Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Find the answers below.

Do I need a ham license to transmit?

Yes. If you are transmitting on amateur radio frequencies, you need a valid amateur radio license or you must be operating under the authority of a properly licensed control operator. You are responsible for knowing what frequencies, power levels, and modes your license allows.

Can I listen without a license?

Yes, in most cases you can listen without a license. Listening does not give you permission to transmit. Some local, state, or service-specific rules may apply, especially with scanners, public safety traffic, or use inside a vehicle. You are responsible for knowing and following the laws in your area.

Can I transmit on GMRS, FRS, MURS, public safety, aviation, marine, military, or business frequencies?

Do not transmit on any frequency unless you have the proper license, authorization, and legally appropriate equipment for that radio service. A ham license does not authorize you to transmit on GMRS, FRS, MURS, public safety, aviation, marine, military, or business frequencies. GMRS requires a GMRS license and legally appropriate GMRS equipment. FRS and MURS are license-by-rule services, but still require compliant equipment and proper use. Public safety, aviation, marine, military, and business frequencies are regulated services and are not open for casual use. Some channels may be programmed as receive-only. Being able to hear a frequency does not mean you are allowed to transmit on it.

What is the difference between Basic and Plus?

Manpack Basic includes the standard Manpack setup with the standard base programming.
Manpack Plus includes the same Manpack setup, plus custom local programming for one requested area. Manpack Plus also includes the requested-area programming PDF for that programmed area.

What comes with each Manpack?

Each Manpack includes:

Retevis RT95 25W Dual-Band VHF/UHF Radio
Sling Bag
12V 7Ah LiFePO4 Battery
Compatible Charger
Signal Stick Dual Band Antenna
Signal Stuff Counterpoise
PETG Rail System with Integrated BNC Mount
Internal Powerpole Connector Cabling
Standard Base Channel Programming
Original Radio Hardware/Manual

Manpack Basic includes the standard 57-channel base programming.

Manpack Plus includes the standard 57-channel base programming, custom programming for one requested area, and the requested-area programming PDF.

Exact parts, layout, and appearance may vary slightly as the product improves over time.

Can I request more than one programming area?

Yes. Manpack Plus includes one requested programming area. Additional programming areas can be added for $25 per additional area.

Can I buy a requested-area programming PDF without buying a Manpack?

Yes. A standalone requested-area programming PDF can be purchased without buying a Manpack. The standalone requested-area programming PDF is $35 for up to two areas or $50 for up to four areas. This is a digital PDF only. It does not include a radio, Manpack, antenna, battery, charger, rails, mount, or physical accessories. The PDF is delivered to the buyer's email.

Is the requested-area programming PDF included with Manpack Plus? How much does each additional programming area cost?

Yes. The requested-area programming PDF is included with Manpack Plus for the included programmed area. Each additional programming area for a Manpack Plus order is $25 per area. Standalone requested-area programming PDFs are priced separately at $35 for up to two areas or $50 for up to four areas.

How do I enter additional programming locations?

During checkout, enter your primary programming location first. For additional programming areas, enter each requested location in the additional programming fields. You can enter a city and state, ZIP code, county, landmark, or full address. A full address is not always required, but it can help create a more accurate local programming list.

Can I buy rails or a PETG MOLLE BNC Mount when Manpack orders are closed?

Yes, if standalone accessories are listed as available and in stock. Manpack order windows and accessory availability may be handled separately. If accessory demand becomes too high or production capacity is limited, accessory orders may also be paused temporarily.

What range can I expect?

Range is not guaranteed. Radio range depends on terrain, buildings, trees, hills, antenna placement, repeater availability, battery charge, radio settings, interference, weather, and operator skill. In real-world use, range can vary from very short distances in poor terrain to much farther distances in open line-of-sight conditions. Repeaters can greatly improve range when they are active, reachable, open for use, and legal for the operator to access. The Manpack is designed to provide a more capable and organized portable setup than a basic handheld radio, but it cannot overcome terrain, poor antenna placement, lack of repeater access, or improper use.

How long will it take to ship?

RAIN Works Manpacks are custom-built in batches and are not mass-produced inventory items. Orders may be completed in groups of approximately 10–30 depending on parts, programming workload, and current demand. If you are deeper in the queue, your order may take longer. You will be contacted via email when you are next in line and have 2 business days to complete payment. Once payment is received, your Manpack will move into the build process.

How does flat-rate shipping work when multiple items are in the cart?

Shipping is charged based on the highest-rate physical item in the cart and does not stack per item.

PETG MOLLE BNC Mount shipping is $17.50.
PETG Rail System with Integrated BNC Mount shipping is $17.50.
5052 1/8" Aluminum Rails shipping is $17.50.
Full Manpack System shipping is $20.

If a customer orders a Manpack and a PETG MOLLE BNC Mount together, shipping is $20 total.

If a customer orders a Rail System and a PETG MOLLE BNC Mount together, shipping is $17.50 total.

Digital standalone requested-area programming PDFs have no shipping charge.

Can I cancel or get a refund?

Manpacks/Accessories are custom-built products. Cancellations may be possible only if the order has not entered the build queue, parts have not been allocated, and programming has not begun. Once a custom Manpack/Accessory order enters the build queue, parts are allocated, or programming begins, the sale may be considered final. Standalone requested-area programming PDFs are custom digital products and may not be refundable once research, programming work, or delivery has begun. Accessory orders may be cancelled only before shipment.

This policy does not limit any rights required by law for unshipped, damaged, defective, incorrect, or missing merchandise.

What if my order arrives damaged or missing something?

Contact RAIN Works within 7 days of delivery. Include your name, order number if available, a description of the issue, and clear photos and/or video of the packaging, product, and any damaged or missing items. RAIN Works may repair, replace, provide replacement parts, or otherwise resolve the issue at its discretion.

Damage caused by misuse, water, heat exposure, improper charging, transmitting without a proper antenna, modification, unauthorized accessories, or improper installation is not covered.

Why should I not transmit while wearing the Manpack?

Do not transmit while wearing the Manpack. The antenna should be kept away from your body, head, face, children, pets, and bystanders while transmitting. Transmitting with the antenna close to your body can increase RF exposure, reduce performance, detune the antenna system, and create unnecessary safety risk. A simple rule is: if it’s on your back, don’t key the pack.

How should I store the Manpack in hot weather?

Store the Manpack in a cool, dry, shaded area. Do not leave it in hot vehicles, direct sun, dashboards, garages, heaters, or other high-temperature environments for extended periods. PETG parts are more heat tolerant than PLA, but they can still deform under excessive heat. Batteries and electronics should also be protected from heat, moisture, impact, and improper charging. Only use the included or approved LiFePO4-compatible charger. Do not charge or use the battery if it is swollen, damaged, wet, unusually hot, smoking, leaking, or physically compromised.

Is this guaranteed for emergency communication?

No. RAIN Works Manpacks are not guaranteed emergency communication devices. They are not a replacement for 911, cellular service, satellite communication, public safety systems, commercial emergency equipment, or professional emergency planning. Radio communication depends on terrain, antennas, battery power, repeaters, licensing, operator knowledge, and conditions at the time of use. The Manpack can be a useful communications tool when used properly, but no radio system can guarantee contact, range, repeater access, or emergency response.