Emergency Communication System (ECS) Setup For Family Use

Emergency Communication Systems (ECS) are designed for the protection of life by indicating the existence of an emergency situation and communicating information. Learn the two-way emergency communication system setup can help ensure you and your family stay connected in an emergency.

Purchase the Two Way Radios

Decide the area that you will need to communicate with your radio. Choose the two way radios that are designed for emergency communication. Options include handheld, mobile, and base units. Look for features such as a battery backup, NOAA weather alert, and a range of at least 2 miles, such as Retevis RA85 Handheld Radio and New Arrival RA86 Mobile Radio

Retevis Emergency Communication System Setup
Retevis Emergency Communication System Setup

Purchase and Install a antenna

Choose an antenna that is compatible with your two way radio and that will cover the distance you need. Options include omnidirectional, directional, and base station antennas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the antenna. Make sure it is securely mounted and in a location that will provide the best reception.

Program the Radio and Test the Setup

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to program your two way radio. This includes setting up channels, squelch settings, and other features. If you live in a quite populated area, set up CTCSS/DCS privacy codes can keep your GMRS, FRS or MURS radio quiet except for calls from your group. In a real emergency situation you’ll want to turn these off so you can hear what’s going on around you. Retevis New Arrival NR30, RB67 and RB68 all have the function of removing or restoring sub-tones.

Join a local GMRS repeater group and request access for local repeaters can help your radio extend the longer range. You can also build your own repeater by using a Retevis RT97S portable repeater. RT97S repeater can extend the radio communication range, provide longer talking distance and clearer voice quality. At present, RT97S repeater has two available versions, GMRS version and Customizable version.

Retevis RT97S For Emergency Communication System Setup
Retevis RT97S For Emergency Communication System Setup

In the end, test the two way radio to make sure it is working properly. Try communicating with a friend or family member who also has a compatible two way radio.

Make Sure the Power Supply

Check charge level on handhelds at least every month and recharge if necessary. Have a battery charging bank for your handheld radios and a solar battery for your repeater.  Retevis RT97S portable repeater can be powered by solar battery. What solar battery to choose will depend on your climate and how much use it will see. During the summer when we have lots of sun a 9 amp hour battery and 30 watt panel do just fine.

Retevis RT97S repeater can be powered by solar battery
Retevis RT97S repeater can be powered by solar battery

Other Tips

1.Consider using the Keyboard Lock feature of your handhelds to prevent settings from being changed.

2.Consider attaching a laminated card to handheld radios with basic instructions for use.

Thank you for reading this blog! If you have any questions, please leave your comments below. We are looking forward to your comments!

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