Q: Will it save me money?
A: Most Definately! Two-way radios
can save any company money, especially if you are using cell phones as your
present form of communications. While the initial costs are higher than cellular
or ESMR systems, the payback is realized in the lower flat-rate airtime commonly
found in wide area two-way radio systems. Two-way radios can eliminate wasted
employee time and fuel/vehicle expenses. They can increase employees' billable
hours and raise revenues.
Q: Why do some companies advertise 5-10 mile range on their
portables?
A: While it is possible to obtain this range with some types
of portables such as Low-Band radios, radio waves work within line of sight, and
are easily bent by hills, buildings and other obstructions. Generally portables
will only give these falsely advertised claims when they are out in the open,
such as in a field, or hill to hill, where obstructions are minimized. Many
dealers will state these claims to make you think they have a better product
than someone else, when in fact they don't!
Q: Why do I need a base station if portables are
cheaper?
A: While portables are generally less expensive than a base
station, in most cases they do not fit the application properly. Portable radios
operate from batteries, and also are lower power then a mobile or base.
Experience dictates that your battery will die half-way through the day, or an
important piece of information will not be passed because you walked into a
"dead area". In a wide area coverage type system, portables are meant to
supplement the operation of mobile units, not replace them.
Q: Can I use a mobile in more than one vehicle?
A: Yes, with
the addition of a "slide bracket" onto the radio, and a vehicle bracket in each
vehicle, you can move the radio anytime into other vehicles. For some
businesses, this can eliminate purchasing additonal units.
Q: Do I have to share a channel with another company?
A: While
some direct type systems operate on shared type channels, the programming of a
"private line" into the radios eliminates hearing other users on these type
channels. You still share the channels, but the Private Line eliminates hearing
the other users. Repeater or trunked type systems eliminate this altogether, and
you have a completely "private" channel.
Q: What happens if I'm out of my vehicle when someone
calls?
A: Some radio systems contain a "call light" feature which
lights when a signal is received from your company, there-by showing activity on
the radio system in your absence. Some systems also have a horn honk feature
available that briefly honks the vehicle horn when a call is received. We have
also engineered many custom systems with both a brief horn honk and a constant
audio beep that cannot be disabled until the operator re-enters the vehicle.
Q: What is the best way to care of my Motorola rechargeable
batteries?
A: These battery tips will help you obtain optimized
performance and a longer life cycle from your Motorola rechargeable battery.
1. Charge your new battery overnight before using it:
a. Nickel
Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14 to 16 hours.
b. Lithium Ion/Polymer: 2
to 3 additional hours after the charger light turns green.
This is
referred to as "initializing" and will enable you to obtain maximum battery
capacity.
2. New, NON INITIALIZED batteries can be stored in well
ventilated, cool and dry areas without significant cycle loss as follows:
a. Nickel Cadmium: up to 2 years
b. Nickel Metal Hydride: up to 2
years
c. Lithium Ion/Polymer: up to 1 year
3. Batteries which have
been in storage for more than 2 months, should be fully discharged and
recharged.
a. Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride: 14 to 16 hours.
b.
Lithium Ion/Polymer: 2 to 3 additional hours after the charger light turns
green.
4. When using a Motorola rapid charger, leave battery in charger
for an additional 2-3 hours after the green light appears.
5. Do not
leave your radio and fully charged battery in the charger when not charging.
Continuous charging will shorten the battery life.
(Do not use charger as a
radio stand).
6. Only Charge a battery when it needs it. (We suggest you
carry a spare. This is the most effective solution for users requiring longer
operating time.)
7. Do not return fully charged batteries to the charger
for an "extra boost". This action will significantly reduce cycle life.
8. Stabilize Battery to room temperature (72 degrees F) before charging.
Charging below 40 Degrees F and above 104 degrees F will decrease cycle life.
9. When a NiCd or NiMH battery is consistently recharged before it uses
all its power, it can over time develop "Memory effect"- which limits the
ability of the battery to accept a full charge. That means it works for a
shorter time, and needs to be recharged more often.
