ChiComm Blog

Should You Rent or Own Your Two-Way Radios?

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Thursday, October 15, 2015

"Rent VS Own" is one of the most common dilemmas people face in life. Should we be tenants or home owners? Should we lease this car or buy it? Should I just rent this movie or buy a copy? In most cases, there isn't a right wrong answer with this dilemma, as it truly relies on the unique situation you find yourself in. Believe it or not, this is actually the case when it comes to communication and two-way radios.

If you are looking into improving your communication with wireless technology, you've probably come across information about two-way radios. You may even be completely sold on them already, but you just aren't sure if you should rent them or own them. To help you make that decision, here is a quick look at some of the most popular reasons to buy or rent radios.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Education, Rental Equipment, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Property Managers: 3 Reasons to Rent Radios for Your Next Project

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Friday, May 29, 2015

Do you own or manage a rental property? Whether it is residential and you offer some great apartments to your residents, or if it is commercial and you house retail shops, restaurants, or businesses, chances are you will encounter a construction project sometime soon.

As you find yourself taking on these new summer projects, like upgrading your building's exterior or even adding on a new unit or addition, you will be working with contractors. Just like with any project, communication is key, and you can count on time-sensitive issues popping up.

Tags: Rental Equipment

Everything You Need to Know About Renting Radios

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Are you considering renting radios for an upcoming project or event? You’re not alone. Every year, companies and organizations from all over the country elect to rent radios for their short-term communication needs. For example, these rentals could be due to a summer event (like a parade or festival), a sporting event, or even a construction project. Whatever your need, renting two-way radios can be the perfect fit for your organization.

The rental process itself is streamlined and ensures customized solutions to your exact need. In short, the radios you rent are tailored to your specific needs. Sounds great, right?

To help you get started on this rental process, here is a brief look at everything you need to know about renting radios.

Tags: Rental Equipment

4 Reasons to Rent Radios For Your Summer Event

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Friday, May 8, 2015

In the Midwest, we often celebrate warm, beautiful summer weather with months of events. These warm months often signal that graduations, parades, festivals and concerts are just around the corner. Although these events are fun to attend, most don’t realize just how much work goes into planning and executing a successful event. One of the most important things to ensure a smooth and safe event, regardless of the event, is clear communication.

So what does clear communication look like? For one, it involves digital, two-way radios being supplied to event staff. Notice that line says “two-way radios,” not “cell phones” (there’s a big difference). These radios allow the event staff to communicate effectively regardless of their location or the noisy environment they may be in at the time.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Rental Equipment, Digital Two-Way Radios

What is the CHIditarod? A Race? A Food Drive?

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Dress Up. Cause Chaos. Do Good.

CHIditarod is Chicago's Urban Shopping Cart Race, Food Drive, Costume Contest, Fund Raiser and all around Good Time. It is also one of the largest mobile food drives. The event gets it's name CHIditarod, from the Alaskan Iditarod. The date of the event was chosen to coincide with the kickoff of the Iditarod. The annual event is in it's 10th year and takes place in the Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village Chicago neighborhoods. There are some basic similarities between the races, but the Chiditarod is more focused on fun then coming in first. Instead of sleds, they use shopping carts, and instead of dogs, they have teams of five people: four pullers and one musher. Also, each team is required to start with 60 lbs of food in their cart for donation.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Rental Equipment

How ChiComm Got Involved in Snocross

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Chicago Communications, LLC sponsors many different types of events throughout the year. We sponsor runs, festivals, trade show venues, picnics, and believe it or not, snowmobile racing. Yes, snowmobile racing, also known as Snocross.

What is Snocross? Snocross is a sport involving racing specialized high performance snowmobiles on natural or artificially-made tracks consisting of tight turns, banked corners, steep jumps and obstacles. Riders race at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Now you might be wondering ….. do they actually race in Illinois? While there are tracks all over the country – New York, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan -- the southern-most snocross track in the country is, yes, located in Illinois – Wauconda, Illinois to be exact. Races take place pretty much every weekend from December to March, and as you might expect to coordinate practices and race days takes a village. It also requires two-way radios.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Rental Equipment

Checklist to Avoid Weather Disasters at Events

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Planning any outdoor event requires great teamwork. Someone needs to make sure the petit fours are delivered on time, but most importantly, someone has to know what Mother Nature might bring and how often will she change her mind. Making a "weather team" part of the planning crew will make your event much safer and more successful for all involved.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Rental Equipment, Safety Solutions

Inflatable Towers: You Don't See That Every Day!

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, April 23, 2014

It’s an inflatable tower! Didn’t know there was such a thing? Well, there is and it has some pretty interesting applications. You can use it anywhere from golf outings or county fairs, to crime scenes or highway speed control or road blocks! Anytime you have a temporary command post or mobile headquarters, these easy to move mobile towers can accommodate an antenna, repeater, camera, or even an access point for high speed data. They are easy to transport, quickly deployed, affordable and customizable. They are portable enough to mount on any vehicle so you can enhance your two way radio or mobile phone range at any remote operation. They are inflatable towers made by Lighter than Air Projects in Cookeville, TN, and available locally through Chicago Communications!

Tags: Chicago Communications, Antenna System, Rental Equipment

What To Consider When Renting Two Way Radios

Posted by Kendra Newlon on Thursday, March 27, 2014

If you’re looking for a price savvy communication product, without the full commitment of a purchase – renting radios is definitely one of the best options out there. You get the quality and control that you would normally get when purchasing a two way radio system, but without the upkeep and price tag associated with it. This is a perfect option for those who would only use a radio system a few times a year for special events. Batteries and antennas are automatically included with each rental; each customer receives one spare battery and charger for every two radios rented. By choosing to rent radios, you can rest easy knowing that the programming, licensing, and even delivery of your communication equipment is being taken care of.

But first, here are some things to keep in mind after you’ve decided on the wise choice to rent two way radio equipment.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Two Way Radio Accessories, Rental Equipment

Turkeys & Two-Way Radios

Posted by Kendra Newlon on Thursday, December 26, 2013

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and in just a few short days the year will also come to an end. But Chicago Communication’s rental department acted as a catalyst for the city of Elmhurst into the holiday season this past November with the 30^th Annual Dan Gibbons ‘Turkey Trot’.

Held on Thanksgiving morning, runners of all ages joined at the starting line to raise money to help feed local families who were in need of a meal, not only on thanksgiving but every day; something that we may take for granted on a regular basis.

However, in order to have such a successful long running fundraising event, communication amongst staff and volunteers must be a top priority. Not only does in ensure that all of those involved in the execution of the Turkey Trot are where they are supposed to be, but also keeps runners safe.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Motorola Solutions, Wireless Communication, Two Way Radio Accessories, Rental Equipment