Chicomm Blog

In this day and age, concealed weapon detection is a key aspect of keeping people safe. 

Whether it’s schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, or events and concerts, we all agree on the need to stop dangerous weapons from entering these places and bad actors from committing heinous crimes.

As more districts are discovering every day, two-way radios in K-12 schools are the centerpiece of any effective safety plan.

Radios outpace cell phones in terms of reliability, durability, and functionality, and there are tailored radio solutions available regardless of the communications challenges schools and districts face.

This safety guide with case studies provides a comprehensive overview of two-way radios in K-12 schools and the options available for overcoming infrastructure, geographic and logistical issues.  

What good is intelligence if it isn’t able to be shared?

That is the principle underlying the idea of unified communication.

Whether it’s a public safety system, a commercial system, or a standalone system, intelligence gained through radios, cameras, and other automated systems needs to be easily shared across multiple devices. 

When looking into improving your in-building communication, you'll probably come across the terms: Signal Booster, BDA (bi-directional amplifier), or DAS (Distributed Antenna System). If you’re experiencing issues such as dead zones or spotty reception, you know how frustrating poor coverage can be, causing lost productivity and safety issues.  

A DAS is a network of antennas placed throughout a building used to boost wireless signals, typically in large buildings like campuses, hospitals, hotels, or manufacturing plants. 

A bi-directional amplifier is a device that locates a wireless signal, amplifies it, and then rebroadcasts it throughout your building. It also helps your two-way radios and smartphones avoid dropping calls or receiving spotty coverage. This blog provides more insight into how this actually happens, and the next steps to take if you think a BDA and DAS might solve your communications problems.

In my town of Cedar Lake, Indiana, we have a farmer’s market every Tuesday. 

They have an interesting history of how they came to inherit their communication system. When the town’s police and fire department upgraded their two-way radio system, they passed along their older system to the public works department that runs the farmer’s market.

You know the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? 

What if it is broken, and it’s a two-way radio that is essential to your daily work?

How do we stay up‑to‑date in a world that is changing so fast?

The questions we get from customers are as different as the people who ask them.

Some people are calling it “The Great Resignation.” 

If you’re in the market for a new two-way radio solution, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the options: Analog vs. digital? Trunked radio system vs. Conventional? Repeater vs. Distributed Antenna System?

Working with trusted two-way radio service providers is ultimately the best way to determine which solution will best meet your needs, and it’s a good idea to go into your conversations with providers with some homework already done.

For now, let’s start with just one of your many options by helping to answer: What’s the difference between a conventional and trunked radio system?

Most golf outings provide a chance for golfers to connect with the ball, with nature, and with each other. The goal is to relax and unwind from the stresses of the workweek, right?

Part of what makes golf relaxing is the competent and invisible work of the folks who keep the courses running smoothly.