The 26 Rescue Handheld combines cellular push-to-talk (PoC) with separate UHF/VHF analog operation. Start here to identify the controls, charge the radio, and select the appropriate operating mode.
In this guide
Charge and power on
- With the radio off, fit the battery securely and attach the belt clip.
- Fit the long analog antenna and short cellular antenna to their correct connectors by hand. Do not force the connectors.
- Use the supplied charging cradle and adapter or the approved rear USB-C charging connection. Confirm that charging begins.
- Turn the power/volume knob to switch on. Use the same knob to adjust normal listening volume.
- Wait for cellular registration, then choose the required Work Mode.
Battery and configuration care
Do not charge wet equipment or a swollen, damaged or unusually hot battery. Keep the installed SIM and account configuration unchanged. Use accessories and the programming cable approved for the 26 Rescue Handheld.
Transmit buttons and keypad
| Control | Operation |
|---|---|
| Top PTT | Hold to talk to the selected PoC group; release to listen. |
| Middle PTT | With Analog PTT 2 On: VFO A. With it Off: whichever analog VFO is active. |
| Bottom PTT / SK1 | With Analog PTT 2 On: VFO B. With it Off: the assigned SK1 Short or Long action; it does not transmit analog. |
| Green | Open the menu and confirm the highlighted choice. |
| Red | Go back or end a telephone call. Hold to lock the keypad; hold again to unlock. |
| P1 / P2 | Left and Right arrow keys. Shipping shortcuts are Group and Group Members. |
| * / A/B | Switch selection between PoC and Analog. |
| # / VFO | With Analog selected, switch the active A/B VFO; check the arrow. |
Select Work Mode
- Press Green and open Work Mode.
- Highlight the required mode with the arrows and press Green.
- Press Red to return to the main screen.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| POC | Receive PoC traffic only. |
| Analog | Receive analog traffic only. |
| Mix | Receive both PoC and analog traffic, subject to RX Priority. |
| Repeater | Forward audio between the active analog VFO and the selected PoC group. This requires deliberate setup and permission; use the dedicated Repeater guide before enabling it. |
Before your first radio check
Check the displayed PoC account and group before using the top PTT. For analog, check the VFO arrow, channel, frequency and appropriate PTT. PoC needs cellular data and assigned platform access; analog can operate without cellular data.
Service limits
Use only frequencies and equipment authorized for your service. NOAA weather channels are receive-only. Preprogrammed channels do not grant transmit permission. PoC groups and SOS do not dial 911.
Reference: 26 Rescue Handheld User Manual, version 1.1, September 9, 2026, pages 3–8 and 16. These instructions apply to the Talk2Me custom firmware build; other Rescue models use different guides.
Talk2Me Customer Support
Use the Support Center. Include the exact model, problem, selected mode and group, checks completed, and a photo or short video when useful. Share requested radio or SIM identifiers through the support ticket; do not send passwords or payment-card details.
Talk2Me Customer Support
Phone support: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Eastern
Ticket support: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM Eastern
Support requests may be submitted at any time.
Telephone: 833-482-6762
Email: support@talk2meus.com
Continue the same support ticket when one is already open for this issue.