1- Your radio doesn’t turn on
Your radio is completely dead and will not power on at all. If it’s a portable 2 way radio check and make sure your battery is properly connected and charged. Try the battery in a radio you know is functioning. If it works then you will know it’s a problem with the radio and you should contact radio repair. If it doesn’t then you know it’s a battery issue and most likely the battery needs to be replaced. Batteries normally have a usage life of 12-18 months, depending on the level of usage etc. (For more information about proper battery usage check out my previous blog about them. http://blog.telecomny.com/bid/60299/3-Tips-For-Proper-Two-Way-Radio-Battery-Usage) If it is your mobile 2 way radio that won’t power up at all, check to see if the fuses are working. If they are, call your local radio service shop.
2- There is static when you transmit or receive
Your radio is experiencing static, now what do you do? Well, if it’s a mobile you’re experienceing the issues with, check the microphone for a bad cord and/or connection. Also check to see if the antenna is missing or loose and don’t forget to check the antenna connector on the radio to make sure it isn’t loose. If it’s your portable radio that is staticky, check to see if the antenna is loose and to see if the battery contacts are dirty. You can use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts. If none of those work, call your local radio repair.
3 – There is a beeping coming from your radio
You think you’re losing your mind. You keep hearing this beeping noise and then it hits you. It’s your radio. Make it stop, make it stop you scream but that doesn’t help. So, if it’s your mobile two-way that is sounding like it’s on life support, there are four things to check. Make sure the mic isn’t stuck in transmit mode, that the radio isn’t powered off, that the channel selector has been programmed and finally that the programming information hasn’t been lost. If you are dealing with a portable two-way that is beeping, check to see if the battery power is low, if there is a stuck button or if the programming information has been lost. If none of the above tips help clear up your issues then (let’s say it together) “contact your local radio repair shop”.
2013年1月1日星期二
Two Way Radio Battery Charging
Does it really matter how you charge the batteries for your 2 way radios? To answer that, yes it does. Thanks to Motorola for the proper battery charging instructions below.
1. Charge your new battery overnight before using it. This is referred to as INITIALIZING and will enable you to obtain maximum battery capacity. a. Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14-16 hours. b. Lithium Ion/Polymer: 1 to 2 additional hours after the charger light turns green.
2. New Motorola impres batteries, when inserted into a Motorola impres charger, will indicate a calibration cycle by displaying a steady Yellow indication on the charge status indicator. Allow this calibration process to complete by not removing the battery from the charger until it has completely charged and displays a steady green indication.
3. In order to minimize capacity loss and cycle life reduction, new, NON INITIALIZED batteries must be stored in well ventilated, cool and dry locations.
4. If used batteries are to be removed from service for extended periods (greater than 30 days) they should be discharged to about 50% of their capacity before storage in a cool, dry location.
5. Batteries which have been in storage for more than two months should be fully discharged and recharged.
a. Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14-16 hours.
b. Lithium Ion/Polymer: 1 to 2 additional hours after the charger light turns green.
6. When using a Motorola rapid charger, leave the battery in the charger for an additional 1 to 2 hours after the steady green light appears. (Applies to non-impres batteries only.)
7. Do not leave your radio and fully-charged battery in the charger when not charging. Continuous charging will shorten battery life. (Do not use charger as a radio stand.)
8. Only charge a battery when it needs it. If it is not fully discharged, do not recharge it. We suggest that you carry a spare. This is the most cost effective solution for users requiring longer operating time.
9. Do not return fully charged non-impres batteries to the charger for an “extra boost.” This action will significantly reduce cycle life. Repeated short cycle charging of non-impres batteries will shorten battery life. (Do not use charger as a radio stand for non-impres batteries.)
10. Stabilize batteries to room temperature (72ºF) before charging. Charging below 40ºF and above 104ºF will decrease cycle life.
1. Charge your new battery overnight before using it. This is referred to as INITIALIZING and will enable you to obtain maximum battery capacity. a. Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14-16 hours. b. Lithium Ion/Polymer: 1 to 2 additional hours after the charger light turns green.
2. New Motorola impres batteries, when inserted into a Motorola impres charger, will indicate a calibration cycle by displaying a steady Yellow indication on the charge status indicator. Allow this calibration process to complete by not removing the battery from the charger until it has completely charged and displays a steady green indication.
