The "Remote Location" Reality Check: Why You Need High-Power Two-Way Radio Hire
It’s a classic production horror story. You’re scouting a location—maybe a farm in regional Victoria or a sprawling beach set. The PAs test a couple of cheap "off-the-shelf" handhelds. They work fine when standing 10 metres apart in the car park.
Then shoot day arrives. Base Camp is behind a hill. The Unit team is 800 metres away at the catering truck. And the moment the AD tries to call for a lock-up, the two-way radio just... hisses.
Suddenly, you have runners sprinting back and forth to relay messages, and your schedule is bleeding time.
The Problem: Consumer "Walkie Talkies" vs. Professional Two-Way Radios
Those bubble-pack radios you buy at an outdoor store usually pump out 0.5 Watts of power. That’s fine for a family camping trip, but on a film set with concrete walls, rolling terrain, or interference from generators, they are practically invisible.
The Solution: 5-Watt Commercial Two-Way Radio Hire
This is why the film industry rents. Professional commercial two-way radios, like the Motorola units in our fleet, output 4 to 5 Watts of power. That isn't just a small upgrade; it’s up to 10x the signal strength of a consumer toy.
When you choose two-way radio hire from Roar, you aren't just getting a handset. You’re getting a signal that punches through walls, cuts over hills, and reaches the edge of your location without breaking a sweat.
Meet The Heavy Hitters: Our Rental Fleet
We stock specific Motorola two-way radio models because they survive the reality of an Australian film set. Here is what you should be asking for when you book your next location shoot:
1. The Industry Standard: Motorola DP2600 Two-Way Radio This is the workhorse of film set radio hire. It is a fully digital portable two-way radio, meaning the audio is crystal clear right up to the edge of its range—no fading into static. It allows for multiple channels (essential for keeping Art Dept off the AD channel) and features superior weather resistance. If you are shooting outdoors, this is the two-way radio you want on your belt.
2. The Noise Killer: MOTOTRBO R7 Digital Radio Shooting near heavy machinery, wind machines, or generators? The MOTOTRBO R7 is a beast. Engineered specifically for professional production, it features adaptive noise cancellation that actively filters out background roar, ensuring your voice cuts through. It’s the ultimate two-way radio for Key Grips and Gaffers who need to be heard over the noise of the rig.
3. The Simple Solution: Motorola DEP 450 Perfect for dailies or runners who just need to pick up a unit and go. The Motorola DEP 450 is a no-nonsense portable two-way radio that prioritizes ease of use. It has no screen to break and no complex menus—just a volume knob and a channel selector. It’s rugged, loud, and incredibly simple.
Don't Forget the "Last Inch"
Power gets the signal to the two-way radio, but the accessory gets it to your ear.
For ADs & Camera: Use our Acoustic Tube Earpieces. They keep the set quiet and your comms private.
For Locations & Unit: Grab a Remote Speaker Mic. Clip it to your chest so you can hear calls while driving or carrying gear.
The Bottom Line
You spend thousands on cameras, lenses, and lighting to get the perfect shot. Don't let a $50 toy ruin the take.
Heading to a remote location? Get in touch with us for a quote on 5-Watt commercial two-way radio hire that actually works.
