Rocky Talkie User Manual 2020

Operating the Rocky Talkie

Power ON/OFF: Hold 2 seconds (double beep sound)

Check Battery Life: Click to see battery %

Check Privacy Code: Click twice to display active privacy code (CT, DCS)

Channel Flipper:

Lock/Unlock Radio: Hold forward 2 seconds
SCAN: Hold back 2 seconds – press any button to stop

Push to talk (PTT): Press to transmit.

Roger Beep: Hold PTT while powering on device.

Volume Up: Increases volume.

Channel Power: Hold 2 seconds to toggle between high (H) and low (L) power for current channel.

Volume Down: Decreases volume.

Privacy Codes:

Hold 2 seconds to begin
Use channel flipper to change code (CT, DCS)
Press any button to save

Charging Port: USB-C cable and 5V-1A power adapter included.

Display Screen

ICON	FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
CT	Privacy code active (Analog)
DCS	Privacy code active (Digital)
CH	Channel
VOL	Volume
🔔	Roger beep active
📷	Battery indication
🔋	Low battery indicator
🔒	Radio lock active
H	High power (2 W)
L	Low power (0.5 W)
BUSY	Channel busy – radio receiving
[Low Transmission Power Bars]	Low transmission power (0.5 W)
[High Transmission Power Bars]	High transmission power (2 W)

Technical Specs

Radio Service	FRS (no license required)
Channels	128
Privacy Codes	121 (CTCSS and DCS)
Range	Line-of-sight: 25+ miles Mountains: 1 to 5 miles Forest/Hills: 0.5 to 3 miles City: Up to 1 miles
Waterproofing	IP56 (Splashproof / Snowproof, not submergible)
Power	2 Watt
Battery Type	Rechargeable 1550 mAh Li-ion
Radio Dimensions	16.2 x 5.9 x 2.7 cm
Weight	Radio Only: 4.8 oz Full System: 7.9 oz
Operating Temperature	-20° to 120° Fahrenheit
Charging Temperature	0° to 100° Fahrenheit

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Rocky Talkie different from other radios?

The Rocky Talkie is designed for athletes to push their limits in the outdoors. Unlike the fragile plastic belt clips of other radios, it easily secures to backpacks and harnesses using an ultra-light carabiner. A back-up leash is included to prevent drops in extreme terrain. This system allows for active use of the radio or storage in a backpack for emergencies.

The Rocky Talkie features a shatterproof LED screen (no-glass) and a thermoplastic covering for electronics protection. It is ready to use out of the box with zero configuration. The electronics are simple and reliable, with superfluous features that drain battery life removed. The radio has 5 easy-to-understand buttons that support critical advanced features like privacy codes to prevent outside interference.

What is the usable range of a Rocky Talkie?

Range depends heavily on the environment. In open areas with little interference, the maximum line-of-sight range is over 25 miles. In environments with trees, hills, or mountains, radio waves are significantly reduced due to earth penetration limitations, resulting in ranges of approximately 0.5 to 5 miles. Cities and urban centers, with their large buildings and radio noise, offer the toughest conditions, with ranges up to 1 mile. These distances are based on the radio's high power mode (2 watts); low power mode (0.5 watts) slightly reduces range but increases battery life.

What is the battery life of a Rocky Talkie?

The Rocky Talkie has a rechargeable 1550 mAh Lithium-ion battery. Battery life depends on usage frequency. With normal usage (8 hours/day), expect 3-5 days of battery life. In standby mode (on but not transmitting/receiving), it lasts over 120 hours. Battery life was tested in high power mode (2 Watts); low power mode (.5 Watt) may offer slightly longer life.

Is the battery replaceable?

Yes. For replacement batteries, please contact support@rockytalkies.com.

Can I use my Rocky Talkie with other radios?

Yes, the Rocky Talkie is compatible with other FRS radios. The first 22 channels share matching frequencies. To communicate with other brands, match the channel number and the privacy code number (also known as sub-channels) on both radios. If your Rocky Talkie was purchased before January 18, 2020, refer to the privacy code table (Page 16) for matching codes with other radios. For example, a Motorola radio on channel 5 privacy code 32 matches a Rocky Talkie on channel 5 privacy code 41. Rocky Talkies purchased after January 18, 2020, have privacy codes that match other common radios by default.

How will cold weather affect my Rocky Talkie?

Rocky Talkies are designed for harsh conditions and have been tested to operate reliably down to -20°F without significant battery life loss. All Lithium-ion batteries experience reduced life in cold weather, and temperatures below -20°F can significantly affect battery life. While operation is possible down to -20°F, charging should only occur between 0° to 100°F to prevent battery damage.

What sports are the radios recommended for?

Rocky Talkies are specifically designed for climbers, skiers, and hikers, but are recommended for any activity requiring critical close-team communication. Users have found them useful for mountain biking, adventure photography, base jumping, and more.

Is the radio waterproof?

The Rocky Talkie is rated IP56, meaning it is protected from rain, splashes, and snow. It is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

How can I change between high and low power?