3. In order to minimize capacity loss and cycle life reduction, new, NON INITIALIZED batteries must be stored in well ventilated, cool and dry locations.
4. If used batteries are to be removed from service for extended periods (greater than 30 days) they should be discharged to about 50% of their capacity before storage in a cool, dry location.
5. Batteries which have been in storage for more than two months should be fully discharged and recharged.
a. Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14-16 hours.
b. Lithium Ion/Polymer: 1 to 2 additional hours after the charger light turns green.
6. When using a Motorola rapid charger, leave the battery in the charger for an additional 1 to 2 hours after the steady green light appears. (Applies to non-impres batteries only.)
7. Do not leave your radio and fully-charged battery in the charger when not charging. Continuous charging will shorten battery life. (Do not use charger as a radio stand.)
8. Only charge a battery when it needs it. If it is not fully discharged, do not recharge it. We suggest that you carry a spare. This is the most cost effective solution for users requiring longer operating time.
9. Do not return fully charged non-impres batteries to the charger for an “extra boost.” This action will significantly reduce cycle life. Repeated short cycle charging of non-impres batteries will shorten battery life. (Do not use charger as a radio stand for non-impres batteries.)
10. Stabilize batteries to room temperature (72ºF) before charging. Charging below 40ºF and above 104ºF will decrease cycle life.
3 Tips For Proper 2 way radio Battery Usage
1 – How do I know when my battery needs to be replaced?
On average, 2 way radio batteries will have a life of 18-24 months. This will vary based upon usage, charging habits etc. On Motorola batteries, there is a date code that will tell you when the battery was manufactured. The first digit represents the last digit of the year of manufacture and the next two digits represent the week number of that year. For example, 952 would mean that the battery was manufactured the last week of December in 2009.
Another way to tell that you 2 way radio battery needs to be replaced is when you turn your radio on and you hear a series of short beeps or you hear short beeps when you try to transmit. A third way to tell that your battery needs to be replaced is when it no longer holds a charge. For example, your fully charged battery that previously lasted 6-8 hours is now only lasting 1-2 hours (these numbers are just for example purposes).
2 – What is the difference between the three main battery types available for 2 way radios?
NiCd, NiMH and Li-Ion are the three main types of batteries available for 2 way radios that are regularly used. According to Motorola, “Nickel cadium (NiCd) batteries are the most cost-effective option because they provide a longer cycle life. They’re ideal for radio users who work in extreme conditions of cold and heat (-30C to +50C). However, NiCd batteries can experience “memory effect” and may not return to full capacity if they’re recharged before being fully discharged. Motorola goes on to say “Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, compared to NiCd batteries of similar size, usually operate 40-50% longer between charges. However, they do not operate as efficiently in extreme temperatures. Also, NiMH batteries are more environmentally friendly because they contain fewer toxic chemicals. Lastly, Motorola describes Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries as “offering the best of both worlds by providing a higher energy-to-weight ration than NiMH batteries and they offer a major advantage by not experiencing “memory effect”.
So, bottom line, when choosing the type of batteries to purchase your first step is to evaluate your company’s needs. Feel free to ask any of our expert engineers or certified sales reps for assistance in choosing.
3 – How do I dispose of my batteries when they are no longer useful?
These types of batteries should not be disposed of in your regular garbage. There are many places that will recycle them for you. Telecom is a battery recycling center so send them to us in our Long Island office (234 Newtown Rd. Plainview, NY 11803) or stop by and drop them off and we will happily recycle them for you.
On average, 2 way radio batteries will have a life of 18-24 months. This will vary based upon usage, charging habits etc. On Motorola batteries, there is a date code that will tell you when the battery was manufactured. The first digit represents the last digit of the year of manufacture and the next two digits represent the week number of that year. For example, 952 would mean that the battery was manufactured the last week of December in 2009.
Another way to tell that you 2 way radio battery needs to be replaced is when you turn your radio on and you hear a series of short beeps or you hear short beeps when you try to transmit. A third way to tell that your battery needs to be replaced is when it no longer holds a charge. For example, your fully charged battery that previously lasted 6-8 hours is now only lasting 1-2 hours (these numbers are just for example purposes).
2 – What is the difference between the three main battery types available for 2 way radios?
