ahh the life (expectancy)

2-way radio batteriesSigns of a bad, defective, or aged battery include constant or intermittent static, a shorter work day, and intermittent or poor transmit. Transmit problems are an early indicator of a old or bad battery. It is simple, it takes more energy to transmit than to receive. So if you have a radio that receives perfectly, but is iffy on transmit, check your battery.

So then the question arises… What happens if I continue to use the old battery? Just like any home appliance operating on low voltage, your radio will eventually have failures associated with the brown out. Then the simple need for a replacement battery turns into a battery + radio repair. As you can see, it would be much cheaper and wiser to replace the old battery when needed.Motorola battery date code

How do you know the age of a battery?

On Motorola brand batteries you will find either a 3-digit code or 4-digit code on the label of the battery or embossed in the plastic of the battery itself.  (See above photo for an example.) The first number on the 3-digit code represent the year of manufacture, the next two numbers are the week of the year. Example: 611 would be 2016 (or heaven-forbid 2006) the 11th week of the year. The newer 4-digit date codes are easier, 1611 would be 2016, the 11th week.

If you have difficulty determining the age of a battery, give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

batteries for 2-way radios, radio tips

in the dark

radio fiction with a little bit of facts sprinkled in

Here I am, all alone in a box, rattling along on my way to the Radio Repair Center. John, my buddy, who uses me everyday is on vacation for a week. And what does he do? He packs me in a box and sends me on my way. I know I’m a little older now. My body has a few nicks and scratches. I am sometimes a little hard of hearing too. John thinks I need a tune-up. This box sure is dark, and it seems I’ve been in here for a few days. First on a truck, then a conveyor belt, then another truck. Lots of jiggling and jostlingMobile radio in a box.

First moment of light comes into the box, and here is a the friendly face of the Radio Check-In person. She examines me and puts me in a bright yellow tub to ride through the repair facility. As I look around, I see lots of yellow tubs with other radios riding like little soldiers standing up in a row. Some look old, some look young. As I wait my turn in line night falls.

When morning comes the technician takes me to his bench. The bench is full of tools, gadgets, and electronic test equipment. He swiftly removes my outer housing and looks at my component board. His computer softly plays music in the background as he replaces several parts on my component board. That soldering iron can be pretty hot, but I’m tough, I can take it.

Pressing my PTT button he whistles and speaks a-u-d-i-o–a-u-d-i-o. His voice is now crystal clear. Just as swiftly as he removed my housing, he puts one back on. One final test and then back in the yellow bin I go.

As I am being carried back to the front of the shop, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the glass of the window. I have a new housing. I look all young and new again.  The time comes and I am back in a box riding home from my adventure. Sure will be good to see John again. Hope he recognizes me in my new clothes!

If you have questions about radio repair give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

fictional stories about radios

construction grade radio

CP200 and CP150 portable radios

Hardworking, durable, tough, will take a drop, these are all phrases we hear when people are talking about the CP200. It is the best choice in the mid-tier of Motorola radios. It is an all around construction grade radio. It is the replacement radio for the SP50, P110 and P1225 radios in the former Radius Division, now Commercial Series for Motorola. It durable 40-hour a week working radio, has a full two year factory warranty, and comes equipped with both a long-life Li-Ion Battery and a Fast Rate Desktop Charger.

Flat rate radio repair is available for the CP200 after it is out of warranty. Includes parts, labor and return shipping.

Note: The CP200 radio has been replaced by the CP200d, which is available in digital or analog only models.

If you have questions give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are happy to help.

2-way radio models

special modifications


Occasionally radios arrive at our Motorola CP100 with duct taperepair facility with some unique modifications. These two CP100 UHF radios arrived together from one of our very favorite nursery companies. They were just so special we thought we’d take a picture or two and blog about them.

The first radio is a classic example of a radio with poor transmit and receive, caused inadvertently by the user. Both the microphone hole and the speaker grill are covered by duct tape. We can see the reason for the duct tape engineering, the carryholder was broken, and the user wanted the radio to stay in the carryholder. However, in doing so, they blocked the transmit and receive of the radio. Radio lesson: Be watchful when applying tape or stickers to the front of a radio. You might be covering up something you will need.

Motorola CP100 with sharpie antennaThe second one had lost its antenna covering and the user had fashioned a Sharpie pen cartridge to cover the coil. Now while this might be all the rage in the Sharpie fashion world, it is a very temporary fix for the problem. This radio would begin to lose range due to the coil being exposed to the outside elements. Little by little the coil would oxidize and/or corrode, until the radio’s transmit and receive would be shortened dramatically. So if you need to do this for a day or two, great, but then follow it up by getting the radio to the repair repair center and a new antenna installed. 2022 note: Replacement parts are no longer available for the original CP100 radio. Check with us for availability of batteries, chargers, and carryholders.

If you have questions about radios or radio repair give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.


