How to Select and Use Groups and Channels

Groups and channels determine which users hear your push-to-talk communications on a Talk2Me platform.

A radio must be connected to the correct Talk2Me platform and have the intended group selected before it can communicate with other users in that group.

Groups May Differ by Platform

A radio may have access to one or more Talk2Me platforms, including:

• Public Radio Service (PRS)
• Community Radio Service (CRS), when available and assigned
• HamLink
• A Talk2Me private network
• Another assigned Talk2Me service

Each platform has its own groups, users, permissions, and account assignments. A group available on one platform may not appear on another.

For example, switching from PRS to HamLink or a private network may display an entirely different group list.

Select the Correct Platform First

On compatible radios with multiple assigned platforms:

1. Press Menu.
2. Select Network or the available platform-selection option.
3. Highlight the platform you want to use.
4. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
5. Confirm that a checkmark or other selection indicator appears.
6. Press Exit or Back to return to the main screen.
7. Allow the radio time to reconnect and synchronize.

The displayed platform name and menu wording may vary by model and configuration.

When the Network menu is not available

A Network menu may not appear when:

• The radio has only one assigned platform.
• The model does not support on-device platform switching.
• The platform is selected through a different control or menu.
• The radio connects directly to its assigned platform account.

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

Select a Group or Channel

1. Press Menu.
2. Select Group.
3. Use the navigation or volume buttons to review the available groups.
4. Highlight the group you want to use.
5. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
6. Confirm that the selected group appears on the main screen.
7. Wait briefly for the radio to complete the change.

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

Before transmitting, confirm both:

• The correct Talk2Me platform is selected.
• The intended group name appears on the main screen.

Use Push-to-Talk in a Group

1. Confirm that the correct platform and group are displayed.
2. Listen before transmitting.
3. Press and hold the PTT button.
4. Wait a brief moment before speaking.
5. Speak clearly while continuing to hold PTT.
6. Release PTT when finished.

Only one user can normally transmit to a group at a time. Wait for the current speaker to finish before pressing PTT.

Allow a brief pause between transmissions so another user has an opportunity to respond.

For clearer communication

• Keep messages clear and reasonably brief.
• Identify yourself when appropriate.
• Speak at a normal volume.
• Avoid covering the microphone opening.
• Release PTT as soon as the message is complete.
• Use verbal acknowledgment when message receipt is important.

Change the Active Group

1. Open Menu.
2. Select Group.
3. Highlight the new group.
4. Press OK.
5. Return to the main screen.
6. Confirm that the new group name appears.

Changing groups does not normally remove the radio from the previous group permanently. It changes the active group used for current communication.

A radio may remain assigned to several groups even though only one group is actively selected.

Group Availability

The groups shown on a radio may depend on:

• The selected Talk2Me platform
• Radio account permissions
• Private-network assignments
• HamLink eligibility and license verification
• Group-owner or administrator approval
• Radio configuration
• Current platform offerings
• Recent account, group, or network changes
• Temporary platform or integration changes

Not every radio on the same platform will necessarily display the same groups.

A group may be missing because the radio is:

• Using the wrong platform
• Not assigned to the group
• Offline or still synchronizing
• Missing the required permission or verification
• Using an account configuration that does not include the group

Public and Private Groups

Public or shared groups

Public-platform groups may include users outside your family, business, or organization.

Do not transmit confidential, financial, medical, security-sensitive, or other private information through a public or shared group.

Private-network groups

Private-network groups are generally limited to radios and users assigned to that private network and group.

A private network reduces general access, but it does not replace appropriate information-security practices. A nearby person may still overhear a radio speaker, and a lost or compromised radio may create unauthorized access.

Group rules and conduct

Users should:

• Listen before transmitting.
• Identify themselves when appropriate.
• Keep transmissions clear and reasonably brief.
• Avoid repeatedly interrupting other users.
• Follow group-specific rules.
• Communicate respectfully.
• Avoid offensive, threatening, abusive, or disruptive conduct.
• Use the platform only for lawful purposes.
• Follow instructions from authorized moderators or administrators.

Talk2Me may restrict or disable platform access when a user violates applicable rules or Terms of Service.

One-to-One Member Communication

Some radios and platform accounts support direct communication with an individual member.

Begin a supported direct-member call

1. Press Menu.
2. Select Member.
3. Review the available user list.
4. Highlight the intended user.
5. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
6. Press and hold PTT to begin direct communication.

The selected member generally must be online and connected to the same compatible platform.

Direct-member calling may be unavailable when:

• Point-to-point calling is disabled.
• The account does not include the feature.
• The other user is Offline.
• The users are on different platforms.
• Account permissions prevent direct calls.
• The radio model or configuration does not support the feature.

Return to a group after a direct call

1. Open Menu.
2. Select Group.
3. Select the desired group.
4. Press OK.
5. Confirm that the group name appears on the main screen.

This helps prevent accidentally remaining in direct-member communication mode.

Troubleshoot Groups and Channels

A group is missing

1. Confirm that the correct platform is selected.
2. Restart the radio once.
3. Allow several minutes for the group list to synchronize.
4. Confirm that the radio has working cellular data or supported Wi-Fi.
5. Open the Group menu again.
6. Check whether the group appears under another assigned platform.
7. Confirm that the radio is authorized for the group.

For a private network, an authorized administrator should also confirm that the radio is assigned to the group in Platform Manager.

The group change does not save

1. Highlight the desired group again.
2. Press OK or the green confirmation button.
3. Look for a checkmark or confirmation prompt.
4. Return to the main screen.
5. Restart the radio once.
6. Confirm that the correct group remains selected after reconnection.

The radio can hear but cannot transmit

Confirm that:

• The correct group is selected.
• The radio shows Online.
• PTT is held while speaking.
• You wait briefly before speaking.
• Another user is not already transmitting.
• The account is active and not suspended.
• The group permits the radio to transmit.
• An external microphone or PTT accessory is not causing the issue.

Test another available group to determine whether the problem affects one group or the entire platform.

The radio can transmit but cannot hear others

• Increase the radio volume.
• Disconnect and reconnect any earpiece or audio accessory.
• Confirm that the correct group is selected.
• Restart the radio once.
• Test another group.
• Confirm that other users are transmitting in the same group.
• Check whether the radio displays a receiving indicator.

On supported models, a solid red indicator may show transmitting and a solid blue indicator may show receiving. Indicator behavior varies by model.

The radio is online but no one responds

Confirm that:

• Another user is currently online in the selected group.
• The intended users are on the same platform and group.
• The radio’s username and account are correctly assigned.
• The receiving users have sufficient volume and connectivity.

A normal PTT tone or transmission indicator does not guarantee that another user received or heard the message.

Request a Group or Permission Change

Submit the appropriate support request when:

• A group is missing.
• A radio needs to be added to or removed from a group.
• An incorrect group appears.
• A group name needs review or correction.
• The radio cannot transmit in one specific group.
• Direct-member communication is not working on a supported platform.
• Group permissions appear incorrect.

Information to include

• Customer or company name
• Radio model
• Radio IMEI
• Current username
• Selected platform
• Missing or affected group name
• Private-network name, when applicable
• Number of affected radios
• Description of the expected access
• Photographs or screenshots of the radio display
• Troubleshooting already completed
• Existing support-ticket number

Never include account passwords, Platform Manager credentials, Wi-Fi passwords, or payment information in a support request.

Related Guides

• What Is the Public Radio Service (PRS)? 
• What Is HamLink? 
• How to Change Your Radio Username on PRS, CRS, or HamLink 
• Radio Will Not Connect or Shows Offline 
• Troubleshooting Cellular Connection Issues