We all know that two way radios are highly beneficial in keeping everyone connected when it comes to communication. They’re reliable, and much more cost efficient than cell phones.
But do you know how to optimize your radios for even more benefits, features, and connectivity? Simply having a two way radio is a start to great communication, but there are a few ways to get the most of your radio.
Apps, for example. I know your mind shoots to the Angry Birds game on your smart phone you probably have in your pocket or purse. Even for two way radios…there’s an app for that.
With a little more importance than that of Angry Birds, applications that are added to your two way radio enhance the capabilities and performance of said two way radio . MOTOTRBO radios have applications to augment fleet management, dispatch consoles, work order management, system management, alarm management, personal tracking, email/text gateway, and interoperability. Whew! So many ways to use a two way radio for more than just communicating.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Two Way Radio Accessories,
MOTOTRBO
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I’ve written on this subject before, but we had a recent incident in which the radio system did not work when they went to back it up. When we build these radio systems, unless not budgeted for, we put in some type of backup system to allow for the continued radio operation in case of a failure. Granted, the backup system may be as simple as a mobile radio with a power supply, but it is something to communicate to the end users that there is a problem with the system. Not only is the backup radio essential but some type of plan or Standard Operating Procedure should be written and followed. During a crisis or emergency, the last thing you need to be thinking about is “What do I do now!”. Instead, having a documented plan in a place is key to a good emergency plan.
Tags:
Chicago Communications,
Tech Talk,
Back-Up Plan
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Well 2013 is finally over. For some of you it was a good year, for the radio business it was a slow year. Coming off of the FCC’s Narrowbanding Mandate and all the radios sold in 2012 made us really look at our business and determine to focus on Service! Many of the police and fire departments are in limbo this year as Grants and Funding have not been as plentiful in the past years. In addition, with the FCC putting a freeze on the 470Mhz band, many police departments are sitting on their hands waiting for a direction from the FCC; that means slow radio sales.
The good news for some of you is that you are keeping your radios an extra year or two (maybe three). Your budgets are being spent on maintaining your existing equipment, whether a service contract for a 24 hour response or just routine maintenance. It is prolonging the inevitable. Technology is changing, but service teams, like Chicago Communications, are equipped with the latest in technology to meet whatever challenge is thrown towards us. From basic analog radio systems to the most advanced P25 Public Safety systems we can monitor and respond to service outages in any required timeframe you need. We can consult on your equipment with our contracts department to see whether it makes sense to put your equipment on a contract or actively seek replacement because of age or parts issues.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Public Safety Communications,
Wireless Communication,
Radio System,
Tech Talk,
Safety Solutions,
FCC,
Maintenance/Installation/Service
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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 30th 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
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It’s crazy to think that in about 2 weeks we will be kissing 2013 goodbye and welcoming in 2014 with open arms. One great thing about the end of the year is all of the sales and specials … even for your two way communication needs!
With so many different deals in place, it’s hard to keep track what will be ending when the clock strikes midnight on the 31
st.
Here’s a checklist from Chicago Communications to make sure you get the most out of your communication purchases through 2013!
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Public Safety Communications,
Motorola Solutions,
Wireless Communication,
Radio System,
MOTOTRBO,
Vertex,
Maintenance/Installation/Service
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"So you are the IT Manager and you were just put in charge of the radio communications..."
Sound familiar?
I recently glanced through an article in the new (November 2013) Public Safety Communications Magazine from APCO. The title of the article “Communications Manager or IT Manager?” made me think of our own business. It shouldn’t matter if you’re a radio technician or IT technician…electronics is electronics, right? I wish I could say it was that easy.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Wireless Communication,
Radio System,
Tech Talk,
Technology,
IT Solutions
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What are the first things you think of when given the slogan ‘Are you ready for some football?!” Many ideas such as food, tailgating, friends and team rivalries are the first to pop into our minds. But what if we didn’t have our Sunday afternoon/nights of football, or what would we have to look forward to on Monday nights after a day at work if the NFL ceased to exist? Fault proof communication is one of the silent, yet very important aspects of running not only a successful game, but a stellar season.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Motorola Solutions,
Two Way Radio Accessories,
Technology,
MOTOTRBO,
Safety Solutions
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Our rental department at Chicago Communications is one of the services that often times goes overlooked when prepping for an event. However, if utilized correctly, having a communicationsystem in place for your event, no matter how big or small, really determines whether or not it goes off without a hitch. Ask Justin Thaler from STEVE HARVEY on NBC .
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Two Way Radio Accessories,
Rental Equipment,
Customer Service
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I would like to take this time for the customary Tech Talk to notify users of the 470Mhz frequency band of interference we have been receiving over the last 6 weeks. Users along the North Shore of Illinois operating on specific 470Mhz channels have been getting hit with co-channel or On Frequency interference. What that means to you is specific direct interference on your frequency will result in lost coverage and excessive noise coming across your frequency.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Public Safety Communications,
Tech Talk
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Halloween is right around the corner – costumes are being finalized, trick or treat routes are being mapped, and candy is overflowing. Sometimes with the excitement of such a fun holiday, we forget to remember the basics in terms of safety. If we let the safety of these little vampires, ghosts, and ballerinas slip to the background of all the enthusiasm, things can go from fun and games to spooky in a matter of minutes.
The Biggest Safety precaution: SEAMLESS COMMUNICATION
For Trick or Treaters & Parents:
Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with the older Halloween goers, or if it’s a relatively small group. But how do you communicate with groups of children who may be old enough to walk down the block, but not own a cell phone!? The same way Police and Fire crews communicate with each other- two way radios. Obviously purchasing high tiered radios aren’t the option we are suggesting, but there are two way radios designed for these types of instances- for relatively cheap in many stores. By sending your ghouls and goblins off in the neighborhood equipped with a two way radio (or commonly referred to as a walkie talkie) you are able to constantly connect with them at the push of a button.
Tags:
Two Way Radios,
Chicago Communications,
Wireless Communication,
Technology,
Education,
Rental Equipment,
Safety Solutions,
Vertex
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