FAQ
Q. What does Mil Spec 810 mean?
A. Degrees of Protection. IP was created by the European Committee for Electro-technical Standardization. The 1st number indicates how much dust intrusion. 0 is no protection and 6 is dust tight. The 2nd number indicates how much water intrusion. 0 is none and 8 is submersible.
Q. How do I identify my XTN radio?
A. Look for a label towards the top on the rear of the radio. This is the model type or ID number. Example; XU2600- "X" for XTN-series, "U" for UHF, "2" 2 watts, "6" 6 channels and "00" is country code "00" is USA.
Q. Which radio is best for my application?
A. The environment where you use the radios will determine what band (VHF or UHF). How much coverage you desire will determine the power. The number of talk groups you have will determine how many channels. Example: If mostly indoors in a 3 floor 200,000 square feet building with plans to use 4 talk groups. The best radio for this application would be the XU2600.
Q. Which is better VHF or UHF?
A. Depends on the terrain. The UHF signal is attenuated or absorbed by foliage, rough terrain and trees. VHF does better outdoors. VHF has difficulties penetrating steel and concrete. UHF does better in and around buildings. If you use the radios in both environments, we prefer using UHF.
Q. Why can I not remove the XTN antenna?
A. We can get better range by tuning one antenna. An off the shelf screw-on antenna may not be tuned to your radio.
Q. Why is the XTN radio 1-2 inches taller than my M-series radio?
A. The additional height gives you the option to use “AA” Alkaline batteries when in emergencies. The additional space inside the radio helps cushion it when dropped.
Q. “Talk range may very depending on terrain and conditions”, explain?
A. Communications between 2 radios may or may not communicate due to placement of the radio(s) or what obstructions have intruded the area. Optimum range is both radios at least 5 feet off the ground, antenna pointing upwards, zero obstructions, facing each other. The following are examples that may shorten range. 1) Vehicle(s). 2) Radio near body or in pocket. 3) Trees/foliage. 4) Placement in or around buildings. 5) Sitting or squatting.
Q. I don’t need 6 channels, but could use 2. Can the XU2600 do this?
A. Yes, the XU2600 radio is a multi-channel radio. It can be programmed by the user to use 1 up to 6 channels. Both multi-channel radios make excellent solutions for large companies or for those who have plans to expand.
Q. What is “Channel Interference”?
A. This occurs when more than one party is trying to broadcast on the same frequency. You will hear a pause or break during communications. Some confuse it with short range. Press the “Monitor” button and listen. If you hear someone else, then they are also communicating on your frequency. We suggest changing the frequency. Monitoring the frequency can help when selecting a frequency to use. Channel Interference occurs often in congested areas.
Q. What’d the difference between CSQ, TPL and DPL?
A. CSQ or Carrier Squelch is communications with no codes. Codes help filter out unwanted transmissions. TPL or Tone Private Line modulates at a low frequency. DPL or Digital Private Line modulates a series of binary codes. Both users must be on the same TPL or DPL to communicate. The term Private does not mean unheard. Anyone that can monitor or that has CSQ can hear your transmission, if they are on the same frequency.
