Lee Emerick No Comments

Comsco – The Family-Run Two Way Radio Rental Company

A warm welcome to Comsco!

My name is Sharon Chauveau and as Director of Comsco I deal with the day-to-day running of all radio hire, sales, servicing and repairs from our office in Leek, Staffordshire.

Our team is small, family-run and committed in every way to giving you our First Class service every time you contact us. From a simple repair estimate to a large-scale radio hire and site visit, we aim to make you feel valued and unique.

We have over 40 years’ experience within the industry and operate a fleet of both 4 and 16 channel UHF and VHF professional, high-powered Motorola CPO40 radios which can be hired on a long or short-term basis. This analogue model is preferred by our customers as both transmit and receive facility are immediate without the digital time delay. (Please note: We do however sell most digital radio models.)

All hire radios come with Motorola lithium-Ion batteries which are not only 25% lighter than the standard nickel metal hydrides, but also hold their charge for up to 16 hours. Even so, to ensure communication at your event runs without interruption, we provide 50% spare batteries free of charge.

All radio hire quotations are competitive and vary according to the number of units required and the duration of the hire. Radios come with either multi six way or single chargers at no additional charge. We also include a small number of spare radio bodies in the unlikely event that any should develop a fault. The battery and antenna can then be simply swapped over and communication resumed without the need to request replacements.

To operate our radios hands-free we offer two types of ear pieces on hire: The simple, one wire D-Shape Kevlar-reinforced ear kit is worn over the ear and therefore most popular with multiple users. Alternatively, the two wire covert ear kit, also Kevlar-reinforced, comes with a curly, acoustic tube attachment worn inside the ear. The additional wire can be worn down a jacket sleeve to be used more discretely at special events. (Please note: We always provide a few additional ear pieces as back-up free of charge and a user card can be found in each individual pouch instructing on the correct fitting of both types.)

Larger-scale hire events often require a site survey in advance to test coverage, determine where to best site the base station and to generally get a feel for requirements. This can be arranged with one of our in-house engineers. On completion of the site visit our engineer is then able to do a risk assessment and method statement for the event Health and Safety officer. He can also be available to come along during setup to tune, test and commission the equipment and likewise decommission at the end of the event. Alternatively, we also offer instruction sheets to those users who can install the repeater equipment themselves. In this case just hire and carriage charges apply.

At the start of each hire, login and logout sheets are provided to keep track of all radios and ear pieces while the radios are in use. This ensures that any odd items can be tracked to their user and recovered if missing. (Please note: Our radio equipment is not insured and so it is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure adequate cover is taken out in the event of loss or damage beyond economic repair as is standard practice in the radio industry.)

Alongside our hire fleet we have a large workshop equipped with an extensive stock of components to assist with your repairs and estimates are always available before you commit to any work being carried out.

Our multiple Cadex battery adaptors enable us to offer battery analysis and reconditioning so we can accurately report on the remaining capacity in your own battery units.

If you are looking to purchase, my colleagues or I can advise you on the best system for your needs whether low-entry, medium or high tier radios – both analogue and digital. High-powered radios require an Ofcom licence which we can apply for on your behalf along with programming and engraving at no extra charge. For back-to-back radio usage the light licence costs just £75.00 for five years. Technically-assigned licences involving a unique channel cost from £200.00 per annum and vary according to area.

I have very much enjoyed introducing you to Comsco and would be delighted to hear from you either by phone or web enquiry so please do get in touch!

Cordially,

Sharon Chauveau

Lee Emerick No Comments

Faulty Battery – Battery Contact Maintenance

Faulty Battery?

Battery Contact Maintenance

Over time you may notice that some of your radios fail to charge. In some cases the charger may fail to detect there is a faulty battery or the radio has even been inserted. Most people would jump to the conclusion that the battery has failed and it’s time for a replacement. In most cases this would be true but it may be worth inspecting the battery, especially if it has stopped charging unexpectedly.

Apart from the internal cells failing from age or prolonged use which there is little to do about, there are external components which can become contaminated interrupting charging or use.

On the back of the battery you will find the charging terminals. These need to remain clean, free of corrosion and debris. If you find these to be corroded or dirty then they will need a clean!

To do this, wipe away any loose debris from the terminals with a cloth. Next use a tooth brush and WD-40. Spray the terminals with the WD-40 and then scrub them with the toothbrush. Finally wipe away the WD-40 with a dry cloth.

On the front of the battery are the internal power terminals that supply the radio. Again check these for corrosion and contamination and use the cleaning method above if required.

Still having problems? Contact us and we can analyse the battery in our battery analysers and advise.

Motorola IMPRES Bank Charger DP3400 3600 Series Li-Ion Battery Charger Faulty Battery