Chicomm Blog

The lack of emergency radio coverage is delaying building openings nationwide. Modern codes now require signal strength testing throughout a property before occupancy permits are issued, and no coverage means no certificate of occupancy. Most building managers find out the hard way.

We hear it all the time: "What is a BDA? What's a DAS? Someone sent me a spec sheet, and I don't understand a word of it." This guide won't make you a radio engineer. It will make sure you never feel lost in that conversation again. Think of this as your roadmap to clear, amplified radio coverage.

If you handle emergency communications for a hospital, you already know that rapid communication is crucial during a crisis. However, most hospital communication systems were developed gradually over time by different vendors, so they are not built to work together quickly. The solution?

Motorola WAVE PTX allows you to connect existing devices into one seamless ecosystem. This broadband push-to-talk platform instantly links radios, smartphones, and computers, both on-site and off-site. It makes the difference between being well-coordinated and being caught off guard.

The end of the year always provides a time for reflection and an opportunity to focus on the path forward for the year ahead and beyond. With this in mind, I want to take the time to share some of the exciting accomplishments and acknowledge the teams from CSE Crosscom US and UK, a leading provider ofmission-critical communications and video solutions.

Two-way radios are built for reliability, but like any essential technology, they sometimes need repair. For public safety agencies, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses, a radio failure can disrupt operations and compromise safety.

The good news? A malfunction doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement.

Repairs are often the faster, more cost-effective way to extend the life of your equipment and keep your team talking. At Chicago Communications, we specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining Motorola radios with certified expertise you can trust.

Staying compliant with FCC regulations is critical for anyone using VHF/UHF two-way radios. The FCC continues to crack down on unauthorized radios, enforcing rules that impact which radios are sold, imported, and used in the U.S.

If your radios aren’t compliant, you could face interference issues—or even fines. Here’s what you need to know about the latest rules and enforcement trends.

When it comes to secure communications, two-way radios remain the trusted standard for public safety agencies. But can they be hacked?

The short answer: Yes, but only if security measures are weak or outdated.

While cellphones and internet-based communication tools are far more frequent targets of cyberattacks, two-way radios are not immune. Hackers can intercept unsecured transmissions, disrupt emergency operations, and even impersonate first responders on radio channels. Fortunately, modern encryption and advanced security measures make hacking nearly impossible—when the right safeguards are in place.

Are there areas in your buildings that are dead zones for communication?

Do you have multiple buildings or campuses to communicate between?

Do your old radios or phone system give out on you just when you need them the most?

What is the role of communications software?

Communication software is the essential link that integrates various communication technologies, enabling them to function according to our needs.

Software alone will not solve all your communications challenges, but many of your vital products, including two-way radios, will work best when connected with a software package.

Lithium-ion batteries are the power source for many of our most essential tools: cell phones, iPads, power tools, and—my favorite piece of equipment—two-way radios.

With a little bit of care and planning, you can optimize the life of your batteries. 

Taking a proactive approach to battery care ensures that your devices are always ready for use and helps you make the most of your investment. Remember, a little care and planning can go a long way in optimizing the performance and longevity of your lithium-ion batteries.

Here are some tips for keeping your batteries in tip-top shape.

Two-way radio, walkie-talkie, portable radio, transceiver—whatever you call it, you likely know what it does. At its simplest, a two-way radio is a device that can both send and receive communications via radio waves. They are ideal for use in most work environments: warehouses, factories, schools, and hospitals, as well as for emergency first responders and truck drivers on the move.

Beyond that, two-way radios have a wide range of features. These days, they’re more like computers, with different software and features that can be adapted to your needs. If you want to understand the basics of two-way radios better or are exploring communication options for your team, here's an overview of two-way radios.