NiCd, NiMH and Li-Ion are the three main types of batteries available for 2 way radios that are regularly used. According to Motorola, “Nickel cadium (NiCd) batteries are the most cost-effective option because they provide a longer cycle life. They’re ideal for radio users who work in extreme conditions of cold and heat (-30C to +50C). However, NiCd batteries can experience “memory effect” and may not return to full capacity if they’re recharged before being fully discharged. Motorola goes on to say “Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, compared to NiCd batteries of similar size, usually operate 40-50% longer between charges. However, they do not operate as efficiently in extreme temperatures. Also, NiMH batteries are more environmentally friendly because they contain fewer toxic chemicals. Lastly, Motorola describes Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries as “offering the best of both worlds by providing a higher energy-to-weight ration than NiMH batteries and they offer a major advantage by not experiencing “memory effect”.
So, bottom line, when choosing the type of batteries to purchase your first step is to evaluate your company’s needs. Feel free to ask any of our expert engineers or certified sales reps for assistance in choosing.
3 – How do I dispose of my batteries when they are no longer useful?
These types of batteries should not be disposed of in your regular garbage. There are many places that will recycle them for you. Telecom is a battery recycling center so send them to us in our Long Island office (234 Newtown Rd. Plainview, NY 11803) or stop by and drop them off and we will happily recycle them for you.
2 way radio Repeaters: What are they?
Coverage issues are not just limited to cell phones. There are many reasons why some companies 2 way radios will be able to talk a lot farther than the ones at your company. To put it simply, they are most likely operating on a higher power. “Well that’s not fair” you are probably thinking. What makes them so special that they can operate on a higher power. Well you can too, that’s where a repeater would come in.
Portable radios normally operate somewhere between .5 and 5 watts. It’s hard to say for sure what distance this would cover because of interference issues such as buildings, mountains, etc. but a rough estimate is for every watt of power you would get approximately one mile of coverage in a flat, open area. What a radio repeater would do is take that weak or low signal and retransmit (“repeat”) it at a higher level which would then enable the radio signal to cover a greater area. The repeater would be installed in a location that would maximize its effectiveness.
There are many different types of repeaters available. There are low level repeaters, high level repeaters, vehicle repeaters, cross band repeaters and one of the newer types which are digital repeaters. Motorola MotoTRBO (XPR8300, XPR8400) repeaters supports two simultaneous voice or data paths when used in digital TDMA mode. This provides for twice the calling capacity, as compared to analog radios, for the price of one license. It also provides clearer communications, in digital mode, throughout the coverage area as compare to analog radios and it is 100% continuous duty.
Sometimes radio systems will require the use of a repeater to increases the range and capabilities of your portable or mobile radios. If you think you may need to use a repeater with your system, contact your 2 way radio professional for a consultation and system testing.
Portable radios normally operate somewhere between .5 and 5 watts. It’s hard to say for sure what distance this would cover because of interference issues such as buildings, mountains, etc. but a rough estimate is for every watt of power you would get approximately one mile of coverage in a flat, open area. What a radio repeater would do is take that weak or low signal and retransmit (“repeat”) it at a higher level which would then enable the radio signal to cover a greater area. The repeater would be installed in a location that would maximize its effectiveness.
There are many different types of repeaters available. There are low level repeaters, high level repeaters, vehicle repeaters, cross band repeaters and one of the newer types which are digital repeaters. Motorola MotoTRBO (XPR8300, XPR8400) repeaters supports two simultaneous voice or data paths when used in digital TDMA mode. This provides for twice the calling capacity, as compared to analog radios, for the price of one license. It also provides clearer communications, in digital mode, throughout the coverage area as compare to analog radios and it is 100% continuous duty.
Sometimes radio systems will require the use of a repeater to increases the range and capabilities of your portable or mobile radios. If you think you may need to use a repeater with your system, contact your 2 way radio professional for a consultation and system testing.
2 way radios for Emergency Kit or Preps
Communications. It is an integral part of modern life, and the number of electronic communication gadgets that are available to us today is staggering.
During an emergency or disaster, our common methods of communication might not be available to us. The most likely problem would be the electricity/ power grid being down, and the effects of that including no operating cell towers or cell phones.
Having a pair of 2 way radios (and rechargeable batteries with a solar battery charger) is an excellent survival preparedness tool that will serve you during normal times as well as during an emergency.
2 way radios do not rely on anything external like cell towers or network service providers to provide communications between radio units. They are used as a stand-alone system that can be used anywhere.
