How to use a PoC radio?
Here’s a step-by-step, practical guide to using a PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) radio — from powering it on to making calls, managing groups, and using advanced features. These instructions apply to most PoC radios (e.g., Hytera, Poclink, Skyconnex models), though specific button labels and menu names might vary slightly by model.
📌 1. Getting Ready — Power & Setup
🔋 Charge and Install Battery
- Insert the battery pack into the radio.
- Connect a USB-C charging cable to the radio’s charging port.
- Charged indicator lights usually show red while charging and green when fully charged.
🔌 2. Insert a SIM Card
PoC radios work over cellular, so they require a SIM card with an active data plan:
- Open the back cover of the radio and insert the SIM into the slot with the correct orientation.
- Push until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover securely.
- Wait about 30–60 seconds after powering on for it to connect to the PoC network.
🔥 3. Power On / Off
- Power On: Press and hold the Power button for ~3 seconds until the screen lights up.
- Power Off: Press and hold the Power button again, select “Shut Down,” and confirm.
- Screen On/Off: Quick press the Power button to wake or sleep the display.
📶 4. Basic Controls (Buttons & Display)
Most PoC radios have:
- A Push-to-Talk (PTT) button — the main button for sending voice.
- Volume + / – buttons — adjust speaker volume and sometimes scroll menus.
- A Menu / OK button — enter menus and confirm selections.
- Back / Return button — go back to the previous screen.
📊 On the screen you’ll usually see:
- Signal strength (cellular bars)
- Current group or contact
- Battery level
- Bluetooth or headset icons (if enabled)
📞 5. Making a Call
🗣 Group Call (Basic Push-to-Talk)
- Select the group you want to talk on (if your radio shows a group list).
- Some radios let you long-press a side key to open the group list.
- Press and hold the PTT button to speak.
- Release the PTT button when done.
- Other users in the same group will hear your transmission.
Note: With Hytera PoC radios, the PoC application must be open to use PoC functions — use the navigation key to open it first.
📱 One-to-One Call
- Open the PoC application or contact list on the radio.
- Select the desired contact.
- Press and hold the PTT key to speak (half-duplex mode).
- In some models, you may start a full-duplex call (like a phone call) without pressing PTT.
📣 Receiving Calls
- Incoming PoC calls are usually auto-answered — no button press needed.
- Simply listen and respond with PTT when needed.
👥 6. Managing Groups
PoC radios often support group creation and membership:
- Create a Group: Use the menu or Bluetooth quick-pair method to create a new group.
- Join a Group: Enter a group code or accept a Bluetooth invitation from another radio.
- Leave / Disband a Group: Use the group settings menu.
- Share Group: Many radios let you share group codes with teammates.
📌 Quick Bluetooth Grouping: On many devices, long-press Volume + to create a group, and long-press Volume – on another radio to join.
🎧 7. Headset & Bluetooth
If your radio supports Bluetooth:
- Turn on Bluetooth in the Settings menu.
- Put your Bluetooth headset in pairing mode.
- On the radio, scan for devices and select your headset.
- Once connected, audio will route to your headset.
⚙️ 8. Settings & Customization
📱 Menu Settings
You can configure:
- Screen brightness
- Volume levels
- Bluetooth on/off
- Time zone
- Key tones and PTT beep prompts
- Battery and power-saving modes
- Preferred SIM slot (if dual-SIM)
🔄 Software Updates
- Some radios have a Settings → Update function — keep firmware up to date for stability and new features.
📍 9. Useful Tips
👂 Microphone & Antenna
- Keep the antenna upright and speak near the microphone when transmitting to ensure clear audio.
- Avoid holding the radio in a way that blocks signal strength.
📶 Signal Indicator
- Stronger cellular bars mean better PoC service. If signal is low, move to an area with better network coverage.
🔋 Battery Care
- Fully charge before first use.
- If low battery notifications appear, charge soon to avoid call drop-outs.
📖 Safety
- Follow local regulations for cellular and radio use.
- Turn off the radio in restricted areas (e.g., hospitals, airplanes) if required.
✅ Quick Action Checklist
| Task | How To |
|---|---|
| Turn on radio | Long-press Power button |
| Start a group call | Select group → Hold PTT |
| Answer call | Just listen or press OK (model dependent) |
| Adjust volume | Volume + / Volume – |
| Pair headset | Settings → Bluetooth → Pair |
| Join a group | Enter group code or use Bluetooth share |