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

we service what we sell

Delmmar repair customers 2-way radio boardcan be assured 90% of the two-way radio models we offer are serviceable/repairable radios. Our highly trained technical staff repair most models of Motorola, Kenwood and Vertex radios. We do component level repair, replacing common failure parts, other needed parts, then realigning and tuning your radio to bring it back to its peak performance. If you send your battery or other accessories, we can test their functionality while they are at the radio repair center.

You might be thinking “What about the other 10%?”

Some radios are produced with out parts or schematics becoming available. We offer batteries and accessories for nearly all of these models, but repair is not an option. For the first few years the manufacturer will offer a warranty or factory repair. Past that time, it simply need to be replaced. When purchasing a new radio it never hurts to ask about future repairability.

Radio repair is typically less than 1/2 the cost of purchasing a new radio. Delmmar techs will continue to repair a particular radio model as long as parts remain available.

If you have a radio needing serviced you can fill out a radio repair form and send it to us. We have a 5-7 turnaround on most models. Questions? Give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

radio repair

water resistant radios

We often hear the question, “Is this radio waterproof?”

Truth is most radios are about as waterproof as your television. Electronic components and water just don’t mix. Then along comes a group of water resistant models. These radios are not waterproof, but are far superior in water resistance, and worth of mentioning.

Motorola XPR3300e is rated IP67 for moisture protection. Unlike other two-way radios, the back half of this radio is the battery pack. There are no openings to get inside the radio or see the component board. Being more of a sealed unit is what gives this radio the advantage over moisture. The IP67 rating tells us this radio has been tested for Immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth for 30 minutes, and passed the test. Additionally this radio is much better at keeping dust, dirt, and humidity out.

And yet a step better in water resistance… the Motorola XPR7350eXPR7350e is rated IP68 submersible. This radio, when used with the appropriate IP68 rated battery, passed tests submersing it in one meter of fresh water for longer than 30 minutes. While we don’t recommend trying this at home, this radio is the closest to waterproof you will find in the Motorola line. If you work in extreme conditions, this radio may be the one for you. Click this link to see the XPR7000 series brochure, which describes more about the radio.

Depending on your radio model there may also be a water-resistant remote speaker mic available. These are also rated to be moisture and/or water resistant. If you have lost radios or accessories to moisture, you should consider getting IP67 or IP68 rated radios/accessories with your next purchase.

And we would be amiss if we did not mention some basic information on what to do if your radio encounters water:

  1. Remove the battery. (Do not turn on or try to use the wet radio, as this could cause further damage.)
  2. Thoroughly dry the radio. You can use a towel on the exterior and battery compartment. If you feel the water has intruded further, use a blow dryer on a low setting to air dry the radio.
  3. Get the radio to a radio repair center ASAP. The longer you wait, the more likely the radio will grow corrosion, and be deemed non-repairable.

We’re here to help, and do our best to bring your radio back to good working condition. If you have questions give us a call here at Delmmar Communications, 800-872-2627. We are always happy to help.

radio tips, water resistant radios

mobile radio failure parts

Motorola hand micIt’s the hand mic!

User-interface items on any type of 2-way radio are the most common to fail. The hand mic on a Motorola mobile radio is no different. The coiled cord gets stretch repeatedly, the PTT button gets pressed numerous times a day, and in general the mic gets tossed around during the work day. This are all things which eventually fail.

If your radio is not transmitting one of the simplest forms of troubleshooting is to try a known good mic on the radio. If this doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to check your antenna connections, and your antenna itself. Either one of these items can cause lack of transmit. Note: Antennas can become loose, coax can get pinched, the rear connection on the radio can become loose. These are all common things.

2-way radio boardIf you don’t find the problem in the hand mic or antenna, you may have a radio in need of repair. The Delmmar radio repair center can look at your mobile radio and determine if it is in need of repair. There is a flat rate fee for nearly all models of mobile radios. Send your hand mic along with the radio and it will be tested also. Radio repair is typically less than 1/2 the cost of a new radio.

Hand mics for the most part are non-repairable, but replacement mics are usually reasonable in price.

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

radio tips

lemonade

Motorola radio in need of repairWith Summer here we often think of lemonade. Here at the radio repair center it seems we are often tossed a bag of lemons (broken radios) which we promptly squeeze and create lemonade, repaired radios. This little yellow radio arrived one day in the saddest of condition. We couldn’t help but take notice of his well-worn exterior, not to mention the funky mess with the taped down antenna. (Couldn’t have been talking too far with this one.) No doubt this guy had been working hard for several years. His owner had finally decided it was time to get an overhaul. Happy to report, the little yellow radio was repaired and sent home looking good as new. Now that is what we call lemonade!

Hope your Summer is full of lemonade moments, both literally and figuratively. 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.

Note: The above pictured Motorola Spirit radio model, as of 2019, is no longer repairable due to parts nonavailability.
radio repair

erase the grime

Pencil ErasersYou want to help keep your 2-way radio working problem free and possibly out of the radio repair center?

ONE SIMPLE TRICK:

Clean your battery contacts on the radio, battery and charger, with a pencil eraser. This will clean off the day-to-day grime and film, allowing your battery to make better contact with the radio and charger.  Try this simple tip, and enjoy a fully charged battery. This may just add months of time to the life of your battery.

Refrain from using any solvents or cleaners which may damage your battery contacts.