Uses for 2 way radios
Road trips – where two cars are traveling together
Camping – keeping in contact while others are out and about
Boating – staying in touch with your group on the shore
Hiking – emergency communications if you get separated
Security – communication between locations
Home – numerous use-case scenarios
Emergency – stay in contact while someone needs to venture away from home base
During an emergency or disaster, our common methods of communication might not be available to us. The most likely problem would be the electricity/ power grid being down, and the effects of that including no operating cell towers or cell phones.
Having a pair of 2 way radios (and rechargeable batteries with a solar battery charger) is an excellent survival preparedness tool that will serve you during normal times as well as during an emergency.
2 way radios do not rely on anything external like cell towers or network service providers to provide communications between radio units. They are used as a stand-alone system that can be used anywhere.
Uses for 2 way radios
Road trips – where two cars are traveling together
Camping – keeping in contact while others are out and about
Boating – staying in touch with your group on the shore
Hiking – emergency communications if you get separated
Security – communication between locations
Home – numerous use-case scenarios
Emergency – stay in contact while someone needs to venture away from home base
Two Way Radios are Crucial to Hotel On Magnificent Mile
The Allerton Hotel has been around since 1924, boasting many impressive credentials including its classification as a historic landmark of Chicago and its unique Northern Italian Renaissance architecture. It has a rich history of being one of the city’s most exciting social hot spots, and was originally operated as a club hotel for men. The 26 story historic building consists of 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space in addition to its 443 guest rooms, all of which is made operational by the hotels’ 225 employees.
At any given time there’s about 40 employees using portable radios across the Engineering, Security, Housekeeping, Room Service and Banquet/Event departments. In the hospitality industry, meeting guest’s expectations is crucial, so timing and coordination are essential to achieving rapid response times. Communicating instantly and efficiently amongst your staff is critical to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Whether it’s getting a guest extra towels to the room or responding to an electrical issue on the roof, the operator stationed at the base station relays the message and dispatches the respective department to respond right away. Two way radios expedite guests’ requests in a timely manner and keep the operations running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
“Two-way communication is critical in our building and when the radios don’t work, it’s a pain in the neck. The team at Chicago Communications helps us keep our communications equipment up and running, which makes my life much easier,” says Tom Lindberg, Chief Engineer at The Allerton. He added, “I work with Jim and Nancy, who have both been outstanding, very helpful and very knowledgeable—making the process seamless. I have been working in the hospitality field for 24 years and there are many vendors out there that just don’t have the customer service that this team shows.”
The radio coverage inside The Allerton has been reliable and better than cell phone reception, reaching from the roof to the basement. The radios work well even into elevators and stairwells that are usually dead spots to cell phones. On a typical day the front desk operator receives calls with requests for extra amenities, luggage retrieval, problems with a television, etc. Security may have to respond to a noise complaint or a guest being locked out of their room. The maintenance crew may be needed for a light bulb that’s out, or another issue that needs attention on any given floor. “Radios allow requests to go directly to the source,” says Maruicio Martins, Director of Operations. “The radios are the ‘must-have tool’ to effective and efficient communication amongst our staff. They keep the hotel running like a well-oiled machine. Every corner that can be cut, every step that can be consolidated, helps save time and speed up the response time for the guest.” In a hotel it’s necessary to communicate with multiple departments to accomplish tasks and requests. 2 way radios impact overall guest satisfaction by saving enough time to make a noticeable difference in improving efficiency.
At any given time there’s about 40 employees using portable radios across the Engineering, Security, Housekeeping, Room Service and Banquet/Event departments. In the hospitality industry, meeting guest’s expectations is crucial, so timing and coordination are essential to achieving rapid response times. Communicating instantly and efficiently amongst your staff is critical to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Whether it’s getting a guest extra towels to the room or responding to an electrical issue on the roof, the operator stationed at the base station relays the message and dispatches the respective department to respond right away. Two way radios expedite guests’ requests in a timely manner and keep the operations running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
“Two-way communication is critical in our building and when the radios don’t work, it’s a pain in the neck. The team at Chicago Communications helps us keep our communications equipment up and running, which makes my life much easier,” says Tom Lindberg, Chief Engineer at The Allerton. He added, “I work with Jim and Nancy, who have both been outstanding, very helpful and very knowledgeable—making the process seamless. I have been working in the hospitality field for 24 years and there are many vendors out there that just don’t have the customer service that this team shows.”
