Frequently Asked Questions

A. All Motorola radios have a two year warranty, Kenwood a 3 year warranty, for normal manufacturer defects. Accessories have a one year over-the-counter exchange (from date of purchase). For in-warranty issues, please E-mail us or call us at 214-856-3282.

A. Yes. All UHF and VHF radios require an FCC license. The only radios we carry that don't need licenses are the Motorola DTR and DLR and RMM2050. Getting a license ís a very easy process through the FCC. License is per company, not location. All licensing information comes with the purchase of the radios. For more info, contact us and we can give you a company name to handle the details for you.

A. Yes. For out of warranty repair, call the Motorola Repair Depot at 800-227-6772.

A. 810 is a series of tests in the Military Specifications manual. C, D, E, F, and G are particular test conditions under section 810. Select Motorola and Kenwood radios have met or exceeded Mil Spec 810 C through G. These tests consist of Shock, Rain, Temperature Shock, Sand and Dust Intrusion, Extreme Temperatures, Humidity and Salt Fog.

A. Yes. Some of the radios are pre-programmed, some are field programmable. Others may need to be programmed by our team.

A. Look for a label towards the top on the rear of the radio. This is the model type or ID number. Example: RMU2080…"RM" for RM Series, "U" for UHF, "2" for 2 watts, "8" for 8 channels.

A. The environment where you use the radios will determine what band (VHF, UHF or digital). How much coverage you desire will determine the power. The number of talk groups you have will determine how many channels. Example: If mostly indoors in a 3 story, 200,000 s.f. building with plans to use 4 talk groups – the best radio for this application would be the RMU2040 or, depending on how the building is constructed, the DLR 1060 might fit the bill.

A. Yes, as long as the frequencies and codes match.

A. There is no limit.

A. Depends on the terrain. The UHF signal is attenuated or absorbed by foliage, rough terrain and trees. VHF does better outdoors. VHF has difficulties penetrating steel and concrete. UHF does better in and around buildings. If you use the radios in both environments, we prefer using UHF.

A. Power is a major factor in achieving the range and coverage of a particular structure as well as providing a clear, crisp signal that is easy to understand. Coverage is improved as power is increased.

A. 1 channel per work group is typical. Use multi-channel radios when communicating with other workgroups. Examples: managers, shipping, manufacturing, maintenance, contractors, security, other departments, etc.

A. Two radios may or may not communicate with each other if either radio is placed poorly or if obstructions have intruded the area. Optimum range conditions are achieved when both radios are at least 5 feet off the ground, antennas are pointing upward, there are zero obstructions, and the radios are facing each other. The following are examples that may shorten range. 1) Vehicle(s). 2) Radio near body or in pocket. 3) Trees/foliage. 4) Placement in or around buildings. 5) Sitting or squatting.

A. Yes. These radios are multi-channel. Either radio can be programmed by the user to use up to 4 channels. Both multi-channel radios make excellent solutions for large companies or for small businesses with plans to expand.

A. This occurs when more than one party is trying to broadcast on the same frequency. You will hear a pause or break during communications. Some confuse it with short range. Press the "Monitor" button and listen. If you hear someone else, then they are also communicating on your frequency. We suggest changing the frequency. Monitoring the frequency can help when selecting a frequency to use. Channel Interference occurs often in congested areas. There is a way to change interference codes to eliminate much of this problem.

A. Applications covering more than 300,000 sq. ft. will typically require a repeater. A repeater is a system that is installed to amplify the signal further than the normal radio signal. Many of Motorola and Kenwood radios do work with repeaters (dealer programming is required).

A. Interference Eliminator Codes prevent hearing other nearby businessess operating on the same channel. This promotes workgroup efficiency as your group is not interrupted hearing these other users. Business two-way radios are set to the same frequency and code setting that will communicate with each other. There are 121 codes available on RDX and CLS Series two-way radios. Codes are easily changed by the user on the RDX and CLS Series.