Chicomm Blog

When it comes to secure communications, two‑way radios have an edge over cellphones. But hacking is an unfortunate reality in today’s world, as the online world has experienced some high‑level attacks by experienced hackers (Think Google, Yahoo, LinkedIn, NASA). Because of these dangers, public safety departments using two‑way radios need to be aware of the dangers of hacking — and learn how to avoid it.

I see a lot of 911 communications dispatch centers in the course of my work, and some function better than others. When attention is paid to the design and layout of dispatch center furniture, that makes a positive difference in efficiency and comfort.

The furniture and layout of a dispatch center can almost always be improved. There are techniques for arranging dispatch center furniture, two-way radios, monitors, and phone systems to help emergency responders do their jobs.

Talk about experience. 

Shop Supervisor Emory Ludtke has spent his entire adult life working in communications, beginning with military service at age 17. 

He has been with Chicago Communications for 30 years since the company acquired MetroCom in 1991. 

Emory speaks with pride about the team of experienced technicians that he leads at Chicago Communications, calling them “the BEST co‑workers around.”

Healthcare workers are our heroes. Throughout the ages, and especially through the pandemic, they’ve stayed on the frontlines tending to the sick and managing unprecedented levels of stress and grief. We salute these essential workers who put others’ health above their own. 

Investing in two‑way radios is a smart and responsible decision, whether you’re in manufacturing, education, healthcare or hospitality. Even with the sophistication of the technology, it’s common to think devices like two‑way radios will work as needed for your specific industry right out of the box.

While some programming can be done in‑house, in most cases, you will need a licensed two‑way radio services provider to do the programming in order to have a functioning communications solution. With two‑way radios, programming is everything. It’s how you teach your radios to work for you. A single button on a two‑way radio can be programmed to do dozens of different things.

Kurt Hessler, a principal/owner at Chicago Communications welcomes everyone — customers, clients, and employees — into the Chicago Communications family. He has been a member of the Chicago Communications leadership team since 2004.

As the person responsible for sales and service, he makes sure that the company represents the right products from the right partners, and treats each customer as an individual. He takes pride in making sure that everyone gets their needs met and receives training for hassle‑free communications.

“It’s all about relationships,” says Kurt. “Treat each customer as if they're your only customer; like you would want to be treated.”

Two‑way radio communications provide secure digital channels that can increase productivity, improve resolution time and protect workers. Many radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and it is important that the devices comply with FCC rules. 

The FCC requires a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license as a way to regulate frequencies that are used by two‑way radio devices. Before operating a GMRS radio, a consumer must have a valid license.

This buyer’s guide provides an overview of how different digital two‑way radio communication systems work. While a qualified two‑way radio service provider is an important partner in finding the solution for your team, this guide can get you started with your research.

Simplex — Radio‑to‑Radio

This method describes one radio talking to another radio on the same frequency, on either the 150 MHz or 450 MHz band. 150 MHz works well in open rural areas or suburbs. 450 MHz radio‑to‑radio works well in an urban environment, but its limitations become apparent in antenna height and radio power.

Public safety requirements for distributed antenna systems are a key part of fire safety inspections. School campuses, hospitals, manufacturing facilities or commercial businesses can expect a visit from a fire marshall at least yearly to ensure operations are in compliance with local or national code regulations.

Whether you’re upgrading your communications systems for better efficiency and productivity or gathering broken radios to take in for repairs, there’s likely a box of equipment somewhere that needs to be handled. 

Finding the best way to dispose of used communications equipment is a key part of two-way radio maintenance. Old communications equipment can contain potentially hazardous materials like mercury or lead, and need to be disposed of responsibly and safely so they do not harm the environment. That equipment can include a variety of different parts: