SJ LINKING SYSTEMS ANSWERS A FEW "FAQ's" FOR MOTOROLA TWO-WAY RADIOS

SJ Linking Systems, a communication rental and sales company located at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, answers the top 10 Frequently Asked Questions in regards to Walkie-Talkies.

1)

Q: Can walkie-talkies be used outside of the United States?

A: Walkie-talkies will work anywhere in the world.  However, each country has their own set of laws in regards to two-way radios and their usage.

2)

Q: How far do walkie-talkies transmit?

A: This depends on three things: 1) Frequency - UHF is better at penetrating structures, while VHF offer more range outdoors.  2) Power - more power (watts) can penetrate obstructions like buildings or foliage.  3) Surroundings - structures, buildings, trees and hills will all decrease the range in which the radios can transmit.

3)

Q: How many walkie-talkies can talk to each other?

A: The minimum number of radios required is two, while there is no maximum, as long as all devices are using the same frequency.

4)

Q: How many watts do I need?

A: Watts (or wattage) refers to the power of a walkie-talkie.  It is a key factor in determining the range of a radio.  The more watts, the bigger the coverage area.

5)

Q: What is the difference between UHF and VHF?

A: Generally speaking, UHF is best suited for in and around buildings, especially in dense steel and concrete structures.  And VHF is for primarily working outdoors with few obstructions.

6)

Q: What does UHF and VHF mean?

A: UHF stands for ultra-high frequency and VHF stands for very-high frequency.  They are essentially just a-little-higher-energy radio waves used to transmit and receive information via the two-way radio.

7)

Q: Are the two-way radios found in retail stores reliable?

A: This all depends on the application for which the radios will be utilized.  They are beset suited for outdoor use like hiking, snow skiing and caravanning.  However, they are not intended for heavy-use and have a short lifespan (approximately up to 6 months).

8)

Q: What is a repeater?

A: A two-way radio repeater is used to extend the coverage area.  It works much like a relay system by amplifying a signal at a higher wattage by "throwing" it to the receiving radio.

9)

Q: Which battery is better: Nickel or Lithium?

A: Nickel batteries are typically less expensive than Lithium batteries, however they suffer from "memory effect" (see below).  Lithium batteries have twice the energy and weigh 30% less than Nickel batteries.

10)

Q: What is "memory effect"?

A: Found in Nickel batteries, if they are repeatedly partially discharged before recharging, the battery will "forget" it is able to discharge further.  The best way to prolong the battery life is to fully charge then discharge the battery on a regular basis.

For more information, contact SJ Linking Systems at 310-295-7728 or visit them online at www.sjlinkingsystems.com.