Jobsite radios can be an essential piece of equipment for jobs where workers are far from the main office or if there is no office at all. Unfortunately, the first thing most contractors consider when they get a new job site radio is how loud it is, not how many features it has. Let’s see the latest construction site tech.
Detailed research on the most popular models, based on customer feedback and reviews, has shown that there are 4 types of job site radios. While the first thing contractors consider when buying a new radio maybe how loud it is, the most important feature is what they can do with it. We’ve put together a list of the four best options out there for your consideration.
Handyman Talk Radio
If you’re looking for something that is small and portable then it’s a good idea to go with a handyman talk radio. These are great because they’re inexpensive and very small. Most of them are no larger than a cell phone. The only issue with this is that most of these come with terrible reception. They work great if you are at home or in the office but once you get outside, the reception drops off to nothing.
We do recommend this one from Cline. It has full FM and AM capability and will even work without power if you are in a bind. All you have to do is pull the antenna out and it will pick up whatever stations it can.
Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged – This is a great choice for those looking for some of the loudest jobsite radios that can be operated with D-size batteries, but also accepts a 12-volt power source from an automobile. It has a number of presets available so you don’t have to listen to the same station all day long. This radio typically retails for a premium price, making it a top-of-the-line choice.
DEWALT DCR018 Compact Worksite Radio
In addition to the sound quality you get from the DEWALT DCR018 Compact Worksite Radio, what really stands out is the ease with which you can customize it to get just the right kind of job site vibe. The great thing about it is that you can do this without having to commit to a total overhaul. Just like a car, all you need to do is pick up a few accessories or add-ons and you’re good to go. In fact, if you decide to pick up a few extra speakers, you could even have this unit play music for everyone in your crew.
For me, one of the biggest perks is the fact that this radio features Bluetooth technology. Let’s face it; that’s a huge plus when you consider how some of the crummy audio systems we have to listen to on job sites
Bosch PB360S is an all-in-one, portable, powerful radio that’s great for construction sites. The battery lasts for up to 19 hours per charge so you can rock out to your favorite tunes all day long without having to stop and recharge. It has 3 pre-set stations but also has an Aux-in jack so you can play your own music, a USB port so you can charge your phone, and 8 hours of DAB+ digital reception.
Sangean LB-100 Compact Jobsite Radio
The Sangean LB-100 is a compact, lightweight 4 x 5-inch radio with a rechargeable battery, a 120-volt wall outlet charger, and an AC transformer. The radio offers 5 AM (MW) and 5 FM channels.
The radio has a built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free operation as well as a line-in and line-out for recording and playback of music from another device. The radio has a built-in clock, sleep mode, automatic clock set, auto power on/off, and a bright blue backlit display to help you see the time and station in low light conditions.
The Sangean LB-100 radio is ideal for any job site or location where you need music or information to keep you company.
Final words
As you can see there are many reasons to use a job site radio in your shop. First, it is a great way to stay connected to other employees on the job site. Second, it is a good means of communication with your customer to stay updated on the current status of the project. If you are using a cordless Bluetooth radio you can also connect up with your customers via a smartphone or tablet. Jobsite radios can also be used as entertainment for workers while they wait for parts or equipment, especially if there are not too many outlets available for power supply.