2022 note: Replacement parts are no longer available for the original CP100 radio. Check with us for availability of batteries, chargers, and carryholders.

The replacement radio for this model would be the CP100d, CP185 or BPR40d.

radio tips

tidy up workspace

It seems offices become more cramped and cluttered over time. I find we start to surround ourselves with items we might need someday versus the items we truly need for work. Periodically it is necessary to take a good look at the space and declutter, getting rid of items which are obsolete, seldom/never used, or items which can be stored elsewhere.Motorola Multi-Unit Charger

One nifty way to tidy up your radio chargers is a multi-unit charger. When you have multiple single unit chargers and all their cords running amuck, you can take up some space, not to mention many electrical outlets. Most radio models have multi-unit chargers available. These gang chargers typically hold up to 6 radios, and consist of a main unit with 6 radio cups, and a power supply. A variety of options are available, everything from a basic model to the fancier battery maintenance systems with digital displays.

Motorola has a smart energy system charging system named Impres

Motorola has a smart energy system charging system named Impres which It’s the ultimate in battery recharging. When coupled with the Impres batteries the charger will keep track of each individual battery and automatically condition the battery when needed. This adds to the length of time a battery will last, saving you time and money.

Now would be a great time to tidy up your workspace and save money on the gang charger you need. If you have questions about which gang charger would go with your radios give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

radio accessories & batteries

heavy radio use

It’s that time of year when radios are going to be put into heavy use

Many businesses are now in their busiest season, while others are just gearing up, 2-way radios are getting heavy use. Now is a good time to assess what you have, checking over your radios, batteries, chargers, etc.

Do you have radios that are in need of battery replacement Motorola Impres Batteriesor maintenance? A quick check of the battery and charging system can save many headaches done the road. You probably don’t need reminded, but something as simple as cleaning your battery contacts with a pencil eraser can improve your chargers’ efficiency.

TIPS:

Swapping a known-good battery into a troubled radio can let you know if you have a battery or charging problem. Another piece of advice is to check your battery date codes.  The life expectancy of a NiCd battery is 18-24 months, NiMH and Li-Ion are around 14-18 months. If you have good charging habits and treat your battery well, you may get up to 3 years. At the end of the battery’s life you will start to experience problems with the radio such as static, short business day, no or intermittent transmit. If you use an old battery long enough, it will eventually begin to harm the radio, resulting in a need for repair. Simply replacing an old battery would be about half the cost of a radio repair. Our advice… don’t ignore battery date codes.Motorola battery date code

Chargers take their share of punishment. It is wise to assess your chargers when you are check your batteries. Look in the charger cup, do you see dirt and debris? If so, clean it out with a soft cloth, followed by gently cleaning the charge contacts with a pencil eraser. Check your wall transformer, they are known to burnout much a like a light bulb. When replacing charger transformers keep in mind they are not mix-n-match, you must use the appropriate transformer for the charging tray. Replacement chargers and individual components are usually available for most radio models.

Ever think your radios’ range is getting poorer? Check your antenna. If you can see copper coils when you bend the antenna, or if the top cap is missing, you need to replace the antenna. Use the correct antenna for the radio. The original antenna which came with the radio was designed to work with the radio. Swapping antennas can cause range problems, or result in the need for repair. Some model radios have stubby antennas available, keep in mind these can reduce your range by up to 2/3s. If most of your work is nearby, they may be a good option. However, if you do a lot of work at the edge of your full range, stay away from stubby antennas.

In the event, none of these tips seem to alleviate your radio issues, your radio may be in need of the radio repair center. We have a radio repair form that is easy to fill out. Just put it the box with the radio and we will get the unit repaired and back home to you. We offer a 5-7 day turnaround on most models.

If you have questions give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

 

batteries for 2-way radios, radio accessories & batteries, radio repair

2-way radios vs cellphones

Cellphone vs Radio

Non-radio users often ask why would someone use a radio instead of a cellphone. Here a few answers:

1) When you need immediate ability to communicate on-site to one or many at the press of a button. Two-way radios are the most reliable method.

2) No monthly bill. No minutes. (unless you connect your radios with a trunking tower system)

3) Durability. Business radios are designed to go a 40-hour work week. Many are rated for resistance to moisture, dust, and humidity. They are made to be a workhorse.

4) Using handheld radios for on-site communications can keep workers on task, and prevent the abuses seen with cellphones. (No calling home or surfing the web on a 2-way radio.)

5) Longer life expectancy. Most cellphones last 2-3 years at best. Business two-way radios typically last 5-7 years, or even longer if you have them serviced as needed.

2-way radio board6) Business radios are usually repairable at the radio repair center for less than half the cost of a new radio, while cellphones usually require replacement.

These are just a few thoughts to ponder.

There are situations where cellphones are ideal. But in the situation of public safety, business or on-site communications, radios still give you the best all around solution.

