FAQ’s
There are many questions surrounding two-way radios – or walkie talkies – so we’ve compiled the answers to our most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) all in one handy article for your easy access and understanding. If there are any questions that you cannot find answers to on our website, please do get in touch and we will do our best to help you out!
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Radio FAQ’s
Which radio will give me the biggest range?
Range is effected by many factors so it is therefore very difficult to determine exactly how far a radio will transmit a signal.
Radio waves travel on straight lines so obstacles such as buildings and woodlands can effect the range. The same two radios that can transmit and communicate beautifully across several miles in open space may really struggle to communicate once in a town surrounded by buildings.
Licensed radios emit 4 watts of power compared to an un-licensed model which is restricted to 0.5 watts. This allows licensed radios to have a better range and a better chance at transmitting or receiving radio waves.
Analogue VS Digital?
There are some key differences between the two types of radios. Such as:
Whilst the sound quality is largely considered clearer on digital radios, people who have made the swap have remarked that the voice sound on digital radios sounds almost robotic, where others haven’t had an issue.
The easiest way if you are new to two-way radios, is to take advantage of our free no-commitment demo option. You can try the radios before you purchase them to ensure that it is the right model for you and your requirements.
How do I get a license?
Maximon Solutions can manage the license for you to ensure that all the paper work to apply for it is correctly filled out, and assist you with any questions you may have about licenses. We will also manage the renewals when they are due to ensure that they do not fall between the gaps. Some business are extremely busy and it is understandable that the renewals can be forgotten. If the license is not renewed, it will be revoked and Ofcom are within their rights to remove your radio systems.
Ofcom are the UK’s regulator for communication services. There are two main licenses that are used for high powered two-way radios. A Simple UK (SUK) license or a Technically Assigned (TA) license.
To briefly explain the difference, a SUK is a 5 year generalised license that allows you to use radios of higher power. A TA license is a 1 year license, but you are provided with a frequency that no-one else in the surrounding area has access to. It is site specific and provides secure communications that no-one else could accidentally hear.
What is the difference between UHF and VHF?
UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency and operates at the higher end of the frequency scale. Radios in this mode are much better at penetrating obstacles. They are a good choice for in-door activities and built up areas such as construction sites and schools.
VHF stands for Very High Frequency. They have a longer wave length so are able to travel further, however they don’t penetrate buildings as well as the UHF. They are better suited for out-doors use like golf clubs, or marine communications.
What is an IP rating?
An IP rating is a classification system that determines dust and waterproof levels of a radio. The first number is the dust proof, measured 0-6 and the second is the water proof level, measured 0-9.
For example: IP67 is considered fully dust-proof, and waterproof for up to 30 minutes submersed in 1 meter of water.
If you’d like to understand more, check out this guide to IP ratings.
What is ATEX?
An ATEX radio is a radio that has been specifically designed to work in hazardous environments. Everything has been designed so there is minimal risk of creating a spark. This is incredibly important in places such as oil rigs where safety is paramount due to the nature of the work.
What can I do if my radios won’t talk on the edges of my site?
This is one of those questions that appear quite often. There are a few things that can be tried to improve the range, although it may seem like trial and error, this is often the best way to resolve the issue.
> Digital radios will have a better range than analogue radios. Maximon Solutions can provide a demo radio for you to try before switching your system over.
> If you are currently operating on an unlicensed system, switching to licensed radios will up the power output from 0.5 watts to 4 watts. The more powerful the radios, the better the range.
> A repeater can be installed at your site. A repeater will sit in the middle of the area that you would like to be covered by radios and acts like a middle man to extend the range of your radios.
> If you already have a repeater installed, moving the location of it may help if since it being installed, the environment has changed, i.e. new buildings or foliage growth surrounding the repeater.
> Alternatively, additional repeaters could be an option if your site is exceptionally larger. They will act like a daisy chain of passing information along.
The Motorola SLR8000 Digital Repeater
Order FAQ’s
Where is my delivery?
If the item you ordered is in stock at our warehouse and you ordered before 2pm, your delivery should be with you next working day.* If you think you should have received an order by now – please get in touch with us an we can have a look for you.
*eBay orders can take 3 working days.
Tracking my parcel?
All orders placed directly with us, are shipped using DHL tracked service. When your order has been dispatched from our warehouse, you will receive an invoice to the email address provided. You will find your DHL tracking number here. If you have your invoice – you can track your parcels here.
If you ordered with us through our eBay shop, your order will have most likely been shipped with Evri and can be tracked here. Please call if you have not received your tracking number.
How do I return an item?
We operate a “no-quibbles” guarantee, which means that if for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase, simply return it to us complete in its original condition, with it original packaging and instructions within 14 days from date of invoice. We will then offer either an exchange or refund.
All items must be returned using Royal Mail recorded, special Delivery or a recognised courier services that requires a signature for the delivery. Maximon Solutions cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of return items.
If the return is due to an error we have made, we will gladly refund the delivery charges.
If the items are either faulty or damaged please return them to the returns team at the address below quoting the invoice document number and they will arrange for a replacements to be sent
Maximon Solutions, 22 Soho Mills, Wooburn Green, Bucks, HP10 0PF.
Repair FAQ’s
How do I arrange a repair?
If your radios are no longer operating as they should do – you can send your radios in for a health check and repair. To arrange this, simply give us a call on 01628 878066. You will be provided with a four digit returns reference number. Simply write this either on the box, or on paper inside the box and ship back to us.
We always advise you use some form of tracked shipping to ensure your items get back to us safely. Maximon Solutions cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of return items.
How does a health check work?
We offer health checks and repairs on two-way radios for all for customers. Once you have arranged your return and booked your check in with us, our engineer will perform a series of tests and checks on your equipment to determine the state of efficiency and operation.
Our engineer will always contact you with a quote for repairs before carrying the works out. This way you can decide if you would like to move forward with all the repairs. In some instances, the engineer may deem your radio BER. This means that the radio is Beyond Economical Repair. In other words, the work and replacement parts that are needed to return your radio back to it original state, is less cost effective than replacing the radio in full with a new unit.
Through out the year we offer Free Health Checks, so if it has been a while since your radios were tested, keep an eye out and take advantage of those great offers!
Couldn’t find the FAQ you were looking for? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you with all the answers.
