How to Switch Between Public and Private Networks

Use these instructions to switch a compatible Talk2Me radio between a private network and an assigned shared Talk2Me platform, such as Public Radio Service (PRS).

These steps apply to radios that have more than one platform or network assigned and display a Network option in the radio menu.

Before You Begin

Your radio may display platform names differently depending on its model, software, and account configuration.

Common examples include:

• A private-network name
• Public, PRS, or Public Radio Service
• CRS when available and assigned
• HamLink for verified amateur-radio operators
• Network #1, Network #2, or another numbered option

Before switching, confirm that:

• The radio is powered on and has sufficient battery charge.
• The radio has cellular signal or supported Wi-Fi.
• The intended platform has been assigned to the radio.
• You know which group or channel should be selected after switching.

Switch Networks

1. From the main screen, press Menu.
2. Use the navigation buttons to highlight Network.
3. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
4. Highlight the private network, PRS, or another assigned platform you want to use.
5. Press OK or the green confirmation button again.
6. Confirm that a checkmark or other selection indicator appears beside the selected network.
7. Press Exit or Back to return to the main screen.
8. Allow the radio approximately 30–60 seconds to reconnect and synchronize.

On some supported configurations, briefly pressing PTT may help refresh the connection after the platform has been selected. Do not transmit until the correct group is also displayed.

Select a Group or Channel

After switching platforms, select the group or channel you want to use.

1. Press Menu.
2. Select Group.
3. Use the navigation buttons to review the available groups or channels.
4. Highlight the intended group.
5. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
6. Return to the main screen.
7. Confirm that the selected group name appears.
8. Wait briefly for the change to synchronize.

The terms group and channel may be used interchangeably in some menus and support materials.

Confirm the Network and Group Change

Before transmitting:

1. Confirm that the intended platform is selected.
2. Confirm that the intended group appears on the main screen.
3. Confirm that the radio displays Online or another connected status.
4. Listen briefly before pressing PTT.
5. Make a short test transmission when appropriate.
6. Ask another authorized user to confirm receipt.

A normal PTT tone or transmit indicator does not guarantee that another radio received the message. Verbal acknowledgment is recommended when confirmation is important.

If the Network Option Is Missing

The Network option may not appear when:

• The radio has only one platform assigned.
• The model does not support on-device network switching.
• The additional platform has not been assigned to the radio.
• A recent assignment has not synchronized.
• The radio is Offline and needs to reconnect.
• The account or radio configuration requires Talk2Me Support.

The 25 Mobile Base does not provide the same additional Network menu described in these instructions.

1. Restart the radio once.
2. Allow up to approximately two minutes for reconnection.
3. Open the menu again.
4. Confirm that the radio has working cellular data or supported Wi-Fi.

The absence of a Network menu does not automatically indicate a hardware defect.

Radio Does Not Connect After Switching

1. Wait 30–60 seconds for the radio to reconnect.
2. Confirm that cellular signal bars or supported Wi-Fi appear.
3. Confirm that the intended network has a checkmark or selection indicator.
4. Confirm that a valid group or channel is selected.
5. Restart the radio once.
6. Allow up to approximately two minutes for reconnection.
7. Move outdoors or to an area with stronger cellular coverage.
8. Confirm that the SIM service is active when using cellular data.
9. Test another assigned platform to determine whether the issue affects one platform or the entire radio.

Signal bars appear but the radio remains Offline

Signal bars do not prove that cellular data or the selected platform account is connected. The issue may involve:

• Expired or suspended SIM service
• Cellular-data or carrier problems
• Incorrect platform selection
• Missing group assignment
• Platform-account configuration
• Recent changes that have not synchronized
• Radio, power, or antenna problems

The Wrong Network or Group Remains Selected

1. Open the Network menu again.
2. Highlight the intended platform.
3. Press OK.
4. Confirm the checkmark or selection indicator.
5. Return to the main screen.
6. Open the Group menu and select the intended group.
7. Restart the radio once.
8. Confirm the platform and group after reconnection.

When the radio repeatedly returns to another platform or group, the account assignment or radio configuration may require review.

Still Need Help?

Information to include

• Customer or company name
• Radio model
• Radio IMEI
• Current radio username
• Private-network name, when applicable
• Platform you are trying to select
• Group or channel you are trying to use
• What happens after the network is selected
• Whether signal bars or supported Wi-Fi appear
• Photograph or screenshot of the radio display
• Troubleshooting already completed
• Existing support-ticket number

Never include a Platform Manager password, store password, Support Center password, Wi-Fi password, or payment information in a support request.

Related Guides

• How to Select and Use Groups and Channels 
• What Is the Public Radio Service (PRS)? 
• Troubleshooting PRS, CRS and HamLink Connection Issues 
• Radio Will Not Connect or Shows Offline 
• Understanding Talk2Me Accounts and Customer Portals