Chicomm Blog

Back-to-school season had us thinking about the two-way radios so many teams rely on every day, and how little most people actually know about them.

Since you're never too old to learn something new, here are 10 facts about a technology that's evolved over nearly 90 years, yet still outperforms in high-stakes environments.

Reliable batteries keep your team talking. The fastest way to extend Motorola two-way radio battery life is to use Motorola-approved chargers, follow a steady daily charge routine, store spares correctly, and replace aging packs before capacity drops.

This guide provides clear steps to reduce downtime and help your batteries last longer, based on our extensive service experience. 

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.

Two-way radios are essential for reliable communication, but they can come with a lot of questions. What’s the difference between VHF and UHF? How far can they reach? Do you need an FCC license? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most frequently asked questions about two-way radios, so you can make the most of your equipment.

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. 

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.