So, you bought a land mobile radio, now what? Icom America has developed a list of best practices for your post-purchase decisions. There are a couple of ways to buy Icom’s products in person, over the phone, or through the internet via Icom authorized dealers.
Depending on the dealer, you may have bought it online through a demo visit and quote or a phone call. Depending on your use case of radios – there may or may not be a point of contact available to help you.
Step One: Identify your Land Mobile Radio
Land mobile radios come in various shapes and sizes. It is essential to determine what kind you have before starting the discussion.
Icom’s license-free radios consist of the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) line, the V10MR, and the V3MR. These radios do not require any licensing from the FCC, and you can purchase them outright with zero programming from our authorized dealer network. These do not operate on a traditional radio system which requires repeaters.
Many land mobile radios require a license to operate, which means the FCC must allocate a specific frequency to the radios. It does not mean anyone who uses the radio needs to register or take a test, but your Icom dealer will need to apply for frequencies for you to operate the radios on. The license is for a business or entity. Radios that require a license may operate on a radio system with repeaters, which can be complex to set up and test.
Step Two: Programming
After understanding what type of radio you have, we must now determine programming options.
Depending on the use case, business radios require a specific amount of programming. Your dealer will typically handle all the programming, no need to worry. Some online dealerships allow you to choose what type of frequencies you desire, or you can use previous programming configurations if you have ordered from them before.
The Federal Communications Commission requires a qualified technician to program frequencies. Hence, the dealer programs all radios. However, because MURS radios operate on five specific frequencies and are license-free, they can be programmed by a dealer or yourself.
Programming software is essential to MURS radio customization. Customize channel encryption, turn on safety features, or utilize VOX hands-free operation depending on the models. These radios can come to you pre-programmed with basic functionality.
With the optional programming cables, the OPC-478UC, you can program MURS radios on a PC with our free software available here:
Step Three: Testing
Once you get the radio, the first thing you want to make sure is that it turns on and works. Ten out of ten times the dealer will test the radios themselves when they’re finished programming it.
Naturally, you would want to test out the radio yourself. Walk around and conduct a voice test with another person by pressing the Push-to-Talk button at every location. Doing so will help define your communication range. The last thing you want is a miscommunication between others on the radio.
These are some key points to look out for when testing radios
- Audio degradation – is it hard to hear others? Interference?
- Are there any dead spots where you’re supposed to talk with others?
When buying a MURS radio, there’s only so much pre-planning you can do. If you can hear other people, not within your organization, consider programming in CTCSS tones to avoid others listening in or interrupting communications.
If you are experiencing troubles, contact your dealer, and they will happily troubleshoot for you.
Step Four: Understanding the Radio Lifecycle
After the programming and testing, you’re good to use the radio as you please. Understanding the lifecycle of radios is very important too.
Batteries
Depending on how heavily you use a smartphone, you’ll notice the battery drains a lot faster as time goes on. Radios are just about the same since they share Li-ion battery technology. If a radio’s battery is over five years or it has gone through 1000 cycle charges, it is time to replace it.
- Does it still last a full work day?
- Does it take longer than usual to charge?
- Do you have to put the radio in a certain way for it to charge?
If you find yourself with one of these problems, you might need to replace the battery and charger. For more on batteries, read our blog here.
Daily Wear and Tear
Many Icom radios see constant use in construction sites, retail stores, schools, and more. It is no stranger to drops, tires, mud, and water. Most of our radios have a high IP rating to keep up with daily use. Suppose a radio on a construction site constantly falls and bangs against objects daily. In that case, it might have a shorter lifespan than a radio in a school.
Another big thing is handling the radio. Avoid grabbing the antennas as a handle, these decline the antennas health significantly resulting in poor communication. Touching an antenna should only occur when screwing/unscrewing it on a turned off radio.
Repair
Icom offers a 2-3 year warranty on select products. Should a radio run into other issues, look at repairs before replacing another unit entirely. With Icom’s products, we have received questions on repairs for 20-year-old radios. This is due to our high-quality product builds. However, if your radio is over ten years old, please consider a replacement to ensure we can still support it.
Accessories
You may or may not have accessories in place. But always investigate how you can improve communications during your radio’s lifecycle, especially within the first few months. Do you need earpieces for discreet conversations? How about a case to hold the radio? Multi-charging docks? There are hundreds of accessories from first- and third-party vendors to consider.
Conclusion
I hope these steps fortify your procedures and understanding. License-free radios are optional to program yourself. Licensed radios for businesses require programming done via certified Icom dealers. With Icom’s products, expect longevity under normal conditions and handling. Be sure to monitor your accessories and battery health as well.
