Chicomm Blog

Pairing your two‑way radio with a Bluetooth headset is a great idea if you want to communicate untethered and hands‑free.

And it can’t be that hard, right?

Well, it's not always easy, either. In this blog we've put together tips, tricks, and background information that has helped our customers pair their two-way radio with a bluetooth accessory. 

If you're planning a purchase of two‑way radio packages, you may wonder what is included. Is it just the radios? Will you need to purchase batteries, chargers, and other items separately?

Whether you're doing comparison shopping or worried that you might be misled by the prices being advertised by a vendor, this blog will help you understand what's provided when you purchase radios from a qualified two-way radio service provider. 

Most two‑way radio service providers do provide packages that include everything you need to start communicating with two‑way radios.

As essential workers across the country continue performing their jobs each day, they must maintain strict social distancing protocols. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends workplaces keep desks and chairs 6 feet apart and avoid employees from facing each other. Of course, keeping your distance while communicating in fast‑paced environments such as assembly lines, healthcare facilities, and schools isn’t easy. That’s where technology like two‑way radios, loudspeakers, and text‑based communication comes in.

Batteries are designed and manufactured to ensure optimum radio performance. Still, battery capacity naturally decreases over time. These tips for caring for your two‑way radio battery are part of an overall plan for two‑way radio maintenance and troubleshooting that can keep your communications clear and reliable going forward.

Disinfecting Guidelines from Motorola Solutions in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

PRODUCTS: Motorola Solutions Radios, Body-Worn Cameras and Accessories

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Motorola Solutions is providing recommended cleaning and disinfecting
guidelines for their two-way radios, body-worn cameras and accessories based on their current and best understanding of radio hygiene. Per global health authorities, removing germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces lowers the risk of spreading infection. Using chemical disinfectants may kill germs that remain on surfaces after cleaning, which further lowers the risk of spreading infection.

What are the best two-way radios for hospitality? 

Selecting the right radio in this business needs to be informed by specific job responsibilities: Sleek handhelds are often best for front desk staff, whereas ruggedized products are needed for facilities management. Security staff often need discreet devices to do their job best.

For each staff role, there are radios, accessories and applications available that offer a full range of features and functionality to keep operations running smoothly and guests happy.

With guest satisfaction in mind, below are the specific two-way radio models that are best for three major staff roles in hospitality. Experienced two-way radio service providers can also provide helpful specifications and advice when making a selection.

A bluetooth speaker microphone is an excellent solution for keeping in constant contact with your mobile workforce while untethered from their vehicles. The best products deliver real-time communications wherever work may take users, saving time and ensuring safety, especially when seconds count.

With the right solution, you’ll instantly enhance the effectiveness of your mobile radios without compromising on audio quality and reliability, making the devices a great addition to your communications solution, whether you work in public safety, manufacturing, construction, or another industry.

Motorola's RLN6551 Long Range Wireless Kit with Vehicular Charger is a great option. This plug-and-play solution takes only seconds to set up. The RLN6551 includes the Wireless Remote Speaker Microphone with battery (RLN6544), the Mobile Microphone with Bluetooth Gateway (PMMN4097), and the Vehicular Charger (PMLN6716).

Once you’ve worked with your Motorola dealer to get the best MOTOTRBO radio solution for your business or agency, it's not uncommon to discover  that your team needs accessories to make the best use of that solution. While the right research can make it possible to anticipate most staff needs prior to purchasing your system, it's always a good idea to set aside a budget and process for ordering Motorola radio accessories after the radios are in use.

Why Use Motorola Radio Accessoris Instead Of a Different Brand

Motorola has engineered its accessories to match the specifications and intended uses of their radios. While other brands exist, professionals who've tried them with their MOTOTRBO devices often get mixed results. One side effect of non-Motorola add-ons is “chopper noise," as this YouTube demo shows.

This past year has brought more attention to the technology and equipment that police officers use than ever before. With both public officials and the general population pushing for better technology, it is becoming a vital piece of any public safety strategy.

In response to this growth in demand, Motorola Solutions has launched a new body camera for police - the Si500 Video Speaker Microphone.

Is this new camera the right fit for you and your department? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Si500!

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.