Many two way radio problems are caused by weak batteries, but there are some other common causes of malfunction.
Two way radios provide a rugged and reliable communications medium for school employees, first responders, and facilities managers, but, like any other electronics equipment, they can malfunction.
Walkie-talkies are well-regarded as a fantastic short-range communications medium that is superior to cell phones in many ways – they’re less complicated, have longer battery lives, and work in areas where cell phones can’t. Learning to troubleshoot basic technical glitches that can come up will help organizations using 2-way radios get the most from their devices. Here’s a list of helpful troubleshooting hints for when your walkie talkies are going haywire:
- Poor signal quality - If your radio is experiencing a lot of static, and you’re barely able to hear the other party even if he or she is nearby, you may have a problem with your radio’s antenna. Check the antenna to determine whether it is loose or damaged. You may also want to check the batteries to determine if they’re old or depleted or if the battery contacts are dirty.
- Constant beeping - Beeping from a malfunctioning two way radio can be maddening. There is a variety of problems that could cause non-stop beeping in walkie-talkies. Start by checking the batteries to determine whether they’re depleted. Weak batteries can result in beeping. Another likely culprit is an incorrect microphone setting. Check the microphone button to see if it’s still activated when you’re not using it. If it is, this may be the cause of the beeping. A third likely culprit is incomplete channel selector programming. Make sure your radio is properly programmed to avoid unwanted noise.
- Radio won’t come on - The most likely culprit in this circumstance is a depleted battery. However, there are other factors that can cause your radio to die. If your batteries are good, check the device’s battery connectors to ensure they are not obstructed or damaged.