Dedicated radio channels or offline channels use traditional radio frequencies to send and receive messages and are intended to be used in emergencies or unique use cases when there is a need for instantaneous communication without slight delay, In the event that you lose LTE and WiFi services, your walt devices can still communicate via offline channels.
Key information about your DRC channels
Message Transmission: All messages sent on the DRC while connected to the network will be recorded and transcribed. All messages sent while not connected to the network will be saved and uploaded after the connection is restored.
Range Consideration: The DRC range will vary depending on your surroundings.
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- In open air with minimal obstructions, the range could be up to a mile long.
- In a facility with machinery, building, walls, etc that range will decrease depending on how many and what type of obstruction is around.
- Concrete and metal structures have the greatest impact on range.
Geographic Availability: DRCs are only supported in the United States due to the frequency spectrum.
Note: a new Admin-Defined Channel must be created beforehand for it to work.
How to create a DRC or offline channel
- Click on Admin Defined Channels
- Click Add Channel
- Name the newly created channel, EMERGENCY CHANNEL, or something that distinguishes it from the normal digital channels.
4. Next, click on the Advanced tab
5. Select a Dedicated Radio Channel number, there are 15 total channels.
It does not matter what channel you select
6. Click Save
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Offline Channels
- The walt antenna must be inserted correctly or the radio will not function.
- For walt 1's speak into the back, top side of the radio to ensure the transmission goes through as clearly as possible
- For walt S's speak into the front, topside of the radio to ensure the transmission goes through as clearly as possible.
- Channel should be clearly named offline or emergency only.
- While offline, ensure your emergency channel is highlighted as the Radio Scan feature is unavailable. Your offline channel must be active for you to receive messages on it.
- When you switch over to a DRC or offline channel, remember to switch back to your online channels to ensure you don't miss any messages.
Benefits you lose with DRC
- Headphones (wired or wireless) do not work with DRCs.
- Sending photos and videos
- Message translation & transcription
- Long-range communication
- Noise reduction