My walkie-talkie is not working.

I get a handset every now and again that has no faults. This is often down to an error on the part of the user, so let’s look at a few checks that can be done before you send the radio off for repair. 

• First check the radio is in fact switched on (do not laugh it happens) Some radios will give you a start-up tone or the LED indicator will flash briefly. If the unit appears to be dead try a known good battery. You can also give the battery contacts on the radio and battery a rub with a soft cloth to remove anything that may be contaminating the contacts. Be careful not to damage or bend the contacts.
• So you have established that your handheld is switched on. Next, if it still does not connect with other users in your group, check you are on the correct channel and the volume is turned up.
• Still having issues? Lets look at the antenna if you are not getting the range you are expecting or have had in the past. First, confirm the antenna is securely tightened/attached. Remember, the antenna is a frequency sensitive item, you need to make sure you are using the correct aerial for the frequency. I have had radios in that are VHF but the user is using a UHF antenna or vice versa. If you are unsure, email me a picture of the antenna and the label on the back of the radio under the battery. I will be happy to advise you, the label may even state if the radio is VHF or UHF and perhaps have the operating frequency on it.
• Some radios have an antenna that has a centre pin which mates with a hole in the socket of the handset. It can also be the other way round where the radio has the centre pin and the aerial has the hole. If you have this type, check that the centre pin has not broken off in the socket. It is also possible to screw these antennas into a radio that uses a MX type of connector with no centre pin, or screw a aerial with MX connector into a radio socket that has a centre pin. Either way, you will cut your range down drastically, so make sure you are using the correct aerial, it's very important.
• The radio beeps when you push the transmit button and goes back to receive mode even with the PTT still pushed. This is usually caused by a battery that has not got much capacity left. The transmitter on the average portable radio will draw between 800 milliamps and 1300 milliamps. The receiver will draw about 60 milliamps on standby and about 150 milliamps when receiving with the volume set to a normal sort of level. Charge the battery and if the problem persists, try a battery from a working radio. If that solves the problem, its time for a new battery. Some radio faults can cause this issue, but the battery should be your first stop.
• Remember, VHF is best for outdoors and open ground, UHF is best in the city or among buildings. There are many factors that will effect the range obtained. Things like buildings, a forest, some types of self-cleaning glass used in buildings, the power your dealer has set the radio to low, medium, or high, nearby electrical machinery, and weather conditions to mention a few.
• If you are using an earpiece or speaker microphone and the radio is under your coat or on your belt this can reduce your range. Anything touching the aerial affects the radiation pattern and resonant frequency, so if you are having difficulties, get the radio at head height or higher and try again. Of course if the radio is in close proximity of a repeater this is not as significant. Not receiving or transmitting? Try another earpiece, they do go faulty.
• I repair licensed, licence free, and digital handsets as well as older legacy radios, get in touch with any queries you may have.
• If all of this fails click here to download my flat rate repair price list and the repair form, then send the radio(s) to me for repair.