If you own only a few two-way radios and don't use them all that much, you might not fret about your batteries: Just buy some extras and a charger, and you’re pretty much set. But as your radio fleet gets bigger, you really need to pay attention to your batteries.

Last of five parts A surveillance kit has to be quiet; a speaker

Fourth of five parts Two-way radio manufacturers usually provide a basic clip to attach their radios to a belt, but users often find they need more options: clips that attach in different ways and holsters or carry cases to provide extra protection and make the

Third of five parts For all the complex electronics inside a two-way radio, arguably the most important component is the antenna, which transmits and captures radio waves. Portable radios come from the factory with an antenna that has been tuned precisely to meet the needs of the radio it’s attached to. So why would you need an accessory antenna?

Second of five parts Being able to hold a two-way radio in your hand goes from awesome to annoying the minute you start doing a chore that requires free use of your hands. That’s why earpieces and headsets are such popular accessories for two-way radio users. They set the hands free. A great way to explore these accessories is to walk through the features of an existing model.

First of five parts Radio manufacturers usually provide basic batteries and chargers, which do a fine job as long as the radios don't get a lot of use. Active users of two-way radios, however, soon find they need more charging capacity and more versatile, longer-lasting batteries.

The CP200 two-way radio from Motorola Solutions has been the company’s most popular radio for more than a decade. It’s an economical, industrial-strength portable radio with 16 channels, 4 to 5 watts of power and dust/water resistance.

There are no loopholes in Murphy’s Law when it comes to two-way radio networks. A construction worker drops a handheld radio, then kicks it down two flights of stairs. Lightning strikes a radio antenna tower and turns a base station into a brick.

Once you’ve invested in a two-way radio network for your business, you need a way to contain the costs that accompany an equipment purchase.

The bigger a two-way radio network gets, the harder it becomes to keep everything up and running at peak efficiency. A sophisticated two-way radio network contains a web of radios, repeaters and transmitters that might connect hundreds of two-way radios.