These simple care and
instructions protect your rechargeable batteries from extreme charging
temperatures and enhance their performance and useful life. If your safety
depends on your two-way radio you should replace your batteries after 2 years of
service. Specify Motorola brand rechargeable batteries. They are designed and
precisely manufactured by Motorola engineers to ensure optimum portable radio
performance. It just makes good sense.
Source: Motorola Battery Selector
01-023-BAT.
Q: How should I charge my portable
radio?
A: All portables require a battery to supply power to
the unit. If the batteries are charged correctly, the units will provide a
longer period of operation. Plus the life of the battery will be increased. It
is always best to turn off the radio prior to charging and, when possible, drain
the battery prior to charge. Never transmit when the portable is in the charger.
Charge the battery for a full cycle, typically meaning a normal charge time of
10 hours for standard charger and one hour for rapid chargers. Never leave the
battery in a charger for extended periods.
Q: Is an FCC license
required to operate two-way radios?
A: Yes. All business
frequencies require an FCC license. We provide our customers with all details
necessary for a valid FCC license. We can assist and obtaining a license and
will help determine which frequency to use and which service best suits your
operation of two-way radios. Systems that are operated as SMRs or wide area
trunking may be licensed by the system owner and do not require the end user to
apply for a license.
Q: How much do portable radios
cost?
A: The cost of portables range from $215 - $1300
depending on such variables as: Quality, Durability, Battery Type, Frequency,
and Features.
Q: What is the range of portable radios and what's
the difference between UHF and VHF?
A: Coverage is reliant on
power, antenna height and terrain. On-site portable radios will typically cover
from 1 -3 miles in radius, while wide-area radios can offer coverage up to a
30-mile radius from the repeater site. Due to the characteristics of radio
waves, UHF radios generally offer better building penetration and therefore are
ideally suited for indoors as well as for areas of high building density
(cities). VHF radios are better suited for areas where there is vegetation,
where the signal can pass through objects. For this reason VHF radios are ideal
for outdoor use. Where the application requires a combination of indoor and
outdoor use, a UHF radio is preferable. Your sales consultant will know by your
specific application which radio will best fit your needs.
Q:
What are the benefits of a two-way radio versus a cell phone?
A: Cost and Dispatch Capabilities. Push a button and be connected to one
or one hundred individuals. Two-way radios are easy to use with a push-to-talk
feature, which enables the user to communicate instantly with anyone on the
network. Two-way radios are designed to be utilized in extreme conditions and
offer rugged features. Flat monthly fee with no per minute airtime cost, unlike
cellular phones. Low monthly costs, which include unlimited talk-times.
Q: What kind of accessories do you offer with your
radios?
A: For 2-way radios we offer Audio Accessories
including: Speaker Microphones, Headsets, Surveillance Earpieces, Carry Cases
& Vehicular Chargers.
Q: How long do batteries last per
charge?
A: On average Motorola radio batteries last about 8
hours.
Q: Do I need a FCC license to rent from you?
A: No. We have National FCC Frequencies that are programmed into your
radios. Additionally we can program/match radios to your frequencies should you
request that option.
Q: What is a Repeater?
A:
A repeater is installed in a fixed location with the intent of coverage
enhancement. Multi-story buildings are covered more thoroughly and dead spots
are removed. The building's construction, number of floors and the presence of
steel and concrete determine range.
Q: How do I determine the
best solution for my business?
A: Partnering with us is an
important first step. We spend time learning about your business and how your
specific operation works. Then we use this knowledge to develop customized
solutions. It may be as simple as spending five minutes discussing application
and results desired, or it may require a site audit to determine the best,
cost-effective system. In any case, we will design a system that provides the
results you need now and prepares you for the future.
Q: I have
a large order. Should I place my order on line?
A: We prefer in
that situation, that you call 1-800-53-RADIO (800-537-2346) to speak to a Sales
Rep for a more customized quote to meet your specific needs.
When your mission is critical... trust the professionals at Radio Wholesale
