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Chicomm Blog

Understanding the intricacies of your Motorola two-way radio battery is key to ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Whether you're a first responder, work in the security sector, or rely on two-way radios for daily operations in challenging environments, knowing how to read and interpret the information your radio battery offers can save you time and ensure you're always in communication when it matters most. 

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Motorola Solutions, FAQ, Two Way Radio Accessories

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What Does WiFi Stand For?

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, November 15, 2017

What does WiFi stand for? Well, everyone knows that. It stands for wireless fidelity. Right?

Wrong. But good guess! It’s a misconception that has been plaguing the ubiquitous term since its very beginning. In fact, few things that are so widely used are as widely misunderstood in terms of naming.

What does WiFi stand for? We bet you’ll be surprised.

Tags: FAQ, Wireless Networking

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For those currently using Intrinsically Safe two-way radios approved to the FM3610_88 standard, there are some changes being made by Motorola Solutions that will directly impact you.

The FM3610_88 may only be manufactured through the end of December 2015 - at which point the switch from FM to UL will begin. To help you understand this transition and what it means for you, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the change.

What does “Intrinsically Safe” actually mean?

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), “intrinsically safe” is an equipment design protection method for Division 1 which encompasses hazards that may be present under normal operating conditions - or,  frequently present during repair or standard maintenance work.

This term is especially relevant for those who operate in what are known as “hazardous locations.” These locations are areas where fire or explosion hazards may exist “due to flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings,” according to the NEC.

Tags: Two Way Radios, FAQ, Two Way Radio Accessories, Digital Two-Way Radios

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FAQs About Two Way Radios Part II

Posted by Jill McNamara on Friday, September 30, 2011
How long will a radio last during the day?

Battery capacity and the duty cycle of the radio will determine talk time. Typically a radio AT MINIMUM should last 8 hours. Over the years as batteries age, their ability to meet the customers requirements diminish and the batteries need charging during the shift or workday. New technology such as Motorola’s Impress battery systems enhances battery life as the charging systems are intelligent and adjust the charge rate for the type of use. Battery technology changes over the years have led to increased battery life as well.

What is digital?

Digital is a process to modulate the radio channel or frequency using data instead of traditional analog voice. By converting ones voice into a data stream and sending it over a radio channel we can improve the ability of the signal to be decoded and reproduce the audio at the other end to be heard. All cellular systems today use digital technology. Two way radios have both analog and digital. Digital affords some additional benefits such as a two for one channel usage. Thus one frequency or channel will allow you two simultaneous transmissions. This may allow for reduced costs in radio equipment.

Tags: Two Way Radios, FAQ

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FAQs About Two Way Radios

Posted by Jill McNamara on Thursday, September 22, 2011

FAQs

Q: What is the first thing that you should check when problems occur with your two-way radios?

A: The Battery. Repairs ( Labor )  is costly. Change a battery out with another radio to first check. If you just need a new battery then order one and ask if there are any specials.

Q. Retail stores claim that their radios can work 15+miles, is this true?

A. Yes and no. A radio can work for  15 miles if nothing is in the way of transmission. ( Mountain to Mountain ) There always seems to be obstructions such as buildings and never  a true line of site. These retail store radios are never recommended for business applications and are usually 1 watt of power. That is why there are Professional radios that give better range because their 4 & 5 watts of power. Other needs also come in to play such as a Repeater.

Tags: Two Way Radios, FAQ, Maintenance/Installation/Service

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