge of coverage where other radios may struggle, perfect for use on a remote wind farm.. The R7 has also been designed and tested for MIL-STD-810 and has an IP66 and IP68 rating, making it completely dust-tight and protected from water immersion up to 2 metres deep for 2 hours. This device will be able to withstand the harsh weather to be expected on the wind farms as well as any accidental drops that can be expected. Lastly, the R7 has up to 28 hours of battery life from a single charge, based on a 5/5/90 usage cycle, which is more than adequate battery life to keep you connected throughout your full shift.

The Motorola R7 is available to buy HERE

Hytera HP785

The Hytera HP785 is the latest digital mobile radio from the Hytera H-series.

The Hytera HP785 has increased receiver sensitivity to extend the coverage range and improve audio quality in weak signal areas, such as a remote wind farm. This device features a 2.4-inch high-resistant display, which allows users to see important information at a glance. The HP785 boasts high levels of ruggedness with its IP68 rating against dust and water protection. It has been designed to MIL-STD-810 G, and it is resilient enough to withstand a 2-metre drop onto concrete. The device features a slim lithium polymer battery which delivers an impressive 24-hour battery life based on a 5/5/90 usage cycle – more than enough to make it through an entire shift!

The Hytera HP785 Is available to buy HERE

TELOX E300

The TELOX TE300 is a light compact Push-to-talk over Ceullar device that delivers instant, reliable communication. The TE300 looks very similar to traditional two-way radios, however, it operates via 3G or WiFi.

the TE300 provides universal connectivity wherever you are and wherever you move. That overcomes one of the major limitations of traditional two-way radio – the localised reach of individual radio networks. While elegant, the TE300 is built to last. It comes with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and passes drop tests up to 1.5 metres. The TE300 also features a 3600 mAh removable battery, which provides 24-hour battery life. Stay connected, stay safe.

The TELOX TE300 Is available to buy HERE

To summarise, this blog post emphasises the crucial role of reliable communication in wind farm operations. It highlights the unique challenges posed by the expansive and rugged terrain of wind farms and the adverse weather conditions they often face. The key features to consider when choosing two-way radios for wind farms are:

Choosing the right two-way radios is crucial for maintaining seamless communication and ensuring the safety and productivity of workers on wind farms.

Lastly, check out our social media channels for all our latest content updates and news!

► Facebook: 2Way RadioShop / Facebook  

► Twitter: 2WayRadioShop (@2wayradioshop) / Twitter  

► LinkedIn 2WayRadioShop (Online store) / LinkedIn 

► YouTube: 2WayRadioShop / YouTube 

► TikTok : 2Wayradioshop / TikTok