If you are new to walkie-talkies, or new to SJM Industrial Radios this is a great place to start. Here are some questions we hear most often about two-way radio rentals and answers that you can understand. Whether you are looking to rent walkie talkies for your ongoing business needs, or your next event, SJM Radio has the answers.

RENTALS

1. Why do I need two-way radios?
   1. Two-way radios provide instant communication with one individual or groups that is clear and reliable, while improving safety, and increasing productivity. SJM can design and install any size system with the right equipment and capacity to meet all of your communication needs.
2. Which model radio do I need?
   1. Your event or business needs determine the type of radio and what system you should consider. The professional staff at SJM is happy to help guide you to products that meet your needs. Click here or call for a free consultation with one of our communications professionals.
3. What’s the difference digital analog?
   1. Digital provides the clearest voice quality and the most powerful and reliable wireless networks. As well as many functions not available with analog like GPS, text, work ticket systems, and IP site address to name a few. Digital systems can expand and grow to meet the specific needs of your business or event.
4. How far can the radios transmit?
   1. In ideal conditions (open line of sight with no obstructions) digital radios can transmit as far as 35 miles. In real world environments geography, as well as buildings or other barriers made of concrete and steel will interfere with the signal and reduce the range. In these settings you will need repeaters to boost the signal and ensure reliable coverage.
5. Okay, I need two-way radios, but I’m not sure if I should rent or buy?
   1. Rental is right for most events. A general rule is if you use radios a minimum of every weekend for an entire year, the cost of purchasing may break even with the cost of renting.
   2. Businesses with ongoing needs may be better served by purchasing radios
6. How much will renting radios cost?
   1. The needs of your event will determine the type of equipment and system to best address your communications challenges. Ultimately, your needs will determine the cost. Here’s a form that will help you identify the needs of your event, then we can advise you on the best radios and equipment for your situation.

7. Will SJM deliver the radios and will they be charged and ready to use?
   1. SJM will deliver your radios, and extra batteries, ready to use and fully charged.
8. How long do the batteries last under normal use, and what’s the re-charge time?
   1. Digital radio batteries will last up to 12 hrs, analog will last up to 8 hrs. Once discharged, batteries take 90 minutes to fully re-charge.
9. What accessories will I need?
   1. The work environment will inform your choice of accessories. Working onstage at a concert you may need noise canceling headphones, in the field a speaker mic may work just fine, in discreet areas surveillance kits may be appropriate. SJM offers a full line of headsets, holsters, etc. Your SJM rental professional can give you options based on your needs.
10. What is the meaning of life?
    1. Okay, we don’t have that answer. But life’s too short to lose a business opportunity or to have an event fail because you can’t communicate. SJM offers reliable, state of the art communications systems, backed-up by years of experience and people who understand your specific communication needs.
11. What are my responsibilities when I rent SJM equipment?
    1. SJM Industrial Radios must be named as a payee on your event insurance policy. When you rent radios you are responsible for thousands of dollars worth of equipment. If any equipment is lost or damaged your insurance will help with replacement fees.
    2. Confirm delivery of your radios – verify what you ordered matches what was delivered.
    3. All radios and accessories must be returned in good condition and in the original packaging.
    4. Know your radios
       1. Turn off radio when you put it in the charger
       2. Make sure batteries are fully charged. A partial charge may cause diminished performance and problems in the field

• When attaching an accessory to the radio, make sure the radio has been powered down first.

1. Make sure all of the radios you want to communicate with are set to the same channel. Radios set to different channels cannot communicate.
2. Impress upon your staff that they are responsible for their radios. Use belt clips or holsters to avoid loss or damage.
3. Keep the original boxes that the radios are delivered. You’ll need the original packing when you return the radios