Nextel i355 help

jjoyster · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 03:12 PM

I'm looking to purchase 22 i355's for a worksite. I am having difficulty getting a clear answer as to whether or not I can use the phone solely as a walkie talkie. In the past, my company has rented them and what we get is the i355 with direct connect (no group connect, no cell), and a nextel custom unit identification programming with name. Can I just purchase the phones and some used sim cards and just use the phone as a walkie talkie (without paying any kind of a service fee)?

drunyon · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 08:29 AM

The short answer is YES.

You will be able to utilize the Direct Talk feature (not Direct Connect) as an off-network...free...two-way system.

Here are some links that might help:

http://nextelonline.nextel.com/asset...fact_sheet.pdf
vB Easy Archive - Nextel Direct Talk Moto Talk Frequencies i355 i305 i275 i325
Support - Nextel Direct Talk

Markinsac · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 01:12 PM

We had some Nextel units where I worked a couple of years ago - many of us ONLY had the Direct-Connect - no phone number.

rescuecomm · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 05:45 PM

You will need a Nextel sim card in the phone to be able to access the Direct Talk feature but no activation is required. They can be had off the web for a few bucks. I have five i355's and three of them are programmed to power up in Direct Talk mode. The other two have activated Boost cards in them, but the DT feature still works.

Bob

moonboy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 07:50 PM

What would be the range of the radio off the network,also after i get few i355 and sim card and than what.

Thanks

rescuecomm · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 02:23 PM

The range is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile depending on how many buildings and hills are between the users. I get about 1/4 mile around my house, but I live in a valley.

Bob

moonboy · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 11:01 PM

Thanks,as far as setting the radio what i need to do,after i get the Nextel i355 and sim car any special settings or plug and play.

Thanks

drunyon · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonboy

Thanks,as far as setting the radio what i need to do,after i get the Nextel i355 and sim car any special settings or plug and play.

Thanks

Refer to my earlier post in this thread (#2). One of the links I included should help you get things setup properly. I followed the instructions and now have a group of 15 units operating flawlessly using the off-network feature. I'm seeing anywhere from 1/4 mile up to a 1 mile range depending on terrain and buildings.

MPSCS · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonboy

What would be the range of the radio off the network,also after i get few i355 and sim card and than what.

Thanks

Range will be comparable to FRS radios.

SKYNET156 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 08:35 PM

Are the I355 phones the only phones with direct talk?

MPSCS · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKYNET156

Are the I355 phones the only phones with direct talk?

i315, i325, and i325 IS

More info here:
Sprint - FAQs[FAQs]

Gilligan · #12 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 07:54 PM

I used two i355 radios at a distance of about 2 miles from a 2nd story building to a highway user. Also have successfully used them several miles between cars on the highway, not completely line-of-sight.

JASII · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 11:49 PM

Bob (and the group),

I have a two i315s and two i670s that I use exclusively for Direct Talk. How can I configure them so that they power up in Direct Talk mode?

Jim

MTS2000des · #14 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 06:34 AM

don't think you can make any iDEN default to Direct Talk/MotoTalk automatically on power up, but you can set one of the menu/arrow/shortcut keys to go right to Direct Talk without having to wade through the menu to enable it everytime,.

rescuecomm · #15 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 11:07 PM

I have several of my I355's that go to the DirectTalk screen on powerup. This is done under settings/personalize/powerup=Directtalk. I can't say about the other models since the menu's vary.

Bob

cdesigns · #16 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 05:03 PM

Hey the new Motorola i290 from boost mobile can be set to MOTOtalk wich is the rename for Directalk, it can be set to be used on Mototalk with a software, I have the software and unlocked my 2 phones and they work excellent with great range and this phone are CHEAP $49 with sim card, and offcourse you need the right software difficult to find, most of them that say it will unlock the mototalk feature don't work.