Tutorial: How to Sync Motorola Walkie Talkies

The use of walkie-talkies has been an essential part of any two-way communication as it is very effective and straightforward with its unique way of delivering the message. Not only is it used in important military operations, but people also utilize it in various free-wheeling ways as well. You’d see it in family outdoor activities, construction sites, schools, and many more.

This article discusses how to use Motorola Walkie Talkies, primarily on how to sync them so you’ll finally have a smooth-running conversation with anyone.

 

Short Answer

To sync your devices, simply put, you need to set them on the same code. Walkie-talkies that don’t use the same DCS (Digital Coded Squelch codes) will not be compatible unless you opt to put the DCS feature off. Next thing you need to do is to set both devices within each others’ range, except if your device offers a considerable range then you can go relatively much farther. Then, you and, let’s say, your colleague should tune in the same frequency band and channel to start a conversation. Finally, not only this works on Motorola devices, but also, if not all, most walkie-talkies available in the market.

 

Long Answer

Syncing walkie-talkies is both manageable and complex, depending on the models used. For example, even after ensuring the private codes are uniform, finding the right channel is the real deal-breaker here as Channel 8 on Model A, maybe Channel 1 on Model B. Also, you need to make sure your devices are fully charged before modifying certain settings so that changes will be saved.

 

Motorola CLS and VL50 Series

Although the same brand makes your devices, models can have varied specifications and setups, especially if they fall in different series. As I’ve mentioned earlier, models will most of the time not have matching channels. They’re not automatically synced. Hence, you’ll need to mind several setting modifications for the two devices to be connected.

The Motorola CLS series is practically the same as the VL50 series, but they differ in the number of channels and built-in frequencies. The latter is part of Motorola’s business radio line that is deliberately made to be sold by local dealers, which usually cost higher than the CLS series.

The CLS channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 (based on CLS1410) are equivalent to VL50’s channels 2, 8, 5, and 6. Both series have about 56 built-in frequencies, but these frequencies are not the same. However, they can be manipulated to match up. To set, follow the steps described below.

Step 1:
To program your device, press the MENU button until the channel number prompts and both frequency and code display alternately.

Step 2:
Press (-) or (+) to select the code.

Step 3:
Press the PTT (push-to-talk) button to enter the code.

Step 4:
Program a call tone. Please take into account that call tones should be unique to all devices. The call tone transmits a distinct sound that can be used to identify you by other participants on the same frequency band.

Step 5:
Press the Menu button three times. After, CA will prompt on the device’s screen.

Step 6:
Press (-) or (+) again to choose a tone.

 

Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T2XX Series

Selecting Channels

Each model has varying built-in channels and frequencies. Please see Motorola’s “Channels and Frequencies” for consummate details.

Step 1:
Basically, press the MENU one time until the channel number starts to prompt on your device’s screen.

Step 2:
Press (-) or (+) to select an unused channel. If you press the volume buttons long enough, it will allow you to scroll through the list of channels rapidly.

Step 3:
Press the PTT button to save the channel setting and to exit, or press MENU to continue setting up.

 

Choosing the Interference Eliminator Code

The use of Interference Eliminator Codes is to minimize disruptions by blocking unwarranted transmissions from unknown sources. The T2XX series has about 121of these Interference Eliminator Codes. The codes from 1 to 38 are standard analog codes, which show on different GMRS/FRS radios, while codes from 39 to 121 are your extra codes utilized for optimum interference protection.

To program the code, look at the following:

Step 1:
Press the MENU button two times until the code prompts on the device’s screen

Step 2:
Press the (-) or (+) to select the code. Pressing either of these buttons long enough will allow you to scroll through the codes rapidly.

Step 3:
Press the PTT button to save changes and exit the menu, or press MENU to continue setting up.

If you sync T2XX with other radios that don’t have Interference Eliminator Code, your device must be set to “0” for it to be rendered usable in communication.

 

Setting and Transmitting Call Tones

The T2XX radios can transmit varied call tones to other two-way radios to alert your recipients that you want to communicate.

To set the tones, follow these:

Step 1:
Press the MENU button three times until (♪) appears on the screen. Your current call tone will prompt.

Step 2:
Press (-) or (+) to change and hear the tone

Step 3:
Press the PTT button to save changes and exit, or press MENU to continue setting up.

 

Motorola Two-Way Radio EM 1000 Series

Selecting Channels

The EM 1000 radios have 22 channels. Channels from 1 to 14 are FRS 0.5 watt, and the rest are GMRS.

To select, follow these steps:

Step 1:
Press the MENU button. When the radio is on a 0.5-watt channel, it will display an empty radio symbol. However, if the radio is on a 1.5-watt channel, it will display a filled-up radio symbol. Your current channel will prompt.

Step 2:
Press (-) or (+) to select unused channels.

Step 3:
Press the PTT button to save changes and exit, or press the MENU button again to continue setting up.

Selecting interference eliminator codes and setting and transmitting call tones with this model is practically the same as the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T2XX series, with minor changes in some aspects.

 

Conclusion – How to Sync Motorola Walkie Talkies

Walkie Talkies are definitely beneficial to an array of activities may it be indoor or outdoor. However, the overall point is how you sync these devices to use them effectively. Does it go without saying that if the frequencies or channels, for that matter, are not in sync with one another, then how can you communicate? How can you benefit from it; your device is partially rendered useless.

If not all, most Motorola models may have the same user interface and features, but they differ in built-in specs, which make up for some incompatibility when used for real-time communication. On the other hand, setting up your devices is easy, but it takes time, specifically in searching for the right frequency to match with the other models. As long as you follow certain steps accompanied by patience, mind you, that little hard work you put into is greatly paid off in the end.

If you want to use walkie-talkies that are readily compatible, it’s best to purchase devices on the same brand and model because they have the same specifications.