If you have questions give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

2-way radio news

more tips on better range

2-Way Radio CustomerHere at the radio repair center we get many questions about radio range (talk distance). Typically a handheld business radio will do 2 miles line-of-sight or as far as the radio can see. Several factors interfere with range, including but not limited to: curvature of the Earth, obstacles, height and placement of antenna, position of the radio, and using the correct antenna for the radio.
Range tips:

  • 1) Holding the radio upright with the antenna straight up gives you the best range. Tilting to the side, as if talking on the phone, will reduce the range by up to 2/3s. This will cause transmissions to drop out, or be very staticky. Just remember: Perpendicular to the ground is best!
  • 2) The body fluid of the person wearing the radio can absorb part of the range.  If you’re a little bit round in the middle, your radio will not work as well as your pencil-thin co-worker. You can compensate by wearing the radio higher your body. Maybe in a shirt pocket or with a chest pouch. Height and placement of antenna determines range.
  • 3) Use a good quality fully charged battery. It takes more energy to transmit than to receive. Using a good battery will do wonders to clear up static, making your transmissions clear.
  • 4) Use the appropriate antenna for your radio. While stubby (short) antennas may be available for your radio model, keep in mind these will significantly reduce range. If you are working in a close proximity, they may work wonderfully. However, if you are expecting to transmit a long distance, go back to the original standard length antenna.
  • 5) Check your antenna for damage. If you can bend the antenna and see the coils or if the top cap is gone, it is time to replace the antenna. This may do wonders for your range.
  • 6) Get your radio tuned up. Electronic components inside your radio age over time and the radio will not function as well as it did new. Getting your radio tuned and realigned will bring it back to factory spec, or as close as one can get with an older radio.

If you have questions about increasing range, give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

batteries for 2-way radios, radio repair, radio tips

radio range

Radio Repair CenterHere at the radio repair center we occasionally get questions about the range of a 2-way radio. Below are some simple answers to basic two-way radio range questions:

Portable radios generally will talk radio-to-radio, line-of-sight up to 2 miles. Once you start putting obstacles between the radios you will shorten your range. Even the body fluid of the person wearing the radio on their hip will absorb some of the range. Higher wattage radios will have a slight increase in range and a significant increase in clarity of transmission on the outer fringes of your range.

Mobile radios, such as those mounted in vehicles, will generally talk “radio-to-radio” 8-10 miles depending upon the obstacles and the terrain.

Base stations will generally talk approx. 8-12 miles. (referencing a simple base station where you use a mobile radio, power supply and outside antenna, aka a control station.)Contrary to popular belief wattage does not determine distance. Antenna height and placement determines distance.

  • Increasing Range:
  • 1) Hold your radio perpendicular to the ground, not slanted like you would hold a phone. This problem alone could decrease your range 30-50%.
  • 2) Don’t shout CB-style, shouting reduces talk-range on industrial-type radios.
  • 3) Be certain you are using a good, fully-charged battery.
  • 4) Check your antenna. Any exposed copper coil or weather checks which expose the coil when bending are a sign your antenna needs replaced. Also, keep in mind, use of a stubby antenna will reduce your range. The best antenna for a radio is generally the standard antenna it came with.
  • 5) And the technicians in the shop will tell you… have your radios serviced every two-three years to maintain peak performance.

Looking for even more range?

You might be in the market for a repeater, or have need to connect with a local repeater or trunking system which is already in place. But first, try bringing your radios to optimum range by following the above tips.

If you have more questions about increasing range give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

2-way radio news, batteries for 2-way radios, radio tips

fishing license…

Motorola DTR700Here in the Midwest it is the time of year to renew our annual fishing permits. Just finished doing one online today.  (A new modern convenience.) Getting the permit made me think about how many things we do which require a license or permit… fishing, hunting, driving… and two-way radio transmitting. If you use a two-way radio, chances are you need to have an FCC license. While there are a few license-free frequencies in the USA, most businesses using radios need a license.

Radio users who were affected by the FCC narrowband mandate needed to be have a license modification done in order to keep their existing frequencies, and add the narrowband version of their frequency to their existing license. You can do this yourself at the www,FCC.gov website OR you can use a licensing company to take the headache out of the process. Either way, we suggest you don’t procrastinate, as the process will likely bog down as we get closer to the deadline and droves of radio users try to slip under the wire. Be an early adopter of the change. You won’t regret it.

LICENSE-FREE:

There are 5 license-free VHF frequencies known under the nickname MURS (multi use radio service).  Some users are opting to move over to one of these frequencies. While this will work for some VHF users, this will not work for those of you on UHF.

Also in the license-free arena are the 900 MHz radios such as the DTR700.  These new radios are digital, have much clearer transmissions, and more range than a VHF or UHF radio. If you are looking to replace your radios, this would be a great direction to go. The DTR700 can even do simple test messaging. We’re really impressed with this model and think you would be too.

As always if you have any questions give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We’re always happy to help. In the meantime, hope you can take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures such as going fishing.

2-way radio news