High power mode uses 2 Watts, and low power mode uses 0.5 Watts. The screen displays "H" or "L" to indicate the current power mode. To switch, hold the Volume + button for 2 seconds.

What is the warranty policy for Rocky Talkies?

The Rocky Talkie is backed by a 2-year warranty. More information is available on RockyTalkie.com.

Can I use a different charger to charge my radio?

While the included charger is recommended, radios can also be charged with 5 Volt 1 Amp solar chargers and power banks when necessary.

How long does it take to charge a Rocky Talkie?

A full charge from 0% to 100% takes approximately 5 hours. The indicator light near the USB-C port is red when charging and green when fully charged.

How many Rocky Talkies can I use together?

There is no limit to the number of Rocky Talkies that can be used on the same channel. However, only one radio can transmit on a given channel at a time.

Can I purchase Rocky Talkies outside of the U.S?

Currently, Rocky Talkie only ships within the U.S.

I am an astronaut, will my Rocky Talkie work in outer space?

The Rocky Talkie has not been tested in zero gravity, but its range in outer space is expected to be great.

Are the accessories safe to climb with?

The leash and its connecting clips are intended only for attaching to your Rocky Talkie and are not designed for climbing or other weight-bearing activities. The included ultralight carabiner is a full-strength rock climbing carabiner.

Do I need a license to use Rocky Talkies?

No, the Rocky Talkie operates on FRS license-free frequencies, so no license is necessary.

What frequencies does the Rocky Talkie transmit and receive?

The radios transmit on FRS license-free frequencies ranging from 462 to 467 MHz, part of the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band. Refer to the Channel Settings section for a complete list of frequencies per channel.

My radio is on but won't transmit?

First, check the battery life by pressing the power button once. If the battery is below 15%, it may be too low to transmit. If the battery is sufficient, ensure the radio you are trying to communicate with is on the same channel and the same privacy code. The "CT" indicator will light up if privacy codes are active; double-click the power button to check the privacy code number.

Does the radio have hands-free mode?

No, the team determined that hands-free mode performance is not reliable enough for the tough environments in which the radio is used.

How can I check my battery life?

Battery life can be checked when the radio is on by pressing the power button once.

Channel Settings

Each channel on the Rocky Talkie is set to one of the 22 allowed FRS frequencies. The first 22 channels are preset with no privacy code activated. The remaining 128 channels are preset with a privacy code to facilitate finding an open channel. Channel power settings are preset to comply with FRS regulations.

CHANNEL	FREQUENCY (MHZ)	POWER
1	462.5625	2 watt
2	462.5875	2 watt
3	462.6125	2 watt
4	462.6375	2 watt
5	462.6625	2 watt
6	462.6875	2 watt
7	462.7125	2 watt
8	467.5625	0.5 watt
9	467.5875	0.5 watt
10	467.6125	0.5 watt
11	467.6375	0.5 watt
12	467.6625	0.5 watt
13	467.6875	0.5 watt
14	467.7125	0.5 watt
15	462.5500	2 watt
16	462.5750	2 watt
17	462.6000	2 watt
18	462.6250	2 watt
19	462.6500	2 watt
20	462.6750	2 watt
21	462.7000	2 watt
22	462.7250	2 watt
23	462.5625	2 watt
24	462.5875	2 watt
25	462.6125	2 watt
26	462.6375	2 watt
27	462.6625	2 watt
28	462.6875	2 watt
29	462.7125	2 watt
30	467.5625	0.5 watt
31	467.5875	0.5 watt
32	467.6125	0.5 watt
33	467.6375	0.5 watt
34	467.6625	0.5 watt
35	467.6875	0.5 watt
36	467.7125	0.5 watt
37	462.5500	2 watt
38	462.5750	2 watt
39	462.6000	2 watt
40	462.6250	2 watt
41	462.6500	2 watt
42	462.6750	2 watt
43	462.7000	2 watt
44	462.7250	2 watt
45	462.5625	2 watt
46	462.5875	2 watt
47	462.6125	2 watt
48	462.6375	2 watt
49	462.6625	2 watt
50	462.6875	2 watt
51	462.7125	2 watt
52	467.5625	0.5 watt
53	467.5875	0.5 watt
54	467.6125	0.5 watt
55	467.6375	0.5 watt
56	467.6625	0.5 watt
57	467.6875	0.5 watt
58	467.7125	0.5 watt
59	462.5500	2 watt
60	462.5750	2 watt
61	462.6000	2 watt
62	462.6250	2 watt
63	462.6500	2 watt
64	462.6750	2 watt
65	462.7000	2 watt
66	462.7250	2 watt
67	462.5625	2 watt
68	462.5875	2 watt
69	462.6125	2 watt
70	462.6375	2 watt
71	462.6625	2 watt
72	462.6875	2 watt
73	462.7125	2 watt
74	467.5625	0.5 watt
75	467.5875	0.5 watt
76	467.6125	0.5 watt
77	467.6375	0.5 watt
78	467.6625	0.5 watt
79	467.6875	0.5 watt
80	467.7125	0.5 watt
81	462.5500	2 watt
82	462.5750	2 watt
83	462.6000	2 watt
84	462.6250	2 watt
85	462.6500	2 watt
86	462.6750	2 watt
87	462.7000	2 watt
88	462.7250	2 watt
89	462.5625	2 watt
90	462.5875	2 watt
91	462.6125	2 watt
92	462.6375	2 watt
93	462.6625	2 watt
94	462.6875	2 watt
95	462.7125	2 watt
96	467.5625	0.5 watt
97	467.5875	0.5 watt
98	467.6125	0.5 watt
99	467.6375	0.5 watt
100	467.6625	0.5 watt
101	467.6875	0.5 watt
102	467.7125	0.5 watt
103	462.5500	2 watt
104	462.5750	2 watt
105	462.6000	2 watt
106	462.6250	2 watt
107	462.6500	2 watt
108	462.6750	2 watt
109	462.7000	2 watt
110	462.7250	2 watt
111	462.5625	2 watt
112	462.5875	2 watt
113	462.6125	2 watt
114	462.6375	2 watt
115	462.6625	2 watt
116	462.6875	2 watt
117	462.7125	2 watt
118	467.5625	0.5 watt
119	467.5875	0.5 watt
120	467.6125	0.5 watt
121	467.6375	0.5 watt
122	467.6625	0.5 watt
123	467.6875	0.5 watt
124	467.7125	0.5 watt
125	462.5500	2 watt
126	462.5750	2 watt
127	462.6000	2 watt
128	462.6250	2 watt

