| FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Walkie-Talkie
Terminology? Can you help? |
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What
is a Channel? Do I need a multi-channel radio? - A multi-channel
radio allows the user to store multiple frequency/code combinations
on the radio which enables you to switch between workgroups
with ease. Typically, a manager will use a multi-channel radio
while the employees will use a single-channel radio.
How
much wattage do I need? - Wattage is a major factor in
achieving the range and coverage of a particular structure
or region. The higher the wattage, the better the coverage
and the crisper and clearer the communications will be.
Why are handheld two way radios limited to 6 miles coverage?
- All handheld two way radios are limited by line-of-sight
communications. 6 miles is a practical limit where beyond
that, the curvature of the earth restricts the line-of-sight.
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| FCC
Licensing Information |
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Please
see our complete FCC
Section.
| Does
123radios.com assist in obtaining an FCC License? |
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Please
see our complete FCC
Section.
| Do
FRS/GMRS Walkie-Talkies really reach 12-18 miles? |
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The
short answer is NO. Claims of FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies reaching
12 to 18 miles are based on optimum conditions. All handheld walkie-talkies
are based on line-of-sight, therefore terrain and structures can
greatly reduce range. For the most part, the range of a handheld
walkie-talkie is about 1 mile.
| Do
you have Product Manuals on your website? |
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123radios.com
has most of the Product Manuals linked directly to the product.
Go to the Search window, find the product for which you are looking
for the User Manual and if it is available, it will be directly
below the product image.
We
also have a direct link to the current Motorola
Walkie Talkie User Manuals.
| What
is your Return Policy? |
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Please
see our Service
Section for complete information regarding our Return Policy.
| Can
I use a US Walkie-Talkie in Canada? |
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It
depends? Each country authorizes different frequencies. Two
common Canadian business frequencies are 458.6625 and 469.2625.
So a US radio that can be programmed to meet Canadian frequencies
can be used in Canada, but radios that have built-in US frequencies
typically would not contain frequencies authorized for use in Canada.
So, US walkie-talkies will work in Canada, but may or may not be
legal depending on the radio's frequency capability.
| What
is a Repeater? What is a Duplexer? |
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A
Repeater can be thought of as a go-between, between two walkie-talkies
and is used primarily to increase the useable range. Repeaters come
in various wattages, with the low-end repeaters starting at 5 watts,
while high-end repeaters can range from 50 watts or higher. The
FCC requires that repeaters be licensed.
A
Duplexer
is used in conjunction with a repeater and is used to eliminate
one antenna from a repeater environment. Repeaters require two frequencies
to operate, one for transmit functions, the other for receive functions.
Typically, these two frequency pairs are 5MHz apart from each other.
For example, a repeater may use 464.6125MHz as the transmit frequency
and the 469.6125 as the receive. The walkie-talkie is then programmed
opposite of the repeater, so the walkie-talkie receives on 464.6125MHz
and transmits 469.6125MHz. The duplexer is used to share
one antenna for both transmit and receive functions. For duplexers
to operate correctly they must be tuned which is done by the manufacturer.
If you do not have a duplexer, you will need to complete and separate
antenna systems. (See Repeater Antenna Separation
requirements)
Repeater
Antenna Separation requirements. If you use multiple repeaters,
antenna need to be installed with certain separation in order to
prevent RF interference. The standard recommendation is that repeater
antenna should be installed at least 45 feet from each other and
at different heights. It is recommended that each antenna be at
a plane at least 5 to 8 feet above or below other antenna.
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