Choosing the Right Radio

What is the difference between a two-way radio and a walkie-talkie?

At their simplest, they work the same way. Walkie-talkie is the term most people use for basic handheld radios. A two-way radio generally refers to the more rugged, feature-rich models made for business and industrial use. Those models offer greater range, better audio, licensing options, and tougher cases.

How far can I realistically expect my radio to transmit?

Range depends on model, environment, and antenna.

• Consumer handhelds often reach up to 1 mile in open areas.
• Business radios typically cover 1–3 miles indoors or in light foliage.
• Professional radios with repeaters can extend 2–5 miles or more.

Should I choose a VHF or a UHF radio for my environment?

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is best for indoor, urban and metal-rich settings because it passes through obstacles more easily.
VHF (Very High Frequency) travels farther in open spaces and over water or vegetation.
If you work in warehouses or office buildings, lean toward UHF. If you need wide open range outdoors, consider VHF.

What does radio wattage mean and how much power do I need?

Wattage measures your transmit power. More watts can give you more range but also drains the battery faster.

• 1–2 watts suits most business needs with balanced run-time.
• 4–5 watts delivers maximum range but requires heavier batteries and can need FCC licensing.

What is an intrinsically safe radio and do I need one?

Intrinsically safe radios are certified to prevent sparks or heat that could ignite flammable gases or dust. If you work in oil and gas, mining or chemical plants, you must use IS-rated radios. For general industrial use, standard radios are fine.

Can new Motorola radios talk to older models or other brands?

Often they can, as long as they share the same frequency band and privacy (PL/DPL) codes. If you mix digital and analog models, you may need programming to match channels and tone settings. Contact us for help configuring your fleet.

Licensing, Legality & Privacy

Do I need an FCC license to operate my two-way radios?

FRS consumer channels: No license required.
GMRS, business and commercial radios: Yes, you must obtain an FCC license.
We offer licensing support to guide you through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System.

How do I apply for an FCC license?

Visit fcc.gov/uls and create an account. File an application under the eight-character Radio Service Code that matches your equipment. We can provide step-by-step assistance if you prefer.

Can other people listen to my conversations?

By default transmissions on an open channel are public. Privacy codes (PL/DPL) block most casual listeners but are not foolproof. For secure communications, choose digital models with encryption.

Are there any legal requirements I should know when buying radios online?

All radios sold here are FCC certified. You must operate within FCC power limits and licensing rules. If you ship or use radios internationally, check local regulations before purchase.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

My radio is not working. What should I check first?

Always start with the battery. Make sure it’s fully charged and correctly seated. If the problem persists, check your channel, privacy code and antenna connection.

How should I charge my radio to maximize battery life?

Use an IMPRES or manufacturer-approved charger. Remove the battery when charging completes and avoid constant trickle charging. Periodic full discharge cycles help maintain accurate battery calibration.

How long will a radio battery last before I need a replacement?

Under normal use expect 8-16 hours per charge. Heavy talk or high-power transmit cuts that in half. Batteries typically last 12-18 months before capacity drops below 80 percent.

What do the colored lights on my charger mean?

Green: Fully charged
Amber: Charging
Red: Fault detected (reseat the battery, clean contacts, then try again)

Why is my audio reception poor or garbled?

Check for loose antennas, confirm you’re on a clear channel and ensure you’re not in a high-interference area. If you still have trouble, swap antennas or radios to isolate the issue.

What does a Mil-Spec 810 rating mean?

Mil-Spec 810 indicates testing under extreme conditions: shock, vibration, temperature swings, dust and water. It guarantees field-ready durability for the toughest environments.

Ordering, Shipping & Policies

What shipping options do you offer and how fast will my order arrive?

• Free ground shipping on US orders over $125 via UPS Ground or USPS Priority.
• Expedited options (Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air) selectable at checkout.
• Canada shipments go via UPS Standard with rates calculated by province.

What is your return and refund policy?

You have 15 days from delivery to return items in original condition. We include a prepaid return label for US orders. Refunds process within five business days of receipt. See our Refund Policy for details.

Do you offer a warranty on your products?

All Motorola radios carry a one-year manufacturer warranty. We also offer extended coverage plans.

Do you program radios before shipping?

Absolutely. Send us your channel and tone requirements and we’ll program your radios so they are ready to use right out of the box.

Do you accept purchase orders from businesses and government agencies?

Yes. We support PO terms and can invoice your organization. Email info@twowayradiogear.com for account setup.

Still have questions?

If you need more help, contact our support team at 1-800-984-1534 or info@twowayradiogear.com. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time, and we’ll reply within one business hour.