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Reach out to us for any inquiries or support regarding our products and services.
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Have questions or ready to get started? Reach out to us today, and we’ll guide your every step of the way.
+1 (434) 525-0068
23 Turkey Foot Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502
General Radio Questions
What’s the difference between VHF and UHF radios?
VHF (Very High Frequency) radios perform best outdoors and across long distances, making them ideal for wildland fire and rural operations. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radios work better indoors, penetrating walls and structures, making them ideal for schools, warehouses, and businesses.
Do I need P25 radios for my business or school?
Not always. P25 radios are designed for public safety and government use where interoperability is critical. Businesses and schools often benefit from cost-effective commercial radios, though some environments may require P25 for future-proofing.
Can different radio brands communicate with each other?
Yes, if they operate on the same frequency band and programming. For example, BK, L3 Harris, and Tait radios can interoperate if programmed to the same licensed frequencies and protocols (such as P25).
How far do two-way radios reach?
Range depends on environment, antenna, and repeaters. Handheld-to-handheld typically covers 2–5 miles, while repeaters extend coverage significantly across campuses, cities, or wildland areas.
Which radios are best for CAL FIRE, USFS, or wildland fire crews?
The BK BKR-5000 is the industry standard for wildland fire and USFS operations, thanks to its rugged design, VHF focus, and P25 compliance.
Accessories & Batteries
What accessories do I need with my radio?
Essential accessories include spare batteries, chargers, speaker microphones, antennas, and holsters. The right setup depends on your mission—wildland crews need clamshells and long whip antennas, while schools may prefer discreet earpieces.
What’s the difference between a standard, high-capacity, and smart battery?
- Standard: cost-effective for daily use.
- High-capacity (LiPo): longer runtimes, ideal for extended shifts.
- Smart: communicates health and charge data with radios/chargers.
Do batteries from one brand work in another?
No, batteries are model-specific. Always use OEM or certified PowerProducts/Endura replacements.
Are clamshell adapters still useful?
Yes. Clamshell adapters allow radios to run on AA batteries—vital for wildland fire and disaster operations where charging may not be possible.
What chargers are available for fleets?
Options include single-unit, multi-unit, in-vehicle, and gang chargers, with Endura systems supporting both standard and smart batteries.
Base Stations, Repeaters & Infrastructure
What is a repeater and why do I need one?
A repeater receives and retransmits signals on another frequency, extending coverage. They’re essential for large campuses, warehouses, or wildland operations where handheld radios alone aren’t sufficient.
What’s the difference between a base station and a repeater?
A base station is a fixed radio for dispatch/command, while a repeater extends coverage. Often, they’re deployed together.
Can one repeater cover multiple buildings?
Yes, if placed strategically with proper antennas. Large or multi-site campuses may require linked systems.
How often should repeaters be tested?
We recommend quarterly testing and annual maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance.
FCC Licensing & Compliance
Do I need an FCC license to operate two-way radios?
Yes—nearly all professional-grade radios require an FCC Part 90 license. Consumer-grade radios like FRS walkie-talkies are unlicensed, but they are not suitable for mission-critical use.
How do I get an FCC license?
You must apply through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) with a frequency coordinator. New London Technology can guide you through the process.
How long does an FCC license last?
Typically 10 years, after which it must be renewed.
What happens if I operate without a license?
You risk fines up to $10,000 per violation, equipment confiscation, and interference issues.
Does encryption affect licensing?
No. Encryption doesn’t change your licensing requirements—you still transmit on FCC-regulated frequencies.
Ordering & Shipping
Do you sell radios directly to individuals?
Yes, but many models require proof of FCC licensing. For public safety radios (P25), we work primarily with agencies and licensed businesses.
Can I order custom bundles?
Yes. We can create agency-specific bundles with radios, chargers, batteries, and accessories tailored to your needs.
How long does shipping take?
Most in-stock items ship within 1–2 business days. Custom programming or special orders may take longer.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes, we ship across the United States. International shipments may be available depending on regulations.
What is your return policy?
Returns are accepted on new, unused equipment within 30 days, subject to restocking fees. Programming and customized orders may be non-returnable.
Services & Support
Do you offer programming services?
Yes. Radios can be pre-programmed to your licensed frequencies, saving setup time.
Do you provide installation services?
Yes. We install base stations, repeaters, antennas, and in-vehicle radios for schools, warehouses, and agencies.
Can you repair radios and accessories?
Yes, we offer maintenance, diagnostics, and repair services for BK, L3 Harris, and Tait radios.
Do you offer training for staff?
Yes. We provide user training, codeplug standardization, and FCC compliance support for agencies and businesses.
Do you support legacy or discontinued radios?
Yes, we carry replacement batteries and accessories for discontinued radios and can advise on migration to newer models.
Have a question not listed here?
Our team at New London Technology is here to help. Call us at (434) 525-0068, email service@newlondontech.com, or visit our office at 23 Turkey Foot Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST) for expert support on radios, accessories, licensing, and installations.