Product Information Links and FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the new RM series radios work with my old radios?

Motorola makes certain that any new radio series they introduce will be compatible with your existing radios. (Keep in mind that UHF talks to UHF and VHF talks to VHF when ordering.) You may need to retune your older radios to your new RM radios and Motorola provides instructions with each new radio sold. You can also call Motorola's Help Desk at 1-800-448-6686 if you want someone to talk you through the retuning process.

What's the difference between VHF and UHF radios?

The difference is frequency penetration. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio waves penetrate steel, concrete and brick walls, or rugged terrain, making them ideal for situations that need indoor to outdoor communications, or communications between floors of a building. Very High Frequency (VHF) radio waves travel best where there are no obstructions, making them the right choice for outdoor communication in areas with open land, rolling hills or thick forests.

Why do I need to license my radios with the FCC?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is not licensing your radios. it's licensing the radio frequency used by your radios. The airwaves are considered public property and the FCC is mandated to regulate the use of those public airwaves. Radio and television stations are required to be licensed for use of broadcast airwaves, and so are all radio operators, from business class to citizen band (CB) to ham radio operators.

Are there any business radios that don't require an FCC license?

Motorola's DTR series, DLR series and RMM2050 are the only business radios that do not require an FCC license. DTR radios work on a different frequency, neither VHF nor UHF, using digital technology. DTR radios provide clear digital signals. Like digital cell phones, however, there can be drop-out under certain circumstances, especially in areas with high concentrations of steel-and-concrete reinforcements, such as basements and underground parking garages. In those applications, a UHF radio might be the better choice for guaranteed clear radio signals.

Do you offer repair service? My radio stopped working.

Is the radio still under warranty? Motorola has a one year warranty period and Kenwood's warranty period is two years. We found the expense of offering a repair service to our customers to be greater than the satisfaction they receive. It costs approximately $75 - $80 for a repair depot just to look at the radio, and that's on top of your shipping costs to get the radio to the repair depot. The charge applies whether or not the radio can be repaired. When you factor in the cost of the repairs as well, it's often a better value to purchase a new unit. If you wish to pursue having your radio repaired, contact the Motorola Help Desk at 1-800-448-6686. They can suggest a repair depot near you.

I can't remove the tax from my online order, but our organization is tax exempt. What should I do?

We process all orders carefully. To claim your tax exemption, put your request and tax exempt ID number in the comments section of the order page; we will deduct the tax before we process your order. Fax us a copy of your W-9 form or Blanket Certificate of Exemption to keep on file for future orders.

When will my order arrive?

Our free shipping is by UPS Ground carrier. There are maps of our Kenwood and Motorola distribution points, showing approximate delivery in days to your location. These maps are found on our website under the “Customer Service" tab found at the top of the website.

What's your return policy?

We have a 30 day guarantee. For all returns, you must obtain a Return Authorization number by contacting Support@TechWholesale.com or calling our Customer Service line at 1-513-398-5771. All items must be returned in their original packaging. To keep prices the lowest anywhere, 15% restocking and shipping fees apply to refused orders and orders returned for credit and shipping charges will apply. In the off-chance of a defective item, there is no charge except for shipping, and a replacement will be shipped to you upon receipt of your returned items.

If I buy six radios, can I swap the individual chargers for a multi-unit charger?

Tech Wholesale is able to offer the lowest prices anywhere because of its agreements with Motorola and Kenwood. Through our volume pricing, each radio comes with the radio, a rechargeable battery, a belt holster or belt clip, user's manual and a stand-alone charging unit and AC adapter. We cannot switch out six individual chargers for one multi-unit charger because of our agreement with the manufacturers.

What shipping methods do you use?

Our shipper is United Parcel Service (UPS). We provide free UPS ground shipping for orders of two or more radios.* Other shipping options, all through UPS, include Next Day Air Saver, 2nd Day Air, 3 Day Select and, where available, Overnight Saturday delivery. These additional shipping methods require an additional charge, which will be calculated for you when you use the Shopping Cart feature and select your preferred shipping method. *Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii are sent 2nd Day Air and are billed accordingly.

How long before my order gets here?

Orders received before 1:00 p. m. Eastern Daylight Time are shipped the same day if the product is in stock, Monday through Friday. You will receive a UPS tracking number by email after your order ships. You can track it through UPS, or you can estimate delivery time by checking the UPS maps on our website under the Customer Support link.

Why can't I use family radios for my business? They're cheaper than business radios and I don't have to license them.

TalkAbout Radios use the Family Radio Spectrum (FRS) or Ground Mobile Radio Spectrum (GMRS). Although it might seem like a good idea to use TalkAbouts for your business, there are several good reasons to choose a business-class radio instead. The first is Motorola's warranty policy. If you use family radios in a business setting, it voids Motorola's one-year warranty immediately. Motorola will not replace any TalkAbout radio used for commercial purposes. The second reason for not using family radios for a business setting is their general construction. Family radios are considered “occasional use" radios, for family outings to an amusement park, beach or campground. These radios can't take the normal wear-and-tear of a business setting and break down very quickly under hard use. Business radios are built especially for years of service under varying conditions. Third, you won't get good signal penetration through walls and the normal obstructions in a business setting. Radios aren't any good if they can't communicate from one end of your building to another or if their signals won't penetrate walls. And after you find out you can't use them to communicate, Motorola won't accept them for return for credit. Finally, when radios are used on a GMRS frequency (Channels 1 – 7 and 15 – 22), the cost of a GMRS license is $80 for 10 years and each individual radio user must be licensed. Users may be subject to fines by the FCC when operators aren't licensed. Licenses are not transferrable, either; imagine having to get a new $80 license for each waiter you hire! It makes more economic sense to invest upfront in the right business-class radio and get an FCC site license than it does to buy TalkAbout radios that won't work in a commercial setting and may expose your business to FCC fines and penalties.

Discover the best two-way radios for your setting: Which Two-Way Radios are Right for Me?

Or, learn everything you need to know with our: Two-Way Radios - Your Ultimate Guide

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