<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=177704282845749&amp;ev=PageView &amp;noscript=1">

Chicomm Blog

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.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Wireless Communication, Digital Two-Way Radios, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

Two-Way Radio Repair Made Easy

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Over time, even the best communications technology stops working as well as you’d like. Luckily, less-than-optimal functionality from a two-way radio doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. Repairs are common and can be necessary for a range of reasons.

Here is a quick guide to understanding what steps to take to identify what needs fixing and get the repairs done quickly.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Two Way Radio Accessories, Technology, Customer Service, Digital Two-Way Radios, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

In these inflationary times, everyone has to keep an eye on budget costs. 

But when it comes to communications needs, it’s both wise and cost-effective to consider the added services and benefits offered by your communication technology partner. 

What are some of those added services and benefits?

Tags: Chicago Communications, Wireless Communication, Customer Service, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

Many business leaders across industries—from manufacturing to education to healthcare—know that video surveillance equipment is a good investment. They know for public safety and for facility security, it’s a no‑brainer. But moving forward with a solution requires an understanding of two parts: The cameras and the setup. Here, we provide an overview of video surveillance installation, including how much you might expect to pay.

Tags: Maintenance/Installation/Service, Video Surveillance

Read More

Once you’ve decided to purchase or upgrade your radio fleet, a two-way radio maintenance program may be the last thing on your mind.

After all, you’ve just made a sizable purchase, and “maintenance program” sounds like more money. The fact is, though, that leaving the efficient functioning of your communications equipment to chance will cost more in the long run and could leave you without instant, mission critical communication when you need it most.

We've got another treat for you visual learners out there. Our latest video walks through the benefits of protecting your investment with a two-way radio maintenance program and why it’s worth the extra cash upfront.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Digital Two-Way Radios, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

As wireless communication solutions are constantly evolving, it’s a challenge to keep up with the latest and greatest devices and functionality. While it would be impossible to keep up with every update or product that’s made available, it is worthwhile to conduct an occasional appraisal of your existing systems -- and your current challenges -- to see if a boost, replacement or new investment makes sense. 

To help with your once-over of your equipment, systems and challenges, here are five core wireless communication solutions to keep in mind that you may need to deploy, upgrade or replace. (Bonus: Check out our latest video, below, to find out how Chicago Communications helps companies and agencies meet their comprehensive communications needs.)

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Public Safety Communications, Bi-Directional Amplifiers, Maintenance/Installation/Service, Wireless Networking

Read More

If you need to know how to install a mobile radio for an upcoming installation  – or struggling with an installation in progress – we've made a video you won't want to miss. In our latest video offering, one of Chicago Communications' expert technicians shows how to install a mobile radio, step by step.

This video joins two other recent installments, including a whiteboard video on how two-way radios work and a video on two-way radio repair. One of our main goals with these videos is to demystify products or processes that are vital to keeping everyone at your department, business or campus in constant contact. The more you understand about how your technology works, the easier it is for you to use, maintain and keep it in great shape.

Tags: Technology, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

Members of the public rely on emergency assistance in some of the most challenging situations - and officers rely on their emergency vehicle equipment to be able to respond quickly and safely. Whether your department is outfitting or updating an emergency vehicle, some equipment features are essential.

Emergency vehicles are some of the most versatile and hardest-working modes of transportation on the road. They need to be high-tech, high visibility, and able to safely transport officers, prisoners and canines.

As you’re thinking about what emergency communications equipment and capabilities you need, be sure to build in the time and resources for professional installation as the best way to ensure that everything is handled appropriately. After all, your vehicles – and everyone’s safety – depend on it. Products may promise easy installation, but having a trained installer on hand means you can focus on job number one.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most essential features for emergency vehicle equipment.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

For most people, a vehicle is a very important tool in everyday life. It is a sizeable investment to own a vehicle and it requires regular care to ensure it performs as intended. When you purchase a vehicle, you therefore typically make sure there is a warranty or an extended service plan on the vehicle in order to minimize the impact of potential, expensive repairs during the time in which you own the vehicle. In addition, you sometimes find that when purchasing the vehicle that a preventative maintenance plan is included in the price of the vehicle for services such as regular oil changes, filter changes, tire rotations, and belt replacements. Did you ever wonder why these services would be included in the price of a vehicle or in an extended service plan?

Research has shown that when vehicles have regular preventative maintenance performed on them, they operate more efficiently, generally have fewer large, costly repairs, and experience almost no breakdowns. Since a vehicle for many people is “mission-critical” to their daily lives and or livelihoods, breakdowns cannot be afforded (and you know they ALWAYS happen at the worst possible time), so having some sort of service plan that includes preventative maintenance as part of it is an absolute must. These plans also kind of “force you” to do the preventative maintenance. Reminders are sent out regarding them, and in some cases the warranty or repair coverage is diminished if the proper maintenance is not occurring at the designated points in time.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More

ChiComm's Not Who You Thought We Were

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, June 24, 2014

By the shear presence of the word in our name, many believe Chicago Communications conducts business only in the Chicago area.  While we are proud to call Chicago our home, and have called it home for over sixty years, many of our business endeavors take us well beyond this great City's limits.  We have customers all across the area and several with locations which extend to the broader reaches of the country.  In these instances, we have been very fortunate to continue our partnership with those customers at their extended locations as well.  This has enabled us to expand our reach to the central and southern portions of Illinois, north into Wisconsin, west toward the Mississippi, although extending as far as Arizona, and east into Indiana, but as far as Ohio. 

Tags: Chicago Communications, Wireless Communication, Bi-Directional Amplifiers, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Read More