Privacy Codes

Rocky Talkie privacy codes allow you to hear only other radios on the same frequency and privacy code settings. To match your privacy code with radios from most major brands, align the channel number and privacy code number (also known as subchannel number). For radios that do not conform to these standards, use the chart below to find matching CTCSS and DCS settings.

ROCKY TALKIE / BCA / MOTOROLA	CTCSS FREQUENCY (HZ)
Off	0.0
1	67.0
2	71.9
3	74.4
4	77
5	79.7
6	82.5
7	85.4
8	88.5
9	91.5
10	94.8
11	97.4
12	100
13	103.5
14	107.2
15	110.9
16	114.8
17	118.8
18	123
19	127.3
20	131.8
21	136.5
22	141.3
23	146.2
24	151.4
25	156.7
26	162.2
27	167.9
28	173.8
29	179.9
30	186.2
31	192.8
32	203.5
33	210.7
34	218.1
35	225.7
36	233.6
37	241.8
38	250.3

ROCKY TALKIE / BCA / MOTOROLA	DCS (OCTAL)
39	23
40	25
41	26
42	31
43	32
44	43
45	47
46	51
47	54
48	65
49	71
50	72
51	73
52	74
53	114
54	115
55	116
56	125
57	131
58	132
59	134
60	143
61	152
62	155
63	156
64	162
65	165
66	172
67	174
68	205
69	223
70	226
71	243
72	244
73	245
74	251
75	261
76	263
77	265
78	271
79	306
80	311
81	315
82	331
83	343
84	346
85	351
86	364
87	365
88	371
89	411
90	412
91	413
92	423
93	431
94	432
95	445
96	446
97	465
98	466
99	503
100	506
101	516
102	532
103	546
104	565
105	606
106	612
107	624
108	627
109	631
110	632
111	654
112	662
113	664
114	703
115	712
116	723
117	731
118	732
119	734
120	743
121	754

FCC Regulation, FCC ID, IC ID

FCC

This device complies with Title 47 Part 95 of the FCC Rules and ISEDC license-exempt RSS Standards. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device does not cause harmful interference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC ID: 2ATSN-ROCKY1

Name of Grantee: LedgeTech LLC

Industry Canada:

This device complies with license-exempt radio apparatus: Category I equipment, Parts E.2 Family radio service (FRS) devices and E.3 General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) devices.

IC: 26971-RTMRV2

SAR Information

SAR tests are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by the FCC/ISEDC with the device transmitting at its highest certified power level in all tested frequency bands. While SAR is determined at the highest certified power level, the actual SAR level of the device during operation can be well below the maximum value. Before a new model is available for sale, it must be tested and certified by the FCC/ISEDC to ensure it does not exceed the exposure limit. Tests for each product are performed in required positions and locations.

For body-worn operation, this device has been tested and meets the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines when used with an accessory designated for this product that contains no metal.

To maintain compliance with FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines, hold the transmitter and antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face and speak normally, with the antenna pointed up and away from the face. This equipment complies with FCC/ISDC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. To comply with FCC/ISEDC RF exposure requirements, antenna installation must follow specific conditions.

Users must be fully aware of exposure hazards and able to exercise control over their RF exposure to qualify for higher exposure limits. Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low-power transmitter that sends radio frequency (RF) signals when the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pressed. The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%.