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

radio tips

poorly charging battery

It’s a common phone call, “my battery won’t hold a charge” or “my battery won’t take a charge”. One fast and easy tip: Clean your battery contacts, both on the radio and charger, with a pencil eraser. This will clean off the day to day grime and film, allowing your radio to make better contact with the charger. Refrain from using any alcohol or cleaners, which may cause a film to develop.

Motorola battery date codeIf you are still having difficulties, check your battery’s age. There should be an easy to read date code on the label. For Motorola brand batteries this will consist of a 3- or 4-digit number.  On the 3-digit date code the first number represents the year and the next two numbers are the week of the year of manufacture. On the 4-digit codes the first two numbers are the year, followed by the week of the year. Example: 1611 would be 2016, the 11th week.

Battery life depends on the chemistry and how you treat it.

A typical NiCD battery will last 18-24 months before needing replaced. (NiMH 14-18 months, Li-Ion 12-14 months) If you have conditioning chargers you can typically get an additional year out of most batteries. Charging your battery only when it is nearly depleted is a good habit. Users who only put their radio on the charger once a day have better results. Placing your radio on a charge periodically throughout the day will age your battery quickly.

The technicians in the radio repair center will tell you many radio repairs could be avoided if the radio user would simply have replaced the battery when it was needed. Once the radio is allowed to operate with a bad battery for a while, soon that radio is needing repair. Why? The radio may have components damaged by a shorted out battery, the radio may operate in a brown-out of sorts slowly damaging components, or corrosion from the battery may eat at the charge contacts internally and eventual cause charging and power problems.

What are the signs of a bad battery, aside from checking the date code? You may experience problems with static and intermittent transmit, along with the battery not going a full day on a charge. Simple test to see if it is your battery or the radio having the problem, try a known good battery from another radio. If this clears up the problem, you need to replace your battery.

Motorola batteries have a one year warranty. If you have a battery less than one year old which is having problems. Send it to us, along with a note, and we will run the battery on the reconditioner/analyzer. If it tests bad, we will replace it under warranty.

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

radio tips

Pam’s radio…

I am a Fairy Princess! I’ll bet that sounds funny coming from a 2-way radio, but I am sure that I am. I know this because of the beautiful Fairy Princess sticker on the front of my housing and that my user, Pam, calls me that every morning when she gingerly removes me from my gang charger to start our work day together.
 
I love going about our work in the plant with Pam, keeping her in contact with the main office guy – Jerry. But one day recently I began to have “hearing issues”, Pam could talk to Jerry and the other workers at the plant, but we could not hear their transmissions back to us. I could tell this made Pam unhappy – it also made doing our job much harder.
 
At the end of that frustrating day Pam takes me to Jerry’s office. “She needs to go into the Repair Center at Delmmar,” Pam said to Jerry. “But, please, make sure I get my Fairy Princess back. It just wouldn’t be the same without her,” Pam sighed softly.
Jerry is a big burly guy, but somehow he understands Pam’s attachment to me. “The staff at Delmmar will take good care of her and she’ll be back at work before you know it.” Jerry says.

After Pam leaves Jerry takes a after warranty repair form from a file in his desk and fills out the information. At the bottom of the form he adds in capital letters: PLEASE, DO NOT REMOVE THE FAIRY PRINCESS STICKER.  He wraps me in bubble plastic, which kinda tickles, and places me in a cardboard box.

Upon arriving at the Repair Center the check-in girl gently opens my box and unwraps my bubble plastic, which again kinda tickles. She smiles at me. “What a pretty Fairy Princess you are!” she says to me as she places me into a bright yellow tub- see, I told you so! After generating a check-in sheet for me she adds to the instructions: Please, do not remove the Fairy Princess sticker and back to the waiting for repair shelf I go.

In a flash the tech takes me to his work bench, gently removes my housing and hooks me up to the power supply on this bench. He quickly finds the problem and with some new parts and a little solder I am as good as new. He slips me back into my housing and tests me one more time. “You’re ready to go home, Princess,” he says to me with a smile as he places me on the ready to invoice shelf.

Again, I get wrapped in the that tickly bubble plastic and placed into a cardboard box for the ride home. I am excited to be going back to work with Pam and I know she will be so glad to see her Fairy Princess back, too!
~JMc

 

fictional stories about radios

Jack’s radio

If your radio could talk………

My user, Jack takes me off the shelf in the garage and gently plugs the charger into my charge jack. I can feel the juice surging into my power source and I begin to perk-up a bit. As I gain some strength I take a look around the garage, I see familiar items. A tent and sleeping bags lay on the floor, as well as a cooler and a dark green duffle bag. Looks like we’re going HUNTING!

Jack & I love to go hunting – being out in the wild with our buddies, just doesn’t get any better than that. I can’t wait!

As I sit patiently on the shelf I begin to feel that my battery is not taking the charge like it did when we were younger. I really need a fresh battery pack every 18 to 24 months to work my best and keep Jack in contact with our buddies. I sure hope he has a new, fully charged battery to take along on our trip, for I fear this one is “not going to do the job” and Jack will be disappointed in me. I really don’t like it when he shakes me and pounds me into the palm of his hand. I like being crisp and clear for Jack, but I can’t do it with a tired old battery pack. What if Jack doesn’t have a new battery for me – what will I do?

Please, Jack, call the girls at Delmmar Communications and order me a new battery, they will ship it out to us PDQ and we’ll have a wonderful hunting trip. Just doesn’t get any better than that!
~JMc

fictional stories about radios, radio tips