Chicomm Blog

Two‑way radios provide reliable, secure communication that boosts productivity, improves response times, and protects workers. However, many radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which requires users to obtain a license for certain types of radio communications.

Here’s what you need to know about FCC licensing for two-way radios, and why compliance is crucial.

Every moment matters when you’re in public safety, and having reliable, versatile communication tools is essential. The Motorola APX 8000 is built with public safety in mind, providing the features you need to stay connected, secure, and ready to respond in any situation. This radio combines unmatched interoperability, ruggedness, and a host of advanced features designed to meet the demands of critical environments. Here’s what sets it apart in 2024.

Ensuring consistent and clear communication often depends on one crucial component: your batteries. For those relying on Motorola two-way radios, keeping your batteries in excellent condition is essential. A dead battery at a critical moment can disrupt operations, but with proper care, you can avoid these problems. Here are some practical tips to help you extend the life and performance of your Motorola two-way radio batteries.

In a world where effective communication technology is critical to operational success and safety, finding the right communications partner to help you enhance connectivity across your organization is key.

You might think of us as just a two-way radio provider, but Chicago Communications is so much more. We're a comprehensive provider of advanced communication solutions designed to meet your organization's unique needs. We’re here to boost your connectivity and keep you safe, regardless of industry. 

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, effective communication is key. Two-way radio systems provide a robust solution for instant communication across various industries. Let's delve into the world of two-way radio systems, exploring their types and specific applications.

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. 

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.

School violence is a major problem that needs to be approached from many angles. At Chicago Communications, we focus on communications technology to help educators, staff, and leaders prepare for the worst and stay in touch in an emergency.

We are interested in the big picture—the infrastructure that can help protect the lives and education of our children. How can we keep our schools safer in 2024?

Regarding supply chain issues, the global pandemic is not finished wreaking havoc.

But despite continued backlogs, we’re hopeful that 2024 might be a little better when it comes to delivering the products our customers order.

For years, radio users had their own language - 10 codes. The lingo filtered into popular culture, and even folks who didn’t use two-way radios would say “10-4” to mean “affirmative.”

Despite their continued use in some industries and law enforcement, codes and other jargon terms are being abandoned in favor of what is called “plain language.” 

As early as 2006, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) ALERT wrote: “While the NIMS Integration Center does not require plain language for internal operations, it strongly encourages it, as it is important to practice everyday terminology and procedures that will need to be used in emergency incidents and disasters. NIMS implementation is long-term, and persuading everyone to change ingrained habits overnight is probably impossible. But we do hope that over time, everyone will understand the importance of using common terminology, that is, plain language, every day.” 

What are these “ingrained habits,” and how important are they in today’s two-way radio communication?