The radio coverage inside The Allerton has been reliable and better than cell phone reception, reaching from the roof to the basement. The radios work well even into elevators and stairwells that are usually dead spots to cell phones. On a typical day the front desk operator receives calls with requests for extra amenities, luggage retrieval, problems with a television, etc. Security may have to respond to a noise complaint or a guest being locked out of their room. The maintenance crew may be needed for a light bulb that’s out, or another issue that needs attention on any given floor. “Radios allow requests to go directly to the source,” says Maruicio Martins, Director of Operations. “The radios are the ‘must-have tool’ to effective and efficient communication amongst our staff. They keep the hotel running like a well-oiled machine. Every corner that can be cut, every step that can be consolidated, helps save time and speed up the response time for the guest.” In a hotel it’s necessary to communicate with multiple departments to accomplish tasks and requests. 2 way radios impact overall guest satisfaction by saving enough time to make a noticeable difference in improving efficiency.
Radio Communication Systems and Equipment
It is a matter of fact that this world is fast paced. There are many things which are highly responsible in order to make this world reach that kind of pace. One such thing which has played a vital role in this case is the two way radio communication, which is possible with the radio communication systems and equipments. Well, actually speaking, we have to thank two way radio communication, as it will help us to communicate with people who are far away from us. In addition, you will also enjoy a kind of ease and clarity when you are communicating.
The 2 way radio communication has helped people or companies to be highly benefited. In fact, it has made a very complicated thing to look so simple, without wasting much money as well as time. The two radio communication systems and equipments will help all sorts of employees to be in touch with their fellow mates at any instant. The radio equipments are out there to set a milestone in world of communication. Since the radio communication system is enabled with two way radio communicating, employees can easily be in touch. In fact, you will find many huge industries, which are well equipped with radio communicating systems in order to guide as well as to manage their employees. Since the supervisors cannot afford to monitor and guide their employee being in the same place every time, the two way radio communicating will get their work done with the comfort of their cabin. Hence, it helps to get the task done without any sort of risks and tensions.
It is great to see that there are several companies out there both online as well as offline, which are offering these systems for hiring during the special events. You can look forward to hiring these systems for any special events. These companies will also offer amazing discounts for those willing to hire or purchase radio communicating systems. It is always advised to go through the online reviews of the companies offering these services in order to pick the right company. However, for those who are looking to get the radio communication systems installed to their office or homes in order to enjoy a great convenience, it is always advised to get them installed with the guidance of a systems expert. If you call them before and let them know the purpose of which system you are installing, they will choose a right system considering various factors such as the frequency required, power sources available etc. They will get started with the installation work as soon as you finalize the deal with them. Since they are also wireless, it will not be that difficult to maintain these systems.
In the security point of view, no provider will guarantee you that kind of security, which radio communication systems/equipments do. You can look forward to getting your business or house monitored 24 hours only by making the most of these systems.
The 2 way radio communication has helped people or companies to be highly benefited. In fact, it has made a very complicated thing to look so simple, without wasting much money as well as time. The two radio communication systems and equipments will help all sorts of employees to be in touch with their fellow mates at any instant. The radio equipments are out there to set a milestone in world of communication. Since the radio communication system is enabled with two way radio communicating, employees can easily be in touch. In fact, you will find many huge industries, which are well equipped with radio communicating systems in order to guide as well as to manage their employees. Since the supervisors cannot afford to monitor and guide their employee being in the same place every time, the two way radio communicating will get their work done with the comfort of their cabin. Hence, it helps to get the task done without any sort of risks and tensions.
It is great to see that there are several companies out there both online as well as offline, which are offering these systems for hiring during the special events. You can look forward to hiring these systems for any special events. These companies will also offer amazing discounts for those willing to hire or purchase radio communicating systems. It is always advised to go through the online reviews of the companies offering these services in order to pick the right company. However, for those who are looking to get the radio communication systems installed to their office or homes in order to enjoy a great convenience, it is always advised to get them installed with the guidance of a systems expert. If you call them before and let them know the purpose of which system you are installing, they will choose a right system considering various factors such as the frequency required, power sources available etc. They will get started with the installation work as soon as you finalize the deal with them. Since they are also wireless, it will not be that difficult to maintain these systems.
In the security point of view, no provider will guarantee you that kind of security, which radio communication systems/equipments do. You can look forward to getting your business or house monitored 24 hours only by making the most of these systems.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)